Vancouver Canucks: Top 15 unrestricted free-agent targets
By David Joun
No. 15: Viktor Stalberg
Viktor Stalberg has size. He has speed. He isn’t at the most ideal age but seeing that the Ottawa Senators still want to keep him around, there is still a place for Stalberg in the NHL. The Canucks would welcome a bottom-six forward with this enticing mix of speed and size.
Age: 31
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 75GP – 11G – 16PTS
2016-17 Salary: $1.5 million
With Stalberg’s size and speed, there is a lot the Canucks could do in the bottom-six group. A speedy line could have Stalberg and Griffen Molino (another speedster, in case you forgot) as wingmen for Brandon Sutter. This line would be quite solid defensively.
A checking line with Stalberg could see him play with Brendan Gaunce and Jake Virtanen, if not Derek Dorsett. This line would not be a defensive liability, either. Would Gaunce benefit offensively by playing with a speedy winger like Stalberg?
After being traded to the Ottawa Senators late this season, Stalberg did not impress during the playoffs. He had just two assists in 17 playoff games.What this means is that Stalberg may not have the bargaining chips to demand a high salary. Expect him to be available at just over a million dollars.
What this means is that Stalberg may not have the bargaining chips to demand a high salary. Expect him to be available at just over a million dollars per year.