LATEST | Two cheap options the Canucks need to consider as third line centerman
The Canucks have announced their colors heading into this off-season. One of their obvious objectives will be to shed some salary, but they'll also be looking to bolster their centermen line and add a bonafide third liner to back Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.
Canucks Army's Chris Faber listed three names that could fill the Canucks' void down the middle. Two names actually stood out and could make a lot of sense in Rick Tocchet's lineup for next year.
Bjugstad, a 6'6'' and 209 pounds centerman, currently lining up with the Oilers should be hitting free agency. Described as such:
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'' A huge center, Bjugstad has the size to dominate the game. He owns good two-way ability, a quick shot, and a solid hockey sense. Could improve his passing skills.''
He will be turning 31 this summer, he's developed into a skilled penalty-killer, and he showed quite the offensive potential back in his days with the Panthers. He currently has 29 points in 77 games this season. He's coming off a $900k deal and he's not expected to sign for more.
Acciari on his part just turned 31, he stands 5'10'' and weighs a little over 200 pounds. Known to be a glorified bottom-6 player, he excels on the penalty kill and gets it done in the face-off circles.
Tocchet has repeatedly stated that he liked Dakota Joshua for his willingness to bang in the corners and funnel pucks into high-danger areas. Acciari is a player that works in that same state of mind. He's shared his time between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues this year managing 22 points in 76 games thus far.
The Canucks will be facing a tough decision this summer. Unless they find a way to shed tons of salary, one of these two centermen may just be their best alternative. On our end, we feel like there may be a lot more upside to adding a player like Nick Bjugstad, he showed offensive promise and he surely is a great fit to the load of small and young wingers on the Canucks' roster.
Should they try and add a low-cost player to fill their immediate need? Should they prioritize development and keep this sport for one of their younger players? Should they aim big and go after a bigger fish like Ivan Barbashev? We'll know more soon enough, Allvin will have to act.
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| POLL |
11 AVRIL | 319 ANSWERS LATEST | Two cheap options the Canucks need to consider as third line centerman What's the Canucks best play? |
| Nick Bjugstad | 38 | 11.9 % |
| Noel Acciari | 23 | 7.2 % |
| Ivan Barbashev | 78 | 24.5 % |
| Develop a Player already in the organization | 180 | 56.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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