The Canucks were busy in July, signing a trio of free agents on Canada Day to help the roster next season, those being Carson Soucy, Ian Cole and Teddy Blueger.
During a segment on TSN looking at each of the Canadian teams and where they stand at the mid-way point of the summer, Lalji identified two areas the Canucks need to prioritize. The first being moving money and second is locking up Elias Pettersson to a long-term contract extension.
Lalji said that currently the Canucks are nearly $4.3 million over the salary cap and if Tanner Pearson is able to return, which is expected, they'll be over by $1.8 million. Moving money is something the Canucks have been trying to do for a couple off-season's now and Lalji adds that the team also wants to address their depth at each position, but may need to look internally to fill those holes.
When it comes to Elias Pettersson, Lalji said that while an extension doesn't necessarily need to get done this summer, both sides are talking and the Canucks would like to get something done now. The salary cap is expected to go up next summer, but if Pettersson has another 100+ point season, that will drive up the price even more, so if they're able to lock him up now, they could save a little bit of money.
"The two sides are talking. Certainly, the club would like to get it done now, believing the cap will only go up next season, but also, the market for Pettersson could also go up. The Sebastian Aho extension could prove to be a blueprint. Many believe whatever contract Pettersson signs with Vancouver, that number will start with a 10."
