Look for Vancouver to be proactive on the trade market by the Feb. 27 deadline because the Canucks lack depth on the blue line as the National Hockey League heads into the stretch run to the playoffs. The Canucks are fine one through four on defence with Mattias Ohlund, Sami Salo, the improving Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell, but it's the other defensive positions that are a huge concern. Lukas Krajicek, acquired from the Florida Panthers in the Todd Bertuzzi-for-Roberto Luongo headline deal in the off-season, has been a disappointment, while Rory Fitzpatrick is adequate at best. Krajicek is a fine skater, but has problems along the boards and is downright inept at controlling opposing sticks around the net. Krajicek's performance has been spotty since he missed a week following a mild concussion. Fitzpatrick, signed as an unrestricted free agent after playing for the Buffalo Sabres, has been serviceable, but his skating is questionable when it comes to recovery speed in the defensive zone. The Canucks have unproven Alexander Edler, 20, and lightweight Yannick Tremblay in the farm system, but that's hardly the depth an organization needs for an extended run in the post-season. Vancouver management wants to add proven defenders, although they would need to be affordable because the Canucks are precariously near the salary cap limit, with about $650,000 (U.S.) to spare under the $44-million maximum. The Canucks have a first-round and three second-round selections in the 2007 NHL entry draft to dangle as bait for veteran help.