Team: 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 9, 2024

Published: Jan. 17, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Vatrano and Duclair have each proven clutch as complimentary top 6 wingers on long playoff runs. Kuzmenko is the most talented offensively of the three but doesn’t have the two way game that the other two have and that the Canucks system demands. Kuzmenko is suffering a sophomore slump and is going to rebound to become a 30+ goal scorer but the Canucks get to two six wingers for the price of one giving them depth and experience for a long run into the playoffs in a year all things are clicking. The D and bottom six are vastly improved and while another vet D like Tanev who plays a playoff style would be nice too much salary would have fo go out to make it work unless someone ends up on LTIR. Sharks are happy to have upgraded skill of their top six with a younger player in only his second year under contract for one more year who they can keep or flip next year after a rebound year with a year remaining. Anaheim has liked Vatrano but is clearly doubling down on their build and will take the 1st rounder for a player they feel they can replace in FA. If needed, Canucks add a tier two prospect given Vatrano under contract for one more year. Players Mittledstadt, Novak and even Chemvelski aren’t available as they are young players their teams value given their teams respective current direction and strategy. Veteran players with playoff experience like Vatrano and Duclair much more likely to be available. Canucks like their two way game, versatility to play up and down lineup and in Vatrano case, extra year on affordable contract. Canucks don’t need elite talent (can’t afford anyways) they need complimentary players for Petey, Miller and Boeser. Duclair has speed to match Mikheyev and Petey and has proven he can be a finisher in close around the net when paired with talented players. Vatrano has shown he can play a strong puck posession game while proving complimentary scoring. This gets them what they need while keeping them cap compliant.

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