VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- You could call this week a toughness test for the Vancouver Canucks.
Two of the main examinees Tuesday night will be Vancouver defenseman Erik Gudbranson and winger Darren Archibald as the Canucks (23-60-6) host the Colorado Avalanche (31-23-4).
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, Canucks general manager Jim Benning has made it known publicly that he is looking for more team toughness.
Accordingly, Vancouver's team -- and individual -- toughness display against the Avs could help Benning determine who stays and who leaves.
Gudbranson, listed at 6-foot-5, 220-pounds, is a key supplier of hits and rough stuff, but he is due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and the clock is ticking on either a new contract or a trade.