Canucks on free agency: Linked to 3 defenceman potentially fitting their needs
The Vancouver Canucks have made notable strides in improving their roster during the free agency period. The team bolstered their forward group with the additions of Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Kiefer Sherwood, bringing speed and skill to their top lines.
On defence, they addressed their need for size by replacing Nikita Zadorov with Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort. With Tyler Myers, Carson Soucy, Desharnais, and Forbort all standing over 6-foot-4, the Canucks now boast a more imposing blue line. However, they still lack a puck-moving defenseman in the bottom pairings to complement Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, who have shown chemistry together.
With $1.015 million in available cap space, the Canucks have an opportunity to sign a remaining free agent to fill this gap. Here are three puck-moving defensemen who could be strong targets:
Kevin Shattenkirk
Kevin Shattenkirk, a seasoned veteran with 14 years in the NHL and a Stanley Cup to his name, could be an excellent addition. At 35 years old, Shattenkirk brings valuable offensive skills and leadership. As a right-shot defenseman, he fits well with the Canucks' needs and would be a solid complement to their defensive lineup.
Justin Schultz
Another right-shot option is Justin Schultz, a year younger than Shattenkirk but also with Cup-winning experience. Schultz, a Kelowna, B.C. native, has a well-established puck-moving skillset. His past with the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won two Stanley Cups, demonstrates his capability. Schultz could potentially reunite with Carson Soucy, his former partner in Seattle, which could enhance the Canucks' defensive depth.
Calen Addison
For a younger, high-upside option, Calen Addison is worth considering. Addison, a promising defenseman with a smooth skating style, had a solid start to his NHL career but has struggled recently. Drafted by the Penguins and later traded to the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks, Addison has shown offensive potential but needs development in his defensive game. With guidance from the Canucks' coaching staff, particularly assistant coach Adam Foote, Addison could evolve into a key player for the Canucks.
These additions could provide the Canucks with the puck-moving defenseman they need to strengthen their blue line, given that their 3rd best puck-mover at the moment is Carson Soucy by a country mile. With a little over a million to spare, should the Canucks get one of these players on a professional try out and perhaps inked them to a contract if they're good enough?
Source: The Hockey Writers
3 Puck-Moving Defencemen the Canucks Should Target in Free Agency
| POLL | ||
Who would you rather see with the Canucks? | ||
| Justin Schultz | 326 | 20.7 % |
| Calen Addison | 185 | 11.8 % |
| Kevin Shattenkirk | 357 | 22.7 % |
| None | 706 | 44.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
