The Vancouver Canucks want at least a third of Teddy Blueger
Thomas Drance of the Athletic: The Vancouver Canucks had active trade talks leading up to the Olympic trade freeze, but no one paid the price the Canucks wanted for Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger and David Kämpf.
For most of January, the sellers have already included the Canucks, Calgary Flames and New York Rangers, but the collapse of the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals may cause them to change course.
Canucks center Teddy Blueger should generate trade interest, especially if he has a good Olympics with Team Latvia, where he can serve as their No. 1 center. They’ve been hearing the Canucks want at least a third-round pick, and at the deadline, it could be higher.
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Four buyers and three sellers
Harman Dayal of Athletic: Once the Olympic trade is cleared, there will be 12 days before the March 6 deadline. Looking at four buyer groups and three seller groups, which may have more urgency than others.
Buyers
Carolina Hurricanes – Need a second line center. New York Ranger and former Hurricane Vincent Trocheck could be an option.
Dallas Stars – The Central is really tough. Tyler Seguin’s future is still unknown, so they don’t know if they will be able to fully access his $9.85 million. He can use a center fielder with six forwards and a front four, right-handed defender. Don’t have a 2026 or 2028 first-round pick.
Minnesota Wild – A top six center is their main need. The trade chips include a 2027 first-round pick, forward Charlie Stramel, and defenseman David Jiricek. Including goalkeeper Jesper Wallstedt will have to be the true No. 1 center. 1 not someone like Vincent Trocheck.
Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers could use a top nine forward. If they get a center, they could use Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the wing. If they get a winger, they can make RNH their 3C. He may have to clear Andrew Mangiapane’s contract to bring in someone.
Sellers
St. Louis Blues – Have limited-time players who will interest teams if the Blues want to make it big – Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, Jordan Kyrou and Jordan Binington. Don’t expect a fire sale, but they may move one or two.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Bobby McMann can bring back two second round picks (Kiefer Sherwood comp), and Scott Laughton has some value. Defensemen Brandon Carlo (one year) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (two years) are good value. Center Nic Roy is another option.
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Calgary Flames – The need for a top-six center is high, and interest in Nazem Kadri should be high. They should not wait to move him because he is 35 years old. You’d think they’d want to bundle a first-round pick. Forward Blake Coleman (one year left at $4.9 million) and defenseman Zach Whitecloud (two years left at $2.75 million) are the other two to be traded.
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