Vandermeer, Barker could provide blueline depth for Canucks
Jim Vandermeer and Cam Barker played for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2006-07 season. Now the unrestricted free agents are playing a waiting game.
Barker is trying to play his way back into the NHL via a professional tryout with the Vancouver Canucks and Vandermeer is hoping the Presidents’ Trophy winners see him as a depth defenceman. With a back end that consists of Dan Hamhuis, Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, Jason Garrison, Keith Ballard, Chris Tanev and Andrew Alberts, there’s a real need for a dependable No. 8 because a condensed 48-game season will expose everyone to a heightened risk of injury in a sprint toward the playoffs.
“We talked to them (Canucks) yesterday, and time will tell because we’re talking to a bunch of teams,” Vandermeer said Tuesday following a UBC skate. “We’re going to find out which situation is the best. I can play offence, take care of my own end, be physical and fight and take care of the boys. This will be my 10th year and I know I can play in this league. The circumstances weren’t great for me last year.”