from Thomas Drance of Sportsnet,

The Canucks have right wing Radim Vrbata and defenceman Dan Hamhuis on expiring contracts, and though both players are on deals that include no-trade protection, they could garner considerable interest at the trade deadline. As could fourth-line tough guy Brandon Prust.

Based on the way the first eight weeks of the season have unfolded, netting quality future assets for veteran pieces who don’t fit into the club’s long-range plans should be a necessity. Exploring the possibility of swapping out an inconvenient contract with a longer-term commitment to an aging player, like Chris Higgins or Alex Burrows, could also add some worthwhile flexibility going forward.

The rewards for being awful aren’t quite what they used to be, but the top of the draft is where NHL teams are still most likely to find elite talent. And there’s a large handful of intriguing names that will be called in the top-five at the 2016 draft, even beyond consensus first-overall selection Auston Matthews.

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