Canucks Bolster Defence by Adding Anton Stralman

Vancouver Canucks GM Travis Fleming has been relatively quiet throughout the season after a busy summer. But after laying low for several months Fleming finally pulled the trigger on yet another move to help bolster the Canucks’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup this season.

The Canucks sent their 2017 2nd round pick to Minnesota, along with prospect Jesper Lindgren, for defenseman Anton Stralman and Minnesota’s 2017 6th round pick. The deal vastly improve’s Vancouver’s depth on defense, perhaps the only weakness the team had up to this point.

The Canucks have played well, but perhaps not quite as well as many expected. Heading into the season Vancouver was expected to be at or near the top of the standings. As of now they sit 3rd in the Gretzky conference and 8th in the league standings.

“We’ve played well this season, but I definitely feel like there’s room for improvement,” said Fleming at today’s press conference. “Everyone is making moves and trying to get better. We can’t just sit idly by while other teams are making improvements. I’ve said many times this season that our goal is the Stanley Cup, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make that happen.”

Anton Stralman certainly makes the Canucks a better team. Stralman will likely slot into the second pairing with Andrej Sekera and is expected to play in all situations.

“Anton is a great all-round defenseman,” said Fleming. “I’m really excited to see him play in a Canucks uniform.”

The trade likely means that rookie defensemen Ben Hutton will be sent down to the Utica Comets for the rest of the season.

“Ben has played well for us, but we think some time down in Utica will really benefit him,” said Fleming. “ We still think he’s going to be a great defensemen for us, and he’s a big part of our future plans.”

With so many great teams in the EHE this season a Stanley Cup is far from guaranteed. But the Canucks are clearly doing all they can to make it happen. Only time will tell if their efforts will be enough.