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NHL Rumors: Canucks insider hints at team targeting Hurricanes defenseman in free agency
The Vancouver Canucks will reportedly try to acquire Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield in the upcoming free agency. Insider Rick Dhaliwal spoke in the latest episode of Donnie and Dhali on Monday that if Chatfield becomes a free agent after July 1, Vancouver might try to re-sign him.
“If Jalen Chatfield hits July 1, I believe the Vancouver Canucks will show interest in him.”
Dhaliwal highlighted Vancouver’s renewed interest in Chatfield, emphasizing the potential for a reunion:
“The Canucks signed Chatfield out of the OHL back in 2017. He spent three years in Utica and played 18 games in 2020, but the Canuck let him go because it wasn’t working out under Travis Green.
"Chatfield is a right-shot defenseman and is going to have a lot of interest on July 1, including from the Canucks, although Carolina is trying hard to re-sign him right now.”
This interest comes as the NHL's new salary cap upper limit of $88 million for the 2024-25 season was announced Saturday. It's a 5.4% increase from last season's $83.5 million cap. The increased cap space could provide the Canucks with more flexibility to pursue Chatfield and other free agents.
After making his NHL debut on Jan. 20, 2021, against the Montreal Canadiens, Chatfield played just 18 games for Vancouver. He then moved on to the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent in 2021.
After joining Carolina, Chatfield became part of the team’s defensive lineup over two seasons, playing his best hockey. He scored 39 points for the team, which consisted of 14 goals and 25 assists in 166 games.
Chatfield's return to Vancouver would strengthen the team's defensive depth. As July 1 approaches, the focus will be on whether the team can successfully lure Chatfield back.
Vancouver Canucks will potentially draft Brendan McMorrow
Vancouver is expected to draft left winger Brendan McMorrow for its 125th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft. Despite lacking first and second-round picks, Vancouver sees potential in McMorrow. He is known for his forechecking and speed. He is also good at creating turnovers and beating defenders to loose pucks.
Defensively, his speed and aggression make him a strong penalty killer, frequently forcing turnovers and initiating breakaways. Set to join the University of Denver next season, McMorrow's development will benefit from Denver's successful NCAA program. Projected as a bottom-six winger with penalty-killing prowess, McMorrow would be a valuable addition to Vancouver's prospect pool.
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