"Whether it's contingent on Mats Sundin not signing in Vancouver is unclear, but the Canucks are reportedly interested in Ottawa Senators centre Antoine Vermette.

According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, the Canucks have kicked the tires on a deal for the 26-year-old restricted free agent who scored 53 points (24-29) in 81 games last season for Ottawa.

Vermette will go to salary arbitration at the end of July and the Senators are apparently concerned he may be awarded $2.5 to $3 million.

The other reason the Sens might be willing to part with the second-line scoring of Vermette is they are desperate to add some offence to their back end. GM Brian Murray tried to get free-agent offensive defenceman Brian Campbell, but he signed with Chicago.

Canucks defencemen Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa have had their names thrown out as possibilities to be included in a potential deal.

Salo, whose history of injuries is legendary, has a no-trade clause in his contract but might be persuaded to waive it.

Bieksa is due to start his contract extension and will make $4.25 million this season, but the Canucks reportedly balked at a one-for-one deal.

Vermette has frustrated Senators management, although his numbers are decent. He's got all the skills -- great speed and good hands -- but doesn't finish as often as his bosses would like."