LATEST | Hints at third-line centerman the Canucks will target

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Cooper Godin
June 23, 2023 (3:43 PM)

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Patrik Allvin will be busy over the next week to ten days trying to add a third-line centerman to his roster for next season.

While there are plenty of names that they could go after when free agency opens on July 1st, CHEK TV's Rick Dhaliwal has mentioned a potential target for the organization.

"There's another name I want you to keep an eye on folks. Canucks are going to be looking for a center. Evan Rodrigues, IF he doesn't sign back with the Avalanche, I think they're trying to get him back. This is a player I can see the Canucks looking in on." Dhaliwal said.

He added, "Canucks tried to get Rodrigues as a UFA, but they didn't have the money. Allvin and Rutherford would know Rodrigues from his Pittsburgh days. Right-shot center, kills penalties, can play on the wing as well, versatile. 16 goals last year, 19 the year before. Just another name to keep an eye on as July 1 approaches."

Rodrigues, 29, has spent parts of eight seasons in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins and most recently, the Colorado Avalanche, who as Dhaliwal mentioned, are trying very hard to re-sign him. Last summer, he signed a one-year deal with the Avalanche worth $2 million.

The Toronto native would be a perfect third-line centerman for not only the Canucks, but any team around the NHL. In his last two seasons, he's recorded 35+ points, 43 and 39 respectively, and is very good penalty killer. In the dot, Rodrigues had a 50% faceoff winning percentage, the highest of his NHL career so far.

There will be plenty of competition for Rodrigues' services if he hits the open market on July 1st, which will drive up his price, but it's certainly an avenue the Canucks and Patrik Allvin should look into.