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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 20 Players to Target

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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Oct 24, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Sam Gagner (89) against the New York Rangers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

LW. 30, $2 million. Viktor Stalberg. 20. player. 95.

Stalberg is a speedy winger whose massive frame also brings with it a voice of leadership, sound defensive play, and sparks of offensive genius. A great Benning-type player. The only reason he crawls in as the number 20 on this list? He has not a place on a crowded Canuck bottom-six that is set to become more crowded with the signing of a 20-goal scorer.

player. 67. . RW. 30, $4 million. Kris Versteeg. 19

Kris Versteeg is a very good fit for the Canucks. He is a great defensive forward as well as a speedy versatile player who can get on the offense quite efficiently.

However, his lack of size won’t help his cause. A player of his caliber belongs in the top-six, but with that frame and at an expected price of at least $4 million, the fit is outweighed by the risk and the cost. No deal for Van, unless Jim Benning can sign Versteeg at $3 million or under.

18. player. 94. . RW. 27, $3 million. Dale Weise

He’s a fighter, Mr. Weise is. He has built himself a reputation for being one of the NHL’s top third-line checker who can cash in with some timely scoring. His work ethic makes him a versatile piece for any club even when the game is on the line.

With the bottom-six wing spots almost filled up, the Canucks’ need for a hard-checking winger is minimal. Weise would have been great there instead of an Etem or a Dorsett, but the fit just isn’t there for Vancouver.

player. 68. . C-LW. 27, $2.5 million. Sam Gagner. 17

If Jim Benning can get Gagner for anything lower than $2.5 million, I would have to applaud him for being an opportunistic GM who got one of the league’s most skilled players at half the price he could have gotten had he continued his strong mid-season play for another 20 games or so.

Gagner isn’t a two-way player, nor will he be a great center. However, he could be a 20+ goal scorer if he is moved to the wing and gets to play with strong, skilled, and speedy linemates.

Of course, if Gagner comes in on a short-term deal, his shootout specialty could prove to be a big asset and a reason for fans to come to Rogers Arena.

Next: #16 - #13

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