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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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May 1, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) skates against the St. Louis Blues during game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center. The Blues win 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

No.4: ALEX GOLIGOSKI

A second Dallas Stars defenseman? Though Alex Goligoski is a top-three defenseman who would only play on the second pairing for a high-end contender, his skill set and veteran presence is hard to pass by and has landed him the number four spot.

Height / Weight: 5-foot-11, 185 lbs
Age: 30
2015-16 Stats: 82 GP — 5 Goals — 32 Assists — 37 Points
2015-16 Salary: $4.6 million
Expected UFA Salary: $5.5 million

Alex Goligoski is a great offensive defenseman who can provide regular scoring for the Canucks. His skating and puck skills make him a threat offensively as well as the mobile defender who can clear the zone. He eats up big minutes for his club.

Although his frame makes one question his ability to be gritty and physical in front of the net and on the boards, Goligoski has thrown some big checks as necessary.

Proposed Pairing
A. Goligoski – E. Gudbranson

This pairing would be a heck of a second pairing for the Canucks. Just as Hutton had played the shifty puck mover to a towering Tryamkin, Goligoski could play the dynamic up-ice game as Gudbranson watches the back end.

Of course, this is against what GM Jim Benning said, that Ben Hutton would be playing to Gudbranson’s left. Although money may not be a factor for the Canucks, the term could be, and with Vancouver having to extend many key RFA players in the next while, the contract is the issue that keeps Goligoski at number four.

Next: No.3: DAVID SCHLEMKO

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