With the 2020-21 season fast approaching, there are still some big names left on the free agent market. One of the biggest would be defenceman Sami Vatanen and it appears the Vancouver Canucks are at least doing their due diligence on him.
"The Canucks have checked in with the agent for UFA D Sami Vatanen," said Rick Dhaliwal of TSN 1040.
Dhaliwal added at this point, the team is just "kicking tires."
As it stands right now, Vancouver is about $1.5 million over the salary cap of $81.5 million. However, according to Dhaliwal, Michael Ferland's $3.5 million cap hit will soon be moved to long-term injured reserve, freeing up some space. As for Ferland, it's questionable he ever plays again as he has been dealing with concussion issues for some time. He played just 14 games last season before being put on the sidelines once again.
Even with Ferland on LTIR, the Canucks would likely have to come up with more money somehow to sign Vatanen. His most recent contract paid him $4.875 million per season and he is possibly the most high profile blueliner on the market. Vatanen has played a total of 434 NHL games with Anaheim and New Jersey. He was traded at the deadline to Carolina last season but was unable to get into the lineup until the playoffs due to injury issues. He has 45 goals and 194 career points.
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