Their big swing will be 3C tomorrow

Équipe: 2023-24 Canucks de Vancouver

Date de création initiale: 29 juin 2023

Publié: 30 juin 2023

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Prediction:

(1) they are going to prioritize signing Ryan O’Reilly tomorrow. He is exactly the player that Rick Tocchet talked about the Canucks acquiring at the end of the season: a player who can take defensive starts, play a physical game, and provide reliable two-way minutes. Management may also prioritize him to help with the development of Hughes and Miller, similar to the way that Mats Sundin helped develop the Sedins and Kesler back in 2009. He will also be an important emotional leader on the team so it doesn’t all fall on JT Miller’s shoulders.

(2) they will be very active rebuilding their defense, but they are not going to swing for the fences or pursue an expensive trade candidate. They are going to aim for 2-3 defensemen who can be the defensive conscious for either Hughes or Hronek, and who can play PK and shutdown minutes. They are going to aim for defensemen that will sign for 1-3 years so they aren’t swimming in defensemen in a few seasons when their prospects are ready to jump.