(Vancouver) The trade of Anthony Beauvillier to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday freed up US$4.15 million in salary cap space and gave Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin more financial flexibility to improve his team, which is having an excellent start to the season.

The Canucks announced the trade shortly before the start of their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. In return, the Canucks received a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft.

“I felt there was an opportunity for him to change environment and get his game back,” Allvin said Wednesday. I think he’s a good player and deserves more playing time.”

The Canucks acquired Beauvillier in the trade sending Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders last season.

Beauvillier had eight points with the Canucks this season.

The team’s head coach, Rick Tocchet, said he supported his general manager’s decision.

“It’s part of hockey, right? He was a player we could trade. We now have space under the cap to make the necessary changes between now and the playoffs. »

Canucks players mentioned, after the game against the Ducks, that they didn’t really have time to digest the news.

“It’s hard to put into words the emotions of the announcement,” said forward Brock Boeser. We feel bad for “Beauvy”. He worked so hard for us. »