May 21, 2024 | 12:38pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CANUCKS TO BUILD OFF SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Nikita Zadorov, defenceman

The Vancouver Canucks witnessed significant growth this season, putting up 50 wins in a 109-point campaign to earn the Pacific Division title, led by J.T. Miller’s 103 points and captain Quinn Hughes, who put up 92 points and is in the running to win the Norris Trophy as the League’s top defenceman.

With roughly $25 million in salary cap space this summer, the Canucks are expected to build off of this season’s success and aim to compete for a championship in 2024-25.

While losing to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the second-round on Monday night is still fresh in the back of their minds, management will take some time to reflect and dissect the season before making any decisions, but with just over six weeks until the NHL Draft, time is not on their side.

Forwards Elias Lindholm, Sam Lafferty, Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger, defencemen Tyler Myers, Ian Cole, Nikita Zadorov and Mark Friedman, and goaltender Casey DeSmith are all eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1. Blueliner Filip Hronek and goalie Arturs Silovs can become restricted free agents.

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin will look to bolster his roster going into next season and much of his decision-making, from a cap perspective, could be affected by Hronek’s contract.

Hronek, who will reportedly look for a long-term contract worth around $7 million to $8 million per season, is atop Vancouver’s priority list, along with the likes of Zadorov, Lindholm and Joshua, all three of whom would be highly coveted if they hit the open market in July.

Zadorov has already been speculated to be on the radar of the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, while Lindholm could be heavily targeted by the Boston Bruins, who tried to acquire him before he was dealt b the Calgary Flames to the Canucks.

More will be revealed later in the week when the Canucks players, coaches and management address the media in the team’s season closing press availability, but taking steps forward is clearly on the horizon in Vancouver.