NHL Rumors: 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Canucks' Ekman-Larsson

The Vancouver Canucks are expected to shop defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson this offseason as the team looks to not only improve their group, but also create some cap flexibility heading into what should be an interesting summer for the Canucks. Management is ready to put their fingerprints on the roster and look for OEL to be one of the first players to go. Let's examine a few potential destinations for the veteran defenseman:

Boston Bruins

The Canucks are going to look to the eastern conference for trade packages meanwhile it's essentially going to come down to what Ekman-Larsson wants. He holds no-trade protection and we can circle the Bruins because they were heavily pursuing the 30-year-old out of Arizona and were beat out at the finish line by the Canucks. Considering their group with Hampus Lindholm already re-signed to a long-term extension, finding a fit here may be tough. Vancouver would need to retain some of the $7.26 million cap hit from OEL in the deal, and a player like Mike Reilly would likely be heading the other way. Boston is certainly a team to keep an eye but it will be tough to facilitate a deal. 

New Jersey Devils

If OEL wants to play in New Jersey, then the Devils will be in the mix as their team is expected to make some major moves this offseason. The team will have over $25 million to work with for cap space this summer and with only Dougie Hamilton signed long term on their blueline, adding someone like Ekman-Larsson could be the perfect partner for years to come. The Devils were also interested in Conor Garland this season so perhaps the duo gets moved together once again? New Jersey has a boat load of players who are pending restricted free agents so once they get things sorted with their internal contracts, look for the team to be aggressive on the trade market.

Detroit Red Wings

Swedish left-handed defenseman who are great skaters and have a ton of poise usually work out for the Detroit Red Wings. With a young team, Ekman-Larsson could be the perfect mentor and someone who could make a huge impact on rookie defenseman Moritz Seider's game. General manager Steve Yzerman is going to make a slew of moves this offseason and it's expected we see the Red Wings try to get closer to the win-now mode as appose to just rebuilding for a decade. A player like Tyler Bertuzzi could be in play here as the Canucks look to get some more sandpaper on their roster. Expect to see these two teams talking towards the NHL Draft and there certainly could be a deal to be had here if OEL approves.

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