Vancouver Canucks Eyeing Shocking PTO Deal With Angry Veteran Defenseman: Report

The Vancouver Canucks could have an intriguing chance to add experience to the blue line and also give a veteran defenseman an opportunity to exact revenge on his former team.

That defenseman is Marc-Edouard Vlasic, just bought out by the San Jose Sharks after 19 years and the final year of his eight-year, $56 million contract. Despite the buyout, the 38-year-old isn't ready to hang up his blades just yet.

Speaking with 'Le Journal de Quebec', Marc-Edouard Vlasic was not happy and said he wants to prove to the Sharks that they made an error in this decision.

For the Canucks, this could be a low-risk, high-payoff transaction. Vlasic won't be seeking dollars; he'll be seeking opportunity.

Per reports from Heavy.com, Vancouver can sign him to a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) or simply sign him to a league-minimum deal.

Either course of action would give him a chance to win a roster spot and give the Canucks some veteran depth.

While optimism can be contained, Vlasic can also contribute in a third-pairing role, bringing nearly two decades of NHL exposure to a team looking for stability on the back end.

A one-year deal would amount to minimal risk for the Canucks, giving Vlasic one final roll around the clock.

Another option would be a performance-based incentive contract, similar to the ones Brent Burns has with the Colorado Avalanche or Jonathan Toews has with the Winnipeg Jets.

This structure would ensure more money in Vlasic's pocket for his effort while making Vancouver's check as minimal as possible.

For a struggling division rival, signing Vlasic would be a low-risk gamble with the benefit of driving an adversary crazy and adding legitimate depth on the back end.