Three trade targets for the Canucks in a Conor Garland trade identified

Elliotte Friedman believes the Predators, Jets and Blue Jackets are interested in the talented but gritty Garland. All three teams have interesting right-handed defensive pieces they may be willing to give up in a Garland trade.

The Predators have Dante Fabbro, an RFA, at the end of this season. Fabbro, the Pred's 17th overall pick in 2016, has shown he can be a robust and dependable defenseman. He could work brilliantly with an offensive talent like Hughes.

The Jets have Dylan Demelo, a 30-year-old defenseman who plays a structured defensive game. The physical dman had 27 points and 50 PIMS in 75 games with a +10 on the season with the Jets last year. Demelo could be precisely the defenseman the Canucks need. Demelo is in the previous year of a cheap, four-year deal at 3 million dollars yearly. The challenge for Canucks GM, Patrik Allvin, is that Demelo will be a valuable trade piece for the Jets.

The Blue Jackets have Andrew Peeke, a 25-year-old defenseman who plays a solid defensive game. Peeke has recorded 28 points in 162 games over the last two seasons. Peeke is entering his first year of a three-year deal at 2.7 million dollars annually.

The Canucks have options in right-handed defenseman available in their Garland trade opportunities. It will be interesting to see if they pull the trigger on any of these players.