Vancouver Canucks: Top 15 unrestricted free-agent targets

No. 14: Brandon Pirri

Brandon Pirri is a skilled forward, quite the opposite of Stalberg in many ways. Pirri doesn’t have the size, nor does he have the stunning speed. Then why should the Canucks want him on July 1st?

He is young. Much younger than Stalberg. Also, there is a reason to believe that Pirri is due for a decent season.

Age: 26
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 186 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 60GP – 8G – 18Pts
2016-17 Salary: $1.1 million

Pirri does have a 20-goal season under his belt, as well as a 29-point season. As a young player with skill, the Canucks wouldn’t mind signing him to a multi-year contract, perhaps at even three years. Most would be comfortable with just two years, though.

Why do I like Pirri right now for the Canucks? He is coming off a season in which he recorded, for the first time in his career, a positive relative Corsi For. That may be a sign of better things to come for Pirri. He may be finding his stride entering his prime years.

For a Vancouver team that struggled mightily on the offensive side of things, a young and skilled player like Pirri is worth trying out. He won’t cost too much anyhow.