Vancouver Canucks: Top 15 unrestricted free-agent targets
By David Joun
No. 5: Anders Nilsson
While the rumours say that Anders Nilsson is already on his way to Vancouver, here are the reasons why that is a great move for Vancouver’s goaltending situation.
The #Canucks called the agent for goalie Keith Kinkard earlier this week but appear now to be after Buffalo's Anders Nilsson.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 29, 2017
Age: 27
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 229 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 26 GP – 10W – 10L – 2.67 GAA – .923 Sv%
2016-17 Salary: $1 million
Another big Swede in net? That could certainly be the case as Jacob Markstrom’s 2010 World Juniors teammate could push Markstrom to earn his starts. Though Nilsson has proven to let in the occasional soft goal here and there, working with the Canucks and their goaltender training staff could really elevate his game.
This is a nice way to create competition for Markstrom. It is difficult to battle for the crease between two NHL netminders and bringing in a fellow countryman and a teammate is a great way to go for the Canucks.
Update:
Anders Nilsson with Canucks, two years, $2.5 M aav
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2017