Vancouver (BC) - Over the past few days the Canucks have made two very minor trades. The first was to send recently acquired defenseman Brian Pothier to the New York Islanders, in return the Canucks picked up 4th and 6th round picks in the 2005 entry draft. Pothier was not happy being the Canucks 8th defenseman so Canuck's GM Greg Byron dealt him to the Islanders where Pothier automatically becomes their 3rd best defenseman.
In another small move Canucks sent 24 year old defense prospect Markus Kankaanpera who plays in the Finnish Elite League to the Detroit Red Wings for 21 year old defense prospect Denis Kulyash who plays in the Russian Super League. Kulyash has had an above average year, tied for 4th among defensemen in points in the RSL.
Yesterday veteran defenseman Marc Bergevin was claimed off of waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bergevin had been used as the Canucks 7th defenseman all year long but with the recent acquisition of Don Sweeney, Bergevin was pushed even further down the depth chart. In 13 games with the Canucks Bergevin had 1 goal, 2 assists and was a +1 with 4 PIM's.
As the deadline is just 4 days away don't expect the Canucks to be done yet. It is quite clear that GM Byron likes to trade.
- The Province -