Vancouver Canucks Offseason Checklist

The offseason has begun for most teams, except the ones still in the playoffs.

For the Vancouver Canucks, it’s time to plan for next season after a surprising run. They won their division and made it deep into the playoffs without their starting goalie. GM Patrik Allvin has already re-signed Filip Hronek to a long-term deal, but there’s more to do.

Vancouver needs to strengthen its defense. Right now, only Hronek, Quinn Hughes, and Carson Soucy are under contract for next season. Noah Juulsen is also signed but is seen as a backup option. This leaves three spots open that need filling either by re-signing current players or bringing in new ones.

One key player is Nikita Zadorov, who performed well after being traded from Calgary and was crucial in the playoffs. He might get a six-year deal worth $6 million per season due to his strong performance. Tyler Myers had his best season in years despite being moved down the lineup and could return at a lower cost than his previous $6 million salary. Ian Cole is expected to move on.

Strengthening Defense:

With about $17 million in cap space, Vancouver can afford one significant contract while also looking for cheaper options if they want to add forwards too. Myers and Cole played major roles on the penalty kill, so finding players with similar skills will be important.

Boeser’s Contract Talks:

Brock Boeser finally reached his potential last season with 40 goals and 73 points in 81 games. He became an essential part of the team under coach Rick Tocchet. Boeser is set for a big raise from his current $6.65 million cap hit; an eight-year deal around $8 million per year seems likely if he signs soon after July 1st when he’s eligible.

Fans might wonder if this will affect other free-agent signings this summer.

Injuries were an issue earlier in Boeser’s career but he showed he can consistently produce high points per game numbers when healthy.

Adding Impact Forwards:

The Canucks need top-six wingers to support J.T Miller and Elias Pettersson next season since Ilya Mikheyev isn’t expected back due to injury concerns . Clearing Mikheyev’s $4.75 million cap hit would give more flexibility for signings.

Their main target appears to be Jake Guentzel from Pittsburgh Penguins who could cost around $9 million per season if acquired before hitting UFA status again this summer—Carolina Hurricanes may still be interested too though! Other cheaper options include Jonathan Marchessault or Teuvo Teräväinen which would provide short-term upgrades over current rostered players like Nils Höglander or even considering reunion with Tyler Toffoli!

Clearing Poolman’s Contract:

Tucker Poolman likely won’t play again due migraines keeping him off ice since October ’22 spending all last year LTIR (long-term injured reserve). His four-year deal worth $2 .5M AAV criticized initially now just one year left causing salary-cap issues needing resolution possibly through trade teams needing relief such Golden Knights Lightning acquiring placing LTIR providing much-needed during-season relief benefiting both sides win-win situation overall!

What do you think about these moves? Should they prioritize defense or offense first?