My problem with the wholesale trading of vets like Pettersson, Debrusk, etc… is you are selling when their market value is at a low point. It's like being in the stock market when there is significant downturn.. You are locking in your losses and not recognizing that the market will ultimately bounce back.
Not saying that it is definite that such players will improve their value but I don't think their value will get much worse. Plus the elements around them should improve their tradeability. As the cap rises their contracts become less onerous. Also their buyouts become less concerning. Thus, in a backhanded way, their value increases.
Moreover, the Canucks are not in a position where clearing cap space is much of a concern. It is not like we need to clear cap space to have the money to bring players that can help us to win now. Other teams, say Edmonton, who are truly in a win now mode and moving cap anchors is critical. For Vancouver, getting more cap space is not currently a huge issue.
Another problem is that, in many cases, team will be talking about retention. I think they only have one slot left open so they need to be judicious in using it. Moreover, I would like the team to move into the future with as little retention as possible. If players can't be moved without retention then maybe just don’t trade them. Furthermore, using retention now removes the possibility of bringing free agents, on high pay, short term contracts and then trading them, with retention, later in the season.
Might also say that perhaps the change in coaches will allow some players to improve their play.
If you consider the players, individually. I'd say the following
E. Pettersson - I think Pettersson has played long enough in the same way, and at the same level, to say he is what he is. Clearly he is not worth what they are paying him, but he can contribute defensively and on the power play. There is also the possibility that he badly affects the so-called "room". But, even give that, trading him now is questionable. He may not give you high quality play or production, but the team, as it is, is better with him than without him. Plus you may have to attach assets just to unload his contract. I'd say ride it out with Pettersson until the changes in the cap and the reduction of his buyout make it easier to move him out. In this way you may avoid giving up something in the process..
DeBrusk - I don't know if it has ever been solidly established he wants out. If he has, best to move him. But if he has not made that clear, then I think the team should look for a better window than this off season to trade him. He is a recognized scorer at the NHL level. Streaky, (and Lord knows AWOL in the rest of the games at times) but someone who, if a team has a scorer go down, is tradeable at the dead line. I think you have to wait till a team has a need for someone like DeBrusk to get maximum value. I know people get totally frustrated with DeBrusk but getting rid of him for the sake of getting rid of him is not helping much.
Boeser- I've probably been harder on Boeser than anyone on this board. However, I liked the way Boeser finished the season and the way he took on the role of leader late in the season. Watching him in interviews and watching his play on the ice, I saw a much more relaxed and mature Boeser. I think he gets paid too much (although time will mitigate some of that concern) and he is prone to pretty dead play when he tires. But, I think you can go too far in stripping things down. Moreover, if Boeser can continue the production he showed over the last third of the year, you've got something that will bring back very good value.
Hronek - some suggestion that he could be traded for a high draft choice this year. If so, you would have to consider it. However, IMO next year sounds like a better opportunity to pick up real difference makers in the draft. I'm not sure this is the best time to trade him. The other point is that given the youth on our defense, you'd probably be wise to give them some needed support.
M. Pettersson -Right now he is at the lowest point in his career. You need to give him a chance to increase his value. Anger and knee jerk reactions are not going to help this team.
Hoglander - don't think you can get anything for him. Doubtful you ever will. But you might as well keep him around rather than giving up assets just to move his salary out.
Demko - again makes little sense trading him now. Only way he is going to acquire reasonable value is if he proves he is free of injury. Another case, where a team may give up true value if they need better goaltending heading into the playoffs.
In the past, the team has continually made reactive trades and buy outs. Often these moves have only made the situation worse. I believe that if we are in a rebuild then we need, in most cases, to ride it out with unproductive players. Any rebuild is going to require patience. And the team should be trying to maximize the return for players by showing this kind of patience
