| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
 Posted - 01/15/2011 : 11:56:55
|
Poll Question:
We're just over the halfway mark for the season, plenty of time to evaluate the play of individual Canucks. As a team, they have been superior to last year's edition for sure. However, there have also been some individual's that have elevated their game to a new level over last year.
Who is the most improved Canuck this year over last?
|
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2011 : 12:04:02
|
for me, it is Hansen. He has absolutely elevated his game in a very real way, to become the premier energy guy on the team. He plays second or third line, is a staple on the PK with Kesler and Burrows, and brings a ton of energy with every shift. He's fast and furious, and plays a very physical game. He's already matched last year's points total and last year's games total (there will be no "conditioning" stints with the Moose this year) - but has increased his +/- and has doubled his hit count. Last year he was a bit of a 3rd line plugger that didn't seem to be going anywhere, and it was a bit of a surprise that they kept him after a generous arbitration award. The way he's playing now, that deal seems like a steal.
The only reason it is not Kesler is because last year was already a very good year for him, so he hasn't improved a ton year-over-year IMO.
|
 |
|
|
Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2011 : 17:04:37
|
I agree with you on Hansen, but i chose Edler. He actually prob hasn't improved as much as Hansen in reality and you made some great points about Hansen but i chose him because i think he's far more valuable, and has improved alot over the past 2 years. I think another year or two from now, this guy will be much more well known around the league! His play in last seasons playoffs was a bit of a "coming out party" for him as he really did have a good post season!
Funny, i heard on the radio yesterday in between periods of the Nux/Caps game that the announcers made the following comment: "Vancouver has gotten two goals from a couple of no name defensemen" (or something similar)! Shows you how little some guys in non hockey mad markets really know about the league and the game itself! |
|
|
|
Guest4780
( )
|
Posted - 01/18/2011 : 09:30:49
|
| Picked Bieksa, the guy went from trade bait 6th defenseman to the #1 shutdown pair, tied for team lead in +/-, and now he's starting to get points as well. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2011 : 09:40:02
|
quote:
Picked Bieksa, the guy went from trade bait 6th defenseman to the #1 shutdown pair, tied for team lead in +/-, and now he's starting to get points as well.
I still think he's trade bait, when Salo comes back. He's increased his value something fierce though. |
|
|
|
ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2011 : 09:55:49
|
Kesler, for his overall attitude adjustment and concentration on just playing the game,
"Hockey is a man's game. The team with the most real men wins.” - Brian Burke |
|
|
|
Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2011 : 12:24:03
|
quote:
Originally posted by nuxfan
quote:
Picked Bieksa, the guy went from trade bait 6th defenseman to the #1 shutdown pair, tied for team lead in +/-, and now he's starting to get points as well.
I still think he's trade bait, when Salo comes back. He's increased his value something fierce though.
If they trade him, you're right, he's only helped them with his worth by playing so well this year. Personally, i don't see him moving. Salo is SO injury prone i don't see the Canucks letting much go. Can Salo make it to the playoffs? If so, can he handle the physical grind of a cup run that is the team's goal? I don't know, but i wouldn't chance it unless you've got depth. Move Bieksa, that depth takes a hit! I'm guessing he stays put. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2011 : 13:44:02
|
hard to say.
1. Both are UFA after this season, and the cannot resign both plus Erhoff - in fact, they can probably only resign one of the 3, and if thats the case, its gonna be Erhoff. If they're going to get value for one, it would be Bieksa, as Salo has zero trade value right now, and I would think will retire after this season anyway. They can always try to resign Bieksa in the offsesason if that avenue is available.
2. Both are injury prone, although Salo to a much greater degree. I personally don't trust either of them to stay healthy thru the rest of the season.
3. If Salo comes back this month (which they speculate he will do), they have to move about 1.9M off the books to fit him in, and they would be very deep in defensemen. I've heard all kinds of rumours about who would go to make room for Salo - Bieksa of course, but I've also heard Samuelsson may go, even Ballard. Given the depth on defense you would have to think they'll get rid of another dman.
I can't help but think that Bieksa is the odd man out should Salo come back. Bieksa's play this year must be making Gillis think about it though - coming into this season Salo was easily the better choice, both defensively and offensively.
We shall see though - either way, Bieksa has had a great season so far. |
Edited by - nuxfan on 01/18/2011 13:44:45 |
|
|
|
Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2011 : 13:56:25
|
I've heard the same names, as well as Mason Raymond's thrown in the mix. I think Ballard is making too much and i firmly believe it's not gonna be a dman, but who knows?
I'd be guessing Raymond myself, if for no other reason than Jannik Hansen having such a good season thus far. Raymond is very tradeable and he'd clear 2.5mil off the cap (i think?). |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2011 : 09:20:26
|
| Raymond is a good bet, although I haven't heard his name mentioned myself. He's certainly not living up to the salary this year, and has struggled since coming back from that thumb injury. I'd miss his speed though... |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Most improved Canuck - 2010 
