(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

While the Canucks may not have been active on the trading block today, they did finalize two deals yesterday. General Manager Mike Gillis announced Tuesday that the Canucks acquired centre Derek Roy from the Dallas Stars in exchange for defensemen Kevin Connauton and a second round draft pick in the 2013 NHL draft (x). Roy will add much needed depth at centre for the Canucks, who are without their usual second line centre, Ryan Kesler, who is still recovering from a broken foot.

Roy has the potential to contribute offensively, having once tallied a career high 81 points (32 goals and 49 assists) in 78 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2007-2008. More recently, the 5’9, 184lb Ottawa native registered 22 points in 30 games with the Dallas Stars this season. GM Mike Gillis is adamant that given his history, Roy will be able provide the Canucks with some offence: “I like the fact he’s been a winner, and an MVP at the Memorial Cup…I like his points per game average[.] I [also] like his play-making aspect and…[his ability] to add another layer of offence [is] important” (x).

Roy, who struggled with injuries earlier this season is eager to bounce back and make his Canucks debut, noting that “I’m healthy now….I’ve been skating really well [and] I’m excited to join the team and…make a good playoff push” (x).

The Canucks were busy Tuesday, also signing forward Chris Higgins to a 4 year, $10 million extension.

The Smithtown, New York native reveals that he expressed interest in staying with the Canucks throughout the year and is ecstatic that the deal is done. “I’m absolutely thrilled that it got done. I really enjoy playing for this organization and I have a lot of respect for the guys on the team. It made the choice a little bit easier knowing the type of character we have here” (x) says Higgins. GM Mike Gillis is also happy to have Higgins locked up, stressing “Chris is a highly versatile player, he can play in a lot different situations and he’s been a very good player for us since we acquired him” (x).

Higgins, currently in his third year with the Canucks, has been one of the team’s most consistent forwards, registering 14 points (9 goals and 5 assists) in 35 games played this season.

(Photo Edited: Loxy!!/flickr)

It is no secret that Canucks’ General Manager Mike Gillis had high hopes for forwards Zack Kassian and Mason Raymond coming into this season. Kassian and Raymond both struggled to find their game last year, posting less than stellar numbers with Vancouver (Kassian registered 3 points in 17 games, while Raymond notched 20 points in 50 games played).

Kassian, acquired from Buffalo at last season’s trade deadline (in a deal that sent Cody Hodgson to the Sabres) became an instant target of scrutiny from fans eager to see what the 6’3 214lbs right winger could bring to the team. Mason Raymond was also criticized by fans and management alike, for failing to consistently contribute offensively after recovering from his back injury. However, thus far, this season has proven to fare much better for the two players.

In 4 games played this season, Kassian has impressed Canucks’ management, tallying 3 goals, scoring in 3 straight games. The Windsor, Ontario native has earned his way on to the top line with the Sedin twins while also seeing some time on the powerplay. On January 23, 2013, the eve of his 22^nd birthday, Kassian played his best game as a Canuck, opening the scoring, with his second goal of the season in the first period, and ending the game with a brilliant, backhanded, shootout winner.

It is obvious that Kassian’s off season training in Portland’s Nike High Performance Centre and his time with skills coach Glenn Carnegie has done wonders in fine-tuning the young gun’s skills while enhancing his confidence. The tough winger finally feels at ease in Vancouver, explaining “[f]rom management down to the coaches to the players, I definitely feel more comfortable…[and as] a player, the more comfortable you feel, the better you play” (x). Kassian is starting to show signs of being the multi-talented power forward that Mike Gillis expected him to be, demonstrating that he is not only a physical presence, but that he can skate well and also pose an offensive threat.

The soft spoken youngster remains modest about his newly improved play and looks to only better his game over time, stating that “[i]t felt good [to score] [but it’s still early]… in the season. Obviously there’s a lot of players in this league that have great starts and then fall off. To me it’s about consistency. That’s been the big thing for me” (x). Kassian’s positive attitude, humility, and hard work will assure that he has a bright future in this league, especially when he has noted that constantly “[g]etting better is definitely the goal” in his mind (x).

