Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 5 Defensemen to Target

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
3 of 6
Next
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
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

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 /

No.5: JORDIE BENN

No, this is not Jamie Benn, but the older brother of the Dallas Stars captain. This veteran defenseman is losing his spot next year to the young guns the Stars have developed, notably Patrik Nemeth and Jamie Oleksiak. Although staying with his star younger brother would be the best course to take for Jordie, there is more to the story.

Height / Weight: 6-foot-2, 200 lbs
Age: 28
2015-16 Stats: 64 GP — 3 Goals — 9 Assists — 12 Points
2015-16 Salary: $0.85 million
Expected UFA Salary: $1.3 million

Jordie Benn is an underrated hard-worker who has the characteristics of the typical “Jim Benning” player. The left-handed shot is a defensive defenseman who should be a decent top-six option for the Canucks.

The biggest reason Jordie makes this list is the fact that he was born in Victoria, British Columbia. He is the one low-budget player that the Canucks could target to bring stability to the top-six, though the Canucks need scoring more than anything.

He is not the flashy offensive guy but is a meat-and-potatoes guy in his own end. Nevertheless, Benn seems to have had flashes of his younger brother’s brilliance:

He can hit, too.

Proposed Pairing
Nikita Tryamkin – Jordie Benn

This is the only pairing that would be possible. If a guy can’t play on the first pairing with Chris Tanev and bump out Alex Edler, he is stuck with the big Russian Tryamkin. This offers Benn a leadership role. Speed and offense will be an issue, however.

Next: No.4: ALEX GOLIGOSKI

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
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

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
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 /

No.3: DAVID SCHLEMKO

Perhaps the most underrated player available on July 1st, David Schlemko has made a name for himself as one of the cheapest steals in New Jersey this year, growing into a top-four defenseman after being signed as a stop-gap option for the Devils.

Height / Weight: 6-foot-1, 190 lbs
Age: 29
2015-16 Stats: 67 GP — 6 Goals — 13 Assists — 19 Points
2015-16 Salary: $0.625 million
Expected UFA Salary: $1.9 million

David Schlemko doesn’t wow you with anything special but is decent all-around. He defends decently, he moves the puck well, and he is relatively mobile. He is durable and versatile, as his past as a plug-and-play guy has taught him to play both sides.

He isn’t the third-best defenseman available at this year’s free agency, but the Canucks could use a bonafide top-six guy like him who could be a steal for the Canucks. Contract flexibility is key.

Proposed Pairing
N. Tryamkin – D. Schlemko

This is a meat-and-potatoes third pairing for the Canucks. There is concern that Schlemko may not stabilize Tryamkin and make the pairing prone to poor zone exits. But if Schlemko comes at a two-year bargain deal, the Canucks will take a jab at signing the ex-Flame.

Next: No.2: DAN HAMHUIS

Feb 28, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) passes the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Rogers Arena. The San Jose Sharks won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) passes the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Rogers Arena. The San Jose Sharks won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

No.2: DAN HAMHUIS

And of course, the Smithers, BC native veteran Dan Hamhuis. Is he the Canucks’ Bill Masterton nominee or the Canucks’ biggest trade asset mismanagement? Do the Canucks have room to retain Hamhuis even after the Gudbranson trade?

Height / Weight: 6-foot-1, 190 lbs
Age: 29
2015-16 Stats: 67 GP — 6 Goals — 13 Assists — 19 Points
2015-16 Salary: $3.25million
Expected UFA Salary: $4.5 million

Dan Hamhuis is everything the Canucks need defensively. His hockey sense is elite and his injury is not keeping him back from physical board battles and checks. His pass out of the D-zone is underrated. His leadership on the blueline is undeniable.

If anything, the year-end version of Hamhuis was the most motivated Canuck, especially when he was playing to up his trade value. He is still a serviceable top-four shutdown guy. Here is a throwback to Hamhuis’s younger days.

There also is a case to make that the Canucks do not need to add anything on the blueline after acquiring Erik Gudbranson. No need to dip into the free agent pool. But if that name comes from within – a proven commodity with chemistry, pride as a Canuck, and respect in the locker room – I think that Hamhuis could add to what could become one of the strongest bluelines that one would have ever imagined in Van City to start the offseason.

Proposed Pairing
N. Tryamkin – D. Hamhuis

This pairing is arguably a top-four pairing. Both players can play a shutdown role while Hamhuis brings experience and fluidity that lubricates the unrefined bumps and bruises in Tryamkin’s possession game.

The biggest point of strength for the Canucks may be the contract flexibility. Hamhuis wants to stay. The Canucks have money. Why not give him a front-loaded deal at two/three years that tapers off when you need the money most to re-sign the RFAs for real? Throw in a NMC or a NTC, because they are virtually meaningless nowadays.

Next: No.1: KRIS RUSSELL

Mar 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Newly signed Dallas Stars defenseman Kris Russell (2) skates against the New Jersey Devils during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Newly signed Dallas Stars defenseman Kris Russell (2) skates against the New Jersey Devils during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

No.1: KRIS RUSSELL

The unseen archenemy behind the Dan Hamhuis no-deal, former Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell is hitting the free agent market after a short-lived playoff experience with the Dallas Stars. Could Russell bump Hamhuis a second time and claim the spot on the Canucks top-six?

Height / Weight: 5-foot-10, 173 lbs
Age: 29
2015-16 Stats: 62 GP — 4 Goals — 15 Assists — 19 Points
2015-16 Salary: $2.6 million
Expected UFA Salary: $3.5 million

There was a reason why the Stars chose Russell and not Dan Hamhuis. Russell is the guy the Canucks are looking for.

Russell blocks shots. Russell skates tremendously well to create offense with his shot, even on the powerplay. Russell can distribute the puck. Russell is a leader. Russell uses his small frame and agility to get inside and take the puck away from the carrier.

The only problem is size. At that frame, Russell is not going to be able to hold off many Anaheim Ducks or Los Angeles Kings from the puck. But I think the Canucks have a solution for that.

Watch this highlight package and you will see why the Stars wanted Russell.

Proposed Pairing
N. Tryamkin – K. Russell

This pairing has everything. You know the drill. Russell can be the Hutton-like player who takes care of the outlet — whether it be the breakout pass or the rush out of the zone — while Tryamkin plays the shut-down. We all know how it works. Russell’s leadership qualities will also help Tryamkin. The Canucks should also use Russell on the powerplay.

The Wrap-Up

There are certainly a lot more options for the Canucks available in free agency. But do players like Jason Demers or Luke Schenn belong with the Canucks?

Despite all the talk about adding size and grit on the blueline, it may be time to take advantage of the size the Canucks have already accumulated and take a “risk” in signing a rather small yet “proven” offensive defenseman like Russell.

Next: TRADE ANALYSIS: 'Trader Jim' Knows Trading

Don’t rule Dan Hamhuis out until he actually signs with another team. David Schlemko could be a steal. Is it a hometown coming for Jordie Benn? Although the Canucks are pretty full on the blueline, Jim Benning may have other thoughts.

Watch out, Sbisa.

Next