Vegas and Vancouver Pull the Trigger on a Deal

The Nate Schmidt trade reports were flying out over the weekend as soon as it was being rumored Alex Pietrangelo was going to sign with the Golden Knights.  

Vegas first announces a seven-year deal with Pietrangelo, and sure enough the team deals Schmidt to Vancouver. The Golden Knights left the Florida Panthers on the dance floor as it was being reported Florida was the landing spot for Schmidt. That apparently changed Monday night and Vancouver and Vegas agreed to terms.

Canucks get D Nate Schmidt for a 3rd round draft pick in 2022.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) October 13, 2020

From Jacob Markstrom in net, Chris Tanev on defense and Tyler Toffoli up-front, Canuck fans were starting to wonder what general manager, Jim Benning was thinking. 

This move is a step in the right direction as the Canucks added a solid piece in Schmidt, whose offensive game and playoff experience should benefit his once divisional rival. The Canucks are a young squad with a ton of potential, and a few wildcards. Should be fun to watch. 

The Canucks, added a proven top-4 defenseman, who is signed for four more seasons, that shouldn't hurt anyone's feelings.

Finally, something to cheer about in Vancouver. 

Photo credit: Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire 

Vancouver Canuck fans after the season: This team learned a lot and has great potential.

Vancouver Canuck fans after three days of free-agency: pic.twitter.com/E6jG1jqFdm

— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) October 12, 2020

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Great addition by the @Canucks, landing Nate Schmidt. Play-driving defenceman who snaps a hell of a first pass. Canucks like to stretch the ice coming out of the DZ - will be a good fit. Fans in Vancouver are going to like this guy. pic.twitter.com/qGGvNJGfqm

— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) October 13, 2020