Starting from the goal line out, it’s starting to feel like the Canucks have turned a corner, or have at least started to, coming off their three-game sweep of a road trip.
“We’re not .500 yet, I think we’re playing better,” Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau said, “I think we’re playing more consistent, more as a group, but I think there’s a lot of steps we can take to become a better team yet and we’ve done a lot of it with a lot of road games. So hopefully we can take advantage of some home cooking for awhile and then we’ll see where we’re at.”
The Canucks start a four-game homestand Tuesday night against the Washington Capitals. Thursday they host the Florida Panthers, then the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday and the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. Not exactly the gauntlet Boudreau referred to when the team took off for Colorado and then Vegas and San Jose back-to-back.
A gauntlet they handled with flying colours.
Let’s Skate !
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Chiasson has settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan with the American Hockey League affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.
The 32-year-old “power play specialist”, at least that’s how he was viewed early last season when signed by GM Jim Benning, scored 13 goals for the Canucks last season. He’s played 631 games during visits with six NHL teams and won a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
Chiasson three times made NHL teams on professional try-outs (PTO’s), the Capitals, the Edmonton Oilers, with whom he had one 22 goal season, and the Canucks.
The Red Wings view him as an insurance policy; potential depth up front and a veteran presence as the season progresses. Chiasson brings bulk as well, at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds.
Trade Talk
Jakob Chychrun’s name has been out there endlessly in trade rumours. The 24-year-old Arizona Coyotes D-man blends size, skill and affordability, working for just $4.6-million per season for the another two after this one.
Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek brought up the topic of the Buffalo Sabres, already heavy with young talent on the blueline, as a potential landing spot for the lefty.
At this point, the Canucks should be suitors. Whether left side or right side, Vancouver could use a well-rounded performer who brings size with his puck movement. It might mean moving a certain unhappy waterbug D-man who’s continuously scratched, Jack Rathbone, and/or someone from the forward stable. This club could stand to upgrade the D in any manner possible.
Enjoy the Hockey Action !!