Mason Raymond’s recent play has also silenced critics who have doubted whether he could ever live up to the offensive expectations set out for him by the Canucks. Raymond knows that this season may be the last opportunity he has to make a name for himself in Vancouver, stating, “I feel like I’ve got things to prove and the best way to do that is go on the ice and score some goals” (x) and score goals he has, 3 goals in the last 2 games to be exact.

The Cochrane, Alberta native has been playing with more energy and confidence than he has in years. Even after taking a cross-check to the neck by Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf Friday night, Raymond stood his ground in the front of the Duck’s net, showing that he is capable and willing to go to the dangerous areas of the ice to help his team offensively. He explains, [i]t’s about finding those holes and getting to the areas where the puck is going to come to you and that’s the front of the net” (x).

While Canucks management are ecstatic to see Kassian and Raymond excelling early this season, nobody is happier than the two forwards themselves. Raymond stresses, “[i]t feels good when you’re contributing, and these are the days you live for” (x). As the Canucks leading goal scorers thus far, Kass and Mase have plenty to feel good about this season.

(Photo: Loxy!!/flickr)

General Manager Mike Gillis announced late Friday that the Vancouver Canucks have re-signed defensemen Alex Edler to a six year, $30 million contract extension. Edler’s new contract will make him the Canucks’ highest paid blueliner next season, with a salary cap hit of $5 million (x).

The Östersund, Sweden native was selected 91st overall by Vancouver in the 2004 NHL entry draft and steadily began to make a name for himself with the Canucks after his professional debut. Over the last few seasons Edler (after adding a more physical component to his game and perfecting his slapshot) has evolved to become a stronghold on the Canucks blue line, recording a career high 49 points (11 goals and 38 assists) last season.

The 26 year old Swede, entering the final year of his current contract, was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given the fact, the Canucks are happy to have now locked him up through to the 2018-2019 season in a deal that includes a no trade clause (x).

GM Mike Gillis is pleased to have agreed to terms with Edler, saying that the extension “is good for him and good for us” (x). Gillis has high hopes for the 6’3, 215lbs defenseman, noting that “[he’s] got size, skating, and a great shot…[and he's] going to continue to get better, [and] grow into the role of a top-two defenceman” (x).

Assistant General Manager, Laurence Gilman stresses the importance of keeping Edler as a part of the Canucks defensive core, telling reporters, “[it's] a tremendous thing for our club to have a player like Alex signed…[because it] means our defense is going to be stable for years to come” (x). Gilman notes that Edler is already considered one of the best defensemen in the league (after finishing last season as the seventh highest scoring blueliner) “and he is only getting better,” having not yet reached the prime of his career (x).

Gilman praises the quiet Swede’s versatility, noting “he plays nearly 24 minutes a game…plays on the power play and kills penalties” and that this versatility makes him an invaluable asset to the team (x). Edler has also proven to be an effective post-season offensive contributor, notching 27 points (7 goals and 20 assists) in 55 playoff games played.

Edler’s signing now keeps the Canucks’ top four defensemen (Dan Hamhuis, Kevin Bieksa, and Jason Garrison) together through the 2016-2017 season.

(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

General Manager Mike Gillis announced Sunday that the Canucks had signed free agent Cam Barker to a one year, $700,000 contract. After being selected third overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft (behind Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin) Barker has struggled to live up to his potential, now having signed on to play for his fourth NHL team in less than three years.

The 6’3, 222lbs, Winnipeg native is eager to make a name for himself with a fresh start in Vancouver, telling media, “I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to go” (x). Barker assures that he is aware of what it takes to earn a spot on a Stanley Cup contending team and that he can rise to the occasion: “I know where I want to be and what I’m capable of, and I’ve got to go out and prove [critics] wrong and play well from the get-go” (x).

The veteran defensemen is looking forward to once again receiving some NHL ice time and making the most of the opportunity. Informing reporters, “I’ve worked extremely hard to get back to this point and I’m going to make sure it counts” (x). Coming into Vancouver, Barker feels “good and confident” (x). He knows he has a lot to prove, but is adamant that if he stays healthy, “the rest will take care of itself” (x).

Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, revealed that the Canucks had actually been interested in acquiring Barker for awhile, explaining, “our guys have always felt that [Cam] had a tremendous amount of potential”(x). Vigneault feels that if Barker “gets what he needs to do now, understands it and comes to play every day” he will finally be able to reach that potential (x). Mike Gillis adds that Barker’s time with the Canucks may just give the 26 year old “an opportunity to reinvent his career” for the better (x).

Barker suited up for 23 games with the AHL Texas Stars this season, recording 8 points (3 goals and 5 assists) before signing with the Canucks.

(Photo: Loxy!!/flickr)

Many Canucks fans were less than ecstatic after hearing about the acquisition of Zack Kassian at last season’s trade deadline, particularly due to what it cost to bring him to Vancouver: Cody Hodgson. Not surprising, considering that prior to the trade deadline, there were talks of Hodgson being a potential candidate for the NHL’s Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. Kassian’s less than stellar start with the Canucks (1 goal and 2 assists in 17 games played), did not help matters either. More recently though, after dedicating himself to an intense off-season training program and following it up with extra allotted development time (as a result of the NHL lockout), Zack Kassian is showing that Mike Gillis’ investment in the 6’3, 214 pound, youngster will eventually pay for itself.

In 7 games played this season with the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, Kassian stands as the team’s current leading scorer, having recorded 5 points (4 goals and 1 assist) thus far, illustrating that he has more to offer than just size and strength. This past weekend, he pleasantly surprised many Canucks fans present for a 2 game match-up seeing the Chicago Wolves face off against the Abbotsford Heat. Kassian notched a goal in each game and did not hesitate to showcase his multidimensional game-play, by dropping the gloves and coming out victorious. His newly found offensive skill is especially hard to overlook, with him having scored the first goal in four of the Wolves last five games (x).

The Windsor, Ontario native credits his recent success to the summer training program designed for him by the Canucks, which had him traveling to receive specialized training in Vancouver, Portland, and Winnipeg. Kassian’s training program consisted of training for 7 days in Vancouver with the Sedin twins, 10 days in Portland’s Nike High Performance Centre, and 3 weeks in Winnipeg with skills coach, Glenn Carnegie (x). His time with the twins proved to be extremely influential, Kassian explains, “[t]hose guys are great role models…They are always doing extra. When you see players like that with their caliber of skill working that hard it is kind of an eye-opener as a rookie to work even harder” (x).

Canucks General Manager, Mike Gillis is thrilled by how Kassian’s development has progressed: “You can see that the pace of his play is much higher…When he takes off now with the puck he is pulling away from people…He worked really hard and is getting results because of it” (x). Gillis went on to say that he and assistant General Manager, Lorne Henning believe that the young gun may be a stride or two ahead of where he was last season, which is promising news for Canucks fans.

Kassian’s development is a result of his positive attitude and strong mindset, which will be an invaluable asset for his future in the NHL. Chicago Wolves coach, Scott Arniel discloses that “[Kass is] eager to learn and recognizes the opportunity that’s been put in front of him” (x), something that can be hard to find in young players.

The big right-winger has noticed the difference in his game, proclaiming, “I feel quicker…I feel like I got a step faster” after having lost a few pounds and put on lean muscle (x). He adds that with playing more minutes, he is starting to feel confident with the puck, and is making more smart plays every game; the numbers speak for themselves. Kassian’s determination and willingness to learn should assure his future success with the Canucks, especially when he’s declared, “[m]y goal is to make my teammates and my coaches happy. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes” (x).

Canucks fans should find comfort in knowing he has shown signs of becoming something the team has been lacking, and desperately needing, since the days of Todd Bertuzzi, a strong, dominate power forward. There is no telling how far perseverance can take a player like Kassian, but Mike Gillis seems confident that “[i]f he continues doing what he’s doing I don’t see why [Zack] wouldn’t get a great opportunity with our team to show what he can do” (x).

…and none for Shane Doan bye! 

Alex Burrows (Photo: Naki Edits/canucks.com)

Today on Canucks in Wonderland, we find that a wild dragon slayer appears!

Laurence Gilman and Mike Gillis uses contract extension!

It is very effective!

