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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 5 Exposed RFAs to Target

By David Joun

Dec 27, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Joe Colborne (8) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Joe Colborne (8) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Brett Connolly (14) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Brett Connolly

A former Boston Bruin under GM Jim Benning, Brett Connolly is among the first names that come up when discussing examples of top picks in the modern NHL failing to become decent NHL players. He was not qualified as an RFA by the Bruins this week.

A Campbell River, B.C. native, Connolly was picked sixth overall by the Tampa Bay Lightnings in 2010. Injuries have been a concern, but this last season, he has managed to play 71 games.

Position: Both Wings
Height / Weight: 6-foot-2, 193 lbs
Age: 24
2015-16 Stats: 71 GP — 9 Goals — 16 Assists — 25 Points
2015-16 Salary: $1.025 million
Expected UFA Salary: $2 million

Connolly is a great offensive player who has the size to make it work in the offensive zone. Although he does not use his frame to his advantage by throwing hits and working in the dirty areas, his versatility and his hockey smarts serve him very well.

His shot is quite solid, and his positioning seems to allow him to have some tap-in goals as well. That might be something the Canucks need — with the mix of size and skill, his ability to finish chances and bang loose rebounds in the back of the opposition net might make him a cheap commodity for the Canucks.

At $2.0 million, he wouldn’t be a bad bet on the wing to Sutter’s left or even a time-to-time fit for the top line, to the right of the Sedins. Connolly’s size, finishing ability, and hockey IQ may make him a surprise fit on that top line.

Suggested Line:
B. Connolly – B. Sutter – A. Rodin

Although not known for a strong two-way game, Benning and Desjardins could salvage a top prospect in decline and make him the “second Sven Baertschi” for Vancouver.

Next: No.3: BEAU BENNETT

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