Canucks Extend Qualifying Offer To Šilovs; McDonough, Johansson and Cicek Headed For Free Agency
Artūrs Šilovs was the only of the four restricted free agents to receive a qualifying offer from the Vancouver Canucks.
Photo by Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports - Canucks Extend Qualifying Offer To Šilovs; McDonough, Johansson and Cicek Headed For Free AgencyOn the eve of free agency, the Vancouver Canucks announced that they have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent goaltender Artūrs Šilovs. In the same post, the Canucks that restricted free agents Aidan McDonough, Filip Johansson and Nick Cicek were not issued qualifying offers, meaning they will become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Issue a qualifying offer ensures Vancouver keeps the rights to Šilovs while they continue to negotiate a new contract.
Šilovs had a year to remember as he led the Canucks to Game 7 of the second round against the Edmonton Oilers. The 23-year-old spent most of the season in the AHL, going 16-11-6 with a .907 SV% and four shutouts. The plan for Šilovs next season is not year clear, but he looks ready to take on a more significant role and become Vancouver's backup goaltender in 2024-25.
As for the players headed for free agency, all played important roles for Abbotsford this past season. McDonough, who was a seventh-round pick for the Canucks in 2019, recorded a career-high 19 points in 58 games. McDonough did play games for Vancouver during his time with the organization, suiting up for six after making the jump from the NCAA during the 2022-23 season.
Moving on to Johansson, he had already signed a contract with Rögle BK of the SHL earlier this year. In his first season with Abbotsford, the right-shot defenceman recorded 18 points in 55 games. Initially drafted by the Minnesota Wild 24th overall in 2018, he was signed by the Canucks in June 2022 but never played a game at the NHL level.
Lastly, Vancouver acquired Cicek this season for Jack Studnicka. The 24-year-old left-shot defenceman played 49 games for Abbotsford, recording 13 points and 52 penalty minutes. Cicek was also a key part of the AHL Canucks playoff run, playing in all six games and recording two assists.
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