Top-end defencemen placed on the market: Ideal target for Patrik Allvin?

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Cooper Godin
September 3, 2024 (2:30 PM)

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A top-end defenceman is reportedly on the trade market and he may be an intriguing option for Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks.

While the Vancouver Canucks might not necessarily be in the market to add another defenceman, especially after signing Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort this summer, but there's an interesting name that's reportedly been made available - Mackenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames.

Recently, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Calgary Flames have been taking called on Mackenzie Weegar, along with centerman Nazem Kadri and Swedish defenceman Rasmus Andersson over the summer.

"As TFP's David Pagnotta reported on NHL Network last week, the Flames have taken calls on such players as defencemen Mackenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson, and centre Nazem Kadri this off-season." The Fourth Period said.

The cost to acquire Weegar may be too much for Patrik Allvin and the Canucks and the 30-year-old is in control of where he goes, given he has a full no-trade clause. He has four years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.25 million, so if the Canucks were to try and acquire Weegar, they'd need to move out some money as well.

"Weegar, 30, also has four years remaining on his deal and owns a full no-trade clause for three of those four seasons. His $6.25 million cap hit is attractive to several clubs, but the Flames also value his services and moving him would take a significant return, despite teams already showing interest." The Fourth Period added.

The Flames and Canucks have been trade partners in the past, most recently twice during the 2023-24 season when Patrik Allvin acquired Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindhom in two separate deals. Given their history, they could come together once again, but we'll have to wait and see what develops on the Weegar front throughout the season and if he wants to be dealt by the Calgary Flames and if he's even willing to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade to the Vancouver Canucks.

A backup option to Mackenzie Weegar would be the mobile, smooth-skating Rasmus Andersson, who would bring plenty to the table for the Vancouver Canucks. Andersson would be a solid fit in a second pairing role, while likely seeing time on the powerplay too. Andersson has two years remaining on his contract with a $4.55 million cap hit.

Which defenceman do you think would be a better fit for the Vancouver Canucks - Mackenzie Weegar or Rasmus Andersson? Let us know what you think in the poll below.

Source: The Fourth Period
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