What a difference a week makes. Just seven days ago the trade chatter revolved almost entirely around Radim Vrbata and Dan Hamhuis. Fast forward to Saturday night and everything changed.

It’s been rumoured that Burrows would – if approached – be willing to consider waiving his no-trade clause or do so willingly without a moment’s pause. Regardless, it’s been confirmed that the Canucks have been “quietly” shopping Burrows these last few days.

The details remain murky, but there’s more than enough smoke to reasonably deduct a spark has been struck. Burrows’ finishing talent has evaporated and it appears as though his star has fallen to that of a defensively responsible bottom-six winger. Still, there’s always a market for players of Burrows’ makeup at this time of year and it’s one worth exploring.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers make sense on a number of levels. Rumours abound that they’ve been looking for a gritty winger for quite some time. Have to think Burrows fits the mould. There’s also the matter of Burrows’ back-diving contract, which carries a significantly lower dollar value in its final year than the cap number – $3-million to $4.5-million. The low acquisition cost can’t hurt the odds, either.

Potential trade chips: Brandon Pirri, second round pick, third round pick, Rocco Grimaldi

Anaheim Ducks

The resurgent Ducks just lost Chris Stewart for 4-8 weeks and could be looking to replace some of his pugnacity in the bottom half of their lineup. Much like the Panthers, the Ducks are a team with an internal budget. They’ve a tonne of assets in their stable and the cap space to accommodate what they might bring back via trade. Factor all this in with the fact that this team is all-in on the Stanley Cup and it seems like a perfect fit. Besides, Burrows could reunite with Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa.

Potential trade chips: Josh Manson, Brandon Montour, third round pick

Pittsburgh Penguins

By all accounts, the Penguins are looking to gear up for another kick at the can. Given the club’s success under new head coach, Mike Sullivan, it makes sense. As usual, the issue du jour in Pittsburgh is their bottom-six. A player like Burrows could go a long way in shoring that up. The Pens are also lacking some of the assets that would be required to land bigger fish rentals, so it makes sense on that level.

Potential trade chips: Tristan Jarry, second round pick, third round pick

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Tampa Bay Lightning

It’s do or die time in Tampa. The next few months will see them part ways with Jonathan Drouin and potentially Steven Stamkos. This says nothing of the big money they’re going to have to start forking over to their young and budding stars. This could be the Lightning’s last chance at going for it with this core. No complaining about their forward depth as is, but depending on the pieces they relinquish, it could be something else.

Potential trade chips: Adam Erne, second round pick, third round pick

Arizona Coyotes

Much like the Ducks and Panthers, the Coyotes operate on an internal budget. Which, again, makes a player with a contract like Burrows’ appealing. Their goal isn’t so much to compete for the cup, but just to make the playoffs period. There’s a lot of great, young talent at the top of their lineup, but they could use a little help on the depth front. Not to mention, a player like Burrows will fit right in with Dave Tippett style hockey.

Potential trade chips: Henrik Samuelsson, Laurent Dauphin, Michael Bunting, second round pick, third round pick.





