Canucks Sign Jonathan Dahlen with European Assignment Clause

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The Vancouver Canucks have signed Swedish prospect forward Jonathan Dahlen to a three-year entry-level contract.

Many Vancouver Canucks fans are still trying to get over the departure of Russian defenseman Nikita Tryamkin. Perhaps this can cheer you up a little: The Canucks managed to bring in a promising player from Europe in return — Swede Jonathan Dahlen.

Let’s talk about the positives first.

One, the youth movement is on. Okay, Tryamkin’s departure was slightly counterproductive, but that wasn’t the Canucks’ choice. It seems like they are doing their best to bring prospects to Vancouver, which is an important first step in a long ‘transition phase.’

Two, Dahlen fills two of Vancouver’s biggest needs, at least in the long term. He is an extremely skilled player who loves to score goals, and he can play either at center or on the wing.

Here is what Canucks GM Jim Benning had to say about his newest acquisition, via the Canucks’ official press release:

"“Jonathan is a very skilled player with good hands and goal scoring abilities,” said General Manager Jim Benning. “He had a terrific year playing in Sweden and we’re excited to see him at training camp as he continues to grow and develop into an NHL player.”"

Jim is not the only excited one.

Unfortunately, there is a catch. Tryamkin was mentioned earlier for a reason — there is a similarity between him and Dahlen that Canucks fans might not like.

As Dahlen told Rick Dhaliwal of NEWS 1130 Sports, the Canucks will allow him to return to Sweden if he doesn’t crack the NHL roster.

Chances are, he has a similar European assignment clause in his contract as Tryamkin had. That’s the only way to make something like this work.

But, it’s probably not as terrible as it seems.

First of all, Dahlen used the word “option” instead of plainly stating “I will go back.” So, perhaps he hasn’t made up his mind yet and will consider playing with the AHL Utica Comets if that’s what the Canucks want.

Second, Tryamkin didn’t show up to training camp in game shape. Dahlen, on the other hand, seems extremely dedicated and wants to make the team. Tryamkin seemed to be taking a roster spot in the NHL for granted, demanding even more than he was getting, but Dahlen seems to have a good understanding of how things work around here.

So, even though Dahlen seems to have the same out-clause as Tryamkin, this does not mean it will end the same way — even if Dahlen gets cut in training camp.

That said, Dahlen probably has plenty of teams to pick from in Sweden.

This is in no way surprising. Dahlen had 25 goals and 44 points in 45 games with Timra IK in Sweden’s second-tier league this year. He is one of Sweden’s most promising prospects and has the potential to be viewed as a draft steal one day, having fallen to 42nd to the Ottawa Senators.

Next: Top Candidates for Canucks' Coaching Position

At this point, let’s quickly remember the great things Alex Burrows has done for the organisation, but then quickly move on.

The future is here.