My top ten favorite Canucks
The 2016-17 NHL season is winding down. Lots of changes have been made this season with new and younger players being introduced to the Canucks lineup. I thought I would do a post of my top ten all time favorite Canucks. Note: I was born in 1984 and started watching hockey in the 90's so my picks will be players who played in the early 90's and to the present. In no particular order, here are my top ten all-time favorite Canucks
1. Pavel Bure. The Russian Rocket spent 8 seasons with the Canucks. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 1991 NHL entry draft by the Canucks. Bure was a prolific goal scorer notching 60 goals two seasons in a row. Perhaps his most memorable goal was the series ender in the 1st round of the 1994 Playoffs vs. the Flames. He deked Flames goalie Mike Vernon on a breakaway in the 2OT. The thing I loved most about Bure was he was entertaining. He scored many of his goals by being flashy and deking out the goalie. Unfortunately Bure's career was cut short due to major knee injuries.
2. Gino Odjick Best known as the Algonquin Assassin, Odjick's primary role with the Canucks was a 4th line enforcer. He was a character guy both on and off the ice. I remember one particular moment when I was on the same flight as him going to a War Amps seminar in Ontario. Odjick was kind enough to chat and sign autographs with me and the other kids who were also going to the same seminar. A few years back Odkick was diagnosed with a rare heart condition and was thought to have only a year or two left to live. He beat the odds and his condition is currently in remission.
3. Alex Burrows. Recently traded to Ottawa at the trade deadline, Burrows overcame long odds to make it to the NHL. He was an elite ball hockey player and played in the ECHL. Very few players make it to the NHL after playing in the ECHL. He has proven to be a versatile player. Burrows can be a pest, he can score and he can defend. The Canucks will surely miss him in the long run.
4. The Sedin Twins. I can't pick one brother over the other. Both Daniel and Henrik are equally my favorite players. Drafted 2nd and 3rd overall in the 1999 draft, the Sedins were a major part of the success the Canucks enjoyed 2010-2012. Henrik reached 1000 points this season and barring a major injury Daniel should hit the milestone next season. The Sedins strength is puck control. They have the ability to wear down the opponent by cycling the puck, either leading to a goal or drawing a penalty. This year was a bit of a bad year as both twins had their worst production since their rookie years. No doubt the Sedins will be future hall of famers.
5. Trevor Linden. Linden was arguably the best Canucks captain in its history. Trevor was drafted 2nd overall in the 1988 entry draft by the Canucks He should have been a lifetime Canuck but for Mike Keenan trading him to the Islanders February 6, 1998. Linden would be traded back to the Canucks November 10, 2001. Linden was a key cog in the Canucks 1994 Stanley cup run. He led by example by being physical and playing the game the right way. Linden is also very involved in the community and various charities, including Canucks place. Trevor Linden even started his own fitness club franchise which has several locations in the Lower Mainland. Currently Linden is actively playing a role in this Canucks rebuild as president of hockey operations. I have strong hope that Linden will build a great hockey team over the coming years.
6. Kirk McLean Captain Kirk led the Canucks to it's 2nd Stanley Cup finals in 1994. He saved the Canucks season in the 1st round with a remarkable save on the Flames Robert Reichel going post to post to rob Reichel on a one-timer on a Flames 3-on-1 chance. The save allowed Bure to score the game winner a period later. McLean made 2 all-star appearances as a Canuck (1990 and 1992). McLean had a classic butterfly style that was popular during that era.
7. Roberto Luongo Bobby Lu was arguable the best goalie in Canucks history. Luongo was acquired at the 2006 NHL draft in a trade with Florida in a deal that sent Bertuzzi, Bryan Allen and Alex Auld the other way. Luongo initially signed a four year deal. When he arrived the Canucks were just about to enter their competitive window with the Sedins just entering their prime years. While Luongo looked great in the regular season, his playoff numbers were a different story. Chicago turned out to be Luongo's Achilles heel. The Canucks lost to the Blackhawks 2 years in a row in the second round before finally getting past them in the 2011 Stanley Cup run. Roberto Luongo was a fan favorite and wrote some gems on his Twitter account. Luongo signed the best and worst contract in Canucks history on September 2, 2009. The Canucks handed him a 12 year deal that the team is still paying for while Luongo is playing for the Panthers. At one point the Canucks were the envy of the league with three goalies who looked like future stars (Luongo, Cory Schneider and Eddie Lack). Ironically all three goalies were eventually traded away and are enjoying various success with their current teams. Luongo's tenure with the Canucks came to an end when Lack was given the start over him in the Heritage Classic. Luongo was traded 4 days after that game.
