Will Canucks Sign “Wildcard” to an 8-Year Deal Before the Deadline?

The Vancouver Canucks, like many other teams approaching today’s CBA change deadline, are considering a long-term deal for RFA Liam Ohgren. According to Rick Dhaliwal, “Things can change with 1 phone call, but I was told this morning, very quiet between the Canucks and free agent Liam Ohgren in contract talks.”

The 22-year-old was acquired last year in the Quinn Hughes trade. He potted 18 points in 51 games with Vancouver, and he is projected to start the 2025-26 season as part of the Canucks’ top six on a line with Marco Rossi and Brock Boeser. But is he worth giving big term and big money to?

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It’s an interesting debate: do you gamble on the player and lock him into a deal that could be seen as a discount in a few seasons? Or do you take a more cautious approach? Given that Ohgren is a bit of an unknown, it might not be a bad idea to hold off if the two sides are having trouble finding common ground.

The Province writer, Steve Ewen, posted: “Can see the Liam Ohgren camp holding off on signing an extension with the Canucks. Seemed to gain confidence down the stretch last year, should have a bigger role this year. Should be in a dramatically better negotiation spot a year from now.” Meanwhile, Matt Sekeres of the Sekeres and Price Show noted, “I’m not in a rush to get (a Liam Öhgren extension) done by next week…he’s a massive wild card.”

Canucks and Ohgren Have a Decision To Make

Öhgren impressed last year, and he looks stronger and faster. He has a good chance to compete for top-six minutes. That leaves the Canucks and Ohgren with a decision to make as Tuesday’s deadline approaches. Get this deal done now or miss their opportunity?

The Canucks have already proven they’re willing to make bets. They gave Zeev Buium a huge extension and locked him into a long-term deal. Is Ohgren different? He might be. Ohgren is not sure where things stand. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard that much. I know my agent’s been talking to them a little bit, but there hasn’t been anything special.”

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