Vancouver Canucks Offseason Survival Guide: June Edition
By David Joun
Big Name Free Agent Frenzy: Stamkos, Okposo, Staal…
For the past few weeks I have been featuring the top unrestricted free agents available this July by position. When I capped off the first edition with none other than Andrew Ladd, free agency seemed to be a thing of a distant mirage.
Well now I realize that his offseason survival guide is the last one before July 1st Free Agency Frenzy hits the NHL. Especially with Troy Brouwer picking up a slight scent of a homecoming to Vancouver, free agency is no longer a thing of the distant future, it is a thing just four weeks away.
It is time to start writing down some big names in preparation for July 1st. Check out our Free Agent Friday series, and be sure to be on the watch for more hints to be dropped from the top free agents on a potential fit with the Canucks.
Top 5 UFA Options for the Canucks to Target
LEFT WING — | — CENTER — | — RIGHT WING — | — DEFENSE
Among the options I have listed big names like Eric Staal, Steven Stamkos, Kyle Okposo, Andrew Ladd, and Alex Goligoski as well as players who have Canuck ties to them like Mike Santorelli and Shawn Matthias.
Here are some more recent rumblings that might alter the UFA market big time:
Schwartz over Backes, Brouwer?
"We’ve been so focused on David Backes and Troy Brouwer that St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong surprised us a little by saying signing Jaden Schwartz to an extension was the “focus” for the offseason. (Elliotte Friedman, 30 Thoughts)"
This certainly makes Canucks fans cheer, giving them more hope that Brouwer is more likely than ever to hit the free market. This also means that Schwartz is off the market, which… shouldn’t really mean anything to the Canucks.
Add Andrew Ladd to the Mix for VAN
"Brouwer, another of Ladd’s former teammates and friends, told Vancouver radio station News 1130 that he “has thought about” going to home to British Columbia. Has Ladd, another BC native? “Yes it’s crossed my mind.” What about Winnipeg, if the Jets were interested? “I’ve said since I left I would never close the door. We enjoyed our time there. We’ll see if that’s an option. It takes two willing combatants.” (Elliotte Friedman, 30 Thoughts)"
More from Canucks News
- Canucks are in “wash, rinse, repeat” mode after Monday’s 5-1 loss
- Canucks send Jack Rathbone and Vasily Podkolzin down to Abbotsford
- Canucks acquire Ethan Bear, Lane Pederson from Carolina
- Brock Boeser, Curtis Lazar placed on injury reserve
- Canucks officially unveil Reverse Retro jersey in latest aesthetic change
So, Andrew Ladd, the veteran left winger and the former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, is potentially Vancouver’s for the taking? The Blackhawks aren’t even close to signing him due to cap restrictions.
Ladd should be one of the top names Jim Benning targets on July 1st. Ladd would be the perfect replacement for Alex Burrows. Ladd would be an upgrade scoring wise, size wise, and youth wise. Not much loss of character and leadership, either.
NYI Fallouts: Kyle Okposo and Matt Martin
"Kyle Okposo and Matt Martin are headed for free agency on July 1 and contracts elsewhere. Sources indicate that there have been no talks between either player’s agent and the Isles since the season ended. (Arthur Staple, Newsday)"
Although there isn’t much of a tie yet between these two and the Canucks, I have these two as potential targets that GM Benning may find enticing, especially with his experience on the east coast. Okposo is Benning’s type of player while Martin, to a lesser degree, may be like the next Derek Dorsett to the group. The latter is unlikely.
Next: NHL Entry Draft: The Cauldron of Drama