Vancouver Canucks should bring back Jannik Hansen
By Alex Hoegler
Jannik Hansen was a fan favorite and a dependable winger for the Vancouver Canucks. After his failed stint with the San Jose Sharks, the Canucks should look at a reunion.
The Vancouver Canucks made a difficult but wise decision at last years’ trade deadline, trading Jannik Hansen to the Pacific Division rival San Jose Sharks.
The return of prospect Nikolay Goldobin and a fourth-round pick was a nice haul for general manager Jim Benning. ‘Goldy’ brings supreme skating and energy to his game, and he could be an integral part of this team going forward.
But trading Hansen wasn’t an easy move. He was one of this team’s few quality penalty killers, brought tremendous speed to his game and could play anywhere up and down the lineup. The Canucks signed Sam Gagner and hoped he’d be able to replace the void left by Hansen, but that didn’t go as planned this season.
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Given his struggles with the Sharks, Hansen seems like a sure bet to test the free agent waters. He only has four goals and 21 points in 61 games with San Jose, and he was often a healthy scratch during the regular season.
In Vancouver, Hansen was a reliable second/third line winger. From 2011-12 to 2015-16, he scored at least 10 goals and 20 points a season.
He’s not a legitimate sniper, but Hansen’s one of those players that the Canucks missed dearly in 2017-18, and it makes every sense to bring him back this offseason.
We all know the Canucks need to avoid spending highly in free agency this summer, unless there’s a magical way to get John Tavares for below market value. And we know that’s not happening.
But Hansen can be this year’s Thomas Vanek. That is, a proven veteran forward who can do it all and be had at a cheap price. Hansen is 32 years of age and won’t get offered much cash after struggling in San Jose.
We all know how much he wanted to stay here, but the Canucks knew they had to acquire picks and prospects after the 2016 trade deadline disaster. Letting Hansen go wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one. Now, they have a chance to bring him back.
With the Sedins now retired and Jussi Jokinen most certainly leaving, the Canucks have some roster holes to fill out. The Canucks need to reshape their bottom-six as well, so bringing back Hansen makes all the sense in the world.
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Benning can offer him a two-year deal worth around $1.3 million a season. Hansen gets to come back to the city he loves, and Vancouver adds more speed to their lineup. If Benning decides he only wants to go bargain hunting in free agency, then there’s no finer choice than Jannik Hansen.