Vancouver Canucks: 3 Players With Expiring Contracts

With the off-season almost completed, it feels right to take a preview into next year's. In this segment, we will be looking at three players from each team who have expiring contracts. Both restricted and unrestricted free agents are eligible for discussion.

In our first piece, let's look at the Vancouver Canucks. This off-season is presenting them with far more challenges, as they have to re-sign both Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson still. However, they have another big-name player who is due for their next contract, too. From there, they just have a few depth players who are on expiring deals.

Brock Boeser RW (RFA): At the end of this upcoming season, Brock Boeser will be due for his next contract. Luckily for the Canucks, he will still be a restricted free agent, so they have some wiggle room. However, the 24-year-old winger will be getting a raise, as he has a base salary of $7.5 million this season. Therefore, his next contract's minimum cap hit must be $7.5 million. In 56 games this past season, he scored 23 goals and recorded 49 points. If he produces at a similar rate this year, the Canucks should consider signing him long-term.

Olli Juolevi D (RFA): Olli Juolevi will need a new contract next off-season, so this is a big year for the young defenseman. The 2016 fifth overall pick has yet to blossom into a full-time NHLer. He did suit up in 23 games with the team this past season and had three points, though. If the 23-year-old can show progress this season, he could himself a decent contract. However, if he fails to play regularly, one has to wonder what Vancouver will do with him.

Brandon Sutter C (UFA): Brandon Sutter re-signed with the team this off-season, but only for one year. In 43 games this past season, the veteran center scored nine goals and had 12 total points. He's worth noting, as this could be the last year Sutter is a member of the Canucks. It will be interesting to see how he performs. If he shows a little more offense this go-around, perhaps Vancouver could give him another extension.