It sounds like Nate Schmidt is the one asking out of Vancouver!

The Vancouver Canucks need to make room in their wallet. Both Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes are set to become restricted free agents and are up for new contracts and money will be needed in the Canucks’ bank. 

That’s why trade chatter has heated up in Vancouver because the solution might be to move Nate Schmidt. He is a 29 year-old defenseman with four years remaining at $5.95 million AAV. He was traded to Vancouver headed of last season from the Vegas Golden Knights. 

And so, with all of these details, fans felt that the Canucks were the ones pushing for a trade. However, insider Elliotte Friedman explained on the Power Show on Sportsnet 650 that Schmidt might be the one who wants out. There seems to be an understanding between the two sides that they will try to find a deal. 

“I think everybody kind of knows where everyone stands, that maybe Schmidt would like to go somewhere else and maybe the team recognizes the marriage isn’t necessarily going to work out for both sides the way everybody hoped," Elliotte said, though he doesn’t know if it’s a formal trade request.

While Schmidt’s desire to be moved might be exactly what the Canucks want, they could find it hard to move him, as he didn’t live up to expectations. While he was very dependable on the Canucks’ blue line, Schmidt saw a significant drop in his defensive play as well as his offensive production, scoring just 15 points in 54 games played last season.

But it is believed around the league that there are many teams who would be interested in trading assets to acquire Schmidt’s services. The New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers might get in the mix, especially if the Canucks agree to retain salary.