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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 /

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

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