Category Archives: Pavel Buchnevich

Anthony Duclair, Anthony Mantha, Canucks, Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, Jake Guentzel, Jonathan Marchessault, Nikolaj Ehlers, Pavel Buchnevich, Sam Reinhart, Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, Tyler Toffoli, Vancouver Canucks, Viktor Arvidsson

Winger Suggestion Series: Final Review

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As we approach the start of free agency on Monday, July 1st, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a critical position, poised to make significant moves to improve their roster. With a clear focus on finding the perfect winger to pair with Elias Pettersson, the Canucks have explored various options over the past weeks. Here’s a final review of all 12 winger choices and a strategic assessment heading into free agency.

Plan A: Jake Guentzel

Jake Guentzel appears to be the Canucks’ primary target. His proven playoff performance, connection with current management, and offensive skill set make him an ideal fit alongside Pettersson. However, acquiring Guentzel will require careful maneuvering of the salary cap, particularly the need to trade Ilya Mikheyev to free up space. If successful, this move could also allow the Canucks to sign Nikita Zadorov, who is rumored to want to stay in Vancouver.

Backup Options

If the Canucks are unable to secure Guentzel, they must be prepared to pivot quickly to other viable options. Here are the most promising candidates:

Jake DeBrusk

Jake DeBrusk has been on the Canucks’ radar for years and could be a strong fallback option. His size, potential, and previous interest from the team make him a plausible candidate. DeBrusk’s inconsistent play in Boston suggests that a change of scenery and playing under Rick Tocchet might reignite his career.

Teuvo Teräväinen

Teuvo Teräväinen, with his playmaking abilities and solid two-way game, offers a well-rounded alternative. His possession skills and experience would benefit Pettersson, though his size and recent performance fluctuations should be considered.

Tyler Bertuzzi

Tyler Bertuzzi brings physicality and a gritty style of play that fits well with Rick Tocchet’s system. While his contract demands might be high, his aggressive play and ability to finish could make him a valuable addition if the Canucks miss out on Guentzel.

Anthony Duclair

Anthony Duclair’s speed and offensive creativity make him an intriguing option. Despite his lack of physicality, Duclair’s ability to drive play and finish could complement Pettersson’s playmaking. His performance with Tampa Bay showed promise, suggesting he could thrive in a high-quality environment.

Risky but High-Reward Options

The following players offer high potential but come with significant risks:

Nikolaj Ehlers

Nikolaj Ehlers, currently with the Winnipeg Jets, brings elite skill and speed. However, acquiring him would require a trade and assurance of a contract extension. Ehlers’ offensive prowess and ability to play either wing make him a high-reward option if the Canucks can manage the risks involved.

Viktor Arvidsson

Viktor Arvidsson offers a short-term solution with his speed and tenacity. While not a long-term fix due to his age, Arvidsson’s ability to finish plays and his affordable cap hit make him an attractive option if the Canucks need to pivot quickly.

Solid but Limited Options

These players provide reliable skills but may not be the transformative addition the Canucks need:

Tyler Toffoli

Tyler Toffoli’s previous chemistry with Pettersson and consistent scoring make him a familiar and reliable option. However, his age and potential contract demands could limit his long-term impact.

Pavel Buchnevich

Pavel Buchnevich offers versatility and a strong two-way game. His ability to control possession and create scoring chances would benefit Pettersson, though acquiring him via trade would require significant assets.

Jonathan Marchessault

Jonathan Marchessault, despite his age, brings playoff experience and scoring ability. His cap hit and potential desire to stay with a contender like Vegas make him a less likely but still valuable option.

Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha’s size and goal-scoring potential are intriguing, but his inconsistency and lack of physical play are concerns. He could be a high-risk, high-reward addition if the Canucks can unlock his potential.

Least Likely but Intriguing Option

These players are less likely to be signed but offer unique attributes:

Sam Reinhart

Sam Reinhart, a North Vancouver native, presents an exciting but improbable option. His strong two-way game and scoring ability make him a great fit, but his contract demands and current situation with Florida make him unlikely.

Strategic Assessment

As the Canucks head into free agency, their primary focus on Jake Guentzel is clear. Trading Ilya Mikheyev to free up cap space is essential to making this plan work. If successful, they can also pursue signing Nikita Zadorov to bolster their defense. However, if the Guentzel deal falls through, the Canucks must be ready to pivot quickly to ensure they do not miss out on other valuable options like DeBrusk, Teräväinen, or Bertuzzi.

