Vancouver Canucks: Top 5 Remaining Free Agents to Target

No. 3: Kris Versteeg

The obvious question here is whether the Canucks can still afford Versteeg. Ignoring Rodin and Larsen and sticking with the $4.2 million cap space  will allow the Canucks to afford Versteeg, but can they really do that to accommodate the former Los Angeles King?

Position: RW
Height / Weight: 5-foot-11, 176 lbs
Age: 30
2015-16 Stats: 77 GP — 15 Goals — 23 Assists — 38 Points
2015-16 Salary: $4.4 million
Expected UFA Salary: $4.0 million

Ranked 19th on our top 20 list of free agents, Versteeg is a decent defensive player with flashes of offensive talent. His Corsi testifies — his +7.8 percent relative Corsi For proves him a player who can dictate possession. Plus, he has a great nose for the net despite his size and has the ability to wire the puck to the back of the net.

A positionally sound player who is smart defensively, Versteeg is a veteran that might be still worth his money. But is he a fit with the Canucks?

Simple answer, no. His lack of size is his biggest fault. The Canucks could move salary to accommodate him, but Versteeg’s lack of strength to battle and win puck battles will result in seeing pucks turned over in the defensive zone along the boards especially.

One of the best players left on the open market but the Canucks have no room for a guy who is in his thirties that can only play the right side with physical limitations.

Next: No. 2: NICK SPALING