Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from us here at Last Word On Puck. Today we travel to the West Coast and check in on the Vancouver Canucks. They are looking for some help upfront, so let’s unpack the details and figure out what it means.
NHL Rumours and the Canucks Need a Second-Line (or worse) Centre
Rumour: Today’s rumour comes from the guys at TSN’s Insider Trading and is discussing Vancouver Canuck general manager Patrik Allvin’s desire for some support down the middle.
Analysis: Teams are often looking for help down the middle. Also, having depth in your top-six forward group is always a nice-to-have, especially for teams with playoff aspirations. Now, with some recent injuries popping up, it all adds up to the potential for increased activity by Canucks GM Allvin.
On the Tuesday edition of Insider Trading on TSN, Darren Dreger had a quote to sum up the situation. Dreger said, “If you have a centre available, you should call Patrik Allvin, the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.”
What we would read into the specifics, is of course a top-six player would be preferred. However, at this point, it is likely the Canucks would take anyone, you know, as long as he can play pivot.
Injuries are Affecting the Canucks
Filip Chytil was lost over the weekend. Also, Teddy Blueger has been out for sometime. There is plenty of uncertainty in Vancouver right now. In spite of it all, at 4-3-0 on the season, Vancouver is second in the NHL’s Pacific Division standings. But there definitely are some warning signs for the group. As an example, with a faceoff win percentage of 42.9, they are ranked 30th in the NHL for that stat. Their ranks for offensive stats are no better, either. In goals-for per game they’re ranked 20th at 2.86 and shots per game they are 28th at 25.1. Finally, their power play percentage is 17.4%, or good for 22nd league wide. It would be no wonder they want some help scoring. Some reliable depth is what is really needed.
What are the Vancouver Canucks Options?
The one problem that arises, is the competition for such an asset. The Montreal Canadiens are an excellent example of a team also looking for help at the 2C slot. We have also previously discussed teams potentially looking for help in the top-six scoring department. Sticking with the Canadian theme, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators come to mind.
The situation in Vancouver is always very dynamic. Now with injuries and a decent start in the standings, despite less than desirable analytics, they want to make a move sooner rather than later.
The forward lines have been very interchangeable, thus far. That’s good that they should be able to keep the wingers in good rhythm, with whoever is inserted. Names like Nils Aman or Linus Karlsson will see an uptick, given their ability as a centre. However, those are not long-term solutions at this point of this careers. Especially if Vancouver wants to push for the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.
Don’t be surprised if they are one of the first teams to make a splash in the 2025-26 trade pool. Be sure to stay tuned for all the latest rumours and news.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours and the Canucks Needs Amid Injuries appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.