Canucks pick up Ossi Vaananen off waivers

After being placed on waivers by the Philidelphia Flyers, the Canucks picked up Finnish defencemen Ossi Vaananen on Feb 27/09. Vaananen who spent most of this year in the Swedish Elite League is not known for his offensive upside as his carrer high in points was a measely 16 which was back in 2000-01, with the Pheonix Coyotes. With the deadline less than a week away, many speculate this may be a precursor to another move, however I cant see Vaananen being anyhing more than a depth guy in case of injury down the stretch.

With Rob Davidson and Lawrence Nycholat in the press box for the Canucks, the team now has a ton of depth on the Mattias Ohlund - How long will he be a Canuck?backend, and it only makes sense that one of the Canucks top 4 defencemen may be available at the trade deadline. The name that comes to mind right away is Mattias Ohlund. Ohlund being the longest serving Canuck to date, will 11 season under his belt, losing his leadership in the room and play on the ice would be a huge blow to the Canucks.

Also if they trade Ohlund away at the deadline, and just get a couple picks back in return, isnt Mike Gillis sending the fans the wrong message? Doesnt that show that hes NOT trying to make a big push to make it deep in the playoffs? Personally I would love for Ohlund to resign in the summer, but as for this year, if he walks come July 1st, let him walk, he will be a huge asset for this team down the stretch. He has a knack for big goals, eats big minutes and is a role model of young Swede Alex Edler. Not to mention he was approached by Mats Sundin, before Sundin signed in Vancouver.

Bringing in Ossi Vaananen maybe a sign that the Canuck may be moving a defencemen at the deadline, but if Gillis is serious about this team doing anything in the playoffs, this may just be a depth move. Yes he picked up a d-man to add soem depth, but this team desperately needs a puck moving offensive defencemen, and Ossi Vaananen does not fill that role. Look for the Canucks to atleast try to pick up another D-man, with that being said if they do go after another player on the blueline, then soemone has to be moved, and with his UFA status Ohlund seems like the only one out.