One of my favourite completely wrong and comical Canucks monologues from a self-proclaimed “expert” came two summers ago. A local pundit, basing everything on some manipulation of analytics, decided that within four seasons, if not sooner, all of the NHL D-corps, Canucks included, would be getting smaller and almost exclusively full of Quinn Hugheses and Samuel Girards.
Well, when one’s world is based on math, and not on chemistry, coaching, character, commitment, and courage, the characteristics that make hockey unlike any other sport, there’s a good chance one might get things wrong.
All one has to do is look around at NHL rosters, while realizing playoff hockey is where things matter most, to see that size is often the preferred difference.
The Canucks have also bucked the prediction. Even with Nikita Zadorov having departed, and having signed two other big-un’s, this is likely the largest blueline roster in Vancouver history.
Tyler Myers – 6-foot-8, 230-pounds
Carson Soucy – 6-foot-5, 210-pounds
Derek Forbort – 6-foot-4, 216 pounds
Vincent Desharnais – 6-foot-7, 226 pounds
Filip Hronek – no slouch for a puck mover – 6-foot, 190 pounds
It would appear Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford, the club’s actual decision makers, are bucking other notions, and buying into the “size does matter” philosophy.
One gets the picture. Like Vegas and Colorado in particular, winning D-corps are simply getting bigger, sturdier and meaner. As they should be.
Earlier Canucks:
— Does Canucks Daniel Sprong Bring Bad Chemistry?
PS: In one of the comments from veteran writer Kevin McGran on a recent video update regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs off-season, he points out that Leafs GM Brad Treliving, “doesn’t like small players, he certainly doesn’t like small defencemen”.
He also offers plenty on Chris Tanev joining the Leafs.
Here’s the whole interview if interested.
