Sundin and a signing six-pack
July 25th, 2008 by thewordbirdThe Vancouver Canucks have announced the extensions of contracts with six players, including three forwards and three defencemen. As for Sundin, well, he seems to be setting us up for an announcement on August 1, 2008. We shall see. Canuckland is going to be absolutely on edge. These are players Mike Gillis has essentially ‘extended’:
RYAN SHANNON:
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The former Duck showed some real flashes of brilliance and definate playmaking skills last season. In an up-tempo system and on a line with mates that can handle the puck and keep dmen honest, he could surprise the Canucks with some more production. It is up to management to provide him with the support, as Shannon is easily defended against by his lonesome. Good depth offense and possible powerplay producer. He is a bit of a late-bloomer, making the AHL All-rookie team in 2006 after an excellent career netting his post-Secondary education at Boston College. Shannon is better than a point/game at the AHL level and is just starting to get his icetime in the NHL. Best to give him a chance and surround him with players that can both give him room and bury a chance or two. These are players that can compliment high scorers on a team to give you those extra few wins in a campaign. Good signing.
Footnote: What was Jason King’s (Nonis traded King for Shannon) season like last year?
King did crack the Anaheim roster, playing 4 games last year and was held off of the scoresheet and going -1. Prior to that he was a Swedish Elite League regular for two years and scoring-wise, was fairly unproductive.
RICK RYPIEN:
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Rypien has had a devil of a career thus far. The coaching staff and management likes his gritty nature, but his constant injuries seem to frustrate everyone. Even at the Canucks’ open practice a year and a half ago, Rypien’s unprofessionalism seemed to be apparent and he was hurt then too. To me, he has to prove he can score at the AHL level and earn that NHL roster spot. Rypien’s attributes are not enough to warrant NHL icetime that could go to a developing forward, Darcy Hordichuk or even Mike Brown.
NATHAN MCIVER:
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THis defenseman is all about toughness and intimidates players despite his average stature. McIver saw some limited time in Vancouver and brings only a depth role to the Moose as well. His playing time should only be in a Moose jersey this year, unless I’m missing something. Please-prove me wrong.
JIMMY SHARROW:
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Sharrow represents what the Canucks need right now. He is a well-rounded defenseman that may see some time with the big club this year if trades or injuries arise. Sharrow seems to be rounding into form and shows up in all contests, scoring quite evenly against all teams. His point total of 22 last season was the best of his career and his play is highlighted by Manitoba powerplay time. This is a valuable depth signing.
MIKE BROWN:
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Brown is tough customer. Despite low point totals, the Canucks’ 5th round choice in 2004 has certainly developed his niche in the organization. Brown scored his first NHL goal in his first season with the Canucks in Minnesota on December 2nd, 2007. That was his only point of his career thus far and don’t hold your breath for too many more. His penalty minutes are what pile up. Brown is a decent skater and former University of Michigan and U.S. National Development Program alumni.
ZACK FITZGERALD:
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While not much is known of Fitzgerald other than the fact that he has racked up penalty minutes in the WHL and ECHL. THe Minnesota native was a regular in the Seattle Thunderbirds’ lineup for his four complete seasons and suited up for one game ‘out of nowhere’ for Vancouver last year.
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So, Mike Gillis has certainly rewarded youth in these signings which is a flexible and cheap ‘road’ in any respect. Ryan Shannon is the elder of the six at 25. Filling out his roster and so far quiet on the trade front (though there are rumours of Vermette from Ottawa and Gionta from New Jersey), Gillis is waiting on Sundin and hopefully preparing to slide in either direction Sundin decides.
July 25th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson
2 Responses to “Sundin and a signing six-pack”
By Jason C on Jul 26, 2008
Many players can’t translate success at the AHL level to the NHL level. Krog and Tambellini are the examples, and I don’t think Shannon’s too different either. We haven’t seen him quite enough, but even with the new rules he’s finding it hard to really use his speed to his advantage. His size was always obviously a problem, but he’s failed to capitalize on many scoring chances. Perhaps more experience will remedy that, but now with all the new players coming in he’s being buried in the depth charts.
McIver is a fairly dependable stay-at-home, and I would think he would get the call-up before Sharrow. He’s a regular and valuable member of the Moose, and that’s where he’ll probably stay for the rest of his career.
By thewordbird on Aug 3, 2008
I think that those are some valid points Jason and I am of also of the opinion that most AHL stars can AND SHOULD have trouble in translating or else the NHL has bigger problems.
Shannon has shown me the right amount of flair WITH the puck that I would be willing to grant him a roster spot if I was commanding the Canucks. Pretty hard depth chart to get buried in at this point. I think if you pair him with Wellwood on the 2nd PP and let them have a stretch together you may come up with something. Finding a big winger with peanut butter on his mitts opposed to grease couldn’t hurt. Brunette would’ve been worth the shot, though he is getting on (again) in age and back to the Wild.
What team will try to trade FOR Gaborik first? A nice package will definately be worth the return….