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Vancouver Canucks Eye Former First-Round Pick to Strengthen Blue Line
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
A former first round pick is among several free agent defensemen options for General Manager Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks to consider ahead of the UFA market opening on July 1st.
While it might not be at the top of their list of things to do during the offseason, Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin could be in the market for a defenseman this summer.
Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali reported over the weekend that veteran defenseman Derek Forbort is expected to hit the open market on Canada Day, which will leave an open spot on the blue line.
"Canucks have shown interest in trying to get Forbort back, but I'm hearing as of now he most likely will hit the market - Rick Dhaliwal on Sportsnet 650's Halford and Brough."
Former first rounder among defensive free agent options for Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks could easily fill that void left by Derek Forbort next season internally, if they wish, which would save them some cap space, but wouldn't address their need for a depth defenseman and preferably someone who has at least 100+ games of NHL experience under their belt.
Victor Mancini, Elias Pettersson and even Tom Willander will certainly push for spots on the opening night roster, but if Patrik Allvin goes down the free agent route to bring in some depth, there certainly won't be a shortage of solid options.
In a recent article on The Athletic, Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance took a look at a number of unrestricted free agent defensemen the club could target and the most notable name mentioned is former first round pick Dante Fabbro.
The Coquitlam, British Columbia native began the season with the Nashville Predators but in November was placed on waivers due to a lack of ice time in the NHL and the team already having enough depth throughout their organization.
Nashville attempted to work out trades with teams prior to Fabbro hitting the waiver wire and many thought the Vancouver Canucks would have been interested, but the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed him 24 hours later.
"He may have some additional utility for a team like the Canucks, however, given his track record complementing star puck-moving left-handed defenders (Werenski, and also Roman Josi).
He'd give Adam Foote and his coaching staff some additional options in composing their defence pairs." Dayal and Drance said.
He'd give Adam Foote and his coaching staff some additional options in composing their defence pairs." Dayal and Drance said.
Fabbro, 26, appeared in 68 games this season between Nashville and Columbus where he registered 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists), 40 penalty minutes and was a plus-20.
According to AFP Analytics, Dante Fabbro is in line for a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million USD, which is a steep price to pay for someone like the Vancouver Canucks, who want to add depth but likely at a cheaper cost.
If the Vancouver Canucks are unable to find an affordable veteran defenseman this summer, which they should have no issue with, then expect Patrik Allvin and Adam Foote to fill their gaps on the blue line internally, which will create some intriguing battles in training camp in September.
Source: Harman Dayal & Thomas Drance/The Athletic
Canucks free-agent targets: 9 defenders who could complete Vancouver's blue line
Canucks free-agent targets: 9 defenders who could complete Vancouver's blue line
| POLL | ||
MAI 27 | 900 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Eye Former First-Round Pick to Strengthen Blue Line Should the Vancouver Canucks try to sign Dante Fabbro this summer? | ||
| Yes | 457 | 50.8 % |
| No | 443 | 49.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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