With the playoffs in sight, Patrik Allvin will only have one idea: to improve his roster. Whether it's adding scoring upfront or completing his defensive core, Allvin will be working the phones.
Looking at the Canucks' expected roster, the team's biggest issue may be their lack of compatible partners for Quinn Hughes. Filip Hronek did wonders by his side during the 2023-2024 season, but Rick Tocchet may be exploring the idea of Hronek driving his pairing, possibly on Carson Soucy's right.
While we already know that Tyler Myers is now fit for Hughes, there is concern that Vincent Desharnais may not be the man to fill that void, potentially highlighting the Canucks' most significant issue.
Tom Willander will most likely be the man to fill that void in the future, but given the fact that he'll be playing Collegiate hockey this year, counting on him to fix the Canucks' defence isn't an option. With that in mind, Allvin will likely be looking for a capable veteran who can eat minutes and hold his own better than average. That's where the Kraken's veteran defenseman, Adam Larsson, comes into play.
Entering the last year of the contract that earns him an annual $4M, he'd be easy to fit into the Canucks' payroll, and his acquisition shouldn't be enormous given the circumstances.
He is a defensively reliable right-handed shot defenseman known for his strong physical presence and shot-blocking abilities. He plays a key role in shutting down opposing teams' top players, often battling the best forwards in the league. Larsson is adept at using his size and strength to win battles along the boards and clear the crease before his goaltender.
Although not known for his offensive contributions, Larsson's ability to break up plays and make bright, simple passes out of the defensive zone makes him a valuable asset on the blue line. His leadership qualities and experience add further value to his team's defensive corps.
Source: PuckPedia
Adam Larsson - Statistics and Cap hit
POLL | ||
Do you think that Adam Larsson could be a fit for the Canucks' current defensive core? | ||
Yes | 199 | 71.6 % |
No | 79 | 28.4 % |
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