Canucks rumours: Latest on Loui Eriksson, Matt Dumba, Jacob Markstrom, more
By Alex Hoegler
From Loui Eriksson to Matt Dumba to Jacob Markstrom, there isn’t a shortage of intriguing Vancouver Canucks rumours. Here’s the latest.
After falling just one game short of a surprise trip to the Western Conference Final, the Vancouver Canucks figure to be one of the busiest teams in the 2020 offseason.
General manager Jim Benning will do everything he can to upgrade the roster, but he’s up against the salary cap. Three of Vancouver’s key contributors — goalie Jacob Markstrom, defenceman Chris Tanev and forward Tyler Toffoli — are pending UFAs.
Forwards Jake Virtanen and Adam Gaudette and defenceman Troy Stecher are pending RFAs. Virtanen and Stecher have arbitration rights.
Free agency is set to take place on Oct. 9, so Benning is running short on time to determine what he wants to do with his six free agents. As we draw closer to that late, let’s take a look at the latest rumours surrounding the Canucks.
Rick Dhaliwal of TSN 1040 reported Thursday that the Canucks and Markstrom “continue to talk.” He believes re-signing the 30-year-old goalie is the team’s top priority.
In his latest 31 Thoughts column, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canucks have “a desire” to retain all three of Markstrom, Tanev and Toffoli. Friedman added that “Vancouver has a number it won’t go past,” and that Markstrom has a “strong” market.
Moving over to Toffoli, there is some good news on this front.
Friedman noted “there’s some positivity this week.” Dhaliwal also said Thursday that he’s “hearing positive vibes” regarding the 28-year-old. So keep an eye on this as the Canucks try to retain the 2014 Stanley Cup champion.
What about those compelling and new Matt Dumba-to-Vancouver rumours?
Appearing on TSN 1040, Michael Russo of The Athletic explained that he doesn’t see the Canucks as a fit for the 26-year-old defenceman. The Wild reportedly want a centre in such a trade, and of course, Russo doesn’t expect Benning to part with Elias Pettersson or captain Bo Horvat.
In his aforementioned 31 Thoughts column, Friedman also said that Vancouver giving up a centre for Dumba “would not be an option.” Not only that, but Friedman doubts “they want to do a Brock Boeser deal.”
So unless the Canucks are willing to deal one of their top centres (not happening), or unless Minnesota GM Bill Guerin changes his asking price, a Dumba trade doesn’t seem very likely right now.
Loui Eriksson has two years remaining on the six-year, $36 million deal he signed in 2016 free agency. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription required) reported Thursday that Benning and Eriksson’s agent, J.P. Barry had discussions about a possible move.
The Canucks, of course, are likely going to have to throw in a sweetener in order to make a move work. Although he carries a $6 million cap hit for 2020-21 and 2021-22, his base salary is $1 million and $3 million in those two seasons, respectively (via CapFriendly). Eriksson is also owed only $4 million total in signing bonus.
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Needless to say, it’s going to be an offseason like no other for Benning and the Canucks.