WWYDW: Free Agency
5 years ago
The draft has come and gone, which there’s just one milestone left before the offseason begins in earnest: the NHL’s free agent frenzy. We know the Canucks are lacking in centre depth, so it’s likely they’ll be in on the action come July 1st. What free agents would you like to see the Canucks sign?
Last week I asked: Who would you draft at 7th overall?
Gino’s 3rd Cousin:
Wahlstrom if he’s there. The prospect of Petterson, Boeser and Wahlstrom on the PP is too good. Otherwise Dobson, Bouchard, Boqvist…in that order based on availability.
truthseeker:
The recent series was excellent for giving me a better overview of the top picks, but I still see no convincing argument to change my position that Bouchard is the one they should gamble on. I believe the skating issues are over blown even with that good break down article. I believe even if those issues are a concern they can easily be corrected by coaching. And the rest of what he brings to the table is so much more impressive than any of the prospects that will be available to us at 7.
Having said that, I’m much more sold on Dobson and Wahlstrom than I was before. If they made a choice of Hughes or Boqvist I’d be cautiously hopefully that all that “potential” and fancy skating CA is hedging it’s bets on would come true. I suppose the same applies to Tkachuk as well though CA wasn’t high on him which I agree with. Makes me nervous to hear the canucks are high on him. Hopefully they’re just using Tkachuk as distraction like they did with Glass.
So yeah, Bouchard for me. Pretty much over every single player not named Dahlin…(though your write up on the Russian winger going number 2 was very convincing…but he’s not falling to us so it doesn’t matter.)
Ragnarok Ourobouros:
I would not consider Adam Boqvist because of his concussion history, and Tkachuk’s stats are fine but not as good as other available players.
In order of availability at 7th, I would choose :
Zadina > Hughes > Wahlstrom > Kotkienemi > Dobson > Bouchard > Tkachuk
If Zadina by some miracle fell to the Canucks, I would be so happy.
Benning is only 1 for 3 on his first round picks so far, so I hope he doesn’t blow this one.
In order of availability at 7th, I would choose :
Zadina > Hughes > Wahlstrom > Kotkienemi > Dobson > Bouchard > Tkachuk
If Zadina by some miracle fell to the Canucks, I would be so happy.
Benning is only 1 for 3 on his first round picks so far, so I hope he doesn’t blow this one.
Forever1915:
Zadina, Wahlstrom, Dobson, Hughes, Boqvist, Bouchard. I have Zadina and Wahlstrom rated higher because they are projected to be 1st line 30+ goal scoring wingers but otherwise, I’d want to draft a defenceman. We’re guaranteed a shot at at least 2 of these players at #7. If Benning can draft any of these 4 defenceman, I’d be happy. I’d be crushed if Benning drafted Tkachuk.
DogBreath:
How about package 7 and 37 for Islanders two picks. Grab 2 D, one of which is Smith.
Defenceman Factory:
Draft Noah Dobson.
Assuming Olli Joulevi develops as anticipated in 3 years you have a top pair that is defensively sound, great skaters, 12 and half feet tall weighing over 400 lbs.
The Canucks might still lack that dynamic offensive defenceman but that top pair will put up a lot of points. Both will put up more points than any current Dman. With very strong goal scoring forwards goal differential will be much more important than getting a lot of goals from the Dmen.
