The Vancouver Canucks have been on the lookout for a top four defenceman since Filip Hronek went down with injury, and even before there was some interest in upgrading at the position.
The single best option for the team who is rumoured to be available would come from their division rivals, the Calgary Flames, in star defenceman Rasmus Andersson.
Canucks Army’s David Quadrelli writes that in the holiday season, Andersson should top the Canucks’ Christmas wishlist.
The smooth skating, 6’1 defenceman started the year extremely hot much like his team the Calgary Flames, who shocked the league out of the gates.
Much like his team, he has cooled off a bit but still remains as an effective, all situations top pairing defenceman.
His skating, puck moving, physicality and minute munching ability will make him sought after by a number of teams, and being a right shot defenceman with an additional year at just over $4.5 makes him even more appealing.
Given that, the cost is likely to be high, but Andersson would be a perfect fit and give the Canucks an enviable blueline.
The Flames have also not totally fallen from the playoff race, and so may elect to hang on to Andersson until the summer, or even re-sign him.
Vancouver Canucks have other options for defensive deals
While Andersson would be the ideal candidate to upgrade the Canucks blue line, there are other options they could seek out if the price is just too high including Mike Matheson and Marcus Pettersson.
One way or the other, it seems inevitable that Patrik Allvin will add a top four defenceman at some point this season.