I get the feeling that Botchford=Staples (laughable Edmontonian journalist) in that they both feel the need to make ridiculous headlines during the summer.
Although, as an Oilers fan, I would love to see the trade happen, I find it to make zero sense to the Canucks. From my perspective, bonafide NHL defencemen should be stockpiled, not traded. Sure, the Canucks don't have a ton of great offensive prospects right now (feel free to dispute that claim), but I think getting rid of such a reliable player on the back end would be bad for business.
Take Connor's word for it, Tanev was a great player at the World Championships and should not be moved.
To summarize: the Canucks shouldn't trade him, but as an Oilers fan I would be happy if they did.
Canuck's depth on d is as follows right now:
Edler/Tanev
Hutton/Gudbranson
Scbisa/Tryamkin
Larsen
Pedan/Biega are their 1st call ups and both require waivers. Pedan has a shot at being a 3rd pairing Dman, but he's nearing the end of the line in terms of being a prospect. It's go time for him.
In terms of legit prospects in the system, based on age:
Subban - 5'9 offensive Dman, RHD
Stecher - sub 6' Dman, RHD
Brisebois - potential to be a 2nd pairing Dman.
Juolevi - potential to be a 1st pairing Dman.
There is no replacement for Tanev on the right side, who can play big minutes. Can't expect either of Subban or Stecher to be playing 23 plus minutes a game even in their prime. Don't have the game for it.
Both Brisebois and Juolevi are LHD.
Given what they gave up to get a RHD, would make little sense for the Canucks to even consider moving Tanev. Edler, OTOH, should be the guy they consider moving, if they ever asked him if he has a list of teams he would waive his NTC to go to.
They need to do a NYR/OTT deal where they can save 5 plus years in age for the players involved.
Edler is at the age, along with Hansen, where they will be on the decline when the new young players are ready to take over. So, moving them now makes more sense.
