Canucks Trade Deadline Day Targets: Dallas Stars Edition

Throughout the week, CHB will host a series of posts highlighting possible trade targets that the Vancouver Canucks could be pursuing at the trade deadline next Monday.

The playoff picture — as it always is at this time of year — is about as clear as mud, and as it stands the Dallas Stars are very much in the hunt for one of the spots. That alone means that it’s possible none of these players will be available when next Monday comes and goes, but if GM Joe Nieuwendyk decides to throw up the red flag, the Canucks could be in the market for one or even two of these players, all of whom bring some much-needed sandpaper to the roster.

LW Brenden Morrow, $4.1M, UFA 2013

Looking at the sheer price tag alone, it’s a close-to-zero chance that the Canucks make a lucrative enough trade offer for Brenden Morrow, who makes almost as much as Keith Ballard, is on the books for one more year, and is currently injured. But like Shane Doan, Morrow’s a feisty captain who can be a difference maker in a game. Just ask Milan Michalek in 2008:

Morrow would probably fetch Mason Raymond, a prospect, and a 2nd round pick.

Any of the Stars’ defense: D Stephane Robidas ($3.3M, UFA 2014), D Sheldon Souray ($1.65 M, UFA 2012), D Mark Fistric ($1.0M, RFA 2012)

Stephane Robidas, Mark Fistric and Sheldon Souray are all unique cases that would vary in price.

Robidas, a hard-nosed defenceman, would be the priciest of the bunch, and I can’t imagine many teams will come calling for Souray. Fistric is an interesting case because of his impending RFA eligibility.

But Robidas is a serviceable right-side defenceman who could slot into the top four easily. If Dallas were willing to swap Ballard at $4.2M for Robidas at $3.3M, it’s a bad contract for a not-so-bad contract.

Fistric is a former Vancouver Giant whose game is simple: Block shots, dish out the hits, and chip the puck off the glass and out. Ugly, isn’t it? But a simple game might be the best remedy on a Vancouver squad laden with forwards who have no problem generating offense.

Both Robidas’ and Fistric’s values are similar to what the Flyers paid for ex-Stars defenceman Niklas Grossman (2nd and 3rd), so if the Canucks are willing to fork over some picks, it can happen.

C Steve Ott, $2.95M, UFA 2014

If having Maxim Lapierre wasn’t bad enough, Ott would ensure the Canucks are the most hated team in the league. But like new Colorado forward Steve Downie, Ott has a bit of a scoring touch to go with his big mouth. He’s a safe bet for 30 points a year, 100PIM and 250 hits.

Would GM Mike Gillis consider a one-for-one swap for Mason Raymond?