Canucks GM: I've been 'very active' pursuing trades
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin declined to get into specifics in the wake of Saturday's report of a nixed J.T. Miller trade, but the GM indicated he's not done seeing what the possibilities might be.
"Since I got here, I'm always trying to explore (ways) to make our team better in discussions and (to) see if it makes sense or not," Allvin said. "The toughest part has been to evaluate the group we have with all the injuries. But ... you see the signs of a good team ... so we'll continue to see if it makes sense.
"Obviously, with the parity of the league, it's hard to make deals at this time of the year, and it's going to be interesting here over the next couple of weeks," Allvin continued.
The executive added that he feels the Canucks have a good team when everyone's healthy and performs to their capabilities. Allvin praised the players for staying focused amid swirling trade reports.
"It's very unfortunate, I feel bad for a lot of players when you're reading some rumors out there," he said. "I'm proud of the guys that they're capable of blocking a lot of noises out and just (going) out and (playing)."
Allvin noted that he's not eyeing the break during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February as a prime time to make moves.
"I don't think we have any target dates or anything like that," he said. "With the injuries we had leading up to this point, I've obviously been very active in seeing if there (are) any players out there that could've come in and helped us. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to facilitate any addition to our staff. But saying that, we've also seen a lot of younger players from Abbotsford (in the AHL), which has been a great sign for the organization."
The Canucks have been without numerous key players for various stretches this season, including reigning Norris Trophy winner and captain Quinn Hughes, Miller, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and Hughes' defense partner, Filip Hronek.
It was reported in early January that the Canucks were exploring the trade market for both Miller and Pettersson amid an apparent feud between the two forwards. Another report Saturday indicated that Vancouver nearly dealt Miller back to the New York Rangers, with the apparent details of the failed swap emerging Monday.