The Vancouver Canucks might not be done dealing. After a surprising trade with the Calgary Flames on Monday, the Canucks have pieces to move and could be shopping forward Jannik Hansen, according to Ben Kuzma.
Hansen is having a career year with the Canucks, scoring 19 goals through 55 games, but his world-class speed and light cap of $2.5 million for the next two years gives Hansen appeal to a contending team.
Admittedly, Hansen's numbers might be a little inflated since he has spent much of the year playing alongside the Sedin twins; however, he is aware of the current position the Canucks are in.
"It's playing with the twins - it's that simple. You play with them, you're going to get more opportunities," Hansen said, according to Kuzma. "I enjoy it here and believe we have something going, but it (trade) is out of your hands and there's very little you can do about it - unless you have full (no-trade clause) protection. And that's something I haven't earned."
Hansen is a valuable chip for the Canucks to hold before the trade deadline, but is he too valuable? His experience and speed allow him to play anywhere in the lineup from the top line to the penalty kill. A player as versatile as Hansen could fetch as much as a pick and a prospect, according to Jason Botchford.
The Canucks' four-game losing skid came to a halt with a 5-2 win over Colorado on Sunday, but they aren't out of the woods yet. With the Sedins in their mid-thirties and youngsters like Bo Horvat, Jake Virtanen and Jared McCann not quite ready to take the torch, a rebuild seems inevitable. Hansen could be a vital piece in the development of the Canucks' young players, but his high value on the trade market might mean it's the right time for the Canucks to move him.
