from Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province,

It was a painful first month for the Vancouver Canucks. There were few goals and fewer wins. But it wasn’t all bad. At least, that’s how I’m looking at things in this month’s Top Ten, which puts a positive spin on everything, counting down the 10 reasons you can feel good about this year’s team....

The Canucks’ trade deadline plans can start now.

If last year proved anything, it’s never too early to begin prep work for the NHL trade deadline. The Canucks need a future and to get one they need more assets.

Enter the annual festival, where bottom-feeders trade veterans to contending teams for draft picks and prospects. Vancouver failed to take part last year, but a long, early losing streak this season should leave them plotting their big trade moves here.

The Canucks could potentially trade Burrows, Ryan Miller, and, if they ever wrap their heads around a full-tilt rebuild, Jannik Hansen, Alex Edler and, yes, the Sedin twins.

nine more points...