The key to success will be flexibility and quick decision-making. Swinging for the fences with Guentzel is a bold move, but it could pay off significantly. However, the Canucks must avoid being caught behind the eight ball if everything doesn’t go as planned. Ensuring they have backup plans and are ready to act swiftly will be crucial to their offseason success.

Go Canucks Go!

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Winger Suggestion Series: Elias Pettersson – Episode Six: Pavel Buchnevich

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This time we are looking a possible trade target in Pavel Buchnevich. As the Vancouver Canucks continue their search for the perfect winger to pair with Elias Pettersson, Pavel Buchnevich of the St. Louis Blues emerges as a compelling option. With trade rumors swirling around Buchnevich ahead of the 2024 NHL trade deadline, the Canucks were among the teams reportedly interested in his services. Now that the season is over, Vancouver might take another look at acquiring this highly effective forward during the offseason. This episode delves into why Buchnevich could be a great fit and whether the Canucks have the assets to make this trade a reality.

Season Overview and Stats

Pavel Buchnevich had an impactful 2023-24 season, consistently showcasing his offensive and defensive skills. Known for his versatility and ability to be deployed in all situations, Buchnevich averages 20 minutes of ice time per game. His best season came in 2021-22, where he tallied 30 goals and 46 assists in 73 games, totaling 76 points with a plus-29 rating.

The Case for Pavel Buchnevich

Offensive Consistency and Versatility

Buchnevich is one of the most unheralded point-per-game players in the NHL. Since joining the Blues in 2021, he has maintained a scoring rate of 0.98 points per game, placing him among elite company like Dylan Larkin, Brad Marchand, and Clayton Keller. His ability to consistently contribute offensively makes him an ideal candidate to pair with Pettersson.

Size and Spatial Awareness

Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 197 pounds, Buchnevich brings size and a strong net-front presence. His spatial awareness and timing are exceptional, allowing him to find open spaces and arrive in scoring positions at the right moments. This attribute is particularly valuable on zone entries and in high-danger areas, where Buchnevich excels at converting opportunities.

Skating and Speed

Buchnevich is an agile skater with impressive straight-line speed. According to NHL EDGE puck and player tracking, he is in the 92nd percentile for top skating speed at 23.15 mph. This speed, combined with his agility, enables him to beat defenders and create scoring chances. His high-danger shots on goal rank in the 86th to 96th percentiles among forwards, highlighting his efficiency in high-pressure situations.

Defensive Commitment

In addition to his offensive prowess, Buchnevich has shown a strong commitment to the defensive side of the game. His ability to track back and contribute to defensive plays makes him a reliable two-way player. This balance is crucial for the Canucks, as it would allow Pettersson to focus more on his offensive responsibilities while knowing that Buchnevich can provide defensive support.

Challenges and Considerations with Pavel Buchnevich

Trade Assets

Acquiring Buchnevich would require the Canucks to put together a compelling trade package. The Blues, aware of his value, will likely seek significant assets in return. Vancouver would need to assess their roster and prospect pool to determine if they have the necessary pieces to make this trade happen. Players like Nils Höglander, Vasily Podkolzin, or draft picks could be part of a potential deal.

Contract and Cap Space

Buchnevich is entering the final season of his contract, and the Canucks would need to ensure they can re-sign him at a reasonable price. His next contract will likely be substantial, given his performance and market value. Vancouver must carefully navigate their salary cap to accommodate a potential new deal for Buchnevich without compromising other key areas of their roster.

Long-Term Fit

While Buchnevich is 28 years old and in his prime, the Canucks need to consider their long-term plans. Any trade and subsequent contract extension should align with the team’s broader strategy to build a sustainable contender. Ensuring that Buchnevich can integrate seamlessly with Pettersson and the rest of the team is essential for long-term success.

Does Pavel Buchnevich Fit with Pettersson?

Pavel Buchnevich represents an exciting trade target for the Vancouver Canucks as they search for the perfect winger to pair with Elias Pettersson. His offensive consistency, size, speed, and two-way play make him a valuable addition who could significantly elevate the Canucks’ top line.

While there are challenges in terms of trade assets and contract negotiations, the potential rewards of acquiring Buchnevich are substantial. If the Canucks can put together a compelling trade package and manage their cap space effectively, Buchnevich could be the missing piece that helps Pettersson reach new heights and drives the team towards greater success.

As the Canucks revisit their interest in Buchnevich this offseason, fans will eagerly watch to see if he becomes the key addition to support Pettersson. Finding the right balance of skill, physicality, and chemistry is crucial for the team’s future.

Go Canucks Go!