The Vancouver Canucks might need a top-four defenseman for the playoffs if veteran blueliner Sami Salo remains sidelined with a concussion, the Edmonton Journal reports.
The 37-year-old, who sustained a concussion after he was clipped by a low-bridge hit from Boston Bruins pest Brad Marchand, remains out indefinitely and could force the Canucks to acquire a top defenseman in time for a second run at the Stanley Cup.
Canucks top blueliners Alexander Edler, Kevin Bieksa and Dan Hamhuis have established themselves as strong assets for the post-season, but Keith Ballard is on the fence as a No. 4 defenseman.
While Ballard is more of a No. 5 blueliner, who records approximately 15 minutes of ice time while being high-priced at $4 million, the Canucks could find Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason to be a better option.
However, with several teams in the league looking to boost their back end, Gleason’s value might go higher than what the Canucks are able to spend.
