Vancouver Canucks Speculation
Everyone is aware of the Canucks major weakness…. Secondary Scoring!
From the net out they are arguably one of the best defensive teams in the dynamic Western Conference. Obviously this team is more defensive oriented then previous years of the run and gun style offence under Marc Crawford. If last year was any indication, you can count on more trapping-style play from the Canucks.
I have no problem with a defense-first philosophy, although some would say the best defense is a good offence. Defense can only take you so far, if your down a goal your going to need to get some offence going. Counting on three players on a 23 man roster just doesn’t seem logical.
Peter Forsberg would be a great addition. But the Canucks need him to take a pay-cut in order to fit him on the roster. I think that there is some merit to the rumor, but I’m sure teams like Detroit and Ottawa have the same, if not better chance of signing Forsberg. It seems that wherever there is a Swede on a National Hockey League team… A rumor of Forsberg heading to town is right around the corner. Hell, maybe he’ll team up with Sundin and the Leafs.
Vancouver needs to do something about their Achilles’ heel. Via a trade, a signing they need to shore up the secondary scoring to take this team to the next level. That being said, I could see one of the top six defensemen being dealt. Ohlund would be the most likely to go because of his pricey contract.
If the Forsberg signing doesn’t pan out I think the Canucks should look at Jason Allison to play with Naslund on the second line and move Brendan Morrison to the third line in more of a checking role. I know Allison has been plagued with injuries and he’s not the strongest skater but put him on a line with Naslund and a speedy winger he could definitely help out offensively and add a much needed boost to the special teams. And he wouldn’t take up a lot of cap room, enabling them some flexibility at the deadline.
Thanks for Reading,
Rick Gray