Vancouver Canucks close to making another blockbuster trade?

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Josh tupper
February 2, 2023 (3:00 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks had very high hopes heading into this season, after experiencing a revitalization under Bruce Boudreau to end last season, the team felt they could be playoff contenders. Unfortunately another slow start to the season ended their playoff hopes before they could even get off the ground.

Over the summer the Canucks opted to sign JT Miller to a 7-year contract extension, it set in motion multiple shock waves. Bo Horvat felt offended that the Canucks prioritized Miller over himself and that drove a wedge between Horvat and the franchise.

Horvat ultimately played his way out of Vancouver and now he's not the only player looking for a fresh start. It now appears that both Thatcher Demko and Brock Boeser have shared their interest in being moved by the franchise. It appears that now Boeser is drawing considerable interest from an Eastern Conference contender.

According to KruFrank, the New Jersey Devils are showing significant interest in Boeser and are even willing to move former 1st round pick, 21-year-old Alexander Holtz as part of the deal.

VAN/NJD talking trade. Boeser for Holtz. Sounds like NJD want VAN to keep $ (up to 30%) but VAN wants significant draft pick to do so. 🤷‍♂️ Let's see where this goes.

Holtz has struggled and NJD might have soured on him. But he fits the «recipe» for VAN. I would imagine a 2nd round pick would be the ask by VAN for salary retention.

This move would show a definite "win now" move by the Devils, who are looking to take significant steps forward. It's likely the Canucks continue their sell off in the coming weeks as they look to improve their odds of winning the Draft Lottery to acquire Connor Bedard.