Recently, an analytics firm called 'AFP Analytics' released their contract projections for free agents on the Vancouver Canucks and some of them are interesting to say the least. It's worth noting that some of the names that are free agents this summer likely won't be returning to Vancouver, including goaltender Casey DeSmith.
In terms of restricted free agents, the Canucks have two names that'll be interesting to keep an eye on - Filip Hronek and Arturs Silovs. As for Hronek, who has been seeking $8 million, is projected to get a seven-year deal at $7.4 million per season OR a three-year contract at $6.1 million AAV. For Silovs, AFP Analytics believe he could be looking at a two-year deal worth $1 million per season.
For Vancouver's top unrestricted free agents - Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Dakota Joshua, they're all expected to get big contract this summer. Elias Lindholm is projected to get a five-year deal worth $6.7 million AAV, which would likely be too much for the Canucks to pay.
Nikita Zadorov is also projected to get a five-year contract, but his cap hit would be $5.2 million. Given how he played for the Canucks since his trade from Calgary, this would certainly be a fair contract for the blueliner and it'll be interesting to see if Allvin and his management group will be able to work something out before July 1st.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Dakota Joshua had a breakout year, setting a new career-high in points and his play throughout the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs has warranted a big bump in pay. Joshua is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day and the Canucks would love to keep him around, there's no doubt about that. AFP Analytics is projecting that Joshua will get a four-year contract at $3.25 million per season.
Which unrestricted free agent do you think should be the Canucks' priority to re-sign - Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Dakota Joshua or Tyler Myers. Let us know what you think in the poll below.
POLL | ||
Who should be the Canucks' priority among their UFAs? | ||
Elias Lindholm | 354 | 15.6 % |
Nikita Zadorov | 1569 | 68.9 % |
Dakota Joshua | 302 | 13.3 % |
Tyler Myers | 51 | 2.2 % |
List of polls |