Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance of The Athletic: Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been in the rumor mill for a while now. Elliotte Friedman mentioned on Sportsnet 650 that he’s heard Virtanen linked to the Anaheim Ducks. Virtanen’s salary next year may be a bit of a stumbling block for the Ducks.
Canucks forward Brandon Sutter carries a $4.3 million salary cap, and even though his deal will be up after the season doesn’t have much trade value. At 50 percent retained he might have some value.
To maximize any assets gained at the trade deadline, Canucks GM Jim Benning is going to need to be creative.