NHL Trade: Panthers acquire Jared McCann from Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Jared McCann and two draft picks to the Panthers for defenseman Erik Gudbranson.

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have traded former first round pick Jared McCann and a fifth round pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for defenseman Erik Gudbranson, a 2016 second round pick, and a 2016 fourth round pick.

Vancouver adds a defenseman who can hopefully help them improve their defense, which was among the worst in the NHL during the 2015-16. Florida gets two draft picks and a very solid forward prospect in Jared McCann for a defenseman who they can likely replace for a very reasonable price.

From NHL.com:

"Gudbranson, 24, spent the 2015.16 season with the Florida Panthers, collecting nine points (2-7-9) and 49 penalty minutes in 64 games. He also appeared in six playoff games. The Ottawa, Ontario native ranked third on the Panthers in hits (150), fourth in blocked shots (73) and fourth in average ice time per game (20:06)."

McCann apparently wasn’t too happy about his role in Vancouver, but it appears that the Canucks are selling way too low on the former first round pick. Florida could have an embarrassment of riches at the center position quickly as they already have Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, and Nick Bjugstad. Gudbranson is under contract for one more season before becoming a restricted free agent after the 2016-17 season.

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