November 2, 2010
The Curse of the Sedins

Of course, we mean this in a mostly tongue in cheek fashion, but with Jeff Tambellini’s demotion today to Winnipeg despite scoring twice in his limited time with the Sedins you have to wonder.

The first winger to achieve decent chemistry back when the twins were just fuzzy faced boys was Trent Klatt.  After said success, Klatt had a personal chauffeur, Brian Burke, drive him to the airport as he chased more money and respect in LA only to have his career end one year later. 

After Klatt, came Magnus Arvedson.  Coming from Ottawa as a two way winger capable of 15 to 20 goals per season, Arvedson was supposed to be a perfect fit to join his Swedish brethren, but it never worked and he (while ending his NHL career that season) was replaced quickly by Jason King.  King came from nowhere (we mean Newfoundland) and after scoring early and often with the Sedins was back in the AHL before the season was over and has since played a grand total of 4 NHL games. 

And, of course, no one can forget everyone’s favourite Sedin brother, Anson Carter, who racked up an incredible season only to think that he was solely responsible for it chasing better money out of town and in less than one season was out of the NHL. 

After Carter, the winger to get the most Sedin ice time was one Markus Naslund.  During his mostly two years with twins he racked up paltry goal and assist totals compared to what he had done in the previous 5 seasons.  And, of course, the supposed Canuck icon left town shortly thereafer for one final mediocre season in New York.

The next chosen child was Steve Bernier, who arrived in town as a still highly prized prospect.  The big man with the right hand shot that would so easily pull an “Anson Carter” did not.  In fact, the experiment was short lived.  And after 2 seasons here, mostly as a third liner, he was shipped to hockey purgatory in Florida.

And you might remember Sergei Shirokov, last season’s training camp darling who began the season as the designated right hand power play shooter with the Sedins.  6 games and no points later, he, too, was off to Winnipeg and hasn’t been seen since.

But what about Alex Burrows?  With the Sedins at his side, he’s evolved from grinding winger to sniping sister right?  Yes, but after being an ironman since his arrival here 5 seasons ago he has now had to battle through a shoulder problem, making his return tonight while Tambellini makes his way to the Moose.

Let’s hope that Burrows is the exception to what has been a mostly miserable rule.

5:14pm
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(Notes: 3)
  
Filed under: vancouver canucks the Sedins Jeff Tambellini Trent Klatt Brian Burke Magnus Arvedson Jason King Anson Carter Markus Naslund Steve Bernier Sergei Shirokov 
August 25, 2010
Raffi Torres, the Final Piece of the Puzzle?

Word is that the Canucks have inked gritty winger Raffi Torres to a one year one million dollar deal.  At CC, like most, we have commented on the need for just this type of player.  Torres is tough, can score and has some decent playoff experience.  In theory, he could slot in on any of the Canucks’ top 3 lines.  Though at this price and this term, there must be baggage.  Despite scoring 19 goals last season in just 74 games between stops in Columbus and Buffalo, he was scratched twice by coach Lindy Ruff during last year’s playoffs - a perplexing move given Torres’ renowned grit and character.

At any rate, he seems to be just the kind of player that coach Alain Vigneault loves, and, at worst, will seemingly replace the lost 3rd line grit of lead footed Steve Bernier.  This move has the potential to work out in similar fashion to the Anson Carter pick up a few years back - a player, seemingly down on his luck, but with a decent track record, at a bargain price.  Indeed, with Alex Burrows on the shelf until at least November, Torres could remarkably find himself alongside the twins and perhaps that was motivation enough for him to accept a one year deal for what amounts to chump change.  Unlike the $2.5 million per season commitment to Manny Maholtra for 3 years, there seems to be little down side with this move.

The Canucks, who were already over the salary cap limit for the coming season, are likely not done dealing.  However, with both Burrows and Sami Salo sidelined, we may not see any more significant player moves until they return from injury.

With that, we’re long overdue for another poll question.  Mike Gillis has been a busy boy this off-season.  He’s upgraded his defense without sacrificing his offense and has been able to add some size and grit to his collection of forwards.  Has he done enough?  We ask you, dear reader.

10:41am
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(Notes: 5)
  
Filed under: vancouver canucks raffi torres mike gillis anson carter