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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 5 Defensemen to Target

By David Joun

Apr 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Jordie Benn (24) throws a puck into the stands after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Jordie Benn (24) throws a puck into the stands after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 2, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman David Schlemko (8) celebrates his goal during the third period of their game against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

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. 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.

Kicking off the series here is a look into the top blueliners who might be available come July!

What the Canucks Need

What the Canucks need on the defense are scorers. The Canucks have perhaps finally recovered from the loss of Bieksa with the addition of Erik Gudbranson, who bring physicality and respect to the Vancouver blueline that was missing ever since Bieksa left the team. The blueline still needs a consistent producer who will not only get shots on net but score, snipe, and dish out strategic passes in the attacking zone — something that Yannick Weber could not do.

Depth Chart (2016-17 ~ RFA + $17 million)

  1. Alex Edler (3 years, $5.0 million)
  2. Chris Tanev (4 years, $4.45 million)
  3. Erik Gudbranson (1 year, $3.5 million)
  4. Ben Hutton (1 year, ELC)
  5. Luca Sbisa (2 years, $3.6 million)
  6. Nikita Tryamkin (1 year, ELC)
  7. Philip Larsen (RFA)
  8. Alex Biega ( 2 years, $0.75 million)
  9. Andrey Pedan (RFA)

With much depth but not NHL quality, the Canucks are already considering going with eight defensemen to begin the 2016-17 season, with big Russian RFA Pedan playing as a 13th forward. With Dan Hamhuis looking to continue his career as a Canuck, the picture becomes that much murkier.

What the Canucks need the most, however, may be time. Ben Hutton and Nikita Tryamkin both  look like potential top-four shots while new additions Philip Larsen (cost the Canucks a conditional 5th-round pick) and rookie Troy Stecher seem like potential steals for Vancouver.

Without further ado, let’s jump in and see what this crazy blueline could target at free agency!

Next: No.5: JORDIE BENN

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