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Canada Day has come and gone, and so has the opening day of NHL free agency.
With that, many Vancouver Canucks fans were keeping an eye on the changes about to happen to their team, including seeing fan favourites Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm sign deals with Boston Bruins.
The team also saw Sam Lafferty sign with the Buffalo Sabres, Ian Cole join the Utah Hockey Club, and Casey DeSmith sign with the Dallas Stars.
With those departing players, the Canucks got to work, brining in six players and a goaltender.
Here’s a breakdown of who was signed:
Forward Jake DeBrusk
The Canucks’ biggest signing of the day was forward Jake DeBrusk. The team began free agency by agreeing to a seven-year contract with the 27-year-old, carrying an average annual value of $5.5 million.
“Jake is coming from a good program there in Boston. We like his speed and his versatility. He can play both special teams, [he has] got the experience of playing in the playoffs. What I’ve seen over the years [is that] Jake has consistently been able to elevate his game in the playoffs. He is a responsible two-way guy and I envision, unless Tocc finds different line combinations, but I envision him starting with Petey,” said Patrick Allvin.
The 6’1, 198 pound winger is coming off his third consecutive 40-point season, having scored 19 goals and added 21 assists in 80 games, with an average ice time of 16:50. Last season, 15 of his 19 goals came at even strength.
DeBrusk ranked third among Bruins forwards in shorthanded ice time last season and scored two shorthanded goals.
“I got asked about if I’d do it because I have that speed and a good stick and I was like, ‘Why not? Why not give it a try?’ And I think that’s something that I’ve grown with. As the years have gone on, [the PK minutes] have gone up, and up, and up and I think that I have become an effective one. I still think I’m still learning [in] the defensive side of the game,” said DeBrusk.
Forward Kiefer Sherwood
The next move the Canucks made was signing ultra-physical winger Kiefer Sherwood from the Nashville Predators to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.
Sherwood finished 15th in the league for hits last season, tallying 234 hits in 68 games and delivering 33 hits in six playoff games against the Canucks.
“For me, it was about identity and finding the best fit,” said Sherwood about Vancouver being the right fit for him. “I had a close look during the playoffs, and ultimately, that’s what excited me about joining this group. There are a lot of special things happening, and I definitely want to be a part of it.”
Last season marked a career year for Sherwood. Alongside his impressive hit count, he scored 10 goals and added 17 assists—all of his points coming at even-strength.
Forward Danton Heinen
A local kid is coming home as 6’2” Danton Heinen signed a two-year, $2.25 million AAV deal with his hometown club.
Heinen was fifth on the Bruins in five-on-five points last season and scored 17 goals while adding 19 assists. He had one shorthanded goal and one on the power play.
Last season, Heinen had the lowest shorthanded goals-against per minute on the Bruins. He had 94:45 of shorthanded ice time and was only on the ice for four goals-against.
“I take a lot of pride in my two-way game,” said Heinen. “That’s something I’ve tried to develop over the years – being good on both sides of the puck.” The 28-year-old is a former captain of the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL.
Left-Shot Defenceman Derek Forbort
The team signed 6’4”, 32-year-old left-shot defenseman Derek Forbort to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
Forbort ranked second on the Bruins last season in shorthanded ice time per game and scored two shorthanded goals during the 2022-23 season.
When asked about his penchant for blocking shots, Forbort commented, “I enjoy it because it helps me get into the game. When I make a couple of blocks early on, it energizes me and pumps up the bench.”
Goalie Jiří Patera
The first goalie added to the roster is 6’3” Jiří Patera. 25-year-old Patera spent the past three seasons with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL, with 78 games played. He has also played in eight NHL games over the past two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Forward Nate Smith
Another forward signing came with the 6’ right-shot centre, Nate Smith. Smith has 24 goals and 34 assists for 58 points through two full seasons with the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) and has played in 14 NHL games with the Arizona Coyotes over the past three seasons.
Right-shot Defenceman Vincent Desharnais
The team signed 6’7” Vincent Desharnais, a big defenseman, to a two-year contract worth $2 million annually—perhaps to replace the size loss of Zadorov?
Desharnais, a right-shot defenseman, joins from the Edmonton Oilers where he averaged 15:02 of ice time last season, tallying one goal and 15 assists across 78 games. Known for his penalty-killing prowess, the 28-year-old brings depth and size to the defense.
Just one day after the start of free agency, the NHL released the 2024-25 regular season schedule, providing our first glimpse of the Vancouver Canucks’ upcoming games.
The team will begin their season on home ice against rivals Calgary Flames on October 9th and will face the Philadelphia Flyers two nights later before embarking on a four-game road trip.
Other key matchups to watch for in the upcoming season:
- Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers return to Rogers Arena for the first time since Game 7 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, November 9th
- The defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers visit Rogers Arena on Thursday, December 12th
- North Vancouver native and 2023 1st overall pick Connor Bedard makes his debut at Rogers Arena when the Chicago Blackhawks visit Vancouver on Saturday, November 16th
- Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the Canucks on Thursday, February 8th
- The 24-time Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Canadiens make their sole appearance at Rogers Arena on Tuesday, March 11th
Vancouver concludes the regular season with a three-game homestand, culminating on Wednesday, April 16th against the Vegas Golden Knights.
What are your thoughts on the Canucks’ recent additions? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
