Report: Canucks pursuing highly skilled and coveted free-agent

News 1130 Sports reporter and Vancouver Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, fresh off of reporting the team’s shared interest in former Edmonton Oilers pick Nail Yakupov, reported this morning that the team has also expressed interest in fellow failed Oiler Sam Gagner.

The Canucks have a real need for center depth past Henrik Sedin and Bo Horvat and Gagner could provide the team with an additional offensive weapon. Depending on the contract term and dollars, he could be a perfect fit in Vancouver.

Wherever Gagner ends up, term will likely be the biggest factor in his decision. After receiving a one year, $650,000 contract from the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, he’ll likely be seeking a longer commitment this offseason. A word of caution for whomever acquires Gagner’s services though, he’s wildly inconsistent. While his 18 goals and 50 points from 2016-17 look appealing, his eight goals and 16 points in 53 games with the Philadelphia Flyers just one year prior leave a little to be desired. This begs the question, what does a team get when they sign Gagner? The Canucks, or any other team for that matter, are pinning their hopes on the 50 point man.