With his name flying around in trade rumors ahead of the NHL's Feb. 29 deadline, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis gave a candid interview on TSN 1040, reiterating that he hasn't been asked to waive his no-trade clause.
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"Everything is in the realm of possibility because there's so many moving parts," the pending unrestricted free agent said. "It's not fun seeing all the speculation."
Hamhuis is in the final season of a contract paying him $4.25 million while carrying a cap hit of $4.5 million. The 33-year-old is from British Columbia, so potentially leaving the team he came home to play for presents an agonizing decision.
"This is not what you play for," he said. "You play to be in a playoff race."
The Canucks are 10 points back in the Western Conference wild-card race. It's all but officially over, and the team's reportedly "open for business" in the trade market.
Hamhuis could waive his no-trade clause, go to a contender to try and win a Stanley Cup, then return to Vancouver as a free agent in the offseason.
Hamhuis on leaving, then returning: That's one of the options. And a very interesting one. We've loved Vancouver and would welcome more
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) February 25, 2016
"You can argue the pros and cons until you're blue in the face. No one has asked me to waive anything."
The club confirmed the fact on Twitter.
Hamhuis: The ultimate dream is to win the Cup with Canucks. I always have that desire to win, that's why I've gone to 7 World Championships
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) February 25, 2016
Hamhuis added that he'll assess his options with his family over the next few days, and that he'll head into the weekend with an open mind.
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It would be a shame to have Hamhuis leave but the Canucks have an opportunity to improve the team by gaining prospects to improve them for the future. Dan has been a great Canuck and I am torn on the correct way to deal with this problem.
My gut is telling me to start the rebuild. The team just isn’t good enough now, nor deep enough in prospects to compete against the likes of Calgary and Edmonton… yes I know… They aren’t great now, but those two teams will be better, and the Canucks are on the decline.
Time to rip the band aid off and get the rebuild going sooner than later.