‘The Nuck Stops Here’ is a Vancouver Canucks news, opinion and analysis columnthat runs every Sunday throughout the regular season.
News
Pat Quinn Inducted Into HHOF
The following is a press release from the organization:
On Monday, November 14, 2016, Pat Quinn will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder. The “Big Irishman” was honoured posthumously for his contributions to the hockey world as an inspiring leader, serving as a coach, general manager and executive from 1977-2011. Apart from his nine-year playing career, Quinn worked in various management and executive positions with the Flyers, Kings, Canucks, Maple Leafs and Oilers. He also led many Canadian national teams to various gold medals including the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Read more here.
Jake Virtanen Re-Assigned to Utica
The following is a press release from the organization:
Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the club has re-assigned forward Jake Virtanen to the AHL Utica Comets.
Virtanen, 20, has appeared in 10 games with the Canucks (0-1-1) and in two games with the Comets this season. In his debut NHL season in 2015.16, Virtanen appeared in 55 games for Vancouver where he collected 13 points (7-6-13) and ranked second on the team in hits with 128. He also appeared in two games for Utica on a conditioning stint and represented Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.
A native of Abbotsford, BC, the 6-1, 226-pound forward was selected by Vancouver in the first round, 6thoverall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Scores of the Week
Vancouver Canucks – 5 : Dallas Stars – 4 (OT)
Vancouver Canucks – 2 : New York Rangers – 7
Vancouver Canucks – 3 : Arizona Coyotes – 2 (OT)
Vancouver Canucks – 3 : Chicago Blackhawks – 4 (OT)
Current Record: 7-10-2 (16 Points ~ 6th in Pacific Division, 12th in Western Conference, 27th in NHL)
Analysis
Canucks Lucky the Evander Kane Trade Didn’t Work Out
Over the past week, rumors have been circulating regarding the Canucks’ interest in Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane. Kane, 25, has been swamped with controversy throughout the majority of his career and hasn’t put up nearly the numbers to warrant the risk. Having hit 20 goals only twice in his seven-year NHL career, and 30 just once (partially due to injury-plagued campaigns), Kane is a wildcard at best, and a liability at worst.
On a team where nothing is going right, though, it couldn’t hurt if the price was reasonable, right? Well, therein lies the problem.
With reports that he would cost the team at least one of Chris Tanev, Ben Hutton or Nikita Tryamkin, the Canucks were smart in resisting a deal. While there is certainly upside in Kane, it’s hardly worth a young defensive star — particularly when that defensive asset could be used to bring in a far more effective option. Essentially, the deal would be a (potential) future or current young top pair defender, in exchange for a mixed bag, one with high volatility. For Canucks fans everywhere — even those who were hoping for a shakeup — you should breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.
Essentially, the deal would be a (potential) future or current young top pair defender, in exchange for a mixed bag, one with high volatility. For Canucks fans everywhere — even those who were hoping for a shakeup — you should breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.
Has Bo Horvat Been the Canucks MVP?
Coming into the league, many questioned Bo Horvat’s offensive ceiling, as well as his potential as a game breaking scorer. However, thus far in 2016-17, he has answered many of those questions with resounding confidence.
With six goals through just 19 games, Horvat leads the Canucks in goals (along with Daniel Sedin) and has done so with speed and exhilaration. Coming off a 16 goal campaign, the 2013 9th overall pick appears poised for a big year.
In a year with so many disappointments, Horvat has emerged as an indisputable bright spot, with two of his goals even being of the shorthanded variety, and his overall points total rising up to ten on the year. On a nightly basis, he is a star for the team, looking like one of the few regular scoring threats.
Additionally, his leadership and character has been praised by the Canucks’ veteran core (namely, Alex Burrows) and has taken charge in mentoring some of the team’s even younger players. Few, if any players have demonstrated the well-rounded nature of Horvat this season, and in the end, we may look back on him as the team’s most valuable player, as he certainly has been through the first quarter of the year.
Around the Blog-O-Sphere
Fun links about the Vancouver Canucks from all around the internet.
Canucks regulation record an accurate reality check [The Province]
Despite differing styles, Nikita Tryamkin and Troy Stecher both look essential for the Canucks [National Post]
Have the Canucks broken Jake Virtanen? [Vancouver Courier]
Iain MacIntyre on Ben Hutton, Jacob Marsktrom, and a hit on Brad Richardson [Vancouver Sun]
A roundtable on who will lead the Canucks in scoring [CanucksArmy]