Friedman: Canucks continuing search for a centre as NHL season kicks off

The search for a centreman continues for the Vancouver Canucks.

In his latest edition of 32 Thoughts column published Tuesday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that the Canucks are one to watch as they continue to search for a centre:

13. Other things to watch once the phones start to buzz: Vancouver continuing its search for a centre; Toronto a top-six forward; Carolina always lurking.

Since the departure of JT Miller, the Canucks have been working hard at filling a void left at the second line centre position. Failing to bring in any new talent this summer, the team has been forced to search internally, as Filip Chytil is now slotted in to start the year there.

The 26-year-old Czech skater was acquired as part of the Miller trade last season and had 13 goals and 26 points in 55 games played through the season. He’s a skilled player but has yet to be tested in a full-time top-six role at the NHL level.

Marco Rossi and Mason McTavish were names floated as possible centremen for the Canucks through the offseason, though both signed extensions with their respective teams over the past two months. Jack Roslovic remains unsigned, but Vancouver has reportedly lost interest in pursuing him.

The Canucks took a swing at bringing in Christian Dvorak this summer, but were outbid by the Philadelphia Flyers, who paid him a healthy $5 million average annual value (AAV).

Per PuckPedia, Vancouver is projected to start the season with $1.3 million in cap space. They’ll need to move a contract or two if they look to bring in anyone this season, but it’s well within their reach.

In the meantime, the Canucks have 18-year-old Braeden Cootes projected to play on the opening night roster on a line with Evander Kane and Jonathan Lekkerimäki.

The Canucks brass will continue their pursuit of finding a top-six centre heading into the 2025-26 season.