Could the Vancouver Canucks trade forward Jannik Hansen?
The Vancouver Canucks enter the 2017 NHL trade deadline as a team in position to sell. Though they aren’t out of the playoff race yet, the odds are against them making a late season run. Selling is likely the best option for them as they look to jumpstart their inevitable rebuild. Jannik Hansen, according to TSN, has submitted his list of the eight teams he can be traded to. This is a part of the stipulations of his no trade clause.
Very candid Jannik Hansen says he submitted a list of 8 teams he would accept a trade to, 7 playoff teams & 1 preferred city. #Canucks
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 25, 2017
Hansen would be a solid addition to just about any team. He’s more than just a rental forward, as he has a year left on his deal after this one. With a very cheap $2.5 million cap hit, a deal could definitely be worked out. The Canucks have 45 days to trade him. After that, the list becomes void.
While he has been injured this season, he has 13 points in 27 games. Hansen has some serious injury concerns, as he has played in more than 70 games just four times in his career. However, when healthy, he’s a solid productive forward.
Let’s take some guesses as to what teams are likely on his list. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they’re a very popular destination. Playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is always tempting and the Pens could use some more forward depth. Hansen would fit quite well with the Washington Capitals, but it’s likely they aren’t going to make any moves. Still, he’d probably like to play there alongside countryman Lars Eller.
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If Hansen wants to stay close to Vancouver, the Edmonton Oilers would make sense. Plus it’s becoming a more popular destination thanks to Connor McDavid. If Hansen gets traded, whoever gets him could be getting a great value.