Category Archives: Free Agency

Brandon Duhaime, Canucks, Free Agency, Free Agents, Vancouver Canucks

Should the Canucks Sign Brandon Duhaime in Free Agency for Their Bottom 6?

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Recently on Donnie and Dhali — The Team, Rick Dhaliwal mentioned that the Vancouver Canucks have their eyes on Brandon Duhaime as a potential option for their bottom-six forward group if he becomes a free agent this summer. “The Canucks had big interest in Minnesota Wild Forward Brandon Duhaime at the trade deadline, and I am told today the interest has not gone away,” Dhaliwal stated. “He would be a great fit on the fourth line… Kills penalties, energy, tough, sticks up for teammates, he can fight. Keep an eye on Duhaime and the Canucks if he hits July 1st.”

The Canucks’ Interest in Brandon Duhaime

The Canucks’ interest in Duhaime isn’t new. Back in late February, DailyFaceoff’s Frank Seravalli also linked the Canucks to the American winger. Although the Wild eventually traded Duhaime to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2026 third-round pick, Vancouver’s interest has persisted, according to Dhaliwal. This consistent interest raises the question: Should the Canucks make a concerted effort to sign Duhaime if he hits free agency?

Brandon Duhaime’s Fit with the Canucks

Brandon Duhaime’s playstyle aligns well with the type of hockey Rick Tocchet wants from his players. Duhaime is known for his physicality and defensive acumen rather than his offensive output. In the 2022-23 season, Duhaime recorded a combined 13 points (five goals and eight assists) in 80 games split between the Wild and Avalanche. Additionally, he scored a goal in 11 postseason games. His primary contributions are his reliability as a penalty killer and his physical presence, evidenced by his 208 hits last season.

For a team like the Canucks, who have struggled with defensive consistency and physicality in their bottom six, Duhaime could be an ideal addition. His ability to kill penalties and bring energy to the ice makes him a valuable asset. Moreover, his willingness to stand up for teammates and engage in physical play adds an element of toughness that the Canucks’ bottom six currently lacks.

Contract Considerations

Duhaime is coming off a one-year contract that paid him $1.1 million. According to AFPAnalytics, his next contract is projected to be a three-year deal worth $5.5 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $1.8 million. This is a reasonable cap hit for a player who can provide the attributes the Canucks are seeking. With the projected loss of Sam Lafferty to free agency, Duhaime could be a cost-effective replacement who brings a similar level of grit and defensive reliability.

Potential Hurdles

While the Canucks’ interest is clear, there are potential hurdles in signing Duhaime. The Colorado Avalanche, who acquired him at the trade deadline, might decide to re-sign him. Given Duhaime’s fit in their lineup and his reasonable projected contract, Colorado could very well offer him a similar deal. If the Avalanche are unable to reach an agreement with Duhaime, the Canucks should be prepared to make a significant push to secure his services.

Is Brandon Duhaime an Option for the Bottom Six

Brandon Duhaime presents a compelling option for the Vancouver Canucks’ bottom six. His physical play, defensive reliability, and penalty-killing prowess align perfectly with what the team needs. At a projected AAV of $1.8 million, he would be a cost-effective addition that could address several areas of need for the Canucks.

However, the Canucks must be proactive in their pursuit, as competition for a player of Duhaime’s skill set could be stiff. If the Avalanche decide to part ways with him, Vancouver should be ready to make a strong offer.

Engaging the fans, what do you think about the potential signing of Brandon Duhaime? Do you believe he would be a good fit for the Canucks’ bottom six, or should the team look elsewhere to bolster their lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Go Canucks Go!

2024 NHL Draft, 2024 NHL Entry Draft, 2024 NHL Free Agency, Canucks, Free Agency, Vancouver Canucks

Building a Winner: Canucks Prepare for The 2024 Draft and Free Agency

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Building a Winner by drafting and developing culture as the Canucks Prepare for The 2024 Draft and Free Agency. As the July 1st free agency period approaches, the Vancouver Canucks are diligently preparing for what promises to be an exciting time. Following a season where they pushed to game seven of the second round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Canucks are dedicated to fostering a winning culture within their organization.

Preparation and Strategy

Preparing for free agency and the trade deadline is a year-round endeavor. The anticipation around the first few days of July is high, but the strategic planning and decision-making extend well into the summer. This methodical approach is a testament to the Canucks’ commitment to enhancing their roster and achieving sustained success.

