Breaking down the Vancouver Canucks ahead of NHL Free Agency.
(Updated: Friday, June 27th)
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 10 | Restricted: 7 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”van” season=”2013″]
Canucks overview
After a bad experiment with John Tortorella at the helm, the Vancouver Canucks are in the process of rethinking this whole thing. After finishing a dismal 12th in the West it was clearly time for an overhaul of the guys at the top. After firing general manager Mike Gillis, the team named franchise favourite Trevor Linden the team’s new president. Predictably, Linden dismissed Torts, whom many fans blamed for the fiasco that the Canucks had become. Jim Benning was given Gillis’s job and the task of fixing the mess he left behind.
The Sedin twins are on the other side of their peak now — still valuable, but prone to breaking down and inevitably fading. Alex Burrows is barely an NHL-calibre player. After mishandling the Corey Schneider and Roberto Luongo situation, the Canucks are left with Eddie Lack in goal — a talented tender, but unproven as a No. 1.
For Ryan Kesler the Canucks picked up Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa, as well as first- and third-round picks in the NHL Draft. Sbisa is a young defenceman — a useful addition who provides depth, but doesn’t change Vancouver’s fortunes. Bonino is a second-line centre, but won’t make up for what the Canucks lost in Kesler. However, he does fill the hole and is only 26. The Canucks then flipped the third-round pick to the New York Rangers for Derek Dorsett — effectively picking up three players for Kesler. The remaining first-round pick could prove to be important pieces, though won’t have an impact for a couple of years. This was a move to add youth and depth to the Canucks’ aging squad. It’s a step in the right direction; a smart trade that keeps things relatively level while the rebuild begins.
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| Click player positions to see depth chart | ||
Areas to address
The Canucks need to pick up youth and skill to bring more depth and energy to the team. Benning wants his team to play an up-tempo, skilled game that wears down opponents and takes full advantage of scoring opportunities.
Vancouver picked up highly-touted prospect Bo Horvat in the NHL Draft last year, but his impact won’t be fully felt yet. That’s part of the future — the draft is essential to any success the Canucks will have in a few years. But fans will also want an immediate turnaround. Anything else will come through free agency, which will likely be focused on bolstering the third and fourth lines where Benning would like to see more size and strength to better match-up with division rivals like LA and Anaheim.
As with most teams, the same goes for defence. The Canucks could look for some depth there in the off-season, but the main area to address through free agency is in goal. There are a number of good options on the market. Vancouver could be on the hunt for a veteran goalie to complete the tandem with Lack.
Possible signing targets
Ryan Miller (G): The best goalie on the market, but can the Canucks lure him?
Jonas Hiller (G): A solid veteran that could step in as a No. 1 or backup behind Lack.
Ilya Bryzgalov (G): An interesting veteran who would bring personality to the team. Not a likely fit though.
Nikita Nikitin (D): If the Oilers don’t re-sign him, Nikitin is a solid defensive presence and a big body who would be a welcome presence on the Canucks blueline. He’s also only 27, capable of being a core part of the present and future of the team. | UPDATE: Nikitin re-signs with Oilers
Mike Weaver (D): A veteran who could serve as a short-term plug on the blueline.
NHL Free Agency needs: Full list for all 30 NHL teams
