With the summer slowly rolling on and a number of free agents still available on the open market, we take a look at 5 potential PTO options for the Vancouver Canucks.
The Vancouver Canucks’ roster right now is pretty much set for the 2024-25 season, aside from certain roles within the lineup that’ll be battled for during training camp in September. But with the amount of free agents still on the market, including some quality players as well, the Canucks could dip their toes and bring in someone on a professional tryout contract (PTO).
Today, we’re going to take a look at five potential professional tryout targets for Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks.
The first option is veteran forward Max Pacioretty. Pacioretty has dealt with some serious injury issues in the last few seasons, but upon his return to the lineup with the Washington Capitals last season, he found his groove a bit and finished the regular season with 23 points in 47 games. While Pacioretty is no longer the 30-goal scorer he used to be, but if he’s able to be healthy for a full season, he could give the Canucks somewhere between 10-15 goals and bring a veteran presence in the dressing room.
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Another forward option for Patrik Allvin is 28-year-old Jakub Vrana. It’s a bit surprising to see Vrana still available on the free agent market and he could, and that’s a big could, end up being a steal wherever he lands. Last season, Vrana spent the majority of the year in the AHL with the Springfield Thunderbirds, registering 36 points in 42 games. He also got into 21 games with the St. Louis Blues, putting up four points.
While the forward spots on the Canucks’ roster are more than likely set, the blueline is a bit of a mystery as some reports suggest Patrik Allvin could be in the market for a top-four defenceman. At this stage of free agency, there aren’t really any top-four defenceman still available, but the final three names for potential PTOs could help the team on the backend and play big minutes, if needed.
The first defenceman is Tyson Barrie, who grew up just south of Vancouver in Victoria, British Columbia. Barrie had a tough year with the Nashville Predators, dealing with injuries and being scratched on occasion. Many expected Barrie to be moved by Barry Trotz ahead of the trade deadline, but nothing materialized. Barrie has plenty of NHL experience, 13 years to be specific, and could be a valuable asset for the Canucks on the ice and in the dressing room as a mentor to the younger players.
Another defensive option for the Canucks is 35-year-old Kevin Shattenkirk, who would bring 952 games of NHL experience to the dressing room in Vancouver. The New Rochelle, New York native also has 91 games of playoff experience, something that could be valuable to the Canucks’ defensive corps. Shattenkirk can also help produce offensively, registering 20 or more points in the last three seasons and 13 of 14 years in the NHL.
The final name for a potential PTO with the Vancouver Canucks is 6-foot-6 defenceman Jarred Tinordi, who was a first round pick of the Montreal Canadiens back in 2010. Tinordi plays a very physical game, similar to that of Nikita Zadorov, who left the team as a free agent earlier this month, and isn’t afraid to drop the mitts and defend his teammates. However with Tinordi, he isn’t going to produce a lot, which is more than okay given the Canucks have guys like Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek back there who will easily combine for 120+ points next season. Tinordi could come into Vancouver and form a menacing defensive pairing with 6-foot-7 Vincent Desharnais.
Which defensive option do you think the Canucks should pursue for a PTO – Tyson Barrie, Kevin Shattenkirk or Jarred Tinordi? Let us know what you think in the poll below!
