Taylor: “Vincent Desharnais, Rick, what are the latest developments you’re hearing from your sources?”

Dhaliwal: “Several insiders have suggested to me that Desharnais’ name has been circulating in trade discussions, indicating that he might be a viable option for teams looking to bolster their defense.”

Taylor: “What is your intuition telling you about this situation?”

Dhaliwal: “My gut feeling aligns with what I’ve heard: there’s definitely buzz around Desharnais being on the trade market. He possesses great size and potential, but unfortunately, he has struggled to establish himself as a consistent regular defenseman. This management group has shown us in the past that they are quick to pivot when things aren’t working out, whether it be through trades or signings made during free agency.”

Let’s examine the rapid decisions made by the Canucks’ management on players like Curtis Lazar, who was signed to a three-year deal but was released after just one year, and Daniel Sprong, who only played nine games before being let go.

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Dhaliwal: “It’s important to note, Don, when a team signs a player to a multi-year contract, they typically expect that player to be a part of their roster for the duration of that contract. When management moves on from a player prematurely, it indicates a recognition that a mistake was made, and they are willing to rectify it, which strengthens their credibility with fans and stakeholders alike.”

Taylor: “I appreciate that they acknowledge when a situation may not be working out, and it’s crucial for them to take corrective action. Offloading players who do not fit into the team’s vision can sometimes yield positive returns or simply create a better atmosphere without them.”

Dhaliwal: “Indeed, I have heard from multiple sources that Desharnais is being discussed in trade conversations. Given the track record of this management team, it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide to move him. However, the challenge lies in finding a trade partner willing to take on a player who has not consistently performed at the level expected.”

Taylor: “That’s a valid point. His recent performance hasn’t been up to par.”

Dhaliwal: “Exactly. While Desharnais possesses term on his contract, which typically adds value, it can also complicate any potential trades. If he were on a one-year deal, it would certainly be easier for teams to consider him. The longer the contract term, the more cautious teams become in making such moves.”

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Taylor: “He has two years remaining.”

Dhaliwal: “That’s right, two years left on his deal.”

Taylor: “Or maybe even less than two years.”

Dhaliwal: “Exactly, but the added term makes it a more complicated proposition. We will have to monitor how this situation unfolds.”

Taylor: “It seems they might not be satisfied with his puck-handling abilities.”

Dhaliwal: “Yes, Desharnais is somewhat of a late bloomer. His size is appealing, but there are still questions regarding his overall game. The organization may have signed him and Forbort in response to the departures of Zadorov and Cole, seeking to regain some of the physicality they lost. There was an expectation that he would develop further given his size and skills.”

Taylor: “He’s right-handed, which is another point in his favor.”

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Dhaliwal: “Absolutely, that’s an excellent observation. Another right-handed defenseman with size, but the results haven’t been as favorable as anticipated. His frequent healthy scratches indicate that he hasn’t solidified his spot in the lineup. In his last game, he logged only 12 minutes of ice time, which is concerning, especially since Mark Friedman, who is primarily an AHL player, played more minutes than he did.”