With preseason about to begin, the Vancouver Canucks still aren’t satisfied with their roster after a busy, busy summer.

The Canucks have traded a 3rd and 4th round pick, Niklas Jensen and Luke Glendening to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Jonas Siegenthaler.

“We paid a price but we were able to use picks we have collected over time and really we like what Siegenthaler brings with his ratings and of course the contract helps for the next 4 years. He is a high end shutdown defenseman which we expect to increase further next year. We also believe there will be some further growth in his game offensively (Top line in NJ with Hamilton, plus Severson and Graves weren’t resigned)” said GM Allen.

From a trade perspective, here is what the Canucks did over the summer:

In: Devon Toews, Mats Zuccarello, Jonas Siegenthaler, Seamus Casey, SJ 1 (24), VAN 2 (24), DET 2 (24), ANA 4 (25)
Out: Roman Josi, Gabriel Landeskog, Jared McCann, Morgan Reilly, Radko Gudas, Robin Lehner, Kyle Okposo, Niklas Jensen, Luke Glendening, VAN 3 (24), WPG 3 (24) (from Gudas deal), COL 4 (24) (Campbell deal), VAN 4 (24).

The Canucks also signed the following players:
Stefan Noesen (LW/RW), Sean Kuraly (C), Sam Ganger (LW/RW), Joel Armia (LW/RW), Tomas Nosek (C), Ian Cole (D), Nick Holden (D), Matt Murray (G), Eric Pohlkamp (D), Sam Malinksi (D), Pierreck Dube (RW), Vadim Moroz (RW),

The forward lines heading into training camp and preseason are:
Tkachuk, Barkov, Zucarrello
Svechnikov, Thomas, Pavelski,
Robinson, Kuraly, Noesen
Gagner, Sharangovich, Armia

Yegor Sharangovich will be on the 4th line and can play all forward positions so there are 2 spots available. Those vying for jobs on the 4th line include: Tomas Nosek, Joel Armia, Sam Gagner and even Wyatt Johntson will get a look.

The defensive lines look like:
Heiskanen, Siegenthaler
Toews, Lindgren
Cole, Holden

The top 5 is solidified after the deal with Siegenthaler. However, Nick Holden, Jalen Chatfield and Nikko Mikkola are battling for the 6th spot. Mikkola and Chatfield are currently waiver exempt.

The goalies seem set with Hellebuyck and Ingram. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Canucks looked to add depth or temporary back up to give Ingram extra time in the AHL.

“We will continue to monitor the waiver wire, those still out there on the free agent list, teams placing players up for trade. We don’t stop looking to improve our team. This year is a step back compared to last years roster but we feel we are still competitive with some high end prospects on the cusp to bolster us moving forward” said GM Allen.

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