Today, thoughts on four topics worthy of the attention of B.C. sports fans.
*** There has been a lot of speculation about the Vancouver Canucks and potential unrestricted free agents Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. According to Hockey Night In Canada’s Elliotte Friedman, Lindholm’s camp rejected an offer from the Canucks that was in the seven-year, $50 million range, and as a result, it appears that Lindholm will test the free agent waters on July 1. As for Zadorov, his performance in the playoffs clearly boosted his value to the point where he too will walk come July 1.
His camp apparently turned down a deal in the $4.5 million range. Dakota Joshua is another UFA whose asking price will start at $3 million per season, and if he hits the open market there will be no shortage of suitors for his services.
Teddy Blueger is also a UFA, but as much as the Canucks would like to have him back, he’s not exactly a priority right now. Then there is Filip Hronek, an RFA who wants compensation starting in the $8 million per range with the Canucks reportedly offering $6.5 million.
Hronek will reject the Canucks qualifying offer and go to arbitration. If that happens, reports indicate Hronek will get somewhere in the neighborhood of $7.5 million.
At that number, the Canucks may decide to move on and trade Hronek. With Ian Cole, Sam Lafferty and Casey DeSmith also leaving, the Canucks will have some money to play with to fill those holes. As for potential replacements, Surrey’s B.