8. Jannick Hansen Like Alex Burrows, Hansen was traded at the trade deadline in an effort to get younger. Honey badger spent a decade with the Canucks. He was a jack of all trades player. He played in all situations, PP, even strength and PK. Hansen used his speed to his advantage, often beating the opponent to loose pucks. Jannick played on all 4 lines in his Canucks career and spent large stints on the Sedins line. Hansen was one of the Sedins most effective linemates. Hansen's claim to fame is being the 1st Danish born player to compete and register a point in the NHL Playoffs. I will miss Hansen because I felt he still could have helped the Canucks as a role model for the younger players
9. Todd Bertuzzi The big hulking winger formed one of the most formidable lines in Canucks history along with center Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund. Bertuzzi was a polarizing figure. He was a prolific scorer but also walked a fine line with the NHL disciplinary commissioner. Bertuzzi missed 10 games in the first month of the 2001-02 season after being automatically suspended for leaving the bench to help in a fight vs. the Avalanche. Just 3 years later Bertuzzi got himself in even bigger trouble by blindsiding Steve Moore who had blindsided Naslund 5 days prior. Bertuzzi missed the remainder of that season and was prohibited from playing 2004-05 (the NHL season was wiped out due to a labor dispute but International leagues recognized the suspension). When Bertuzzi was reinstated he was a changed player. Bertuzzi was also polarizing in other ways. For example, he heckled Minnesota Wild fans, telling them not to purchase tickets to game 6 (played in Minnesota) as the series would be over by then and in game 7 he told Wild players to get out their golf clubs when the Canucks were ahead 2-0 at that point. Minnesota used both snipes as rallying points and would win that series. Bertuzzi was a loyal player, not afraid to stand up for teammates as exemplified in the two incidents above.
10. Markus Naslund The left wing cog of the West Coast Express line with Bertuzzi and Morrison, Nslund was acquired from Pittsburgh in one of the most lopsided deals in league history as journeyman Alex Stojanov, a career minor leaguer. Not only did Naslund perform statistically, he was instrumental in convincing the Sedins to stick with it when the Twins wanted to quit and return to Sweden. Naslund's numbers steadily improved until they peaked in 2002-03 when hen notched 104 points, including 48 goals. Naslund would win the Lester Pearson Award for best player as voted by his colleagues in the NHL and would finish runner-up for the Hart trophy as league MVP. He holds the Canucks team record for All-time hat-tricks: 10 (tied with Tony Tanti), All-time powerplay goals, Longest tenured captain: 8 years (2000–08), Single-season points by a left wing: 104 (2002–03), Single-season goals by a left wing: 48 (2002–03) and Single-game goals: 4 (twice; 14 December 2002 vs. Edmonton Oilers; 9 December 2003 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins; tied with 10 others). Naslund set the bar high for future Canucks to aim for.
1. Pavel Bure. The Russian Rocket spent 8 seasons with the Canucks. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 1991 NHL entry draft by the Canucks. Bure was a prolific goal scorer notching 60 goals two seasons in a row. Perhaps his most memorable goal was the series ender in the 1st round of the 1994 Playoffs vs. the Flames. He deked Flames goalie Mike Vernon on a breakaway in the 2OT. The thing I loved most about Bure was he was entertaining. He scored many of his goals by being flashy and deking out the goalie. Unfortunately Bure's career was cut short due to major knee injuries.
2. Gino Odjick Best known as the Algonquin Assassin, Odjick's primary role with the Canucks was a 4th line enforcer. He was a character guy both on and off the ice. I remember one particular moment when I was on the same flight as him going to a War Amps seminar in Ontario. Odjick was kind enough to chat and sign autographs with me and the other kids who were also going to the same seminar. A few years back Odkick was diagnosed with a rare heart condition and was thought to have only a year or two left to live. He beat the odds and his condition is currently in remission.
3. Alex Burrows. Recently traded to Ottawa at the trade deadline, Burrows overcame long odds to make it to the NHL. He was an elite ball hockey player and played in the ECHL. Very few players make it to the NHL after playing in the ECHL. He has proven to be a versatile player. Burrows can be a pest, he can score and he can defend. The Canucks will surely miss him in the long run.
4. The Sedin Twins. I can't pick one brother over the other. Both Daniel and Henrik are equally my favorite players. Drafted 2nd and 3rd overall in the 1999 draft, the Sedins were a major part of the success the Canucks enjoyed 2010-2012. Henrik reached 1000 points this season and barring a major injury Daniel should hit the milestone next season. The Sedins strength is puck control. They have the ability to wear down the opponent by cycling the puck, either leading to a goal or drawing a penalty. This year was a bit of a bad year as both twins had their worst production since their rookie years. No doubt the Sedins will be future hall of famers.
