NHL trade rumors: Canucks hunt for "multiple top six" centers in attempt to change $17,750,000 forward's position

The Vancouver Canucks are on the hunt for "multiple top six" centers this offseason in an attempt to change the position of their $17,750,000 worth forward Filip Chytil, according to Thomas Drance of The Athletic.

Speaking on the Donnie and Dhali podcast, Drance discussed the Canucks' interest in adding not just one but multiple top six caliber centers. Chytil could potentially move to the wing if the team can sign multiple centermen.

"Don't stop at just one, right like they would love to bring in a couple, you know, I think there's an openness internally to trying out Filip Chytil on the wing. They'll be in the market for multiple centers, if they can, that might be the team's preferred path.” Drance said. (4:50 onwards)

Drance believes that if the team goes into next season with Elias Pettersson, Chytil, and Aatu Raty as their top three centers, that could still be a workable situation. However, signing multiple centers would be the preferred route.

"The idea of bringing in multiple top six centermen versus the idea of making do with what you got right like there's a wide range of outcomes here for the Canucks going into the offseason and you know we'll sort of see where the chips land," Drance added.

After failing to qualify for the playoffs this past season despite finishing at the top of the Pacific Division the year prior, Drance feels that the Canucks' will be aggressive in reshaping its roster.

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Thomas Drance on "tough decisions" for Vancouver Canucks

Thomas Drance noted that GM Patrik Allvin and President of hockey operations Jim Rutherford will be under immense pressure to significantly reshape the team's forward group, whether through unrestricted free agency or the trade market.

"I think a lot is on the table and I think this club is going to be willing to make some tough decisions, even some painful decisions, trade some players they really don't want to trade in order to get what they think they need to get done - and that's multiple top six forwards." (6:32)

Drance expects Vancouver will explore all options to acquire talented top-six forwards this summer, even if it means parting with players they would prefer to keep.

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Edited by Dipayan Moitra