Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 7 Centers to Target
By David Joun
Look at how much cash the Vancouver Canucks have for spending this offseason.
The Vancouver Canucks promised this hockey-voracious city a busy offseason highlighted by the potential of the NHL Entry Draft and the influx of youth as the veterans vacate the lineup one by one. The future will be brighter this offseason, undoubtedly.
But why wait for the future if one can win right now?
That is the question that the Canucks will address when NHL-proven players hit the open market on July 1st. GM Jim Benning is ready for the occasion. Now 82 games removed from a disappointing offseason, highlighted by the exit of Zack Kassian and Nick Bonino, the Vancouver GM is ready to spend.
Benning is ready. Are you?
Here at The Canuck Way, we are going to prepare you for the big day, the Free Agent Frenzy by analyzing the top free agents the Canucks could sign to bolster the roster and win while growing a new core through the draft.
What the Canucks Need
What the Canucks need down the middle is the next franchise center to succeed captain Henrik Sedin. With young prospects Bo Horvat, Jared McCann, and Brendan Gaunce in the NHL ranks or relatively close to being in the NHL and filling out the bottom-nine alongside foundational player Brandon Sutter, the Canucks are set down the middle.
Of course, depth and grit on the fourth line would be much appreciated after journeyman Adam Cracknell had to leave Vancouver this past season. Gaunce may be better suited to play left wing for a capable fourth-line center.
Depth Chart (2016-17 ~ ONE RFA + $15 million)
- Henrik Sedin (2 years, $7.0 million AAV)
- Bo Horvat (1 year, ELC)
- Brandon Sutter (5 years, $4.375 million AAV)
- Markus Granlund (2 years, $0.9 million AAV)
- Jared McCann (2 years, ELC)
- Brendan Gaunce (1 year, ELC) LW Option
- Linden Vey (RFA)
So what is out there for the Canucks? Here are the top seven center options available to the Canucks at this year’s free agency!
Next: THE HONORABLE MENTIONS