Catch of the Day: Sam Gagner, Josh Jooris amongst Canucks UFA Targets

With free agency being just under a day away, there are some minor details about who the Canucks have interest in outside of the big name players. 

Per News 1130, the Canucks have expressed interest in forward Sam Gagner:

Gagner, now 26, is coming off a season that started off rough, but then saw him be a valuable depth piece for the Flyers down the stretch and into the playoffs. Entering his tenth season in the NHL, Gagner could be a great depth piece best suited for a third line role while having the ability to play up in the lineup.

While his production took a hit last year, Gagner’s shot metrics are rather impressive. He compares very evenly with UFA Teddy Purcell and might be available for a cheaper cost. 

Perhaps the most ironic part of Gagner potentially being a Canuck is that Zack Kassian, who broke Gagner’s jaw back in the 2013-14 season, is now a member of the Edmonton Oilers.

Also, News 1130 is also reporting that the Canucks have interest in Josh Jooris and Corban Knight.

Both Jooris and Knight were restricted free agents who did not receive a qualifying offer and are now unrestricted free agents. Jooris, 25, has played 119 games in two seasons for the Calgary Flames, recording 37 points. The centre also has good underlying possession numbers, and would represent a very solid bottom six option for the Canucks. 

Knight, also 25, appeared in 20 games for the Florida Panthers last season, recording two goals and seven points. Knight has appeared in just 29 NHL games throughout his career, and while he has some NHL experience, Knight’s underlying numbers are not good. He is likely best suited as a solid contributor for Utica in the AHL.

Both Jooris and Knight have connections to John Weisbrod, as they were both members of the Flames during Weisbrod’s tenure there.

With just under $11 million in cap space, both Jooris and Gagner represent solid NHL pieces to help the Canucks solidify their depth after hopefully landing a highly-coveted top six forward in free agency. The Canucks also have room for up to 14 standard player contracts, so adding Knight as organizational depth could be a good move as well.

UPDATE: News 1130 also just reported that the Canucks have contacted Adam Cracknell, expressing interest in him.