Vancouver Canucks Linked to Signing Veteran Defenseman

The Vancouver Canucks will be adding around the perimeter when free agency opens on July 1. The Canucks are open to major trades, however aren't expected to make a splash on the free-agent market. Instead, look for the team to add some depth, which includes on their blue line as multiple reports have them linked to signing Ian Cole.

Friedman on 32TP: “I think that Vancouver has interest in Ian Cole, people told me nobody would be surprised if he ends up there for a couple of years”

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 28, 2023

The 34-year-old blueliner spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he produced 17 points in 78 games. Cole also landed 117 hits, blocked 123 shots and was a force on the team's PK unit. He's versatile to play either side, a nice luxury for the Canucks who need to fill in gaps on their depth chart.

Vancouver has a projected $6.4 million in cap space available. They currently only have four defenseman on the NHL roster for next season and will be focused on adding once the market opens.

As for the Lightning, they have been busy offloading. They are still interested in free-agent forward Alex Killorn and will be in the market for a cheap veteran defenseman who can provide depth and kill penalties. The only issue is money as the Lightning currently have $400,000 in cap space to work with and surely will be making another trade in the coming days.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports