Vancouver Canucks Reportedly In the Mix to Land Former 40-Goal Scorer Once Free-Agency Kicks In
Photo credit: The Athletic
A former 40-goal scorer has been named as a potential free agent target for the Vancouver Canucks to consider on July 1st, with Patrik Allvin likely needing to add a top-six winger.
The Vancouver Canucks could end up being one of the busier teams in the National Hockey League this summer, as Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford attempt to add to their roster in a big way so they don't miss out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a second consecutive year.
With the league's free agency window set to open in just over a month, the Canucks might need to look for a replacement for Brock Boeser, who becomes a UFA on Canada Day and there have been a number of intriguing options mentioned over the last few weeks, many of whom could slot right into Vancouver's top-six.
Former 40-goal scorer named as potential free agent target for Vancouver Canucks
In an article on The Athletic this month, Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance examined some potential names that could be of interest to Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin this summer.
Among the players mentioned by Dayal and Drance is former 40-goal scorer and 2010 seventh overall pick Jeff Skinner, who is current in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Edmonton Oilers, although, he's only suited up just one postseason game.
"We'd be remiss, however, if we didn't include him as a consideration. Skinner, after all, ranks among the top-30 NHL forwards in five-on-five points rate across the last three seasons and was originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes during Jim Rutherford's stint as general manager." Dayal and Drance said.
They added, "Given how sorely the Canucks need some offensive pop, we can't ignore an option as productive as Skinner has typically managed to be at five-on-five, especially given his familiarity for Vancouver's top hockey operations decision maker."
Skinner, a native of Toronto, Ontario, had a bit of a down year in Edmonton after joining them as a free agent last summer following his buyout in Buffalo.
The 33-year-old left winger had 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists), 26 penalty minutes and was a plus-one in the regular season.
If Skinner hits the open market in less than five weeks, the Vancouver Canucks could consider him on a one-year, low AAV deal where he could see time on the third line and the power play, possibly on the second line too.
There's no doubt that Skinner has the ability to bounce back after a tough season statistically with the Oilers and in Vancouver, he could have linemates that'll help him return to being a 20-25+ goal scorer, potentially with Conor Garland and Filip Chytil.
Source: Harman Dayal & Thomas Drance/The Athletic
Canucks free-agent targets: 10 top-six wingers who could help Vancouver score
Canucks free-agent targets: 10 top-six wingers who could help Vancouver score
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