Canucks Rumors: 2 Centers Vancouver Could Target Before Season

The Vancouver Canucks have had an underwhelming offseason, but by keeping Brock Boeser, they still have some hope. If the team stays healthy and more is added, they could have a chance to not only compete for a playoff spot, but do a little damage in the postseason. But that is a big if the team acquires more help.

Cam Robinson said that "I do think their number one priority is to bring in another player that can play the middle of the ice."

According to Jeff Marek, "If you bring in...Marco Rossi...and I sort of sideways swiped at Jesperi Kotkaniemi...probably for a reason too. I don't know that you bring them in, and are they going to lead the Canucks' forwards?"

I have brought up Kotkaniemi as a target for the Canucks considering the Carolina Hurricanes would probably like to move on from him before the end of his contract if there's no higher ceiling for him there. He is just 25 years old and is experienced for his age. He has also experienced a winning culture for a number of years and can play second line center if Filip Chytil is injured or fits better on the third line.

In Rossi's case, he is absolutely a top-6 center, but it still may not be all that easy to pry him away from the Minnesota Wild. Frank Seravalli reported that "it's very unlikely at this point, but I still wouldn't totally close the door on the idea of a potential trade. There's been lots of teams looking for top-6 forward help."

Vancouver would have to pay up, convince the Wild that moving on from Rossi is worth it, and compete with other teams looking for a player like Rossi as well. While Kotkaniemi put up 12 goals and 33 points for the Hurricanes, Rossi put up 24 goals and 60 points for the Wild. There's a reason why Rossi has more attention surrounding him and Kotkaniemi doesn't, but a trade with the Hurricanes seems much easier, but riskier as well.

The Canucks cannot go into the season with Elias Pettersson, Chytil, and Teddy Blueger as their top three centers or they are not only going to get outplayed, but there are injury risks that could hurt the team even more. Just losing one could derail a lot and the only players who could step into a top-9 center role would be Aatu Raty, Max Sasson, or Nils Aman.Vancouver has cap space, so they need to do something to improve soon.