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The Nuck Stops Here: Linden Vey, Stamkos Rumors
The Nuck Stops Here’ is a Vancouver Canucks news and opinion column running every Sunday throughout the season.
NEWS
Canucks defenceman Yannick Weber (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Canucks recall Yannick Weber and Alex Friesen
The following is a press release from the organization:
Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the club has recalled defenceman Yannick Weber and centre Alex Friesen from the AHL Utica Comets.
Weber, 27, has appeared in 35 games for the Canucks this season, where he has registered five assists (0-5-5) along with 24 penalty minutes. In 2014.15, Weber played in 65 games for the Canucks, where he notched 21 points (11-10-21) and led Vancouver defencemen in goals and powerplay goals (5).
The 5’11”, 200-pound defenceman has appeared in 264 career NHL games split between the Canucks and Canadiens, recording 68 points (22-46-68) along with 122 penalty minutes. He has also registered four points (3-1-4) in 12 career playoff games.
Friesen, 25, has collected 18 points (8-10-18) and 55 penalty minutes in 41 games in his third year with the Comets this season. The St. Catharines, Ontario native was selected in the sixth round, 172nd overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.
Canucks forward Brandon Sutter (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)
Alex Edler, Brandon Sutter Injured
It’s been announced that both defenceman Alex Edler and forward Brandon Sutter will miss extended periods of time with injury. Sutter has already missed 33-games with injury this season.
In Edler’s case, he’ll miss six weeks with a fractured leg, while Sutter will be out six-to-eight with a broken jaw. For Edler, it resulted due to a blocked shot, while Sutter obtained his off a deflected shot. This isn’t good news for Benning, who appears adamant in earning a playoff position. Both Dan Hamhuis and Henrik Sedin have recently missed time with injury as well.
Scores of the Week
Colorado Avalanche – 1 : Vancouver Canucks – 4
Arizona Coyotes – 1 : Vancouver Canucks – 2
Vancouver Canucks – 2 : Toronto Maple Leafs – 5
Current Record: 22-21-12 (56 Points ~ 5th in Pacific Division, 11th in Western Conference, 23rd in NHL)
ANALYSIS
Lindey Vey with fellow Canuck Daniel Sedin (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sport)
In praise of Linden Vey
Since arriving in Vancouver, Linden Vey has faced much criticism. From his defensive coverage, to his lack of physical strength, to his often non-existent offensive production, Vey has been at the end of much disapproval. However, of late, the 24-year-old centre has played arguably the best hockey of his NHL career, and has been a relatively consistent piece for the Canucks. With eight points in 21 games, Vey is putting up more than a point every three games, and in general, has been a low maintenance defensive option for the team. Despite less than stellar possession numbers (less than a 50% CorsiFor and FenwickFor), his errors are fairly rare, and, overall, not particularly egregious. One can certainly argue the merits of placing Vey on the second unit power play, or having on the ice in the final minutes of play, but in general, Linden Vey has been a fairly solid and reliable forward option for Willie Desjardins and the rest of the Canucks coaching staff.
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91)
Steven Stamkos to Vancouver wouldn’t make much sense for either side
One of the big stories floating around these past few days has been the rumblings of Steven Stamkos being interested in Vancouver as a possible destination this summer. While this is undoubtedly exciting for many, it realistically doesn’t make a ton of sense for either team. For Stamkos, who would likely want to either mentor high-profile youngsters or make a run for the cup, a team like the Canucks, who don’t appear to know whether they want to be a playoff team or an Auston Matthews-contender, may not exactly be the direction the sniper wants to go in. Considering they’re just starting their rebuild, they lack the big name, marquee piece of a Jack Eichel to lure in a top talent like Stamkos. For the Canucks, if they start to get serious about the rebuild, adding a player in the vein of Stamkos doesn’t make a to of sense in the long run, especially considering how much he would cost to bring on. Would it be fun to bring in that kind of talent? Sure it would, but in the end, it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense or either party to sign a deal.
Arthur on 1050 yesterday: "I heard recently he (Stamkos) was more interested in Vancouver than Toronto, but it changes everyday." #Canucks
— Grady S (@GradySas) February 12, 2016
AROUND THE BLOG-O-SPHERE
Fun links about the Vancouver Canucks from all around the internet
There’s more to the season than just the playoffs for the Canucks [The Canuck Way]
Canucks counting on rookie defenceman Ben Hutton to step up [Vancouver Sun]
How five current Canucks got their numbers [The Province]
In praise of Chris Tanev’s discipline on the blue line [Vancouver Sun]
Canucks face difficult decisions on Hamhuis, Vrbata [Sportsnet]
The debut of the Pat-Cast [The Province]
A post-game recap of the recent contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs [CanucksArmy]
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