REPORT: Vancouver Canucks rookie looking for MASSIVE raise - Might FORCE a TRADE!

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Ryan
January 12, 2023 (4:09 PM)

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It's been an interesting year for the Vancouver Canucks. They started off the year with one of the worst records in the past few years, in which, they held 2 goal leads in every game, which they then blew.

They did rebound and are currently sitting 10 points outside of a playoff spot, but there is a lot of drama surrounding the team. After Brock Boeser requested a trade, and failed contract negotiations with captain Bo Horvat has put them into a position where they need to trade him as well, instead of losing him for nothing, it's been upsetting times in Vancouver.

Now, the Canucks need to consider whether they want to enter a rebuild or retool, as they still have quite a few good players in the organization. There are some players like rookie Andrei Kuzmenko who need a new contract, but are receiving a lot of interest from other teams for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline.

Kuzmenko has come over to the NHL as advertised and has played very well for the Canucks, and is now looking to get paid as such.

Despite trade interest, the Vancouver Canucks will try and re-sign F Andrei Kuzmenko. Per, Pierre Lebrun.
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It's expected that Kuzmenko will get north of $6M AAV on a bridge deal.

The full quote from NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun:

"I'm hearing that teams are calling more and more on pending UFA forward Andrei Kuzmenko. When one considers how cap-strung so many playoff-bound teams are, a player of his ability and cheap cap hit is a gift from heaven. However, I also heard Tuesday that the Canucks aren't sure yet they want to part with him, as they haven't given up hope on the idea of re-signing him. There haven't yet been any contract talks on an extension between the Canucks and agent Dan Milstein, although I suspect that will happen within the next month. I would imagine the starting price from the Kuzmenko side would be at least $6 million a year on a bridge deal.»

The 26 year old rookie who carries a cap hit of under $1 million has scored 17 goals and 35 points in 39 games this season for the drama filled Canucks. He definitely is worth the contract he is seeking, but will the Canucks sign him if they intend on entering a rebuild?