The buyout of Oliver Ekman-Larsson has created cap area however an even bigger headache to inventory a again finish that has a number of gaping holes to fill.
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What was previous could also be new once more.
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As we await that different skate to drop following the Oliver Ekman-Larsson buyout Friday, a Vancouver Canucks’ pursuit from the previous may resurface.
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With a dire want to accumulate a talented top-pairing defenceman, and add no less than one other for wanted chunk, the Canucks ought to have no less than two targets within the crosshairs.
One is a commerce consideration in puck-moving defenceman Noah Hanifin of the Calgary Flames, and the opposite a free company play for Carson Soucy of the Seattle Kraken.
The Canucks’ curiosity in Hanifin dates again to a former regime that kicked the commerce tires in 2018. They went into sticker shock and didn’t wish to half with their No. 7 draft choose that 12 months plus a main younger prospect in Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser or Bo Horvat. They stood pat and landed Quinn Hughes within the draft.
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Quick ahead and the curiosity in Hanifin ought to be vital, relying on the asking worth.
“He’s not a nasty possibility, for certain,” an NHL supply stated Monday.
And making a play for Soucy would assist tackle the scale quotient. Hanifin, 26, is 6-foot-3, 207 kilos, and Soucy, 28, is 6-foot-5, 210 kilos. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet would welcome extra beef.
“They want another huge bodily presence,” added the supply. “Perhaps Soucy may very well be that man. I might deliver Luke Schenn again for 2 years at a most $1.25 million US.
“Sufficiently small {dollars} that if he falls off the cliff, you’ll be able to bury him with no cap hit. Management and dimension are nonetheless very a lot wanted.”
Canucks possession is detest to pay a coach or participant to not carry out — besides the place parting with an under-achieving Ekman-Larsson and $19.333 million US over eight years, is offset by saving $9.666 million — and there’s expectation from above.
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One thing of roster significance is both on the horizon, may happen on the NHL draft in Nashville subsequent week, or will occur within the offseason. In spite of everything, a playoffs pursuit stays the directive.
Right here’s a glance a 5 attainable eventualities:
1. A commerce for Noah Hanifin
The script: A 12 months left on contract at $4.9 million and isn’t dedicated to signing long-term. Flames not solely missed the playoffs this season, they’ve 10 free brokers after 2023-24 marketing campaign, a rookie common supervisor and head coach, and uncertainty. If Hanifin has a robust season with new membership, he can set himself up for wealthy extension.
The great: Prime pairing, left-shot defender makes good first move, has sturdy stride, on second PP and first PK models. Not a banger, however good to disclaim zone entries. Slipped to 38 factors (7-31) this season in 22:39 of common ice time after 48 factors (10-38) in 2021-22.
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The dangerous: The competitors. The worth. Former Flames GM Brad Treliving is in Toronto and will make a play. Identical with the improved Sabres and bettering Crimson Wings. Current historical past reveals top-four blueliners fetch rather a lot and will price the Canucks their No. 11 choose subsequent week plus a third-rounder, and perhaps a fourth, to persuade the Flames to tackle Conor Garland in return.
2. A UFA play for Carson Soucy
The script: Is huge, has chunk, sturdy and reliable. Can play both aspect, performs the PK, set profession highs this season for hits and take-aways and averaged 16:18 of ice time. Can play second, third pairing.
The great: Excelled at shot suppression this season and mirrored in fewer objectives towards. Not afraid to step up and make hits at zone entry level. Shouldn’t break financial institution with 16 factors (3-13) final season on expiring $2.75-million cap hit.
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The dangerous: Brings rather a lot to the desk that groups covet. Bidding struggle may make Canucks move.
3. A UFA play for Luke Schenn
The script: At 33, nonetheless helpful as a 6-foot-2, 225-pound deterrent with sturdy play down low and wall presence. Will lead his group in hits. Will police the sport, struggle when warranted.
The great: As efficient within the room as he will be in a supportive pairing to maintain it straight and easy.
The dangerous: Leafs change course, retain providers. Or play falls off right here and accidents have an effect on sturdiness.
4. Parting with high draft choose
The script: Surrendering No. 11 choice June 28 as a part of a package deal to land Hanifin.
The great: Will make Canucks extra aggressive, and contract extension would preserve him in fold long-term.
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The dangerous: Sacrificing future for current. Canucks have a number of draft targets, whether or not they retain the choose or drop down, so as to add extra property and tackle wants on defence and centre.
5. Hoping well being is wealth
The script: Filip Hronek is coming off a shoulder damage that shut down his season, Ethan Bear had shoulder surgical procedure final week and is an RFA with an unsure future.
The great: There are in-house roster depth choices in UFA Kyle Burroughs and Christian Wolanin, plus Jack Rathbone and faculty merchandise Akito Hirose and Cole McWard. Shifting Tyler Myers after bonus is paid out in September will add cap flexibility.
The dangerous: Hronek will get harm once more, Bear has surgical procedure setback, roster choices fail to make the grade.
OVERTIME — In line with Elliotte Friedman, former Canucks bench boss Travis Inexperienced will be a part of the New Jersey Devils’ employees and exchange assistant Andrew Brunette, who was named head coach of the Nashville Predators on Could 31.
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Originally posted 2023-06-19 21:52:41.
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