If we were to go after a big name UFA - the only ones under 28 who are of any interest are:
- John Tavares
- John Van Reimsdyk
- John Carlson
- Evander Kane
We simply have nothing other than $$ to offer the first 3. All of these guys are going to have 6 and 7 year offers on the table from teams that are a lot closer to winning than the Canucks. Kane is the youngest at 26 and has ties to Vancouver. The only thing I wouldn't offer Kane is a NMC - maybe a limited NTC. With his background, if he goes on a hookers and blow safari I would want to be able to trade him. Kane doesn't really check the boxes when it comes to development, leadership and support, but he is a very solid physical presence on the ice and can support by carrying the offense of a line.
I'd also be concerned about JVR and Carlson on 6 or 7 year terms because at 34 - 35 they could be in serious decline.
Linden mentioned being judicious in free agency and looking at players who could support the development of the young players we have. He is basically talking about re-signing Thomas Vanek. I'd have no problem with Vanek -he was really good with Boeser and Horvat.
The other support player I would look at would be a trade for Jason Spezza. Next to Loui Eriksson, he has one of the worst contracts in the league - $7.5M for 1 more season. Dallas had a very disappointing season as they were expected to be a playoff contender. If they cleared $7.5M from their cap, they could take a run at Tavares, JVR or Kane and probably be a contender again if they could solve their goal tending. What kind of pick would they give up to clear $7.5M?
The Canucks have also got to come to grips with the idea that Loui Eriksson is done like dinner. He's waiver eligible after July when his NMC converts to a NTC. You can't talk about accountability and then gift a roster spot to a guy who is worse than your 4th liners. You also can't afford to lose a Goldobin, Leipsic or even Boucher or Motte on waivers to protect Loui Eriksson. If he doesn't earn a top 6 spot in training camp he should be competing with all of the hungry young guys who want roster spots. If he comes up short, he's riding the bus.