Source: Vancouver Sun

The free-agent frenzy started early for the Vancouver Canucks, who are in the thick of the race to sign collegiate defenceman Justin Schultz.

But besides the desire for a puck-moving defenceman who can quarterback the power play -- a role that Schultz would fit quite nicely -- the Canucks have other needs they'd like to address when the free-agent season opens Sunday morning.

And with the NHL's salary cap set at $70.2 million for the coming season, the Canucks do have some money to spend. They head into the weekend with $55.67 million committed to 18 players, leaving them with just over $14.42 million of cap space.

A third-line centre, preferably one with a combination of size and grit, would top their wish list. Sammy Pahlsson filled that No. 3 centre role after Cody Hodgson was traded away at the deadline, but Pahlsson won't be back. He's decided to return home and will play next season with MoDo of the Swedish League.

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