Trade Winds for Vancouver

In dissecting the trades that Vancouver made this day, there are many things to consider.  However, before doing all that, I would like to say that I thought the team should have stood pat and given Cody Hodgson and Victor Oreskovich a chance to make their hay on the fourth line.  However, seeing the trades Vancouver made has me thinking a little different.  Why?  Let's look at the trades:

*Picking up Chris Higgins from Florida for Even Oberg and a 3rd round pick.

*Picking up Maxim Lapierre and MacGregor Sharp form Anaheim for Joel Perreault and a draft pick

In both instances, Vancouver really didn't give up much to pick up the players that can help right away.  Neither player given up was truly going to be a factor in the long term for the Canucks.  This aspect earns a passing grade, especially since they still have Hodgson, Jordan Schroeder, Sergei Shirokov, and any prospects that will figure into the team's future.  Draft picks from 2012 and 2013 were also sent to Anaheim and Florida, respectively, which likely are going to be a down the road deal.  For a team that wants to win now, this is a small price to pay for that.  As for the new guys:  Chris Higgins is a former 1st round pick that hasn't lived up to expectations.  A low risk deal, he doesn't have the same pressures that he had when in Montreal, NY Rangers, Calgary, or Florida.  Lapierre will fill a fourth line role, and won't have the pressures of Montreal or Anaheim.  If Lapierre adds toughness like I think he will and stays focused, the fourth line will look even better.  As for guys like Hodgson and Oreskovich, they'll get their time in Manitoba, but I would have liked for them to get some playoff experience on the NHL level, or at least some meaningful games with the Canucks.  In any event, both deals worked out as well as anyone could hope for: two players that provide depth and a need without giving up significant pieces to the puzzle in the future.