6 Russian UFA Targets for the Canucks

1. Vladislav Namestnikov

Vladislav Namestnikov  is still a productive player in the NHL. The 29-year-old has consistently produced roughly 30 points per year throughout his nine years in the league. His last contract paid him $2 million per year, and his next contract will likely be similar.

As a middle-six centre,(can also play both wing positions) he could slot perfectly between the left-winger Kuzmenko and the right-winger Podkolzin, and potentially have instant chemistry.

Namestnikov comes from a strong hockey family. His father, Evgeny, played 43 games in the NHL, including 35 for the Canucks over four seasons. His uncle is Detroit Red Wings legend Slava Kozlov. Another uncle, Ivan Novoseltsev, played five seasons in the league, and his younger brother, Max, plays for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL.

He is well-acquainted with both Russian and North American culture. He spent the majority of his childhood on this side of the pond and speaks perfect English. He would be an excellent mentor for these two promising players.

2. Alex Galchenyuk

Like Namestnikov, Galchenyuk grew up in North America, as his dad, Alexander Galchenyuk Sr., played professional hockey here. In addition to his flawless English and Russian, Galchenyuk is also fluent in Italian.

The former third-overall pick has struggled at the NHL level since leaving Montreal in 2018, but he can still produce in a bottom-six role. Coming off a league-minimum, one-year deal, he will undoubtedly be a risk-free addition to whichever team he signs with this off-season.

If that team happens to be the Canucks, they would benefit greatly from having him.

3. Valeri Nichushkin

One of the many feel-good stories of this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, Valeri Nichushkin is having an excellent year. With eight goals and 13 points through 16 games these playoffs, he is certain to get a raise from the $2.5 million he made this year.

Up until this season, Nichushkin had struggled offensively in the NHL, infamously scoring zero goals during the 57 games he played for the Dallas Stars in 2018-19. Something seems to have clicked this year, however, as he recorded 25 goals and 52 points in 62 regular-season games with the Colorado Avalanche.

He has always been solid defensively, as JFresh reported on Sunday, and could boost the Canucks’ penalty kill greatly.

If Canucks management is to try to lure Nichushkin over, they must be wary of the recency bias that comes with him. He will undoubtedly get a raise, but one good year is not enough proof to give a player a massive contract — even if that year ends with a shiny Stanley Cup ring on his finger.

4. Nikita Zadorov

The Canucks have spent years searching for big, strong, tough guys to boost their lineup. Nikita Zadorov could fill that role for them, in addition to a mentorship role for Podkolzin and Kuzmenko.

The 6’6”, 235-lb defenceman is approaching 500 games played in the NHL, and has steadily improved over the years. While his offensive contributions are mediocre, Zadorov has solid defensive statistics. His on-ice goals against per 60 minutes are exceptional, at 2.1 this year and 2.3 last year. That’s better than renowned defensive defenceman Jaccob Slavin — although Slavin typically faces more skilled opponents.

Zadorov was tied for 41st in the league in hits this year, and drops the gloves when necessary. He would provide grit, defense, and mentorship for the Canucks.

Having signed one-and two-year deals the majority of his career so far, the 27-year-old is probably due for a longer-term contract, and will likely make between $4 million and $5 million per year. The Canucks might be willing to give that to him.

5. Alex Radulov

At 35 years old, Alex Radulov has been around. A superstar in juniors with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, he has played 524 games in the NHL and 391 games in the KHL. He has learned how to be a professional, and could provide great leadership for the Canucks’ young Russians.

While his career is certainly on the downturn, Radulov still produced 22 points in a limited role for the Dallas Stars this year. He made $6.25 million per year over the past five years, and will certainly be available for much cheaper this year, should he decide to continue his NHL career.

6. Evgeni Malkin

While Malkin would be expensive, what better mentor could there possibly be than someone who benefitted so greatly from a mentor himself?

Should the Canucks trade J.T. Miller, the 35-year-old centre could fill the gap that would be left. Malkin is one of the greatest Russians ever to lace up a pair of skates, so Podkolzin and Kuzmenko have surely looked up to him for a long time.

Although he is quickly aging, Malkin still produced over a point per game this year, and helped the Penguins reach the playoffs for the 16th year in a row.

The Canucks’ front office is familiar with Malkin, as Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin used to make up the Penguins’ front office. They should be trusted to make the right call on Malkin, as they know who he is and what he is capable of.

Whether it’s one of these six free agents or someone acquired in a trade, the Canucks should definitely look into a veteran Russian to help Podkolzin and Kuzmenko. Just as Malkin credits Gonchar for his transition to North America, these guys could be forever grateful to a veteran mentor.