Negotiations to keep Mattias Ohlund in Vancouver aren't going anywhere and it's become increasingly clear that trading the longest serving Canuck is an option general manager Mike Gillis is investigating.
Sources say the Canucks have had discussions with the Tampa Bay Lightning about the availability of Matt Carle, who would fill a void in the event Vancouver is able to find the right fit for Ohlund.
Ohlund has a no-trade clause so finding the right fit may not be easy. However, the Canucks have talked to teams about trading Ohlund, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st and the asking price is said to be high.
Ohlund has stated his desire to stay in Vancouver, however with a stalled negotiation, the next step may be for the Canucks to forward outside interest for Ohlund to consider.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is eager to shed salary and Lightning general manager Brian Lawton is fielding interest in any number of players, including veteran goaltender Olaf Kolzig and forward Radim Vrbata.
Kolzig makes $1.5 million this season and may soon become an affordable option for those teams in need of a goaltender.
Brendan Shanahan is expected to make a decision by the beginning of next week on where to resume his playing career. Philadelphia remains a strong option, while the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks, amongst others, have also expressed interest.