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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 5 Left Wingers to Target

By David Joun

Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) with the puck during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) with the puck during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks left winger Jamie McGinn (88) celebrates after a goal during the second period against the Nashville Predators in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Jamie McGinn (ANA)

Although there is the probability that the Anaheim Ducks sign the Ontario-native to an extension, it is highly unlikely that both him and fellow left-winger UFA David Perron stay as Ducks. As the Ducks had to pay a handsome sum (Carl Hagelin) to acquire Perron this past season and resulted in a pretty good stint for both sides, I would think that McGinn is the odd one out.

Height / Weight: 6-foot-1, 210 lbs
Age: 27
2015-16 Stats: 84 GP — 22 Goals — 17 Assists — 39 Points
2015-16 Salary: $3 million
Expected UFA Salary: $3.3 million

The biggest strengths in McGinn’s game is speed, strength, and his work ethic in the defensive zone. Although not the most complete offensive player, he is a streaky scorer who will be able to produce at the biggest moments.

Do not be fooled by his rather modest minus-10 rating and the total of 39 points in 84 games this past season. He played 63 games for a struggling Buffalo Sabres team and 21 for an Anaheim Ducks team who continued their scoring struggles throughout the season.

GM Jim Benning will like the size and the speed that McGinn would bring to the lineup, but there is one catch — inconsistency. Although just entering the prime of his career at 27 years of age, McGinn has a history of inconsistency.

I would imagine McGinn to be a Brandon Sutter-like player for the Canucks. A large frame, good speed, decent scoring touch, and a sound defensive game perhaps marred by consistency. And hence, if the Canucks were to support Sven Baertschi (who should definitely be in negotiations to get re-signed) with a McGinn behind him in the depth charts, I would imagine that McGinn plays a 2B/3A role that Sutter is.

Proposed line
J. McGinn – B. Sutter – A. Rodin

This line brings two speedy, defensively sound players with scoring and playmaking ability to the left of a high-profile and perhaps undersized Anton Rodin, a true scorer who has signed a one-year deal with the Canucks in view of the 2016-17 season. The two should alleviate the defensive pressure and let Rodin score as he usually does. A big vote of confidence on Sutter’s consistency here.

Next: No. 4: MATT MARTIN

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