Canucks are strong enough to play well, says the GM, even though they didn’t make many trades.
Upon surveying the league, the Vancouver Canucks discovered that their shopping cart remained empty as the NHL’s trade deadline passed on Friday.
General manager Patrik Allvin engaged in numerous discussions with his counterparts, yet found the prices exorbitant and the salary cap constraints too restrictive to augment his team.
“Allvin informed reporters, “I suppose finding another willing partner is crucial for sealing a deal. We engaged with teams that had put their players up for grabs, but sometimes the synergy just isn’t there.”
“We would have certainly made a move if the right player was available at the right price.”
With a record of 41-17-7, the Canucks entered Friday leading the Western Conference, prompting widespread anticipation of roster adjustments in preparation for the playoffs.
However, to bring in fresh talent, Vancouver would have had to offload a player, and given the salary cap pressures across the league, many teams were unwilling to absorb additional contracts.
“We believed that the existing team is sufficiently competitive,” Allvin stated.
The GM added that there was significant interest from other teams in Vancouver’s young prospects, but the Canucks were reluctant to part with players they envision as future cornerstones of the franchise.
“I think this is a process we embarked upon when I joined two years ago. We’re not done; we’re not content. We’re always striving to enhance and elevate,” Allvin remarked. “Would I have liked to add another player today? Certainly.”
Many had speculated that the Canucks would sign seasoned NHLer Phil Kessel before Friday’s deadline. The 36-year-old forward had been practicing with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford, B.C., for the past month.
Allvin cited several reasons for the deal not materializing, including salary cap limitations.
“I have a lot of respect for Phil as a person and as a player,” he said. “His accomplishments in the league – a three-time Cup winner – he wanted to return to the game. Unfortunately, due to long-term injured reserve regulations and roster complications, it wasn’t a suitable fit for us at this point.”
Although the Canucks didn’t finalize any transactions on Friday, the front office has been active in recent months.
In November, the club acquired defenseman Nikita Zadorov from Calgary in exchange for two draft picks. Since then, the 28-year-old Russian has contributed two goals, six assists, and 68 penalty minutes for Vancouver.
The Canucks ignited this year’s trade season on January 31 by acquiring sought-after forward Elias Lindholm from the Flames. In return, Calgary received forward Andrei Kuzmenko, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, a conditional fourth-round pick, and two prospects.
Lindholm, 29, has faced challenges integrating into the Canucks’ lineup, tallying four goals and three assists since his arrival.
“I aim to stay proactive and implement changes as necessary, bringing in players earlier to facilitate adjustments,” Allvin explained. “We recognize that it takes time for players to acclimate, and some may find chemistry, while others may not.”
Ahead of the deadline, Allvin secured a crucial asset by signing superstar Elias Pettersson to an eight-year extension. The deal carries an average annual value of US$11.6 million.
The 25-year-old Swedish center has amassed 30 goals and 47 assists this season, marking his third consecutive campaign with 30 or more goals.
Vancouver will kick off a nine-game homestand on Saturday as they host the Winnipeg Jets.
