Rumor: Ducks and Canucks Trade Close

The Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks have reportedly discussed the parameters of a trade that would involve the Canucks dealing forward Jake Virtanen to the Ducks in exchange for 25-year-old Danton Heinen. 

The financials appear to be the biggest hurdle at this point as the trade will need to equal out salary wise. Virtanen has long been rumored on the way out of Vancouver. A change of scenery to play hockey in California isn't the worst 'second chance'. As for the Canucks, we shared earlier today how the team was trying to get something done and it appears Jim Benning found a dance partner. Let's just hope the music last long enough to agree on something.

The Ducks acquired Heinen when they sent Nick Ritchie to the Boston Bruins last February. So this appears to be a case where the team didn't draft the player and aren't completely sold on what they've seen since his arrival. Heinen has three goals in 17 games this season and 10 points total in 26 games since arriving in Anaheim.

With Virtanen making $2.55 million and Heinen a little more at $2.8 million the teams will need to try and maneuver $250,000. Perhaps it ends up being a two-for-two deal and they get creative to close the gap. Either way, there's some potential we see a deal here.

Photo credit:  John Cordes/Icon Sportswire