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Vancouver Canucks: Top 5 Remaining Free Agents to Target

By David Joun

Mar 10, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Lauri Korpikoski (28) takes the faceoff in first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Lauri Korpikoski (28) takes the faceoff in first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-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 /

No. 5: Sam Gagner

Potentially the most offensively gifted player available, Sam Gagner could be the big steal in play on the secondary market. Canucks GM Jim Benning has reportedly reached out to Gagner’s camp, but that was before the Eriksson signing.

Position: LW-C
Height / Weight: 5-foot-11, 202 lbs
Age: 26
2015-16 Stats: 53 GP — 8 Goals — 8 Assists — 16 Points
2015-16 Salary: $4.8 million
Expected UFA Salary: $3 million

Much has already been said about Gagner, who is young, skilled, and potentially on the rise as a skilled middle-six forward. His ability to play both the left wing and the pivot make checks off the positional versatility box.

His hands, his vision, and his shootout specialty make him an asset the Canucks could target. After all, the Canucks did lose a shootout specialist in Radim Vrbata — who is still without a deal in the open market.

If Gagner can play a full season without injuries without the pressure to perform as a top-six forward, he will be a steal at the cost the Canucks can afford him. Though not the best fit that the Canucks are looking for right now, Jim Benning will not do himself good if he doesn’t call the former Oiler phenom.

Next: No. 4: TYLER KENNEDY

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