After signing defenseman Danny DeKeyser to a pro tryout contract, the Vancouver Canucks have not yet closed the door to signing more players for a PTO ahead of training camp later this month.
Rutherford on another potential PTO signing – You never know, we like Chaisson a lot, we talk about him, we like his character and leadership.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) September 9, 2022
Here are four candidates who could be offered a PTO to round out Canucks’ training camp.
Alex Chiasson, who was also brought on to the PTO last season, spent his summer in Vancouver and stayed at Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s home. The forward didn’t have the best start to his time with the Canucks, but his final month was certainly memorable with 10 points in 10 games.
And now let’s see Alex Chiasson’s hat trick 👀 pic.twitter.com/RoC9prYjeJ
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) April 8, 2022
Despite only playing one season in the city, Chiasson fell in love with Vancouver and is still hoping for a contract. The organization seems to reciprocate these sentiments with management valuing his character highly.
“[The Canucks] I love his character and leadership,” Rick Dhaliwal said during September 11’s Sekeres and Price. It’s clear that Chiasson is unlikely to play the same role as last season, but the winger has been, and can still be, a useful option at depth.
Could the #Canucks Bring Alex Chiasson back?@DhaliwalSports: “They like Chiasson a lot, but they just can’t sign him at the moment…they see him later as a guy who could help the kids at Abbotsford.” @bcusedoil https://t.co/X62HmDPpUt
— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) September 11, 2022
Look no further than Tyler Motte’s inability to find an NHL home as evidence of how difficult it has been for NHL teams to do business this offseason.
Motte, who the Canucks originally acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Thomas Vanek at the 2018 NHL Trade Deadline, went on to make an NHL career as an effective bottom-six winger in Vancouver. Motte quickly became a fan favorite due to his tenacity and work ethic.
A tremendous save from JT Miller against Connor McDavid and a nifty five-hole finish from Tyler Motte. The only thing we can conclude from this is that Motte is a better scorer than McDavid. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/vB7lyZHqRa
— Daniel Wagner (@passittobulis) January 26, 2022
It’s a bit of a surprise that Motte hasn’t been signed for so long, but with the rumored price tag it seems teams just couldn’t find a way to accommodate him. Perhaps a return to Vancouver could be on the cards, with his energetic presence sorely missed. Motte would be an excellent addition if he decides to return to the blue-green.
TO UPDATE: Tyler Motte and the Ottawa Senators have reportedly agreed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million.
Rask has long suffered from the connotation that he is overpaid. The Sweden center broke out at just the right time in Carolina, scoring 48 points in 80 games during the 2015-16 season. That landed him a 6-year, $4 million AAV deal where he continued to produce with a solid mid-six clip.
That all changed when Rask went to Minnesota. He never found his feet and sometimes found himself painfully and healthily scratched. Rask was traded to the Kraken for future consideration last season and was able to remain in the NHL. During the 2021-22 season, he managed to have 21 points in 47 NHL competitions.
victor rask is up to the task! 😏 pic.twitter.com/x8e09ZbJ2f
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) March 29, 2022
Rask definitely has some offensive power left, but at this point in his career he’s a player who should be supporting a bottom 6. That’s not a bad thing as he has proven to be a solid two-way player who can contribute to the match report as well. That defensive side of his game will be his biggest selling point, and it could be worth seeing what Rask can bring on a PTO for the Canucks.
Long gone are the days when Anton Stralman was in Tampa Bay’s top 4. At the age of 35, the Swedish defender is at the end of his career. However, that doesn’t mean he’s completely done. Stralman spent last season with the Coyotes in the desert and still managed to accumulate 23 points in 74 games while remaining reliable on defense.
Five points in the last three games for Anton Stralman. 😉 pic.twitter.com/FWwKeCJ1N4
— NHL (@NHL) April 28, 2022
Putting him on a PTO wouldn’t be a bad idea. As a right-handed rear guard, Stralman is a bit of a premium product, even if it’s a bit older. But it’s not a particularly risky move, especially in a position where the Canucks could use some extra depth.
Stralman brought another veteran voice to the dressing room after his fair share of cup runs and playoff rollercoasters. At worst, he could be a good mentor figure for the players at Abbotsford and serve as the Canucks’ 7th fullback.
Vancouver’s training camp is scheduled to begin in Whistler on September 23 after the Young Stars Classic wraps up in Penticton.
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