Vancouver Canucks’ Bold Move: Re-signing Drew O’Connor for the Long Term

When the Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller, their priority was to secure long-term value. The trades made ensured key additions would remain in their lineup beyond the current season.

Trades and Key Additions

The Canucks received Filip Chytil and Victor Mancini from the New York Rangers. Both players are contracted for seasons extending past the current one. Victor Mancini, a restricted free agent, has a deal until 2026, ensuring his commitment.

However, trading the Rangers’ first-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins yielded Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor, both pending free agents. To maintain their financial flexibility and secure future contributions, the Canucks swiftly re-signed Pettersson.

On Tuesday, management extended O’Connor’s contract to two years, indicating confidence in his ability to provide sustained value.

O’Connor’s New Deal

O’Connor’s contract includes a modified no-trade clause, giving him a say in his future by naming 12 teams he prefers to avoid. His annual cap hit of $2.5 million places him in third-line territory, reflecting his playing style and expected minutes.

AFP Analytics projected a yearly contract worth approximately $2.07 million, making O’Connor’s deal slightly overpriced but still reasonable. This contract represents a significant raise from his previous deal, which had an annual cap hit of $925,000.

The Canucks see value in O’Connor’s capabilities, comparing his contract favorable to Danton Heinen’s, another recently signed forward.

Drew O’Connor’s Performance

O’Connor is three years younger than Heinen but has only 214 NHL games to his name, with four of them for the Canucks. Last season, he demonstrated his potential as a capable energy forward and solid penalty killer for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This season, O’Connor has continued to exhibit strong performance metrics, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively in 5-on-5 play. Despite experiencing a unfortunate run of bad luck, his underlying numbers suggest he should perform better moving forward.

Patrik Allvin, the general manager, admires O’Connor’s fast-paced, heavy style of play, which aligns with the team’s offensive philosophy. At 6’4” and 209 lbs, O’Connor brings size and speed to the lineup.

Future Prospects and Impact

While O’Connor’s season has been up and down due to his PDO (Player Development Overlap), his overall development shows promise. His performance in the AHL, where he was a point-per-game player, gives hope that he can carry this form into the NHL.

The Canucks have started integrating O’Connor into their top lines, pairing him with Chytil and Brock Boeser, highlighting their belief in his potential to deliver in a top-six role.

If O’Connor can translate his AHL success and inconsistency to consistent performance in the NHL, his contract could prove to be a steal for the Canucks.

Even with average output, he remains valuable in a third-line role, contributing as a forechecker and penalty killer.

Conclusion

The Canucks’ decision to secure Drew O’Connor through a two-year contract demonstrates their commitment to building a sustainable future. By balancing optimism with caution, they aim to optimize their roster while staying within their financial constraints.

As O’Connor integrates further into the team, his performance will be crucial in determining the success of this long-term investment. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Canucks’ faith in O’Connor pays off.

What are your thoughts on O’Connor’s contract and potential impact on the Canucks? Share your opinions below!