Canucks interested in Sharp, Fedorov to Ottawa?

In an interview with the Vancouver Province, GM Dave Nonis answered a few questions about his under-performing team, while also addressing trade speculation. Here are some of the interesting parts:

Q: All the big moves are at the start of July 1 free agency, not the Feb. 26 trade deadline, and many teams are at or near the $50.3-million salary cap. You're at $47.6 million. How difficult is it to make a significant trade?

A: "It's difficult. There are deals I could make, but they're not good deals. They would either eat up the rest of the cap space or deals that are long and take players into age groups where you don't want them. "I also believe our players are better than they've performed."

Q: Would you throw prospects like Luc Bourdon and Cory Schneider into a trade package for the right player, say a proven top-six scorer?

A: "I don't have a problem doing it, but not just for a UFA [unrestricted free agent]. You're going to set yourself back years. We've improved our reserve list dramatically, but it's nowhere near where I want it to be. Taking players away from that, I don't have an appetite for it unless it brought back younger players that would help long term."

According to a source, the Canucks are also interested in Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks. Sharp has been relegated to third line duty in Chicago and can be had for a very low price. Source

Ian Mendes of Sportsnet is reporting on his blog that the Ottawa Senators could bring in Sergei Fedorov at the trading deadline. GM Bryan Murray has admitted that he has thought about Fedorov, but the Blue Jackets are doing well and may not offload the Russian centre if they are competing for a playoff spot. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that several teams in the NHL are very close to dealing as the US Thanksgiving weekend approaches. The Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks are shopping for a top 6 forward, while the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for help on the blueline. The Pittsburgh Penguins are also looking for speed up front. Source

In the Montreal-Atlanta game on Tuesday had 15 different scouts watching, along with assistant GM Steve Tambellini of the Vancouver Canucks. Source