The Vancouver Canucks announced they have re-signed Nils Höglander today.
Nils Höglander Signs
The Canucks may have a surplus of wingers, but that isn’t stopping them from keeping their youth. The 22-year-old winger was taken 40th overall in the 2019 entry draft and has had an up-and-down start to his career.
He had a strong rookie season, making the team in time for the 2020-21 season. His early linemates were Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson, the three forming an effective second line. He scored 13 goals and 27 points in just 56 games that year and looked well on his way.
The team’s upheaval through the next two seasons hasn’t helped him as much. Bruce Boudreau prefers veterans who can find their own spaces, and without having a strong system to add his chaos to, Höglander’s effectiveness drops.
Rick Tocchet made the decision to keep him in Abbotsford for the rest of the season – Höglander’s last game in Vancouver was December 17th. He has rediscovered his scoring touch, scoring 14 times with 32 points in 45 AHL games last year.
What This Means
Nils Höglander is no longer waiver exempt, so the team needs to find him a home, either in Vancouver or elsewhere. It’s fitting that his new contract is one way, paid in salary with no bonus clauses.
The deal is for $1 million the first season, $1.2 million the second. If he doesn’t make the team – which would be a surprise, but possible – that amount can be buried in Abbotsford.
The Canucks are currently far over the cap limit for the 2022-23 season, according to CapFriendly. With the possibility of Pearson coming back, the team needs to move approximately $4.5 million before opening day.
That is putting more pressure on the possible Tyler Myers move or one of their many wingers. Right now, Höglander is primed to be in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks. At least in the short term.
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