Report: Canucks make huge decision on foundational player's future

With Vancouver Canucks fans debating both sides of the argument for and against exposing forward Brandon Sutter in the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft, it appears that the team’s management has made up their mind. Canucks insider and TSN1040 broadcaster Matt Sekeres has reported that the team will in fact protect Sutter from being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights.

This likely means that the team will elect to expose one or more of Brendan Gaunce, Reid Boucher or Jayson Megna. With defensmen Luca Sbisa and Andrey Pedan expected to be exposed on defense, however, there’s no guarantee that the Canucks will lose one of their young forwards.

While Sutter’s contract may not be the best in the league, he’s still a reliable 2nd or 3rd line center. His $4.375 million cap hit is the fifth highest on the team, which is exactly where he slotted in with regards to team scoring in 2016-17. If he can provide the team with 15-25 goals and 35-45 points in 2017-18, look for the Canucks to make a modest improvement in the NHL’s Western Conference.