Potential Second Line Center Target Emerges For Patrik Allvin to Consider on July 1st
Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports
A potential second line center target has emerged for the Vancouver Canucks to consider on July 1st, as contract extension talks are not close with his current club.
After trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers in late January, the Vancouver Canucks have been left without a true second line centerman.
Following the trade, the Canucks used Filip Chytil and Pius Suter in that role, both of whom carried their weight but likely aren't suited to play in the 2C hole for an entire season, which had led the Vancouver Canucks to search the market for help down the middle.
While a trade still seems the most likely route for the Vancouver Canucks to address their need at center, Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford may have an intriguing option in front of them when the free agent market opens on July 1st.
Former first overall pick could be option for Vancouver Canuck on Canada Day
The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to make it back to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year for the second time in the last three seasons, but once again, fell to the Florida Panthers, who ended up winning the Stanley Cup last week.
Changes are expected in Toronto this summer, with Mitch Marner to officially leave the club on July 1st and could be joined by another member of the team's top-six forward group - John Tavares.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares are not close on a contract extension, with the former first overall pick just over a week away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
"There's still more than a week to go before July 1, but the Leafs and John Tavares' camp, led by agent Brisson, still haven't found their sweet spot on an extension. Wherever each side is, it wasn't close enough as of Saturday." LeBrun said.
While the Maple Leafs are still expected to get something done with John Tavares before July 1st, if they're unable to and he hits the open market, the Oakville, Ontario native would be a solid second line center option for the Vancouver Canucks.
Tavares, 34, had a strong year for Toronto as he registered 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists), 46 penalty minutes and was a plus-ten in 75 games, along with seven points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.
According to AFP Analytics, Tavares is in line for a three-year contract with a cap hit of $7.93 million, which might be too much for the Vancouver Canucks, but with the NHL's salary cap going up significantly in the years to come and that AAV not seeming as high in years two and three of the deal, Patrik Allvin should at least consider making an offer, if the Olympic gold medalists hits the market.
Source: Pierre LeBrun/The Athletic
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