Monday morning brought some bits of Vancouver Canucks news, including Bo Horvat contract negotiations and talks with NCAA free agents Alex Kerfoot and Will Butcher.
Ever since Vancouver Canucks general manager signed a handful of veterans on July 1st — namely Sam Gagner and Michael Del Zotto — things have been quiet on the team’s news front.
But on Monday morning, Rick Dhaliwal of News 1130 dropped a few interesting pieces of news regarding the Canucks.
Over the past week, however, the Canucks have been linked to prized NCAA free agent Alex Kerfoot — who reportedly had a “productive meeting” with the team last week.
Dhaliwal had this tidbit of news to drop regarding Kerfoot:
Hearing UFA forward Alex Kerfoot will decide soon on a team and yes the #Canucks are still in the mix.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) August 21, 2017
The Vancouver native scored 16 goals and 45 points in 36 games for Harvard of the ECAC last season. Kerfoot was drafted in the fifth round (150th overall), by the New Jersey Devils in 2012, but looks poised to leave the team that selected him.
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If he signs with the Canucks, Kerfoot would join a team that’s suddenly getting crowded at centre, with Bo Horvat, Henrik Sedin, Brandon Sutter and Brendan Gaunce already listed on the depth chart.
But Kerfoot would likely report to the Utica Comets if the Canucks join him, as new head coach Travis Green must make room for some veterans on the roster.
It’s also worth noting that the Canucks are NOT in on defenceman Will Butcher, as Dhaliwal confirmed here:
Butcher is another prized NCAA prospect that chose not to re-sign with his Colorado Avalanche — who drafted him in the fifth round back in 2013. Butcher had 37 points for the University of Denver last season.
No news on Horvat extension
The Canucks continue to work towards an extension for No. 1 centre Bo Horvat, but Dhaliwal reported that there’s “nothing new” on that front:
Nothing new on Bo Horvat contract talks other than they continue to talk. #Canucks
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) August 21, 2017
Horvat is set to make $894,167 in 2016-17, according to CapFriendly.com. After that, he’s eligible for RFA status. The former 2013 first round selection led Vancouver in scoring last year with 20 goals and 52 points.
Earlier in August, Benning did say that he expects a contract with Horvat to be done before training camp starts.
This isn’t anything shocking, as the Canucks have to be cautious with how much they want to pay Horvat before they run into salary cap issues down the road. Horvat hasn’t indicated in any way that he wants to leave Vancouver. So fans have no reason to panic — a deal will get done soon.
Next: Exploring a trade for Ryan-Nugent Hopkins
But whether or not the Canucks land Kerfoot remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
*Stats courtesy of Hockey Reference and Hockey DB*