Vancouver Canucks Free Agency Outlook, Potential Fits
By Ryan Ritchie
Vancouver Canucks Free Agency Preview/Outlook, Salary Cap Situation, Restricted Free Agents, Team Needs, and Potential Fits
Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning made headlines before the NHL Draft when he expressed his desire to pursue Steven Stamkos in free agency, and a possible P.K. Subban trade. It brought forth a $50,000 tampering fine handed down on Tuesday. A day later, both players he expressed interest in are now off the market.
The focus now for Jim Benning and company turns to the remaining UFA class as the Canucks look to add pieces in this half-rebuild/half-going for it managing philosophy.
2015-16 was a disappointing year overall for Canadian teams. Vancouver finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 31-38-13 (75 points).
More from Free Agency
- NHL free agents could still get contracts or camp invites
- Why any NHL team would be lucky to add Phil Kessel to their roster
- The New York Islanders made the right move extending Ilya Sorokin
- 2022-23 Recap Weaknesses and UFA Focused: Buffalo Sabres
- Arizona Coyotes Team Additions For 2022-23
Sliding back a spot at the NHL Draft Lottery, Vancouver was set to pick 5th at last weekend’s draft.
The Canucks opted to take the top defenseman in this year’s class, and while some fans may have preferred Matthew Tkachuk, that attitude will eventually change.
In this writer’s opinion, Olli Juolevi has the potential to not only be a no.1 defender, but one of the best blue liners in the NHL someday. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn a roster spot as early as this Fall.
Related Story: 5 Trade Scenarios for Kevin Shattenkirk
Vancouver Canucks Free Agency Outlook/Preview
Salary Cap Committed to 2016-17: $62,821,248
Number of Players Signed: 36
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: Radim Vrbata, Linden Vey, Dan Hamhuis, Matt Bartkowski, Yannick Weber, Brandon Prust, Taylor Fedun, Ronalds Kenins, Blair Jones
Notable Restricted Free Agents: Andrey Pedan, Alexandre Grenier
The Canucks now have a little under $63 million dollars committed to next year’s salary cap following the Chris Higgins buyout.
That leaves Vancouver with almost $10 million dollars to spend on July 1st.
If Jim Benning continues to find ways to trim salary (i.e. Alex Burrows buyout or trades in general), that number could increase. Either way, expect Vancouver to heavily pursue at least one big-ticket free agent (maybe hometown boy Milan Lucic?).
Related Story: Offseason Goals For All 30 Teams
Vancouver Canucks Free Agency Team Needs
Top-Six LW, Bottom-Six Winger, Depth Forwards
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
A noticeable gap remains on the depth chart beyond Daniel Sedin for LWers. Vancouver should be hot in pursuit of finding a top-six left winger.
The Canucks could also use an additional bottom six winger to put in the mix with their current group.
Jim Benning and company must also look to make a few depth additions up front.
Most of Vancouver’s impact prospects are still another two or more years away; in the meantime, it never hurts having depth in case of injuries.
Next: NHL Weekly Roundup: Latest News and Rumors
Potential Vancouver Canucks Free Agency Targets
Top-Six LW: Milan Lucic, Andrew Ladd, David Perron, Mikkel Boedker
Bottom-Six Winger: Tuomo Ruutu, Jamie McGinn, P.A. Parenteau, Nathan Gerbe, Patrick Eaves, Brett Connolly, Matt Martin, Stephen Gionta, Devante Smith-Pelly, Steve Bernier, Tomas Fleischmann, Colton Sceviour, Landon Ferraro
Depth Forwards: Chris Terry, Quinton Howden, Lucas Lessio, Garret Ross, Jonathan Marchessault, Brian Gibbons, Zach Boychuk, Christian Thomas
*Salary/Free Agent information was obtained through www.generalfanager.com