Canucks 2020 free agent targets: Forward Evgenii Dadonov

If the Vancouver Canucks want to bolster their offence, they should target Florida Panthers forward Evgenii Dadonov in free agency.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning will lose more than he’ll gain this offseason, due to the team’s difficult salary cap situation.

This is unless he can trade away some expensive contracts — namely room Brandon Sutter, Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle and/or Sven Baertschi —  in order to create some much-needed cap room. Easier said than done, however.

The Canucks have to try to work out a new deal for top goalie Jacob Markstrom and blueliners Chris Tanev (a pending UFA) and Troy Stecher (a pending RFA). With limited cap space, it’s hard to envision Benning retaining trade deadline pickup Tyler Toffoli, also a pending UFA.

But if Benning can get creative in opening up more cap room, he may look to add more scoring depth in order to offset Toffoli’s departure. It’s worth noting that Tanner Pearson is scheduled to become a UFA next summer, so Benning might need to add a veteran top-six forward — especially if Nils Hoglander and/or Vasili Podkolzin aren’t NHL ready.

One potential target in 2020 free agency? Florida Panthers forward Evgenii Dadonov.

The veteran sniper hit the 25-goal mark for the third straight year in 2019-20. Prior to the season suspension, Dadonov had 25 goals and 47 points. He had 28 goals and 70 points last season, and 28-37-65 in 2017-18.

But Dadonov is now 31 years of age, and there are plenty of quality scorers in this year’s free agent class: Toffoli, Taylor Hall, Mike Hoffman, Mikael Granlund, Ilya Kovalchuk and Craig Smith should also attract plenty of interest.

Because of Dadonov’s age, he may not command as much term as the other top free agents. He might be interested in a short-term deal with a higher cap hit (think two or three years for around $5-6 million annually).

Dadonov would slot in nicely anywhere in the top-six. He could either skate on line two with Bo Horvat or play on the top line, allowing J.T. Miller to play with the captain.

Dadonov should be keen on joining a competitive club after having his prime years wasted by a consistent non-playoff team in Florida. And with most of the Stanley Cup contenders already up against the cap, Benning might have little competition for Dadonov’s services.

This isn’t to say that the Canucks have to pursue Dadonov. But if the opportunity is there, Benning ought to at least explore it. If you can add a capable 30-goal and 70-point forward on a short-term deal, why not try?

Dadonov would be an excellent fit for the Canucks, as long as the price is right.