Director of Professional Scouting, Brett Henning, emphasizes the importance of consistency and teamwork, qualities that head coach Rick Tocchet has highlighted throughout the season. The scouting department focuses on players who can win puck and board battles and maintain a high level of consistency. Henning notes that finding players who fit into the team’s system and culture is crucial.

Scouting and Evaluation Process

The process of identifying potential free agents involves collaboration between hockey operations, the coaching staff, and scouts. They compile a five-page list of NHL and AHL players who will become free agents by the season’s end. This list is fluid and undergoes multiple revisions throughout the year. Henning mentions that the list might start with 50 to 75 players, which is refined as the year progresses.

Scouts play a critical role in this process by attending games and taking detailed notes on each player’s performance. Henning, who covers the West region, attended 150 games last season, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of potential targets.

Balancing Analytics and Traditional Scouting

Over the past decade, the integration of analytics into player assessment has become increasingly important. Henning points out that finding the right balance between the eye test and analytics is challenging but essential. While scouts rely on their observations at games, analytics provide valuable insights into specific areas to focus on.

Challenges of Summer Scouting

Scouting during the summer presents unique challenges due to varying levels of access to training facilities. Henning notes that players from different regions might have unequal training opportunities, which can affect their performance. Despite these challenges, the scouting team remains vigilant, closely monitoring the playoffs to identify players who fit their blueprint for success.

Insights from the Playoffs and Trade Deadline

Henning shares insights into the playoff scouting process, which shifts the focus from individual players to team dynamics. The playoffs offer an opportunity to evaluate how players perform under high-pressure situations, which is crucial for identifying potential free agents and trade targets.

Henning also highlights the contrasting demands of the trade deadline and free agency. While both periods are hectic, they each have unique challenges. The trade deadline involves a lot of moving parts and quick decisions, whereas free agency is more targeted and strategic.

Looking Ahead: Late Round Gems

The Canucks have had notable success in the later rounds of the draft over the past decade. Here are a few standout late-round picks who have shown promise or already made an impact:

  • Arturs Silovs (6th Round, 156th Overall, 2019): Silovs is developing into a promising goaltender and is viewed as a potential future starter for the Canucks.
  • Hunter Brzustewicz (3rd Round, 75th Overall, 2023): Known for his defensive acumen and physical play, Brzustewicz is a solid defense prospect.
  • Sawyer Mynio (3rd Round, 89th Overall, 2023): Mynio brings a strong physical presence and solid defensive skills to the ice.
  • Aidan McDonough (7th Round, 195th Overall, 2019): McDonough has been a standout at Northeastern University, demonstrating his scoring touch and leadership abilities.
  • Gustav Forsling (5th Round, 126th Overall, 2014): Forsling has become an integral part of the Florida Panthers’ defense, contributing significantly during their recent playoff runs.

Other notable late-round picks include:

  • Michael DiPietro (3rd Round, 64th Overall, 2017): A reliable goaltender in the AHL, DiPietro remains one of the top goalie prospects in the Canucks’ system.
  • Jack Rathbone (4th Round, 95th Overall, 2017): Rathbone has shown potential as an offensive defenseman, bringing excellent skating and puck-moving abilities.
  • Carson Focht (5th Round, 133rd Overall, 2019): Developing into a solid two-way center, Focht has been making strides in the WHL.

These players highlight the Canucks’ ability to find valuable talent beyond the initial rounds, offering a positive outlook for the team’s future. The dedication and hard work of the scouting team in identifying and developing these players are critical to the Canucks’ long-term success.

As Canucks fans, we eagerly await the results of this year’s draft and free agency. The commitment to building a winning culture and the relentless pursuit of players who fit the Rick Tocchet system give us reason to believe in a bright future for our beloved team.

Go Canucks Go!

This article was inspired by insights from the official Vancouver Canucks website, specifically from an article by Lindsey Horsting published on June 14, 2024. For more detailed information, you can read the original article here.

2024 NHL Free Agency, Canuck News, Canuck Players, Canucks, Elias Lindholm, Free Agency, Free Agents, Vancouver Canucks

Should the Vancouver Canucks Offer a 7×7 Deal for Elias Lindholm?

