The Canuck Way
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Five cheap free agent options for the Canucks

By Joshua Rey

CALGARY, AB - MAY 15: Vladislav Namestnikov #92 of the Dallas Stars in action against the Calgary Flames during Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 15, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - MAY 15: Vladislav Namestnikov #92 of the Dallas Stars in action against the Calgary Flames during Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 15, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, AB – MAY 14: Troy Stecher #51 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a shot against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 14, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB – MAY 14: Troy Stecher #51 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a shot against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 14, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

#4: Troy Stecher, RHD

Canucks fans are familiar with Troy Stecher. The Richmond native played his first four seasons in Vancouver and was a fan favourite.

Stecher split the past season with the Red Wings and Kings this past season. He only played 29 games in Detroit and LA managing a goal and two assists. In four playoff games against the Edmonton Oilers, he scored twice and got two assists.

When he was the Canucks, Stecher displayed a high work ethic. He was very good at passing and moving the puck up the ice on the transitions. Defensively, he wasn’t too bad despite getting caught flat-footed at times.

A reunion with the mobile defenceman would be welcomed and would be a solid depth piece on the right side.

#5: Ilya Lubushkin, RHD

Ilya Lubushkin played 77 games with the Arizona Coyotes and Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored twice and managed 13 assists. Those were career-high numbers.

Lybushkin brings a physical presence. The 6’2″ 208-pound defenceman managed 187 hits this past season which was 35th in the NHL. Lybushkin had 94 hits with the Coyotes which was fifth on the team. With the Leafs, threw out 93 hits which was fourth on the team.

Defensively, Lybushkin makes the right plays in quiet but effective ways.

He is coming off a one-year contract worth 1.35 million. Lybushkin could provide defensive depth for the Canucks and add even more physicality. He would be a decent seventh defenceman for the Canucks.

Next. Canucks make multiple additions to player development staff. dark

Which other free agents do you think the Canucks could sign? Let us know in the comments below, in the Facebook comments or on Twitter.

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