Canucks F Radim Vrbata: NHL Trade Deadline Rental

Canucks F Radim Vrbata Remains A Top Option Heading Into NHL Trade Deadline

Vancouver Canucks F Radim Vrbata is 34-years-old, in his second season with the club. He’s one of the more underrated players of the last decade, quietly putting together a very productive career.

Originally taken 212nd overall in the 7th round in 1999 by the Colorado Avalanche, the Czech-born Vrbata has spent time with Carolina, Chicago, Tampa Bay, and Phoenix. In 923 career regular season games, Radim Vrbata has 257 goals, and 292 assists (549 points).

He’s coming off a single-season career high of 63 points in 2014-15 with Vancouver. He also put up 62 points with Phoenix back in 2011-12. Since 2009-10, Vrbata has appeared in 483 games, producing 317 points.

A free agent signing by the Canucks in the summer of 2014, Vrbata is a bright spot in the Canucks top-six. similarly to Jiri Hudler in Calgary, Vrbata has shown the ability to play on the top line alongside the Sedin twins for stretches at a time. Like Hudler, Vrbata is better suited in a 2nd line role (where he’s playing right now).

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The twice 30-goal scorer has a knack for finding the back of the net. He’s a good puck-handler/nifty hands – a threat in the offensive zone. Vrbata is a great skater, with an excellent quick release to his shot. To maximize his value on the ice, Canucks F Radim Vrbata is best suited playing alongside pure playmakers.

There were rumors of an extension with Vancouver heading into 2015-16, but it’s safe to say that’s likely changed. The Canucks had playoff aspirations, but eventually figured out they weren’t good enough to compete with the Western Conference. Once they started demoting players to Utica (Chris Higgins, Yannick Weber), it became clear the Canucks are playing for the future, getting an extended look at some younger players. So while an extension for Radim Vrbata prior to the season with the heightened expectations made sense – there’s no longer any reason to keep him.

Vancouver is doing the right thing shifting focus to the younger generation. It’s a bit of a strange approach, because it’s somewhat of a rebuild/retooling in the background, with the Sedin twins and other core pieces still intact. So while the Canucks may be a playoff team in 2016-17 and beyond, it’s going to take a few years before the younger pieces develop and make them true contenders.

This leaves little reason for Vancouver to pay the hefty price-tag likely to be attached to the aging veteran. These 35+ vets are struggling to get paid in recent years in free agency, but Radim Vrbata should have no problem finding a new contract. If they feel the need the replace the production lost from Vrbata, there’s always a P.A. Parenteau, Tomas Fleischmann, or Lee Stempniak type out there looking for contracts.

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Canucks F Radim Vrbata is currently in the last year of his two-year deal, carrying a $5 million dollar cap hit. He also possesses a modified no-trade clause in his contract. Whether a team interested in Vrbata is on his trade list or not is likely irrelevant. If you’re Vrbata, you’d probably like an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, and most older vets are willing to waive their no-trade/no-movement for an opportunity to raise Lord Stanley.

Best Fits for Radim Vrbata:

Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers

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