NHL Trade Rumors: David Pagnotta links Vancouver Canucks to $26,000,000 D-men duo

NHL insider David Pagnotta fuelled trade rumors by suggesting the Vancouver Canucks might be looking to shore up their blue line. Pagnotta linked the Vans to two $13 million defensemen with the San Jose Sharks, Cody Ceci and Mario Ferraro.

Discussing trade issues during Saturday’s ‘The Latest’ on TheFourthPeriod.com, Pagnotta said that Ceci and Ferraro are generating interest from multiple clubs and that their names would show up in trade chatter more often in the coming weeks.

“Two guys that we're going to add to the list a little bit later on. Two defenseman, Cody Ceci on an expiring contract and Mario Ferraro, who has generated a lot of interest over the last few years and has continued to do so this season. So we'll see kind of where that progresses but these are two defenseman to keep an eye on as we inch closer to that March 7th deadline,” Pagnotta said.

Ceci is set to become a UFA in July while Ferraro still has one year left on his contract. However, the latter does not have any no-trade protection, and it was reported that the Sharks received offers for him last season but decided to retain the blueliner.

According to informed sources, several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers, are looking to add depth to their defense bench. Any of them could make an offer for Ceci, Ferraro or both.

Elias Pettersson trade rumors swirling around Vancouver Canucks

Rumors of a rift between Canucks’ star forwards Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller have been doing the rounds in Vancouver. NHL insiders and fans alike have suggested various potential trades involving the players in question.

On Thursday, Sportnet's Ryan Dixon speculated that the Minnesota Wild might make an offer given that the franchise has been searching for a top center to headline their offense for a long time. He added that if Pettersson became available, the Wild might be open to offers for 23-year-old Marco Rossi, who has been leading their offensive line this season.

“Marco Rossi’s name has been in trade rumors this season, just like Pettersson’s. If GM Bill Guerin doesn’t think he and the pending RFA (Rossi) are in the same universe when it comes to a second contract and there’s a player of Pettersson’s ilk and age out there, that could make moving a great young piece like Rossi palatable,” he added.

The analyst also mentioned the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks as other possible destinations for Pettersson.