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Five young right-handed defencemen the Canucks could target in a trade

By Joshua Rey|
May 3, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (45) passes the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (45) passes the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 20, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) battles with Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) battles with Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Henri Jokiharju, Buffalo Sabres, age 22

Jokiharju was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017 but two years later was traded to the Buffalo Sabres for Alex Nylander. It was a weird trade and it’s safe to say Buffalo won it.

In 60 games this past season, Jokiharju scored three goals and put up 16 assists for 19 points. (Points are a career-high)

Like Durzi, Jokiharju is an excellent puck mover and a good passer. When it comes to his skating, it is quite smooth.

According to NaturalStatTrick, he led all Sabres defencemen in expected goals per 60 with 2.3. While his defensive game can be a little rough at times, (Can make bad giveaways every now and then.) there is still lots to like about Jokiharju.

He also comes at a cheap cap hit of 2.5 million dollars until the end of the 2023-24 season. If the Canucks were to trade for him, he would crack their top four and his skating and offensive abilities will be welcomed with open arms.

Let us know your thoughts on these five right-handed defencemen or suggest others the Canucks could target in the comments below, in the Facebook comments or on Twitter.

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