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Are the Vancouver Canucks Offeing a 7×7 Deal for Elias Lindholm? In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts – The Podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shifted the conversation from Nikita Zadorov to Elias Lindholm. Friedman highlighted the potential future of Lindholm with the Vancouver Canucks and speculated on the likelihood of the Canucks offering a 7×7 deal (seven years at $7 million per year) to retain the Swedish forward.

The Elias Lindholm Trade and Its Implications

The Canucks acquired Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames on February 1st, a significant move that saw Vancouver part with their 2024 first and fourth-round picks, Andrei Kuzmenko, and defensive prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo. This trade was a bold statement, signaling the Canucks’ commitment to strengthening their lineup and making a serious playoff push.

Lindholm, known for his versatility, has proven to be a valuable addition. Despite initial struggles, he found his groove in the postseason, contributing five goals and five assists in 13 games and playing crucial minutes against the Nashville Predators’ top line. His ability to play multiple positions makes him an asset in any lineup, and head coach Rick Tocchet has expressed admiration for Lindholm’s game.

The Case for a Elias Lindholm 7×7 Deal

Offering Lindholm a 7×7 deal demonstrates the Canucks’ intention to secure long-term stability in their lineup. Lindholm’s versatility allows for strategic flexibility, enabling the Canucks to shift key players like Elias Pettersson and JT Miller across different lines and positions. This adaptability can be crucial in addressing in-game adjustments and injuries, providing the team with a tactical edge.

Additionally, Lindholm’s performance in the playoffs showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, a trait that is invaluable during high-stakes games. His postseason contributions, coupled with his defensive reliability, make him a player worth considering for a long-term investment.

Potential Risks and Considerations

However, the prospect of offering a 7×7 deal comes with significant risks. Lindholm, at 29 years old, would be 36 by the end of such a contract. The history of long-term deals for aging players often shows diminishing returns. The Canucks have experienced this firsthand with contracts like those of Roberto Luongo, Loui Eriksson, and Sven Baertschi, which led to cap issues and limited flexibility in the roster.

One of the primary concerns is whether Lindholm can maintain his performance levels throughout the duration of the contract. Injuries and age-related decline are inevitable factors that could impact his effectiveness on the ice. A $7 million cap hit, especially in the latter years of the contract, could become a burden if Lindholm’s performance drops.

Moreover, the Canucks have already sacrificed substantial draft capital and promising prospects in acquiring Lindholm. Letting him walk would mean losing these assets for nothing, which could set the team back in their rebuilding efforts. However, locking in a potentially cumbersome contract could hinder the Canucks’ ability to make other necessary moves in the future.

Balancing Act for Management

The Canucks’ management, led by Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin, faces a delicate balancing act. They must weigh the immediate benefits of retaining Lindholm against the long-term implications of a sizable contract. Vancouver’s recent history with long-term deals should serve as a cautionary tale, urging a measured approach in negotiations.

One potential strategy could involve front-loading the contract, providing Lindholm with more money upfront while reducing the financial burden in the later years. This approach can help mitigate some of the risks associated with aging players while still securing Lindholm’s services.

Fan Perspective and Engagement

From a fan perspective, the decision to offer a 7×7 deal to Lindholm is divisive. While his playoff performance was commendable, the potential for another problematic contract looms large. The emotional investment in players like Kuzmenko, who was a fan favorite, adds another layer of complexity to this decision.

As Canucks fans, it’s crucial to voice our opinions and engage in discussions about the team’s future. Should the Canucks prioritize immediate success and stability, or should they adopt a more cautious approach, considering the potential long-term ramifications? Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable as the team navigates this pivotal moment.

The Elias Lindholm Signing Opportunity

The potential 7×7 deal for Elias Lindholm is a significant decision for the Vancouver Canucks, one that carries both opportunities and risks. Lindholm’s versatility and playoff performance make him an attractive candidate for a long-term contract, but the history of such deals and the potential for decline must be carefully considered.

Ultimately, the Canucks’ management must strike a balance between securing immediate success and ensuring long-term stability. As fans, our engagement and perspectives can play a crucial role in shaping the conversation around this pivotal decision.

What do you think, Canucks fans? Is a 7×7 deal for Elias Lindholm worth the potential risks, or should the team explore other options? Let’s keep the discussion going. Go Canucks Go!