NHL trade rumors: Vancouver Canucks trying to move Loui Eriksson

According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Vancouver Canucks are trying to trade Loui Eriksson.

The Vancouver Canucks have quite a bit of work to do this offseason. They’d like to re-sign trade deadline acquisition Tyler Toffoli, as well as perhaps bring back guys like Troy Stecher and Chris Tanev. But to do this, the Canucks are going to have to clear some cap space. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Canucks are trying to trade forward Loui Eriksson.

This report is from Pierre LeBrun’s latest column from The Athletic.

Here’s what LeBrun had to say.

"More from Puck ProseDetroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and DownsThis Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles KingsThe Vancouver Canucks are in dire need of cap savings and it’s no surprise the prevailing thought within their front office is whether they can finally move Loui Eriksson."

Eriksson’s contract is a bit of a problem for Vancouver, as his $6 million cap hit over the next two seasons is a bit rich. Especially since the Canucks have to worry about re-signing Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes after the 2020-21 season.

In these hard times, it’s going to be difficult to find a team willing to take on his cap hit. The Canucks would obviously prefer to find a team willing to take on his entire $6 million cap hit, but that might not be possible.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Canucks. While Eriksson’s cap hit is $6 million per season, he’s actually due far less in true money. If the Canucks are willing to take on his $3 million signing bonus for the 2020-21 season, Eriksson’s salary is just $1 million for the 2020-21 season and he’s due just $4 million for the 2021-22 season.

Now, the Canucks are probably going to have to include a draft pick or a prospect to get rid of Eriksson. Because even at an average of $2.5 million of salary per season for the next two seasons, that’s still fairly expensive for a bottom-six forward. It’s worth noting it cost the Toronto Maple Leafs a lottery-protected first-round pick to get rid of Patrick Marleau.

Eriksson has a modified no-trade clause, which allows him to submit a list of 15 teams he can’t be traded to without his permission. The Canucks could try to get him to waive it by threatening to send him down to the AHL, which they can finally do now that his no-movement clause has expired. This might at least make him more willing to accept a trade.