Canucks Seeking Second Rounder for Lack

The Vancouver Canucks have a bit of a conundrum in net. Eddie Lack has played great for the team, but they are committed to former Vezina winner Ryan Miller as well. It’s been no secret that the team could look to trade Lack, but now we know what the asking price may be.

Jacob Markstrom is also in the occasion, and the team wishes to make room for him on the roster. The only solution in sight is to move Lack.

The Ottawa Sun was the first to report that the Canucks could seek a second rounder in exchange for Lack, but they point out the goalie market is rather strong. More than likely the Ottawa Senators will be looking to trade Craig Anderson as well.

Other goalies who are available include free agent Anti Niemi along with Brian Elliott and Cam Talbot, who are trade options. Those two are more likely to compete with Lack for trade options.

Who might need a goaltender? If the Toronto Maple Leafs lose James Reimer, they could be in the market for a solid goalkeeper. Buffalo and San Jose are also options.

But why a second round pick for Lack? Markstrom will be difficult to assign to the American Hockey League, according to the Province in British Columbia, which is why the club wants to have him on their NHL roster. That means Lack is the odd man out despite having a solid season.

Markstrom has had a huge playoffs with the Utica Comets in the AHL where they are currently battling in the western conference finals. There were rumors that the Canucks could also trade him for a third round pick, so keep that in mind as well as an option.

Vancouver is afraid that Markstrom will go back to Sweden. They haven’t been his biggest fan in the past, but his recent run with Utica may have changed their minds somewhat. If he’s worth a third rounder, then Lack would certainly bring in a second rounder, or maybe more.

The Canucks are without both a second and a third round pick in this year’s draft. They’ve been hard pressed to bring in any other picks because they have so many players with no trade clauses who haven’t been moved. Their best option to get back in the drafting game is moving one of their goalies. Which one it will be is the only question.