NHL Rumors: Canucks Linked To 2 Free Agents

The Vancouver Canucks don't appear to be done adding in free agency as they are looking to dive into the bargain bin that is any player still without a team. On their radar are Evan Rodrigues and Calvin de Haan according to Rick Dhaliwal. He was quoted saying "I was told this morning the Canucks are poking around Evan Rodrigues...I also believe in my heart that they are still in the mix to land UFA d-man Calvin de Haan." He goes on to talk about the de Haan move as a backup plan if Tucker Poolman's health remains a concern.

The Canucks are only looking to give out one-year deals, but de Haan is wanting a multi-year contract. If Poolman hits the LTIR and a spot on defense needs to be filled, it would only make sense for Vancouver to offer a one-year contract considering Poolman has two years remaining on his deal after next season at $2.5 million AAV.

The Canucks are currently $2.8 million over the salary cap before they put Michael Ferland and possibly Poolman on LTIR to open the season. This would give them $6 million back to work with and $3.2 million in cap space to sign de Haan and Rodrigues.

Rodrigues is an interesting target for the Canucks because the forward group is so packed that an everyday NHLer would have to be taken out of the lineup. After scoring 19 goals and 43 points for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season stepping up in a huge way early in the season, he could slot in the Canucks' bottom-six at center. But that would mean Jason Dickinson or Curtis Lazar would be forced out of the lineup. The choice would likely be Dickinson due to his lack of production if the team can't get rid of his contract.

The Canucks seem desperate to make every addition possible in order to upgrade their roster and get back into the postseason. These signings for cheap would add to that.