Oh, the difference one season makes for the Vancouver Canucks. Back then, the Canucks had hopes of reaching the playoffs. They signed Loui Eriksson, the third Sedin, to a $42 million contract. That was 2016.
Eriksson is just one of the many reasons Vancouver fans may be apprehensive of July 1st, more commonly known as the NHL free-agency frenzy on Canada Day.
The Canucks cannot afford to make another mistake in the open market.
Free agency is great — don’t get me wrong. There are certainly many intriguing names out there. The Canucks have lots of money to throw into the open market, especially now that Ryan Miller seems destined to play in Anaheim next year.