Would Oilers Consider a Salary Retained Desharnais Trade

Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais made headlines yesterday when it was learned that he could be on the move out of Vancouver. The Canucks seem ready to rectify what might have been a free agency mistake, but it’s not clear what lengths they’ll go to move on from his two-year, $2 million contract.

The Canucks are reportedly exploring trade options for the defenseman, as per insiders Rick Dhaliwal and Elliotte Friedman. Desharnais has struggled to find his footing in Vancouver, frequently a healthy scratch despite the fact the Canucks are shorthanded on their blue line.

Could the Oilers have any interest in bringing him back? Friedman also wrote in his 32 Thoughts column that, “Alec Regula won’t be Edmonton’s last defensive move. They will consider both lefties and righties.” If the price is right, Desharnais did have some success with the Oilers.

“Couple of people tell me they’ve heard Desharnais’ name out there. Some think his name is out there on the trade market,” said Dhaliwal when asked what he’s hearing. He added, “It’s gonna be tough to move him,” continued Dhaliwal. “He hasn’t played that well [and] he’s got term.”

In our opening segment @DhaliwalSports shared a name he is hearing the #Canucks have on the trade market.

Catch up below!https://t.co/h4e2SKM7eJ pic.twitter.com/VdeH1EmRuK

— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) December 12, 2024

Desharnais, a 6-foot-7 blueliner, was brought in for his size and two-way potential after failing to reach a new deal with the Oilers this past summer. The Oilers liked what he brought in a penalty-killing role and in terms of team toughness, but by the time the playoffs rolled around, he wasn’t a regular on a deeper lineup, losing his spot to Philip Broberg. But, Broberg is now gone, as is Cody Ceci. In their place is Ty Emberson (who is coming along nicely), Troy Stecher, and Regula (if and when he gets in the lineup).

The Oilers were only willing to pay so much for Desharnais, meaning they’d likely only pay so much now. But, the Canucks, who were enamored with his size, gave the 28-year-old a more lucrative two-year deal and are now wishing they hadn’t. They might be willing to eat half of it to move on. They have two retained salaries on their roster. They could do one more.

How Badly do the Canucks Want to Move on From Deharnais?

Desharnais has underwhelmed in his first season, tallying just two points in 17 games and contributing to Vancouver’s bottom-four defensive struggles. The Canucks have managed only 41.67% of five-on-five goals while he’s on the ice, a concerning stat for a defenseman with his cap hit and expectations.

Dhaliwal noted that while the Canucks are known for rectifying mistakes quickly under GM Patrik Allvin and President Jim Rutherford, moving Desharnais and his $2 million AAV will be challenging due to his term and recent performance issues.

Despite the potential departure of Desharnais, the Canucks aren’t just looking to sell. The team is actively working the phone lines trying to make a deal and upgrade. Perhaps Desharnais would be included in any package to acquire someone for their top four.

The long-term injury to Filip Hronek has left Vancouver’s blue line thin, prompting speculation they might simultaneously look to acquire a defenseman to bolster their lineup.

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The Canucks have a track record of creatively offloading contracts, and it remains to be seen if they can find a taker for Desharnais. If they’re willing to retain salary, it might be worth giving the Edmonton Oilers a call.

Next: J.T. Miller Warns Media Before Joining Team for Game vs. Panthers