5 Top Talent Remaining NHL UFAs The Vancouver Canucks Could Sign To Bolster Depth
It’s officially mid-August, which means NHL teams are starting to review the list of remaining unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and consider extending professional tryout contracts (PTOs) to them. A PTO allows teams to bring in unsigned veteran players seeking a contract. Most PTOs are handed out between mid-August and the start of training camp, giving new players a chance to integrate with their new team, evaluate their chemistry with teammates during practice, and showcase their skills in pre-season games.
After the pre-season, teams decide whether to offer a formal contract or release the player. The most recent Canuck to join the team via a PTO was Alex Chaisson in 2021, who later contributed 13 goals and 22 points in 67 games for Vancouver.
Last season, 27 PTOs were issued, with only four players eventually signing with their respective teams: Adam Erne and Sam Gagner with the Edmonton Oilers, Noah Gregor with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Danton Heinen, now a Canuck, with the Boston Bruins.
Heinen illustrates how a PTO can lead to a meaningful impact. Recently, the Washington Capitals signed former player Jakub Vrana to a PTO. With that in mind, let’s look at five potential PTO candidates the Vancouver Canucks might consider this summer:
Kevin Shattenkirk 2023-2024 stats: 61 games, 6 goals, 18 assists, 24 points
In his 16-year NHL career, Shattenkirk has been recognized as an offensive defenseman. Known for his powerplay abilities, he twice recorded 26 powerplay points in a season and achieved a career-high 45 points during the 2013-2014 season with the St. Louis Blues.
At 35 years old, Shattenkirk showed no signs of slowing down offensively, particularly during the playoffs. Last season with the Boston Bruins, he continued to be a key player on the second powerplay unit, logging the second-most ice time in both the regular season (1:26) and playoffs (1:57) for powerplay situations.
If Shattenkirk were to join the Vancouver Canucks, he might not have a spot on the powerplay, raising questions about his effectiveness without that role. His ice time dropped to 15:47 last season, which was expected given he signed a one-year deal with the Bruins. It seems Shattenkirk is now at a stage where he might prioritize a chance to win over salary and playing time.
Tyler Johnson 2023-2024 stats: 67 games, 17 goals, 14 assists, 31 points
The moves the Canucks made in free agency seem somewhat at odds with the team’s approach from the previous season. General Manager Patrik Allvin focused on strengthening the team’s depth through the center position, but they added four wingers (Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Kiefer Sherwood, and Daniel Sprong) and did not acquire any centers during the offseason.
Johnson spent the past three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring 32 goals and totaling 70 points in 149 games. Despite playing primarily in a third-line role on a struggling team, he managed to average 0.47 points per game with limited support.
The Canucks have solid options down the middle with Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Pius Suter, and Teddy Blueger, but their depth beyond these four is less certain. Nils Åman is currently the fifth center, but he played only five games during the playoffs and averaged 9:27 minutes of ice time. Åman also has a career faceoff winning percentage of 40%, which is a concern.
At 34 years old, Johnson could be a valuable depth addition with playoff experience. He offers a strong faceoff presence (with a 49.6% career faceoff winning percentage) and can provide some offensive contributions from the center position.
Justin Schultz 2023-2024 stats: 70 games, 7 goals, 19 assists, 26 points
A move to Vancouver would be a full-circle moment for Schultz. After his college career, Schultz, a former second-round pick, chose not to sign with the team that drafted him, the Anaheim Ducks, and instead had to decide between the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers. He ended up signing with Edmonton, which left many Canucks fans disappointed.
Now, Schultz, a native of Kelowna, B.C., has a chance to return to his home province. Over his 12-year NHL career, the 34-year-old defenseman has accumulated 71 goals and 324 points in 745 games, including two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Schultz might prefer to sign with a team where he has a more secure spot in the lineup, given his average ice time of 17:03 minutes per game over the past three seasons. However, with September approaching and no contract yet, he might find the opportunity to contribute in a smaller role with a competitive team appealing at this stage in his career.
Sammy Blais 2023-2024 stats: 53 games, 1 goal, 6 assists, 7 points
We previously considered Blais as a potential replacement for Dakota Joshua earlier this offseason, and he remains unsigned. Before an ACL injury, Blais was known for his speed, but he has since lost some of that explosiveness and has had difficulty producing points. Over his NHL career, he has tallied 27 goals and 71 points in 257 games.
At 28, it might be challenging for Blais to secure a spot in Vancouver’s lineup given the number of wingers the team has added this offseason. However, he seems like a player who could thrive under Rick Tocchet’s system. Blais brings energy and toughness to the bottom six, finishing 24th in the league in hits (178) despite playing only 53 games. He could be a valuable asset if other physical players like Joshua or Sherwood are unavailable.
Tyson Barrie 2023-2024 stats: 41 games, 1 goal, 14 assists, 15 points
Barrie is currently one of the most discussed PTO candidates for the Canucks. As a native of Victoria, B.C., there has been speculation about a possible return to his home region, both during his time with the Colorado Avalanche and more recently with the Nashville Predators.
After being traded in a deal involving Mattias Ekholm, Barrie struggled to find his rhythm in Nashville, recording four goals and 27 points in 65 games. However, his offensive capabilities remain strong. Before the trade, he was having a standout season with 10 goals and 43 points in 61 games, much of which came from his role as the quarterback of the Edmonton Oilers’ top powerplay unit, where he amassed 28 of those points.
At 33, Barrie still has plenty of potential left. A PTO with the Canucks could make for a competitive battle for the sixth and final defensive spot with Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort.
These three PTO defensemen share a common trait: they are all offensive, puck-moving right-shot defensemen who could serve as secondary options on the second powerplay unit or step up if injuries occur. While we hope for good health, having a backup plan is crucial. The Canucks have improved their second powerplay unit but lack a contingency plan if key players like Quinn Hughes or Filip Hronek face injuries. Adding an offensive defenseman on a PTO could be a smart move to prepare for the 2024-2025 season.
Training camp starts on September 19th in Penticton, B.C. We’ll see if any of these players join the Canucks in their quest for a roster spot.
Which of these six UFAs would you like to see the Canucks sign to a PTO, Canucks fans?