The Vancouver Canucks have seen a lot of success under the leadership of Patrik Allvin so far. Since he was hired as general manager (GM) on Jan. 26, 2022, they have a 110-71-23 record and not only made the playoffs last season but won the Pacific Division and were one win away from the Western Conference Final.
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Of course, it’s a team game and not only Allvin should be praised for that success, but his moves in free agency are a huge reason why they have emerged from the darkness and become contenders again. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at his major signings and the difference they have made in the Canucks’ fortunes to this point.
2022 Free Agency
Home Run: Dakota Joshua
One of Allvin’s first free agent signings, Dakota Joshua, has panned out big time. He was added as grit for the fourth line then but has become much more than that. Now one of the anchors of arguably the Canucks best line of 2023-24, he has not only turned into a scoring threat but a multi-faceted winger capable of changing the tide of a game. Allvin signed him for two years at $825,000 average annual value (AAV) and he finished that contract with 29 goals and 55 points in 142 games, including a career-high 18 goals and 32 points last season.
Joshua brought so much to the table that $825,000 became a steal of a deal. He provided offence and made Conor Garland a high-level threat again, as the two developed Sedin-like chemistry last season. From no-look passes to seemingly knowing exactly where the other was going to be in the offensive zone, they were one of the most exciting duos to watch night in and night out. He also brought the pain physically with a team-leading 245 hits, all while missing a large chunk of the season after injuring his hand in a fight against the Chicago Blackhawks in February. Finally, he became one of head coach Rick Tocchet’s go-to forwards on the penalty kill, with 1:50 of shorthanded ice time per game.
Of course, Joshua is no longer a bargain, as his play rightfully earned him a four-year extension at $3.25 million AAV. But the point still stands, Allvin hit a home run with…
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