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dboy81

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Forum: Armchair-GMJun. 21, 2023 at 10:43 p.m.
Forum: Armchair-GMDec. 22, 2022 at 11:17 a.m.
I do think Seattle is trying to make the playoffs this season, however I'm not sure a Horvat trade is a perfect fit for either side.

First, about the trade itself. I do think the value posted is pretty close to what the Canucks will eventually receive, however I do have a couple of suggestions. If rumors are to be believed, the Canucks are looking for a young NHL-ready RHD and Center as the core of any return for Horvat. Wennberg isn't exactly what I would call "young," and Seattle's not trading Beniers or Wright, so Geekie might be a better alternative for them. The Kraken also likely wouldn't need salary retention, as the salaries they'd be sending out are roughly equal to Horvat's. Replacing Wennberg with Geekie and removing salary retention would necessitate dropping the second rounder from the return, so the final trade that would make more sense to me would be Dunn, Geekie, a 2023 1st, and 2024 3rd for Horvat. However I highly doubt such a deal will happen.

From Seattle's point of view, pulling the trigger on a Horvat blockbuster like this one would almost be a one step forward, one step backward scenario. Yes, upgrading from Wennberg to Horvat would improve the center spot and help with faceoffs, an area in which they have been rumored to be seeking improvements. However, losing Dunn may completely negate that, as he's been one of the team's defensive anchors this season and formed a highly effective partnership with Larsson. Plus, the Kraken are still a newer franchise whose true cup contention window is still in the future. It doesn't make sense for them to give up core pieces of their team as well as valuable draft picks for a rental in a season in which they are closer to a pleasant surprise rather than a bonafide contender (I am aware Horvat could sign an extension with the team he gets traded to, but until he does he's still a rental). If anything, I think Seattle will make smaller moves this deadline to bolster areas of need (like goaltending) in a playoff push rather than swing for the fences.

From Vancouver's point of view, the NHL pieces Seattle can offer probably aren't exactly what the Canucks are looking for. Dunn fits the bill as a young NHL top-four defenseman, and he CAN play the right side, however he is undoubtedly better on his left, his natural side. As I explained above, Wennberg isn't exactly a young center, Seattle won't be trading Beniers or Wright, and I'm sure if they wanted to the Canucks could find a young center with more top-six potential than Geekie. Plus, I would imagine Vancouver would charge a premium to trade Horvat to a division rival, and that's a price Seattle would be unwilling to pay.

Long story short, I think the trade value is reasonably accurate, but I don't think Seattle will end up being the team to pony up for Horvat. Interesting idea, though! I'm curious to see where he ends up.