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Vancouver Canucks Place Expensive Defenseman on the Trade Block, Per Elliotte Friedman

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Daniel Lucente
February 4, 2025  (1:59 PM)
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The Vancouver Canucks have just announced to the rest of the NHL that one of their more expensive defensemen is on the trade block, per Elliotte Friedman.

The Vancouver Canucks are looking to move on from one of their defencemen. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the club has made the left-handed blueliner available for trade.

Following a busy trade weekend, Vancouver's left side is rather crowded. Quinn Hughes is headlining that group, while newcomer Marcus Pettersson also locked up a top-four role.

Carson Soucy could be on his way out

Carson Soucy could slot into the third pair, but he faces competition from Derek Forbort and promising rookie Elias Pettersson.

The 20-year-old Pettersson impressed when Soucy was scratched last game, making a strong case for more ice time.

At his best, Soucy is a shut-down presence, as he was, in particular with Tyler Myers during last season's playoffs. He's been off this year.

Last season, the Vancouver Canucks outscored opponents 21-18 during his five-on-five minutes. This year, they've been outscored 32-24 in his minutes.

The 30-year-old is on the second of a three-year deal that comes with a yearly cap hit of $3.25 million, money the Canucks might well instead use elsewhere considering his struggles thus far, in their search for a top-six center, at least.

A deal won't be easy. Soucy has a complete no-trade this season and next year carries a 12-team no-trade list, in essence giving him all the leverage with regards to destinations. Those kinds of clauses do not always prohibit a trade.

It isn't a blockbuster return, but moving Soucy's contract does create flexibility. And according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Canucks top priority remains to add a top-six center with the likes of Buffalo's Dylan Cozens and Ottawa's Josh Norris reportedly in their sights.

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Vancouver Canucks Place Expensive Defenseman on the Trade Block, Per Elliotte Friedman

Will Carson Soucy be traded by the Canucks before the deadline?