The Canuck Way
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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 6 Strategies to Use

By David Joun

Jan 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Arizona Coyotes won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Arizona Coyotes won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Arizona Coyotes won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

#1 YOUTH: High Risks and High Rewards

Due to the CBA, the youngest NHL free agents are at least 26 years old. Interesting to note, there is only one *NHL-proven* free agent defenseman available at age 26 this July. This speaks to the value of young defensemen.

When acquiring young players who are still being developed, the coach’s role will be crucial. The coach needs to find room to mix veterans with the young ones. The prospects of youth, though, is tantalizing with speed and scoring. See for yourself.

More from The Canuck Way

C/LW Sam Gagner (26) 16 pts / 53 GP
LW Mikkel Boedker (26) 51 pts / 80 GP
C Steven Stamkos (26) 64 pts / 77 GP

Center Sam Gagner is your definition of a wild card player. His success and skill level have crossed paths as the former Oiler ended yet another up-and-down season on an upswing. The majority of his success came in the second half of the season, and though his lack of size may deter Benning from investing heavily on Gagner to add to what is already a jam-packed Canucks center position, he is definitely a skilled option for the wings.

Left winger Mikkel Boedker wasn’t featured on previous weeks’ Free Agent Fridays, but here he is. He is characteristic of youth. Some inconsistency that overlooks a great scoring touch and top-end skating abilities. He brings speed like no one else.

Jim Benning, I think, would agree with me that Boedker is a better option. However, if either one of Boedker or Gagner comes to Vancouver, the forwards could line up like these:

Impact on the Line Up

I would think having the better playmaker on the line with Anton Rodin will maximize the offense. Gagner is a tremendous playmaker while I would put Baertschi above Boedker in the passing department. Either way, an addition of Gagner or Boedker would be tremendous for the middle six.

I will leave Stamkos to define himself.

Next: SPEED: Scoring Comes with Speed?

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