Many intriguing pieces have found their way to the trade market with the restricted free agent season-opening. Very active since joining the league, Utah HC have been considering a move involving one of their former top picks, and there could be a match with the Canucks.

The Canucks have an opportunity to bolster their defensive lineup by acquiring Victor Söderström, a promising young defenseman from the Utah team. Although Söderström, the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has struggled to establish himself in the NHL, his potential remains high. With only 53 NHL games under his belt, tallying one goal and 11 points, Söderström is still a player with significant upside.

“Also hearing that while Utah is open to re-signing RFA D-man Victor Söderström, the team is also exploring trades for the 2019 11th overall pick.

Söderström, 23, has yet to establish any kind of NHL foothold, totaling 53 NHL games (1 G, 11 pts.) over the past three seasons.”

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The Canucks have a track record of developing defensemen, thanks to the expertise of their coaching staff, including Sergei Gonchar and Adam Foote. Gonchar, a former NHL star defenseman, brings knowledge and experience in the game’s offensive and defensive aspects. His mentoring has already shown positive impacts on the Canucks’ blue line. Adam Foote, another former NHL standout, is renowned for his defensive insight and ability to nurture young talent. Together, Gonchar and Foote provide a robust developmental environment that could help Söderström realize his full potential.

Given his limited NHL impact, Söderström’s acquisition price is expected to be relatively low. This makes him an attractive target for the Canucks, who can take advantage of his high ceiling without sacrificing significant assets. By integrating Söderström into their system, the Canucks can offer him a fresh start and the opportunity to develop under the tutelage of Gonchar and Foote.

Moreover, Söderström’s skill set aligns well with the Canucks’ needs. He is known for his smooth skating, puck-handling ability, and offensive instincts. These qualities would complement the Canucks’ existing defensive core and provide additional depth and versatility. His presence could also ease the workload on top defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, allowing for a more balanced and effective defensive unit.

The Canucks have been actively seeking to strengthen their blue line, and Söderström represents a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. If he can develop into the player scouts envisioned when he was drafted, Söderström could become a key piece of the Canucks’ defensive future. Additionally, the opportunity to work with Gonchar and Foote might be precisely what Söderström needs to unlock his potential and establish himself as a reliable NHL defenseman.