Vancouver Canucks would like to trade Nate Schmidt before free agency opens up

Igor Burdetskiy July 27, 2021

0 1 minute read

The Winnipeg Sun first reported Monday evening that Schmidt had Winnipeg on his limited no-trade list and wouldn’t waive the limitation to allow for a trade to be completed between the Jets and Canucks.

Nate Schmidt’s agent Matt Keator and Canucks GM Jim Benning have been working together on finding a new home for the veteran defenseman. The hope is to get him moved before the UFA market opens Wednesday. Perhaps the Bruins or Islanders make most sense? There is of course the Trotz connection in long island that could make it more appealing for Schmidt to reunite with his former coach.

Nate Schmidt's agent Matt Keator and Canucks GM Jim Benning have been working together on finding a new home for the veteran D. The hope is to get him moved before the UFA market opens Wednesday. Do Bos/NYI make sense? (Trotz connection). He has 10-team no-trade list (no).

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 27, 2021

Schmidt’s agent has not responded to multiple requests for comment on his player’s situation. Schmidt has been spending the off-season back in Las Vegas; on social media he revealed he was having to sell his dune buggy and was also spotted in a charity softball game, playing alongside his former Golden Knights teammates.

Canucks GM Jim Benning has repeatedly insisted that no Canuck has made a formal trade request, but acknowledged last week that other teams have enquired about Schmidt and he wasn’t opposed to trading the blueliner, who struggled in his first season in Vancouver.

“He’s part of our team. He’s part of our group. I’m going to continue to try and make the team better. There’s teams that are interested in him,” Benning said in response to a question about what had changed in Schmidt’s situation.

Nonetheless, it has been widely reported that Schmidt is hopeful to play for a new team in 2021-22. The Canucks have been floating both Schmidt and Braden Holtby in trade talks for some time.

Subscribe to this author's posts feed via RSS

Bio
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Latest Posts

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!