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Vancouver Canucks: Which Free Agents Should be Re-Signed?

By Jeff Godley

Mar 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) and Vancouver Canucks right wing Emerson Etem (26) skate toward the net in the first period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) and Vancouver Canucks right wing Emerson Etem (26) skate toward the net in the first period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Markus Granlund (60) jumps over the stick of San Jose Sharks defenseman Roman Polak (46) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Markus Granlund (60) jumps over the stick of San Jose Sharks defenseman Roman Polak (46) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Markus Granlund, C:

Free Agent Status: Restricted

Should He Be Re-signed? Yes.

Markus Granlund was the Canucks’ reward for trading away a promising young prospect in Hunter Shinkaruk. Granlund has shown his worth killing penalties and being a serviceable checking player.

He has not put up points — just 1 assist in 6 games since joining the Canucks — but he does have an even plus/minus on a team which is 2-4 and has been outscored 15-20 in that time.

Will Benning Re-sign Him? Yes. 

While Jim Benning’s decision to trade away Hunter Shinkaruk in return for Markus Granlund may have come as a surprise, it is making more and more sense in retrospect.

If Canucks management were skeptical about Shinkaruk become a contributor to this team, there was no sense in keeping him longer than necessary; far better to trade him while his value remained high.

Granlund joined the Canucks at the same time Brandon Sutter was set to return from injury, and initially it did not seem that Granlund filled any hole in the lineup. But the departure of Adam Cracknell and probable departure of Linden Vey have created a perfect slot for Granlund as a fourth line center next season.

Next: Radim Vrbata

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