Canucks Rumors: Vancouver GM Trying to Make a Splash this Summer

One thing has become very clear, the Vancouver Canucks are open for business. After a very interesting trade with the Chicago Blackhawks late Wednesday, it's become obvious the Canucks are looking to create significant cap space so they can make a splash on the free-agent market.

The team continues to be linked to Jake Guentzel. The forward spent a number of years in Pittsburgh with Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin so this familiarity, along with the Canucks need for a top-line winger is something to watch for. The Carolina Hurricanes are trying to re-sign Guentzel, however it doesn't appear extension talks are close, which is not great news for the 'Canes with the market opening in a few days.

As for Vancouver, Allvin also has two unrestricted free agents he'd reportedly like to keep in house including forward Dakota Joshua and defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Both players will see significant interest on the open market and it's going to be very tough for Allvin to cross everything off his wish list with such a tight turnaround.

After Mikheyev and his remaining two years were moved off the Canucks' books, Allvin has just over $18 million to work with. The team did retain $712,500 of Mikheyev's salary the next two seasons. It's not often you see a team retain money, while also giving the team a trade sweetener, as a second-round pick and Sam Lafferty were also moved to Chicago.

Keep an eye on the Canucks, they are up to something big.

Photo credit:  James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports