Canucks Acquire Peters from Panthers for Hordichuk

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Wednesday that they have acquired left wing Andrew Peters from the Florida Panthers in exchange for left wing Darcy Hordichuk. Peters, who signed as a free agent with Florida this past summer, appeared in 29 games last season with the New Jersey Devils, scoring no points and 93 penalty minutes. He was a healthy scratch for most of the 2009-10 season. Hordichuk played in 56 games with the Canucks last season, scoring one goal and one assist, as well as 142 penalty minutes. This is a pretty even trade for both teams, as both Hordichuk and Peters basically play the same style of game. They bring lots of grit and toughness to the lineup, but don't have a lot of offensive upside. By trading Hordichuk, the Canucks have trimmed a little bit more salary cap space, but likely not very much. Hordichuk will make $800,000 this season, while Peters is likely making $500,000. If he stays with the Canucks, they will only clear up $300,000 in salary cap space. However, it remains to be seen if Peters will remain with the team or end up in the AHL.