TRADE PROPOSAL | Three prospects to acquire former first overall Alexis Lafreniere

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Felip Gosselin
May 17, 2023 (8:10 PM)

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It's been noted on multiple occasions that the Canucks would be on the market to add players in their early 20s who have not yet broken out. Alexis Lafreniere has also been linked to the Canucks due to an existing relationship with the team's AGM Emilie Castonguay, who was the top prospect's agent prior to engaging with the Canucks.

A trade proposal rose up for the Canucks to acquire the 2020 1st Overall Pick. The big left winger who was once deemed to have unlimited potential could truly benefit from a change a scenery. Given proper opportunities we may bloom into the player who scored over 100 points as a 17-year-old in the QMJHL:

TO VANCOUVER

- Alexis Lafreniere

TO NEW YORK

- Nils Hoglander
- Jack Rathbone
- Danila Klimovich

Lafreniere is set to become an RFA on July 1st, but he shouldn't command too big of a raise as he's managed a career-best 39 points this season. He's probably looking at a bridge deal. It wouldn't be too much of a reach to compare his possible extension to the contract Kirby Dach had once he joined the Canadiens (4 years x $3.3625M)

The Canucks on their hand would be trading away Nils Hoglander (who could also benefit from a change of scenery) and Jack Rathbone. While there have not been any rumors about sending them out of Vancouver, they're two prospects with NHL experience that could be intriguing to some teams.

Danila Klimovich on his end, may be the hardest one to part with. He's been steadily improving and he may just be the one with the most untapped potential. However, if you wish to acquire big pieces, you have to give up big pieces as well.

Adding Lafreniere to the Canucks forward group would definitely help the team's depth. 6'01'' and just under 200 pounds, he plays a skilled and intense game and with proper teachings, he'd fit greatly in Tocchet's scheme. The one question that persists is, is this a price you'd be willing to pay for the former 1st overall draft pick?

SOURCE: CapFriendly