Familiar Faces, New Places; A Look At Where Former Canucks Signed On The First Day Of Free Agency
A look at where players who played for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2023-24 season signed on July 1.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Familiar Faces, New Places; A Look At Where Former Canucks Signed On The First Day Of Free AgencyThe 2024 edition of NHL Free Agency started with a bang, as over 100 players were signed within the first three and a half. Among the players signed were a few former Vancouver Canucks who cashed in big this offseason. Here is a look at five players from the Canucks 2023-24 roster and where they will be playing next season.
Elias Lindholm- Boston Bruins
One of the biggest contracts handed out on July 1 was by the Boston Bruins, who signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract. Lindholm was acquired by Vancouver in February and was arguably one of their best players during the postseason. Set to turn 30 this coming season, this is Lindholm's second long-term deal after signing a six-year, $29.1 million deal back in 2018.
Nikita Zadorov- Boston Bruins
The Bruins snagged another player for the Canucks, signing defenceman Nikita Zadorov to a six-year, $30 million contract. A fan favourite in Vancouver, Zadorov had four goals and eight points in 13 playoff games and was a physical presence on the blue line throughout the year. The 29-year-old defender is now signed until 2030 and will be 35 when the contract expires.
Sam Lafferty- Buffalo Sabres
After having his rights traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, Sam Lafferty signed a two-year contract worth $4 million with the Buffalo Sabres. Lafferty had 24 points in 79 games with the Canucks last season while also suiting up for 11 postseason games. A bottom-six forward, Lafferty received a slight raise this year, seeing his AAV go from $1.15 to $2 million.
Ian Cole- Utah Hockey Club
Ian Cole is off to Salt Lake City after signing a one-year contract worth $3.1 million with the Utah Hockey Club. The 35-year-old left-shot defenceman played 78 games with Vancouver and was a key part of the team's penalty kill. Cole will bring leadership and steady play to Utah and should be a fixture on their blue line every night.
Casey DeSmith- Dallas Stars
After a strong season as the Canucks backup, Casey DeSmith signed a three-year contract worth $3 million with the Dallas Stars. DeSmith went 12-9-6 this year while also going 1-1 in the postseason. DeSmith will now back up another American goaltender in Jake Oettinger, who, along with Thatcher Demko, is expected to be on Team USA's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.
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