Vancouver Canucks

Addin’ character + skill

Firstly, let me apologize for not having my regular new posting on Friday morning, I’ve been having some serious modem problems and had nary a connection for the better part of a week. That said, onto the news of the week. A busy one to be sure.

The Vancouver Canucks added some character, defensive depth AND skill this week.

1)Steve Bernier. Acquired in a trade for a 2nd and 3rd round pick, Bernier brings youth, toughness and skill-all in the same package.

Many are discussing how Steve must be ‘damaged goods’ and “why did the Sharks, and now Buffalo ‘give-up’ on this kid?.” I would argue that Bernier was the most coveted piece of the trade package that the Sharks sent to the Sabres in exchange for Brian Campbell, kudos there Steve! Also, Buffalo had not finalized a deal with Bernier for a new contract. He was an RFA and the Canucks saw that and instead of risking a 2nd round pick and then having the Sabres match the offer, Gillis threw in a 3rd and cemented the deal. That is just smart.
Bernier is a right-handed shot who has a nose for the net, sweet hands and decent speed for a big guy (6′2″ and ~220lbs). He has developed his two-way game to the point that he IS a legitimate top-six forward in the NHL, not just with the Canucks. Claims that his fitness level leaves something to be desired and that his commitment level are low are cautionary, although somewhat warranted.

Drew Remenda, who covers the Sharks full time in broadcast, has glowing reviews about the kid and states that Bernier is ‘coachable’. He is only 23 years-old and has shown considerable talent already. Remenda went on to say that Steve has had some small fitness problems but that the Canucks did well to add him to their lineup. I applaude the staff of the Canucks and had hoped for them to add him in my May 25th post, “Put this out there“.

2) Ryan Johnson is a great pick-up forward for Vancouver. His penalty-killing and shot blocking skills are well-reputed around the league. And for good reason. He led the NHL this past season for shot-blocking forwards. That said, the Blues were probably blocking more shots than most. He is also a reliable faceoff guy and plays with tenacity. I love this signing and hoped for it, as you can also see on my May 25th post:
“As far as UFAs, why not add a guy like Ryan Johnson? They guy is a meat and potatoes grinding forward that is a supreme shot blocker and comes to play every shift. St. Louis would do well to hold onto him, but if they slip, why not be the first to pounce when everyone is tripping over themelves to add Pavol Demitra.” Scott Mellanby had a hand in this decision for sure and is already providing the front office with some solid advice.

3) Darcy Hordichuk enables the Canucks to send smaller, skilled forwards out on regular shifts, more often. He is a known quantity when the mitts come off and frequently compiles 100+ penalty-minute seasons. Do not look for scoring here. But he may provide a safety valve for Taylor Pyatt, Alexandre Burrows and Matt Petttinger to focus on the job at hand.

4)Mark Cullen, a 29 year-old minor league centre provides the team with options at the forward position. Cullen has been a productive player in the Blackhawks’ and Flyers’ organizations and will eat up big minutes for the Moose I suspect. Strictly a depth move, Cullen will provide the Canucks with stability and allow Michael Grabner, Jannick Hansen and Mike Brown time with the big club if Gillis sees that development.

5) Curtis Sanford. The Canucks gave Curt the nod as the regular backup behind Bobby Lu. The 28-year-old reliable stopper knows full-well the situation he has been contracted to fulfill.

6) Alexandre Bolduc seems to be a career minor-leaguer. The former St. Louis Blues’ draft pick had a career year with the Moose last year and is twenty-three.