Several NHL players have been linked in recent weeks with the franchise, including troubled Evander Kane, but this team needs a solid player on and off the ice to rebound from a miserable 2015-16 hockey season, and the pickings are now getting slim.
The latest name on social media rumored to be on the management’s radar is Brandon Pirri. And while not the big name free agent fans would like, the 25-year-old is a decent option this late into the summer and young enough to still find another level of play.
Last year with Florida and Anaheim, the former second round draft pick had 14 goals and 15 assists in 61 games. This came on the heels of 22 goals scored the previous season with the Panthers, leading many to believe he’s on the verge of a breakout season, but his passing of the puck needs work, especially in tight situations when he tends to just fire away at the net.
The young man has only played 166 games in his NHL career, but in that time he has 49 career goals, a solid number for a young player. This late into free agency, Pirri is likely attainable for a bargain price for a player with such a high ceiling.
Jiri Hudler is another player rumored to be linked with the Vancouver Canucks. The 32-year-old would give this franchise the scoring punch it likes, but his age is a concern for an already older team and his help would be just short-term, but if they are looking to make some noise this season, it could be a good signing, especially if they can get a one-year deal on the veteran.
There’s no doubt the front office would like to add a 40+ point scorer, but unless they make a trade, its unlikely that kind of help can be found at this point, but Pirri is a good long-term solution to their scoring woes and the type of player that won’t cause issues off the ice.
