NHL Rumors: Canucks Defenceman Being Asked To Waive No-Trade Clause

The Vancouver Canucks continue to seek out trades to change their roster around. Despite playing well offensively and winning games by outscoring their opponents, they still realize they have to address some elements on the back-end. To do that, clearing cap space is critical. That is why the team has asked Oliver Ekman-Larsson to waive his no-move clause multiple times. Since it's a full no-move clause, Ekman-Larsson holds all the power.

Almost immediately since acquiring him from the Arizona Coyotes, the Canucks have regretted their decision. Ekman-Larsson was the top dog in Arizona and played in all situations as well as the number one power-play unit. In Vancouver there is Quinn Hughes who is the dominant defenceman offensively and it has forced Ekman-Larsson to take a lesser role.

The 31-year-old defenceman is the third-highest paid player on the team this season and will be the fourth-highest next season when J.T. Miller's new contract kicks in. Ekman-Larsson has for more years remaining on his deal at a $7.26 million cap hit for the Canucks and a no-move clause throughout.

Moving on from this overpaid defender would help a lot, even if the Canucks do have to pay a fair price to do so. They have been stuck in the middle for a number of years and that's the worst place a team can sit, not winning and not getting high draft picks.