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The Vancouver Canucks have expressed interest in “weaponizing” their cap space and could still find deals to get it done.

The Montreal Canadiens took on veteran goalie Steve Mason and his $4.1-million contract and got a pair of draft picks from Winnipeg to do it.

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It’s the type of deal that has been discussed in Vancouver for years but one the Canucks have been reluctant to make.

Surprisingly, the NHL team has changed its public position on these type of deals, which require taking on a “bad contract.” For years it was a non-starter but this spring team president Trevor Linden promised the team would explore these options.

After the Mason deal, there will be several opportunities. There are plenty of teams at the cap that will be looking for relief. The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to move the dead weight that is Marian Hossa’s contract. It has three more years left with a cap hit that’s nearly $5.3 million.