On a day when most Canadians will be celebrating our national holiday, Mike Gillis and his management team will be looking to celebrate in another way, in the form of hopefully a top end player. Jul. 1 marks the opening day in the free agent market and following last season's unexpected success anticipation is high for Vancouver to make a splash in the free agent waters.
Vancouver typically has been quiet when the free agency opened; however, this time they have 23 million reasons to make a lot of noise.
There are currently 13 players under contract with the Canucks for next season. This does not necessarily mean they will be with the Canucks next season. The Canucks have a lot of trade value out there with Roberto Luongo, among other hotly discussed as a possible trade option.
I expect to see Luongo in a Canucks uniform at the start of this season. If the right deal is out there, don't be surprised to see Mike Gillis pull the trigger. Mason Raymond, who was widely regarded as a future star with the Canucks, had a dismal season this year and, though he has great wheels, his scoring is a cause for concern and he could very well be packaged off in a deal for a top end forward.
Speaking of top end forward, the Sedin twins have yet to re-sign and there is hot speculation that they may not be in a Canucks uniform come tomorrow. Gillis has supposedly left a deal on the table for them, but don't be surprised to see them resurface with the man who brought them to Vancouver, Brian Burke. Should the Sedins re-sign, they will likely be reunited with Alex Burrows, who had a career year with the two last seasons.
The Canucks were hotly pursuing Jay Bowmeester, but their plans have changed now with Bowmeester signing with the Calgary Flames. The Canucks are solid on defence but will want to add a strong puck-moving defensemen to help their power play, which had an up and down year.
Don't be surprised to see a Thomas Kaberle come to Vancouver, whether it be in a deal with the Sedins or in a free agent signing. The Canucks could use his skill and hands. It is almost a sure bet that Mattias Ohlund will not be a Canucks come tomorrow and defensemen like Kaberle could help log a lot of the minutes the Ohlund did while on the back end.
Expect the Canucks to take a run at every skilled high priced forward there is to help bolster their scoring for next season.
The fourth line is set with Rypien, Hordichuk, and Johnson providing some much needed energy. Kyle Wellwood's strong playoff performance should get him a spot for next season along with linemate Steve Bernier, who was inked to a deal earlier in the offseason.
Should the Sedins re-sign, that will leave the Canucks with a second line to help improve. It is unlikely Sundin will resurface in Vancouver next season, and though Demitra is under contract, that will not stop Gillis from going after a big name.
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