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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 5 Right Wingers to Target

By David Joun

Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Dale Weise (22) moves the puck during the first period against the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre. The Montreal Canadiens won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

No.5: DALE WEISE

After a disappointing end to the season as one of the fringe players on the Chicago Blackhawks roster, the former Canuck and former Montreal Canadien will test free agency this offseason. This last season saw him start as one of the league’s leading scorers that really sparked the Canadiens early on. With the Blackhawks obviously looking to make cuts to stay under the cap, what has Weise got for a potential return to Van City?

Height / Weight: 6-foot-2, 205 lbs
Age: 27
2015-16 Stats: 71 GP — 14 Goals — 13 Assists — 27 Points
2015-16 Salary: $1.025 million
Expected UFA Salary: $2.0 million

A familiar face in Vancouver, Dale Weise brings the forecheck to life while his ability to stand up for his teammates in tough situations would definitely fill the void that Brandon Prust has left behind. He can really bring it to the opposition defenders when he is in the game, and he seems to have improved his play and effort level while being in the Montreal locker room.

The biggest concern for Weise would be the inconsistency in goal scoring. If Weise were to come to Vancouver, he would be a solid fit at the 4RW slot. Willie Desjardins would not be concerned with goal scoring from Weise in that role, but the inconsistency is worth taking note of.

Last year in October alone, Weise put up six goals and two assists, including a hat trick against the Calgary Flames. November saw him record three goals and three assists. In the final 30 games of the season, however, Weise scored just three goals and four assists.

Looking at the goals that he scored in his prime months in Montreal, I see that Weise has a shoot-first mentality that needs to be supplied with smart playmaking linemates. Although the tenacity on the forecheck is evident, creating his own scoring chances does not seem to be his thing.

Proposed Line
D. Dorsett – B. Gaunce – D Weise
M. Granlund – B. Sutter – D Weise

The first of the two proposed lines should be a self-evident fourth line. There are decent speed and grit with all the ingredients for a great checking line.

The second of the two proposed lines, however, is somewhat of an unpredictable third line. Speed is not an issue. Having Brandon Sutter play the set-up man to two potent wingers while covering for their defensive deficiencies might be the best way to go. Otherwise, it may be difficult for Markus Granlund to find himself a spot in the lineup.

All in all, Dale Weise is a low-risk, high-reward type of free agent who could come at a very manageable cost for the Canucks this July.

And let’s be honest here. All we Vancouverite wanted to see more of Dale Weise. Let’s bring him back.

Next: No.4: TROY BROUWER

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