NHL
The Vancouver Canucks head into free agency after a pretty good NHL Entry Draft. The Canucks are once again coming off a season where they didn’t qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It seems likely they won’t qualify next year, as well. Questions surround the team now about what they intend to do about free agency. The obvious answer is to give new contracts to RFAs Jake Virtanen, Sven Baertschi, and Troy Stecher.
However, the Canucks have Bo Horvat and Brandon Sutter as the first two centres. They are apparently looking for a depth centre who could provide scoring. Also, general manager Jim Benning has expressed his desire for a player with grit and toughness to add to the lineup.
Benning wants to add grit and toughness, "That's something we are targeting in free agency with certain players, to make sure we are hard enough to play against." #Canucks
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 25, 2018
Personally, I think the Canucks shouldn’t go for anyone big this year. What this team needs is a centre for depth and scoring and some toughness. Unlike last year, where they made a whole bunch of signings, I think they should just go for one or two players they really like. The Canucks do not need them to be signed to long-term deals. Maybe go for one or two year deals around the two to three million dollar range. Plus, whoever they sign could be used as bait at the upcoming trade deadline.
So, here are some names the Canucks could target for free agency. No, John Tavares is not one of them.
Riley Nash, 29, 6 ft 1, 190 pounds
The Boston Bruins centre had a career year last season. Playing 76 games, he scored 15 goals and notched 26 assists for 41 points, all on a $900,000 salary. At the start of the season, he was playing fourth line minutes. Then he played a pivotal third line role and even played on the top line when Patrice Bergeron got injured. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said Nash has “really elevated his game.” Travis Green and Jim Benning will like his two-way game and penalty killing abilities. Not to mention he can play the wing as well. It seems like he is only getting better, so it would be a good move if the Canucks sign him.
Jay Beagle, 32, 6 ft 3, 218 pounds
#Canucks have also called the agent for C Jay Beagle. UFA free agency window opened today.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 24, 2018
The Washington Capitals centre is coming off a pivotal role in the Caps run to the Stanley Cup. The Canucks should take a look at Beagle because he is a very reliable bottom six centre. He plays very well defensively and can win faceoffs. (58.5% in the regular season and 60.1% in the playoffs). Beagle can hit and block shots very well. He also isn’t afraid to drop the gloves in defence of a teammate. Beagle can play the boards as well, so that is another plus.
Tyler Bozak, 32, 6 ft 1, 199 pounds
With the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tyler Bozak played on the third line and was on the second PP unit. Like Riley Nash, he could fill in for Horvat and Sutter if they are injured. 11 goals and 32 assists for 43 points last season isn’t too bad. Bozak is playmaker and two way forward with offensive instincts. He can play on the special teams and is great at faceoffs. However, he might be looking for some big money and a long term deal.
Derek Ryan, 31, 5 ft 11, 170 pounds
Derek Ryan posted career high numbers in goals (15) and points (38) with Carolina. Ryan skates pretty well and is a solid playmaker. He can win faceoffs and help on the PP. Ryan could sign for a one year deal and be an asset at the trade deadline.
Lance Bouma, 28, 6 ft 2, 208 pounds
Since the Canucks are looking for toughness, they should look at Lance Bouma. The former Vancouver Giant can play the left wing and centre. The Canucks could sign him to a one year deal and use him at the trade deadline. Sportsnet 650 Host, Jawn Jang summarized Lance Bouma pretty well.
If the #Canucks are looking to replace Archibald through free agency, I think Lance Bouma is an intriguing option. Former Vancouver Giant plays all 3 forward positions, is physical, has a good defensive game and has leadership intangibles.
— Jawn Jang (@jawnjang) June 25, 2018
Ryan Reaves, 31,6’1,225 pounds
The Canucks want toughness and Reaves is a good example of toughness. He plays very physical and is not afraid to drop the gloves. He can play well around the boards. In the playoffs with the Vegas Golden Knights, he even got on the score sheet. He is a type of player that can get under opponents’ skin and a player every team would want.