Alex Burrows, aged 31 signed a 4  year, $18 million contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks.

The native of Pincourt, Quebec has played for the Canucks since the 2005/2006 season and is best known for being French and for the overtime goal that put the Canucks through to Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011.

It marked the third time the Canucks had faced the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the first time they beat them in the 3 years that they had faced each other.

Congratulations Alex!

I would also like to extend a ‘congratulations’ to Shane Doan, who also, recently signed a 4 year contract with his former team, the Pheonix Coyotes!

And in honor of Mr. Burrows signing a contract extension, let’s get a look that the goal that sent all of Vancouver into a frenzy, in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011.

Today on Canucks in Wonderland…

Manny Malhotra (Photo: canucks.com/Naki Edits)

Today on Canucks in Wonderland, we learn that Canucks forward Manny Malhotra is to march in Vancouver’s Gay Pride Parade on August 15th 2012 alongside former Canucks General Manager.

Manny is the 4th Canuck to lend his name to the You Can Play campaign, beside fellow forwards Ryan Kesler and Henrik and Daniel Sedin.

Malhotra then goes on to say (x):

“I’m thrilled to be able to show my support for You Can Play. It’s paramount that equality in sport, and beyond, becomes the norm. Everybody has the right to play the game they love. I am excited to share this message of equality and show my support this Sunday.”

Malhotra and Burke will be marching with the Vancouver Cutting Edges on Sunday the 15th. The Cutting Edges are currently ‘the only gay hockey club in Western Canada.’ (x) So keep an eye out for them on August 15th!

» Continue reading “Malhotra To Do Pride Parade, Mallet Joins the Club”

Dale Weise (Photo: canucks.com/ Naki Edits)

Today on Canucks  in Wonderland, General Manager Mike Gillis has announced that the Vancouver Canucks have taken Winnipeg native Dale Weise on for another year, thus avoiding arbitration.

Dale Weise was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks early in the 2011-2012 season, having previously played for the New York Rangers.

Dale Weise played a total of 86 games with the Vancouver Canucks this season, ending with a total of 8 points and a +/- of -1.

Congratulations and we’ll see you next year Mr. Weise!

Mason Raymond (Photo: trevorlinden/tumblr)

On today’s Canucks in Wonderland, the Vancouver Canucks have announced that have resigned 26 year old left winger, Mason Raymond.

Born on September 17th in Cochrane, Alberta,  Mason Raymond was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL Entry Draft 2005, at number 51.

This past season with the Vancouver Canucks, Mason Raymond played a total of 55 games and scored a total of 20 points.

Mason and his wife Megan Raymond, also, recently welcomed a baby boy named Max Raymond into the world.

Congratulations Mason and we’ll see you next year!

Welcome to the NHL Free Agency 2012.

As you saw earlier, the Vancouver Canucks lost an amazing defence man in free agent Sami Salo to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Unfortunately, we also lost another defence man, in Aaron Rome.

Aaron Rome (Photo: flawlessswedes/tumblr)

Aaron Rome played 43 games this past season with the Vancouver Canucks and ended his 3rd and final season as a Canuck with a total of 10 points and +/- of -4.

Aaron Rome is to start the 2012-2013 season with the Dallas Stars, having signed a 3 year $4.5 million deal with them.

Congratulations Aaron Rome and good luck in Dallas!

Fortunately for the Vancouver Canucks, we have ourselves a new addition to our defensive ranks.

His name is Jason Garrison.

Jason Garrison (Photo: violentdeke/tumblr)

His name is Jason Garrison. He’s 27 years old, he’s a defenceman and he comes to us from the Florida Panthers.

He played 77 games with the Florida Panthers this past season and coined a total of 33 points and a +/- of 6.

During the Panthers ‘ short playoff run, Garrison had a total of 3 points and a +/- of -2.

Fun Facts:

• Jason Garrison is from White Rock, British Columbia.
• He signed a 6 year multi-million dollar deal with the Vancouver Canucks.
• He knows David Booth.

And on behalf of the fans of the Vancouver Canucks, I hereby welcome you, Jason Garrison to the Vancouver Canucks.

Best of luck! And we’ll see you next year!