The Vancouver Canucks appear to be the front runners to land free agent centre Jay Beagle on Sunday, TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports.

McKenzie notes there are multiple teams pursuing Beagle, who is expected to get a multi-year deal in free agency.

Beagle, 32, scored seven goals and 15 assists in 79 appearances with the Washington Capitals this past season. During their postseason Stanley Cup run, Beagle contributed two goals and six assists in 23 playoff games.

He is coming off a three-year, $5.25 million contract with the Capitals.

Beagle signed with the Caps in 2008 as an undrafted free agent and has spent his entire NHL career with the team. In his 471 NHL games , the Calgary native has registered 51 goals and 65 assists.