Not a good idea
Most of the reasons have been covered, but I'll harp on em again anyway. First, no guarantee the Canucks make the playoffs. Easy to forget they were trending that way before the COVID shutdown
Second, the Canucks will need contributors on ELCs moving forward. I like plotting and scheming years in advance as much as the next guy, but best to have as many proverbial darts to throw at the board as possible.
For example, I often see lineup forecasts mentioning Edler coming off the books next summer, neglecting that this is a top 4 contributor. Even if the best case scenario occurs and a Rathbone or Juolevi type has marinated enough to be ready for that role, they're eventually gonna want to be PAID, and you've gotta plan for that. And as promising as those youngsters are, there are no guarantees
Benning needs to keep drafting as much talent as possible imo. And if the guys in house pan out, great, you've now got trade chips to upgrade elsewhere
But paying to move out bad contracts when (just my humble opinion) your window hasn't even opened? Bad idea. Not to mention I don't think it's a great idea to be clearing space to add a Hoffman, who seems like a really odd fit ~ Van's PP is already pretty loaded with talent, and while he'd certainly add some pop in the O zone, I don't really see that as a huge need