Vancouver Canucks F Radim Vrbata: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

Vancouver Canucks F Radim Vrbata, 34, is a Czech-born skater originally drafted by Colorado 212th overall (7th round) in 1999. A productive QMJHL forward, Vrbata produced 120 points in 55 games with Shawinigan in 2000-01.

He was part of the Avalanche organization between 1999-00 to 2002-03. He put up 30 points in 52 games as a rookie in 2001-02, and had 30 points in 66 games in 2002-03 before being traded to Carolina in March 2003 for F Bates Battaglia.

Radim Vrbata spent the next few years in Carolina (including one season in the Czech Republic during the 2004-05 NHL lock-out).

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Never panning out with the Hurricanes, Vrbata was traded to Chicago in December 2005 for a 4th round draft pick. He appeared in 45 games for Chicago in 2005-06, putting up an impressive 34 points. One year later, Vrbata produced 41 points in 77 games.

In August 2007, Chicago traded Radim Vrbata to Phoenix for F Kevyn Adams. He had 56 points in 76 games in 2007-08. Phoenix traded him the following summer to Tampa Bay for F Todd Fedoruk and D David Hale. He only appeared in 18 games (six points) in 2008-09 before leaving the NHL to play in the Czech Republic for the remainder of the year.

Radim re-signed with Phoenix the following summer, where he spent the next five seasons.

2009-10: 82gp 24g-19a (43pts) Playoffs: 7gp 2g-2a (4pts)
2010-11: 79gp 19g-29a (48pts) Playoffs: 4gp 2g-3a (5pts)
2011-12: 77gp 35g-27a (62pts) Playoffs: 16gp 2g-3a (5pts)
2012-13: 34gp 12g-16a (28pts) *48-game season
2013-14: 80gp 20g-31a (51pts)

via The Star,

Impending unrestricted free agent. Vrbata hasn’t been quite the force this year he was in Vancouver a year ago (63 points). But the 34-year-old can still score, especially on the power play, and offers some post-season experience. Vrbata, who signed a two-year deal with the Canucks in 2014, holds a modified no-trade clause in his contract.

In 2014-15, Vancouver Canucks F Radim Vrbata appeared in 79 games, scoring 31 goals, adding 32 assists (63 points).

Most are calling 2015-16 a disappoint for Radim Vrbata with 12 goals, 12 assists (24 points) in 57 games so far. While he disappeared for stretches at a time (as goal scorers tend to do), it’s worth pointing out that Vancouver hasn’t been this bad in a very long time. Add Vrbata to a playoff bound roster with the right linemates, and he could have a significant impact down the stretch.

via NHL Trade Rumors,

Radim Vrbata has given the an eight team trade list. Vrbata is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, so instead of getting a second round pick or a prospect, he could get nothing.

Vancouver Canucks F Radim Vrbata currently carries a $5 million dollar cap hit. They’ll need to retain part of his salary (possibly half) to make him a valuable trade commodity.

Best Fits:

Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, St.Louis Blues

Hypothetical Trade:

Vancouver Canucks F Radim Vrbata to NY Rangers for F Brian Gibbons and 2017 2nd Round Pick

Next: Top 100 Forwards Under 25 Years Old

NHL Trade Deadline Profile:

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