Canucks Army Free Agent Profiles: Frans Nielsen

7 years ago

For a time, it looked as though Frans Nielsen would never know another home than Long Island. He’s been their shutdown centre for as long as I can remember and there were never any signs that would change.

That’s due in no small part to the team friendly contracts the New York Islanders signed Nielsen to in succession — securing his last eight years for $13.1-million. At 32-years-old, Nielsen is likely looking to make up for lost time (and money) on his new deal and won’t be so accommodating. For the Islanders — an internal budget team, deep down the middle as they are — it’s unlikely they can afford the luxury.

The Islanders reluctance, financially driven or otherwise, likely leaves Nielsen’s name in a crowded lot of top-six centres up for auction on July 1st. The Vancouver Canucks haven’t any such need, but Nielsen is also a capable right winger — playing alongside John Tavares for much of the season, playoffs included. Does it make sense, then, for the Canucks to add the Danish utility forward?

HERO Chart:

Career Statistics:

The Fit:

The Canucks don’t have a pressing need down the middle of their lineup. One might quibble with their long-term health at the position, but what they lack in high-end, developing talent they make up for in depth. At least in the interim.

That makes the Canucks and Nielsen unlikely suitors right off the hop. Then again, we could, have and will say the same of any centre connected to the Canucks in any capacity outside the draft.

Perhaps Nielsen’s ability to play on the wing and both special teams is enough to entice the Canucks, though. They could certainly use the help. One would also like to think that one of the many lessons learned from last season would be the necessity for depth down the middle of your lineup. A certain Jared McCann stint on the Canucks top line comes to mind.

The Scouting Report:

Rare are the two-way centres I’ve regarded more highly than Nielsen for these last few years. He consistently plays the opposition’s best and keeps his head above water. Don’t believe me? Here’s a list of the five players Nielsen has faced the most over the last five seasons: Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, Ilya Kovalchuk, Evgeni Malkin and Derek Stepan.

In that time span, Nielsen has produced even strength offence at the same rate as Ryan O’Reilly — 1.71 points-per-sixty-minutes. Which is to say that he’s not sacrificing offence to keep the league’s best in check, either.

Conclusion

Nielsen isn’t the glamorous play in free agency, so I have a hard time believing it’s the one the Canucks make. They’re operating first and foremost as a sports entertainment property and doing their damnedest to fill seats — far more an observation than a complaint, believe me. A big name free agent, like his teammate with the Islanders, Kyle Okposo, or a hometown hero like Milan Lucic represent a bigger draw.

Still, I don’t think it would be the worst move to kick tires on Nielsen. In fact, I think it would be a pretty savvy move. The centre market is particularly healthy this summer, but there’s only so much money to go around. It’s not difficult to imagine a player like Nielsen getting left behind in all the silliness. If you can find Nielsen for 75 cents on the dollar, that’s not such a bad investment.