Six days into free agency, and there is still plenty of depth available on the open market for the Vancouver Canucks.
Six days into free agency, and there is still plenty of depth available on the open market for the Vancouver Canucks.
Almost a week after free agency opened, there is still plenty of talent available on the open market. While the Vancouver Canucks roster looks full, they do still have some cap flexibility as Tucker Poolman is expected to be placed on LTIR next year. If the Canucks want to add another depth piece, here are five free agents they could consider.
Filip Zadina, RW
Vancouver already has the seventh overall pick from 2018 on their roster, so why not add the sixth as well? Filip Zadina, who was selected one spot ahead of Quinn Hughes, is still available and is coming off a 13-goal and 23-point campaign with the San Jose Sharks. A former teammate of Filip Hronek with both the Detroit Red Wings and Team Czechia at the World Championships, adding Zadina and putting him in a position to succeed could help boost the Canucks bottom-six.
Sammy Blais, LW
A hitting machine, Sammy Blais fits the model of how Vancouver wants to play. Over the last two seasons, Blais has recorded 432 hits, ranking 12th in the NHL among forwards. While he may not produce a ton of points, his physicality could provide the Canucks with a big boost, especially come playoff time.
James van Riemsdyk, LW
If Vancouver is looking for depth scoring on the wing, James van Riemsdyk could be a potential fit. The now-35-year-old had 38 points in 71 games for the Boston Bruins last year and did see some time playing beside both Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen. He could also help on special teams, improving the second unit while also filling in on the first if injuries occur.
Kevin Shattenkirk, RD
Depth and experience on the blue line is important, which is why Kavin Shattenkirk could be a smart addition for Vancouver. Listed at 6'0", 212 pounds, Shattenkirk averaged 15:47 in 61 games for the Bruins last season while recording 24 points. While he may not be an everyday contributor at this stage of his career, he can still contribute and, with close to 1,000 games at the NHL level, provide some leadership in the locker room.
Calen Addison, RD
The player with the most upside on this list is Calen Addison. The 24-year-old puck-moving defenceman is coming off a year where he averaged 17:16 minutes in 72 games split between the Sharks and Minnesota Wild. There is also a connection with the Canucks, as Jim Rutherford drafted Addison back in 2018. At that time, Patrik Allvin was the Pittsburgh Penguins Director of Amateur Scouting and would have seen plenty of Addison when he was developing in the WHL. Based on Addison's age and potential, bringing him in could be a benefit not just for this season but for years to come.
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