February 8, 2024 | 7:57pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CANUCKS EXPLORING DEFENSIVE MARKET

Quinn Hughes, defenceman

The Vancouver Canucks already made two key additions to their roster this season, adding defenceman Nikita Zadorov and centre Elias Lindholm in two separate trades from the Calgary Flames.

It appears GM Patrik Allvin remains active and continues to evaluate the trade market with sights believed to be set on another blueliner.

As TFP’s Anthony Di Marco reported earlier today, the Canucks are one of the teams that have been linked to Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen.

During an appearance on Sportsnet 650 on Thursday, TFP’s David Pagnotta reinforced Di Marco’s report, adding the Flyers and Canucks spoke as recently as this week about Ristolainen, Sean Walker and Nick Seeler and presumably the price tags associated with each defenceman.

Allvin is believed to be looking for a right shot defenceman, but he isn’t the only club, as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils are all in the market for an upgrade on the blueline, too.

The Canucks have some salary cap flexibility to play with, but any major addition could result in a roster playing being shipped out or sent to the AHL.