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15 forwards the Canucks should try to get for the bigger model


canuckbeliever

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During his exit press conference for the year Mike Gillis said the Canucks wanted to get bigger this summer up front. Here is a list of 15 forwards that I believe would be good fit for the bigger model. Included is a 1 or two sentence write up on strengths and weaknesses associated with the player. It is important to note that each of these players is either a ufa or has been rumored to be traded for a wide array of reasons.

Nik Antropov (ufa)

Strengths: Solid third line center who plays a physical game and can chip in points

Weaknesses: May bolt to the KHL and there are significant character issues

Sean Coutourier

Strengths: Good young physical forward is defensively responsible.

Weaknesses: Not the ideal forward for a team in a win now mode. Will take at least 2 seasons before he makes a tremendous impact IMO.

Danny Cleary (ufa)

Strength: Veteran 3rd line winger who provides a tremendous amount of character and is one of the most defensively responsible forwards

Weaknesses: There really arn't any

David Clarkson (ufa)

Strengths: Big power forward who is its true definition if there ever was one. He fights quite a bit, hits and can score as well.

Weaknesses: May cost 6+ million and has only produced 20+ goals once

Ryane Clowe (ufa)

Strengths: Big forward who is extremely physical and could be utilized on lines 2/3

Weakness: On the down side of his career and seeing as the Canucks were unable to sign him during the trade deadline it is unlikely they would be able to now

Shane Doan

Strengths: Great leader who puts his heart on his sleeve and is a character guy. He is also good for 20 goals and 50 points a year

Weaknesses: May not be moved from Phoenix and he is on the downside of his career. He also has a contract that is cap heavy and he is 37 years old.

Nathan Horton (ufa)

Strengths: Good forward who has scored 20+ goals 6 times in his career. He is very big at 6'2 229 and can be utilized throughout all 3 lines and could kill penalties.

Weaknesses: He has been marred by injuries the past 2 seasons and is likely to be retained by the Bruins. He will also cost lots of money to sign.

Jarome Iginla (ufa)

Strengths: Has scored 30+ goals the past 11 full seasons in a row and has great leadership skills which would be useful to the Canucks. Also almost a point per game player in the playoffs

Weaknesses: Older forward at the age of 36, some would say he is on the downside of his career and he will cost lots of $$$

Clarke MacArthur (ufa)

Strengths: Good second or third line forward who would not be crazy cap heavy. He can also play on the PK

Weaknesses: Only produces a limited amount of offense and would essentially be a weak second line winger

Brendan Morrow (ufa)

Strengths: Good veteran leader who would be a good third line physical presence

Weaknesses: Offensive production has declined quite a bit and may cost too much money in a thin ufa market.

James Neal

Strengths: He has scored 20+ goals the past 4 seasons and still has the prime of his career ahead of him at the age of 25.

Weaknesses: He may not be dealt as Pittsburgh may find other less intrusive options to fit Malkin and Letangs new contracts in.

Dustin Penner (ufa)

Strengths: Solid third line plays who plays a dominant physical game when motivated

Weaknesses: Huge character issues and may cost too much money

Bobby Ryan

Strengths: Relatively young forward who would be a great second line winger. He has scored 30+ goals his past 4 seasons and is relatively cap friendly at 5 mill a year considering his production.

Weaknesses: Wont be easy to get and there are some character issues

Wayne Simmonds

Strengths: Young power forward who is among the most physical top 6 forwards. He is also good for about 20 goals. His salary is also very friendly

Weaknesses: Will cost quite a bit to get him

Dainus Zuburus (ufa)

Strength: An ideal third line center who can contribute offence

Weaknesses: May bolt to the KHL

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Not a bad list but almost all the players mentioned may not be pursued by Gillis.. Also factor in that Antropov and MacArthur struggle with inconsistency which we don't need. We've got plentiful amount of players that are already inconsistent as is.

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As much as I'd like to see half the guys in that list in a Canucks uniform, the Canucks will have to do some swift selling before they're in any position to go about buying any of those UFAs or taking on the types of cap hits those guys will command.

I think the summer will be about acquiring young elc assets and futures, not chasing additional big names (the one guy who fits that bill in that list is Couturier in a potential Luongo or blueliner deal). Unless MG manages to move Luongo, Ballard and perhaps another contract in short order, I won't be expecting much buying.

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you can add bryan bickell to that list great season and is doing amazing in the playoffs. big guy who does everything, hawks probs wont be able to keep him cause hes due for a raise. there will be a bidding war for this guy, my guess he sign 3 to 3.5 for 5 years.

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