The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired forward Thomas Vanek from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forwards Jussi Jokinen and Tyler Motte.
For the Blue Jackets, they are making a push to make the playoffs, acquiring Mark Letestu, Ian Cole, and now Vanek. Vanek has very similar stats to Rick Nash, who was dealt for a 1st, a prospect and a 3rd line center. This is a trade they couldn\’t pass up on.
Vanek, 34, has scored 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 61 games for the Canucks this year. In his career for Vancouver, the Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders, Vanek has scored 350 goals and 388 assists for 738 points in 946 games.
For the Canucks, they basically had no choice but to deal Vanek. They could\’ve gotten more, but I think GM Jim Benning is satisfied. This will now be Jokinen\’s fourth team of the season, so everybody wants him (or doesn\’t want him). Motte is a speedy winger acquired in the Artemi Panarin trade with upside.
Jokinen, 34, has scored one goal and six assists for seven points in 46 games for the Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers this season. In his NHL career for the Blue Jackets, Oilers, Kings, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars, Jokinen has scored 187 goals and 366 assists for 553 points in 937 games.
Motte, 22, has scored three goals and two assists for five points in 31 games for the Blue Jackets this season. In his NHL career for the Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks, Motte has scored seven goals and five assists for 12 points in 64 games.
I think the Blue Jackets win this deal. With an increased trade market, this trade is more of a deal you\’d see in a dying market. An increased trade market makes this deal horrible for the Canucks, because they could\’ve gotten more.
CarterHud 