No.4: Troy Brouwer
The backbone to the success of the St. Louis Blues this year, veteran winger Troy Brouwer is a consistent producer who provides leadership and grit. Basically put, he does everything right, but nothing spectacularly.
Height / Weight: 6-foot-3, 213 lbs
Age: 30
2015-16 Stats: 82 GP — 18 Goals — 21 Assists — 39 Points
2015-16 Salary: $3.75 million
Expected UFA Salary: $5 million
Troy Brouwer is a leader and an all-around package that will bode will with the Canucks. Not sure if the St. Louis Blues will let him go after bringing so much to the team this year, but the signing of David Backes, their captain, needs to be resolved first. Then there are guys like Jaden Schwartz who should be looking for a raise.
And should he hit free agency, only COST should keep Jim Benning from signing him. Brouwer is a checking scorer who’s only downside is the lack of speed. He would be the next Alex Burrows for the Canucks.
And guess what. He was born here, in Vancouver.
And he scored the series-winning goal that eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks. That alone is an incentive to sign the veteran winger, is it not?
Proposed The Only Line
S. Baertschi – B. Horvat – T. Brouwer
The only other issue than money that stands between Brouwer and the Canucks is that he does not really have a spot to fill on the roster. He will not be a fit for the fourth line as Weise would be, nor will he be the best fit for the top six unless Jake Virtanen plays the fourth line and Rodin the third. Brouwer on the top line with the Sedins? No, please.
Brouwer is a great piece available for the Canucks, just not the right fit.
Next: No.3: CHRIS STEWART