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Taking a look at the Canucks' third-line center options in free agency |
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It is not a secret that the biggest goal for the Vancouver Canucks this offseason is to clear up cap space. However, the need for a third-line center is also there, and they have a handful of solid options to choose from in this year's free agency class. Let's take a look at a few players who we could see general manager (GM) Patrik Allvin make a push for.
Ivan Barbashev
Ivan Barbashev is exactly the kind of forward who the Canucks should look to bring in.
The 27-year-old produces excellent secondary scoring, plays a reliable defensive game, can play all three forward positions, and is extremely physical. In 82 regular season games, Barbashev had 16 goals, 45 points, a plus-1 rating, to go with 182 hits.
If the Canucks want to bring him in, they will need to move out salary, but he is exactly the kind of third-line center option Vancouver could use right now.
Max Domi
Max Domi is another pending unrestricted free agent who could be worth some consideration. The 28-year-old put together a strong regular season in 2022-23, with 20 goals and 56 points in 80 contests split between the Blackhawks and Stars. Although he is not as defensively sound and tenacious as a player like Barbashev, he would give Vancouver's third line far more offensive production if signed.
Sean Monahan
Sean Monahan is an interesting player who could be worth some consideration.
The 28-year-old was well on his way to having a good bounce-back season with the Canadiens, as he had 17 points in his first 25 games played with Montreal.
But a lower-body injury suffered in December ended his year far earlier than expected. Due to his injury trouble, he may be forced to settle for a cheap one-year deal this offseason. With Vancouver's cap trouble, he could be a decent option for them at third-line centerr. With that, he would be guaranteed power-play time if signed.
Alex Kerfoot
Alex Kerfoot is another center who the Canucks could consider this summer. The 28-year-old has shown that he can handle third-line center duties well in the past, and he can be used on both special-team units. He is also not expected to be as expensive as players like Barbashev and Domi, so he would be easier to fit in financially.
Erik Haula
Erik Haula has played for six teams since the 2018-19 season, and that could change to seven if the New Jersey Devils let him walk. If this happens, he would be another cheaper option for the Canucks to consider. The 32-year-old quietly had a solid campaign with the Devils in 2022-23, as he had 14 goals and 41 points in 80 games. He also has six points in eight playoff games thus far.
Some other pending UFA centers who could be available this summer include Noel Acciari, Jordan Staal, Evan Rodrigues, and Pius Suter.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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