Canucks linked to trade involving former first round pick Alexis Lafreniere.

It would appear as though the new management group overseeing the Vancouver Canucks may be looking to make a big splash on the trade market.

A recent report from Vancouver Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal has revealed that the Canucks currently have their eyes on young Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere. Lafreniere was of course the 1st overall pick at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft but perhaps more importantly he has had a number of clashes with his team since being drafted.

First let's hear from Dhaliwal:

Canucks interest in Alexis Lafrenière.

The Canucks know this player inside out, Lafrenière's old agent is current Canucks assistant GM Emilie Castonguay.

The Canucks have checked in on Lafrenière, he was made a healthy scratch last week by the Rangers.

The Rangers are very aware of the Vancouver interest in Lafrenière.

As mentioned here by Dhaliwal, at the root of this may be the way the Rangers have deployed Lafreniere as of late. The once highly touted prospect has not delivered on the Rangers expectations and as a result has seen demotions to the fourth line, as well as the aforementioned healthy scratch from last week.

Although there was no indication that the Rangers were actively seeking to trade the former top pick in the draft, it sounds like the Canucks may be looking to pry Lafreniere from the Rangers while the opportunity to do so potentially exists.

The Canucks insider also indicated that the Canucks have had interest in Lafreniere for some time now, and furthermore that they might even consider trading their captain, and some additional assets, to make the deal a reality.

Again From Dhaliwal:

Lafrenière will not be cheap but the Canucks have the assets like Bo Horvat to pull this off, if the Rangers decide to move him.

Lafrenière is the type of player the new regime in Vancouver is looking for.

Before he was traded to Montreal, the Canucks were also one of the teams after Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach.

Definitely one trade rumor you're going to want to keep your eyes peeled for.