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NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks talking to top free agent forwards

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Burins defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Burins defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Vancouver Canucks are being aggressive in their search for a top forward. The have talked to several free agent options, including Milan Lucic and Loui Eriksson.

After a very disappointing 2015-16 season, the Vancouver Canucks are planning to be aggressive in their search to improve their team. They have already traded for former Florida Pathers defenseman Erik Gudbranson in hopes of upgrading their blue line. Now they are talking to some of the top free agent forwards, including Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson, Mikkel Boedker, Andrew Ladd and Troy Brouwer.

Vancouver is also talking to some solid depth options in Darren Helm, Tomas Vanek and Vernon Fiddler. The Canucks are certainly being aggressive in their search for a top forward. So which one makes the most sense?

Canucks general manager Jim Benning knows Lucic well since Benning was in the Bruins front office while Lucic played in Boston. It’s no secret Benning wants to sign Lucic. Boedker is a very skilled option who might be a solid guy to play with Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin on their first forward line. The Sedins have made far lesser players than Boedker appear productive and that has to be a tempting option for Boedker.

Eriksson would be an even better fit alongside the Sedins, but his price tag might be a tad too much for Vancouver, who still has other holes to fill. Ladd would be a solid option. Brouwer will likely command a huge deal, but he’s a strong option as well.

If the Canucks want to add some more depth pieces like Helm and Vanek, they would be wise to try to stay away from the high-priced forwards like Lucic and Eriksson.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our NHL hub page.

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