The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team."
- Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning on the signing of free agent Radim Vrbata and other recent moves
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today."
- New Vancouver Canucks winger Radim Vrbata on the chance of playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
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