At no point in his career will Jannik Hansen’s trade value be any higher. The Danish winger is on pace for the highest offensive production of his NHL career, marked with an exclamation by the 20-goal plateau on which he encroaches.

For all of Hansen’s individual success, it hasn’t been enough to mask the stench of what’s shaping up to be a lost season for the Canucks as a whole. Under these circumstances, people are beginning to ask whether Hansen should figure into the long-term future of the Canucks, or whether they should cash their chips while on top.

At 29-years of age and locked in at a very affordable $2.5-million AAV for this year and the two that follow, it’s not hard to imagine teams falling over each other to acquire his services. Let’s look at the five best fits, though, should the Canucks opt to go this route.

Pittsburgh Penguins

For as long as the Penguins have been without Jordan Staal, they’ve had an issue filling out their roster in the bottom-six. In fact, one might argue this was the Achilles heel of an otherwise successful run for Ray Shero. They’ve addressed much of these issues since and have young talent emerging into key roles, following the graduation of their former-and-current head coach, Mike Sullivan. The Penguins competitive window is still open, but for how much longer? A player of Hansen’s quality not only boosts their chances in the interim but grants them another two years at an affordable rate to boot.

Potential trade chips: Sergei Plotnikov, Oskar Sundqvist, Bryan Rust, second round pick, Beau Bennett, Tristan Jarry, Matt Murray

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks would be wise to kick the tires on Hansen for a number of reasons. Given Hansen’s age and contract, they can expect another two-plus years of quality play at an affordable price. That fits right in with their competitive window, which is halfway open as we speak. They’ve also a wealth of futures, especially on the blue line, which they could use to snag Hansen and reunite him with Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Kesler.

Potential trade chips: Josh Manson, Brandon Montour, Stefan Noessen, Marcus Pettersson, Jacob Larsson, third round pick.

St. Louis Blues

Have to think that the St. Louis Blues are getting sick and tired of first round exits. I know Ken Hitchcock is, if for no other reason than his job likely depends on escaping that round of play. The Blues have great forward depth, but it’s at its weakest on the right side. The Blues core may not be on their last legs, but much of the staff that puts them in place is. Have to think they get aggressive at the deadline.

Potential trade chips: Dimitrij Jaskin, Ty Rattie, Ivan Barbashev, Phoenix Copley, Vince Dunn, second round pick, third round pick

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New York Rangers

Ryan McDonagh’s injury creates a gaping hole on their blue line, but there’s no telling how long that will last. They’ve had issues with forward depth all season. So much so that they gave Jarret Stoll a shot earlier in the season and are currently paying the same service to Daniel Paille. There’s a Carl Hagelin sized hole in their bottom-six. Wonder if they look to fill it with a familiar face to the coach.

Potential trade chips: second round pick, Pavel Buchevnich, Brady Skjei, Ryan Graves

Chicago Blackhawks

The revolving door of “who’s that” and “they’re still alive?” players in the Blackhawks bottom-six has been an awesome storyline to follow all season. That they’ve been linked to Andrew Ladd and Radim Vrbata in the lead-up to the trade deadline is telling of the trust they place in this island of misfit toys. Hansen is affordable and fits what the Blackhawks are trying to do. Definitely see a fit.

Potential trade chips: second round pick, Jiri Sekac, Vincent Hinostroza, Ville Pokka, Marko Dano, Ryan Hartman, Nick Schmaltz, Gustav Forsling





