Social media has been a hotbed of speculation over the last few weeks and trade rumors are everywhere, but while most of these articles are fan based and only help one side, some make more sense and have some validity behind them.
Jason Botchford of The Province has suggested several options for Vancouver as they look to bolster their offensive attack. The main player in his most recent article is Gabriel Landeskog of Colorado. At 23-years-old, the Avalanche winger would be a great pickup for several different reasons.
First, he has the ability to put the puck in the net as four straight 20 or more goals scored seasons would attest. Next, he has the size and physical style of play that is needed in hockey at this time and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around on the ice. The youngster is also affordable and signed for the next five years, meaning his value on and off the ice are just what this franchise needs in a period of adjustment.
There have been rumors of Colorado looking to move their captain, possibly for more experience and that’s where these two sides could come together.
Any deal would likely involve Christopher Tanev and that would leave management with a difficult decision. The 26-year-old is the best young defender the team has and the type of player they can build around, but a deal of this magnitude would require quality for quality and could be the move that puts the Canucks back into Western Conference contention.
There have been a few other names on the short list, including troubled Buffalo Sabres youngster Evander Kane, but for the best of the team and its fans, adding a talent like Landeskog would be best and possibly the long-term answer to scoring this team needs.
