Five bold predictions for NHL trade deadline

Peering into his crystal ball, our Canucks beat writer takes a look at some moves the team could make — or not make — before Feb. 29

1 Dan Hamhuis is traded to pittsburgh

Among the many scenarios which could unfold in the next few weeks, this has long been the betting favourite.

The Canucks have shown reluctance to trade in-conference and that shouldn’t be different here, because even if they do make this deal, they’ll be trying to make the playoffs.

That leaves the Pittsburgh Penguins as the leading candidate, a team that acquired Hamhuis in a trade before he became an unrestricted free agent, signing in Vancouver.

Other possible destinations are the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers.

I still think the Capitals are a good pick. Can they really count on Brooks Orpik?

Would the Canucks trade him to Dallas? Let’s say this is doubtful.

Trading Hamhuis fits in with the Canucks’ philosophy of removing veterans from the NHL club to make room for young players.

Already having two other leftside defencemen in the their Top 6, trading Hamhuis would make room for Andrey Pedan to get into the lineup on a third pairing.

Hamhuis turns 34 this year. Does it really make sense for the Canucks to re-sign him?

Not if the goal is to get younger, that’s for sure.

And if he’s not coming back, what other choice do the Canucks have? Hamhuis could be the most valuable defenceman on the market, with Dustin Byfuglien re-upped in Winnipeg and with the possibility that the New York Rangers may hold on to Keith Yandle.

The question of whether Hamhuis would waive his no-trade clause is interesting. But if the team isn’t re-signing him, why wouldn’t he?

2 the Canucks don’t acquire any first-round draft picks at the deadline

Another one of the long-running assumptions is that the Canucks will be chasing young players who can help either now or soon in the NHL, and not premium picks.

This has been, mostly, their method of operation under this management tree.

The Canucks had an opportunity to deal Shawn Matthias last year, probably for a third-round pick, but chose to keep him for the playoffs instead.

If it’s Hamhuis, look for the Canucks to target one high-end prospect rather than a first-round pick.

3 The Canucks don’t trade Radim Vrbata

At this point, a second-round pick is looking pretty good for Vrbata.

But is anything less even worth it?

Seemingly, Vrbata has fallen out of favour with the current head coach, playing pretty much everywhere but with the Sedins at even strength.

There are teams who could use him, and you probably want to start with Montreal.

But the Canadiens have already made it clear that they’re not interested in rentals, so this would kind of put the Habs out of it.

The Florida Panthers are another possible destination, but this is an organization that is trying to contend over a long period of time, and probably won’t be in the market for rentals at the deadline.

They could use help on the wing, but someone like Vrbata isn’t nearly enough to get the Panthers from nice story to real contender.

Some have speculated that Vrbata is worth a second-rounder. I’m not even sure the Canucks would take that with their pursuit of the playoffs on the line.

4 The Canucks find a taker for Brandon Prust

Yes, that’s right. When that deadline rolls around at the end of the month, Prust’s $2-million cap hit won’t appear so onerous, especially if the Canucks eat some of it in a trade.

A team will have to worry about just one-quarter of that and nothing further, as Prust is set to be an unrestricted free agent.

And he is exactly the type of player who still appeals to old-timey hockey people. Just count up the reasons. He’s tough. He can kill penalties. He’s experienced. You know who could use someone like that?

The Capitals.

5 Chris Higgins won’t be going to another team

At one point this year, Higgins was supposed to be a big part of this team.

Just picture a line with him, Bo Horvat and Jannik Hansen, right?

Well, that never happened. Higgins’ broken foot upended his season.

Four or five teams inquired about trading for him, but they all passed in the end.

The problem with Higgins is the salary cap isn’t going to go much higher than $73 million for next year.

This is causing problems for many teams, and helped take the floor out of the Higgins market.

Higgins is due $2.5 million next season and even with the Canucks willing to retain a portion of that, there were no takers.

Now, conceivably, that could change in a few weeks.

But, generally, out of sight, out of mind.

And, by that, I mean with Higgins down in the American Hockey League, I think teams will move their priority to players who are, you know, playing in the NHL and playing well.

I just don’t see teams moving anything to make room for Higgins right now.

— GETTY IMAGES FILES The Canucks decided to hang onto Shawn Matthias at last year’s trade deadline in anticipation of a playoff run and ended up losing him to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the off-season.

GERRY KAHRMANN/PNG FILES Defenceman Dan Hamhuis could be on his way out of town, probably out of the conference, as the Canucks look to get younger.

jbotchford@ theprovince.com twitter.com/ botchford thewhitetowel.ca

— GETTY IMAGES FILES Chris Higgins’ trade value has been hurt by injuries, his fairly big contract and the fact he is current playing in the American Hockey League. That means he’s likely to remain the property of the Canucks.

— THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Brandon Prust, seen here charging past Carolina goaltender Cam Ward, could be the finishing touch needed by such teams as the Washington Capitals.

GERRY KAHRMANN/PNG FILES Radim Vrbata, right, holds some value for teams looking to add a winger. He could land a second-round draft pick, but Vancouver may need him for a playoff push.