Team: 2024-25 Vancouver Canucks

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 12, 2024

Published: Mar. 12, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

To be clear, this is an example of what I think they will do, not what I would do.

With the need to add scoring to the top 6 and both Guentzel and Toffoli potentially being available this summer, it's hard to imagine a scenario where they don't put the work in to sign at least one of them. But I don't think they are deep enough at centre, and I think the potential of losing that depth to add scoring on the wing is too much of a risk for this group. I think ultimately they'll stay with Blueger and roll the dice on Podkolzin and Lekkerimaki.

If you are looking at comparables for Blueger and Joshua, look at DeBrusk and Zacha. They each got 2 year deals at 4 mil per. Joshua and Blueger have put up similar numbers this season to what DeBrusk and Zacha did as RFAs. J and B take slightly less for the extra years.

I think they like Mikheyev and aren't looking at treating the player like a cap dump. Personally, if he can stay healthy, I think he can return to form next year. But that's not an insignificant 'If' for this player.

A decision will have to made on Boeser. Given the player's lack of speed, do you want to make a long term commitment to him? And he has a trade restriction that kicks in on July 1. If you are looking to move money this summer, selling high on Boeser is probably your best option.

Looking around at comparables, I don't see how Hronek gets less than 8.5 per season. But maybe he's happy enough with his situation in Vancouver to take less on a shorter deal? And I don't think him making 700 grand more than Hughes is going to matter to Quinn, given the payday that's coming Quinn's way.

I think they'd like to add some offense to the bottom part of their blueline. and they don't really have that on the right side in the system, hence Tyson Barrie. Zadorov gets priced out. Willander joins the group when his college season is done.

This latest injury to Demko has to change your outlook on the goaltending situation. Gambling that a rookie can serve as your backup when you're aiming to contend, and your starter can't get through a season without getting hurt, is a mite suicidal. looking at the UFA market for backups, DeSmith is clearly their best option.

And I do think they'll find a way to get Poolman off of their LTIR.