LATEST | Canucks linked to a former first-round pick: Intriguing option to center the team's third line
Patrik Allvin has already stated that he'd be on the market for a 3rd line centerman. While they still have to figure out their cap problems first, Thomas Drance linked the Canucks to a pending restricted free agent who perfectly fits the Canucks.
Michael McLeod, the Devils' 12th Overall pick in 2016, is a right-handed shot centerman with tremendous skating abilities and deceptive skills. Standing at 6'02'' and 190 pounds, he was a master in the faceoff circles this year, winning 60% of the draws he took in New Jersey.
McLeod precisely fits the Canucks' search for players that have not yet reached the full extent of their potential in the NHL. McLeod's been stuck behind loads of star players in New Jersey, and he could very well bloom once he gets a better opportunity. Here's what Drance reported on the player:
''Given that the Devils have a glut of NHL-level pivots and a variety of significant pieces � namely Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier � to extend this offseason, having a restricted player with a strong arbitration case and a fourth-line ceiling on a team with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer isn't ideal. McLeod isn't likely to be an affordable acquisition, but there's no better Canucks third-line centre target from an affordability and fit standpoint who could realistically be available on the trade market this summer. ...,
Although McLeod isn't a penalty-killing ace and only played fourth-line minutes on a deep Devils team this past season, he's got the profile of a player who could do a lot more in an expanded role on a shallower team.''
Although McLeod isn't a penalty-killing ace and only played fourth-line minutes on a deep Devils team this past season, he's got the profile of a player who could do a lot more in an expanded role on a shallower team.''
McLeod managed a career-high 26 points this year behind players like Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Erik Haula. His lack of offensive production could turn him into a cheap acquisition for Allvin. Could he be the player the Canucks need? He was once a top-end prospect, given a proper opportunity, could he bloom to live up to his potential?
SOURCE:The Athletic
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 269 ANSWERS LATEST | Canucks linked to a former first-round pick: Intriguing option to center the team's third line Should the Canucks trade for McLeod's rights? | ||
| Yes | 183 | 68 % |
| No | 86 | 32 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
