Canucks: Big questions heading into the offseason

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Will Tyler Toffoli stay?

Tyler Toffoli was traded to the Canucks from the Los Angeles Kings before the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick in this year’s draft, along with prospect Tyler Madden and Tim Schaller packing their bags for Hollywood.

It was a steep price to pay and it looked like it was well worth it early on as Toffoli got 10 points in his first 10 games with the Canucks before the season was put on pause.

Losing Toffoli after giving up a steep price with the pick and Madden would sting if he leaves. I think he has been a good addition to the second line with his shot and smooth skating. He knows how to be in the right spot at the right time, often proving to be a better option on the top line than Brock Boeser.

Dhaliwal spoke with Toffoli’s agent Pat Brisson and he said they are open to discussions with Benning and Toffoli loves the city and has enjoyed his time with the Canucks team.

If it were up to me, I would prioritize re-signing Toffoli, but it is not up to me, it’s up to Benning.

How will they improve the bottom six? Who stays and who goes?

The bottom six is also an area of concern for the Canucks. I think they should look to improve it if they want to go on another playoff run next year and attempt to make it even further.

Tyler Motte, Zack MacEwen, Jake Virtanen are RFA’s and Adam Gaudette is going to need a new contract as well. It will be intriguing to see which of these players stays and who goes.

According to TSN reporter Farhan Lalji, there is an internal belief that the Canucks could move Brandon Sutter or Loui Eriksson at some point. Sutter will be on the final year of his deal, while Eriksson has two remaining, but has been paid the majority of his money already.

I think Sutter would be easier to move rather than Eriksson. The $36 million dollar Swede might cost a sweetener or two to get moved and of course, there is the idea of retaining salary.

The Canucks moving one of these guys could give them more cap relief and relieve some of the dead weight in the bottom six.

Whether someone gets traded or lost to free agency, they sign a free agent and/or re-sign a few players, the Canucks bottom six should be improved.

Conclusion

It should be another intriguing offseason in Vancouver and the questions above need to be answered. Hopefully, Benning does the right thing. It’ll be very interesting one way or another.