Free Agency 2021: Canucks made one of the biggest steal
The Canucks have made their fair share of bad free-agency signings. However, we repeatedly fail to note the ones that did turn in the Canucks' favour. It's hard to forget the absolute steal made with Andrei Kuzmenko, but some have been flying under the radar.
QUIETLY DEVELOPING INTO A STEADY NHLer
On July 28th, 2021, the Canucks inked a Toronto native out of the Rangers' organization to a one-year deal worth $750K. Phil Di Giuseppe joined the organization and has constantly progressed into the steady and constant contributor he is today.
Two years later, PDG is entering his third season as a Canucks with two more years under contract at a near league minimum of $775K, and it could wind up being one of the league's best contracts.
Currently leading the team in points after the pre-season calendar, PDG has made it clear that he belonged on J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser's left. The 29-year-old ended the season on that line, and he wasn't about to give his spot back:
The author of 12 points through 30 games last year, analysts are wondering what could be his actual ceiling, given that he'd keep the opportunity to play on an important line with Boeser and Miller.
Analyst have started giving their opinion on PDG's place in the line-up, and it seems that he'll, once again, be underestimated. Can he prove the detractors wrong?
If the #Canucks are serious about a playoff push, he's best served in a bottom-six role. Will be interesting to see the ripple effect when Mikheyev returns."
If PDG keeps up his good pace and collects anywhere near 50 points at a $775K cap hit, he could be one of the league's top cost-efficient contracts. It's precisely what the Canucks could use right about now.
| POLL | ||
Is PDG good enough to be a steady top6 contributor on a playoff contending team? | ||
| Yes | 254 | 57.3 % |
| No | 189 | 42.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