5. Trevor Linden. Linden was arguably the best Canucks captain in its history. Trevor was drafted 2nd overall in the 1988 entry draft by the Canucks He should have been a lifetime Canuck but for Mike Keenan trading him to the Islanders February 6, 1998. Linden would be traded back to the Canucks November 10, 2001. Linden was a key cog in the Canucks 1994 Stanley cup run. He led by example by being physical and playing the game the right way. Linden is also very involved in the community and various charities, including Canucks place. Trevor Linden even started his own fitness club franchise which has several locations in the Lower Mainland. Currently Linden is actively playing a role in this Canucks rebuild as president of hockey operations. I have strong hope that Linden will build a great hockey team over the coming years.
6. Kirk McLean Captain Kirk led the Canucks to it's 2nd Stanley Cup finals in 1994. He saved the Canucks season in the 1st round with a remarkable save on the Flames Robert Reichel going post to post to rob Reichel on a one-timer on a Flames 3-on-1 chance. The save allowed Bure to score the game winner a period later. McLean made 2 all-star appearances as a Canuck (1990 and 1992). McLean had a classic butterfly style that was popular during that era.
7. Roberto Luongo Bobby Lu was arguable the best goalie in Canucks history. Luongo was acquired at the 2006 NHL draft in a trade with Florida in a deal that sent Bertuzzi, Bryan Allen and Alex Auld the other way. Luongo initially signed a four year deal. When he arrived the Canucks were just about to enter their competitive window with the Sedins just entering their prime years. While Luongo looked great in the regular season, his playoff numbers were a different story. Chicago turned out to be Luongo's Achilles heel. The Canucks lost to the Blackhawks 2 years in a row in the second round before finally getting past them in the 2011 Stanley Cup run. Roberto Luongo was a fan favorite and wrote some gems on his Twitter account. Luongo signed the best and worst contract in Canucks history on September 2, 2009. The Canucks handed him a 12 year deal that the team is still paying for while Luongo is playing for the Panthers. At one point the Canucks were the envy of the league with three goalies who looked like future stars (Luongo, Cory Schneider and Eddie Lack). Ironically all three goalies were eventually traded away and are enjoying various success with their current teams. Luongo's tenure with the Canucks came to an end when Lack was given the start over him in the Heritage Classic. Luongo was traded 4 days after that game.
8. Jannick Hansen Like Alex Burrows, Hansen was traded at the trade deadline in an effort to get younger. Honey badger spent a decade with the Canucks. He was a jack of all trades player. He played in all situations, PP, even strength and PK. Hansen used his speed to his advantage, often beating the opponent to loose pucks. Jannick played on all 4 lines in his Canucks career and spent large stints on the Sedins line. Hansen was one of the Sedins most effective linemates. Hansen's claim to fame is being the 1st Danish born player to compete and register a point in the NHL Playoffs. I will miss Hansen because I felt he still could have helped the Canucks as a role model for the younger players
9. Todd Bertuzzi The big hulking winger formed one of the most formidable lines in Canucks history along with center Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund. Bertuzzi was a polarizing figure. He was a prolific scorer but also walked a fine line with the NHL disciplinary commissioner. Bertuzzi missed 10 games in the first month of the 2001-02 season after being automatically suspended for leaving the bench to help in a fight vs. the Avalanche. Just 3 years later Bertuzzi got himself in even bigger trouble by blindsiding Steve Moore who had blindsided Naslund 5 days prior. Bertuzzi missed the remainder of that season and was prohibited from playing 2004-05 (the NHL season was wiped out due to a labor dispute but International leagues recognized the suspension). When Bertuzzi was reinstated he was a changed player. Bertuzzi was also polarizing in other ways. For example, he heckled Minnesota Wild fans, telling them not to purchase tickets to game 6 (played in Minnesota) as the series would be over by then and in game 7 he told Wild players to get out their golf clubs when the Canucks were ahead 2-0 at that point. Minnesota used both snipes as rallying points and would win that series. Bertuzzi was a loyal player, not afraid to stand up for teammates as exemplified in the two incidents above.
10. Markus Naslund The left wing cog of the West Coast Express line with Bertuzzi and Morrison, Nslund was acquired from Pittsburgh in one of the most lopsided deals in league history as journeyman Alex Stojanov, a career minor leaguer. Not only did Naslund perform statistically, he was instrumental in convincing the Sedins to stick with it when the Twins wanted to quit and return to Sweden. Naslund's numbers steadily improved until they peaked in 2002-03 when hen notched 104 points, including 48 goals. Naslund would win the Lester Pearson Award for best player as voted by his colleagues in the NHL and would finish runner-up for the Hart trophy as league MVP. He holds the Canucks team record for All-time hat-tricks: 10 (tied with Tony Tanti), All-time powerplay goals, Longest tenured captain: 8 years (2000–08), Single-season points by a left wing: 104 (2002–03), Single-season goals by a left wing: 48 (2002–03) and Single-game goals: 4 (twice; 14 December 2002 vs. Edmonton Oilers; 9 December 2003 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins; tied with 10 others). Naslund set the bar high for future Canucks to aim for.
posted by opinionator777 at 8:19 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home