The Vancouver Canucks made a significant move by signing forward Dakota Joshua to a four-year extension. This signing comes on the heels of a trade that freed up salary cap space for the team. Joshua’s new deal is worth $3.25 million annually, solidifying his place in the team’s future plans. This extension is part of the Canucks’ active offseason, which began with the re-signing of center Teddy Blueger to a two-year contract worth $1.8 million annually.
By trading Sam Lafferty and Ilya Mikheyev to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Canucks created an additional $4 million in cap space. Mikheyev had two years left on his contract with an annual value of $4.75 million, of which the Canucks retained $712,500. With these moves, Vancouver now has $15.040 million in cap space to address their needs. The team must now decide how to proceed with pending UFAs like Elias Lindholm, Tyler Myers, and Nikita Zadorov.
Elias Lindholm, who arrived via trade from the Calgary Flames, made a significant impact during Vancouver’s playoff run. He scored five goals and 10 points in 13 games, showcasing his value to the team. Lindholm’s contract is set to expire, and the Canucks must decide whether to re-sign him. Tyler Myers, who has been with the team since the 2019-20 season, also had a strong year, scoring five goals and 29 points. With his contract also up, Vancouver faces a decision regarding his future with the team. Nikita Zadorov, acquired in a trade from the Flames, proved to be a consistent playoff performer for the Canucks. His contract is expiring, and the team must determine whether to keep him for the long term.
With key moves in free agency, the Vancouver Canucks are positioning themselves to compete in the Western Conference. The re-signing of Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger, along with the freeing up of cap space, demonstrates the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster. As the offseason progresses, Vancouver will need to make important decisions regarding pending UFAs and how to best utilize their available cap space. By addressing these needs, the Canucks aim to build on their success from the previous season and establish themselves as a formidable force in the NHL.
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