LATEST | Top trade target list is out and it's featuring big surprises

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Felip Gosselin
April 30, 2023 (3:53 PM)

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Now that the first round is coming to an end, multiple teams are now starting to fill their checklist for the improvements they plan on making over the summer. We're sitting just 2 months away from the draft and while the trade deadline was one of the most active in forever, don't expect the summer to be any quieter.

Heading into the off-season, Frank Seravalli dressed his list of the top 20 names susceptible of moving. While Seravalli's reputation has been disputed a ton over the last year, the list he drew up for the 2022-2023 season held 50 names, 42 of which ended up being traded.

Seravalli started off strong as he held Erik Karlsson atop his list. Viewed by most as the clear Norris Trophy winner, he'll be extremely hard to move with his $11.5M AAV. Kevin Hayes, Samuel Girard, and Elias Lindholm featured in his top 4.

CANUCKS ONCE AGAIN WELL REPRESENTED

5. J.T. Miller

There have been plenty of rumors surrounding the Canucks and it's why J.T. Miller sits on the 5th seeding of this list. This seems to be quite optimistic as Miller's no-movement clause will be kicking in on July 1st. Seravalli strongly believes that the Canucks are desperate for Cap space and Miller is the guy they plan on moving.

12. Tyler Myers

Many tend to believe that Myers' fate in Vancouver is already sealed, the big-format defenseman will be receiving a hefty $5M bonus in September days prior to the start of training camp. Teams like the Coyotes or the Sharks who'll be having problems hitting the cap floor could be buyers for his $6M AAV. Not only do the Canucks need the cap space, but they also need the roster spot for their up-and-coming youngsters.

POSSIBLE TARGETS FOR THE CANUCKS?

Allvin has already stated that they'd be on the lookout for a player to fill in their 3rd line centerman role. This list featured many intriguing options that would be nice additions to the Canucks core:

9. Ross Colton (C/W)

Stanley-Cup-winning centerman, he's the very definition of what you need from a bonified 3rd-liner. He's set to become a restricted free agent, he currently commands a $1.25M AAV and the raises he's in for are not one the Lightning can afford.

13. Sean Walker (RHD)

Seravalli has it under good authority that the Kings will be moving a right-handed defenseman since they are loaded with youngsters ready to take the next step (Jordan Spence, Brandt Clarke). Walker is a capable two-way defenseman with an extremely affordable contract ($2.65M AAV until 2024). NOTE: He was a healthy scratch for 4 of the first 5 Kings' playoff games.

Canucks' management indicated that they aimed to be in the playoff portrait as soon as next year. The way the team's played since Rick Tocchet came in displayed great things, but the roster still needs work, where should he start?

SOURCE: Daily Faceoff