The truth about David Clarkson has finally come out.
Clarkson, who was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Toronto Maple Leafs this week in a unique deal, is a modest talent who parlayed one good season into a huge, ludicrous contract. The seven-year, $37.5-million deal overshadowed the fact that the 30-year-old Toronto native has been a minus player most of his career, and injuries have severely limited his playing time. Often beset with injuries, he has only played all 82 games twice in his eight seasons.
But in 2011-12, when he played 80 games, he managed to score 30 goals and send teams into a tizzy, even though he only produced a career-high 46 points in total with the New Jersey Devils. In all of his other seasons, Clarkson has never recorded more than 32 points – and won’t this season, either, barring a major surge. Simply put, such numbers do not merit seven-year contracts.
The Maple Leafs were not the only team that offered big bucks, but they were left holding the money bags when he decided to sign with his hometown club. At the time, the Leafs were under pressure to sign a supposedly big name and Clarkson fit the bill, and it’s reasonable to expect that general manager Dave Nonis received some prodding from ownership.
Fortunately, Nonis and the Leafs caught a break when Columbus unexpectedly peddled injured forward Nathan Horton, who is not likely to play again but has a big, uninsured contract that is now Toronto’s responsibility. As has been reported, with Horton on long-term injured reserve, the Maple Leafs can now clear significant salary-cap space over the next six seasons, which they can use to sign free agents in their rebuilding process. Nonis also has the option of acquiring a proven star from a team that is at the salary cap max.
The Blue Jackets get a player that they can pay for actually playing, and Clarkson’s contract likely ensures that the small-market club will remain above the salary-cap floor going forward, enabling them to save money in the long run.
Nonis deserves credit for hammering out a creative deal. Now, it will be interesting to see whether he and Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen have started a trend.
For example, do the Philadelphia Flyers have more leverage in attempts to trade injured defenceman Chris Pronger’s rights? Although Pronger now works as an NHL disciplinarian, his playing contract does not expire until 2016-17 – and his $4.9-million annual cap hit could prove to be attractive to a team looking for relief over the next two seasons. Could Toronto bite again? The Flyers motivation: GM Ron Hextall could get a player or draft pick in return, or they could avoid insurance-related expenses.
Hextall reportedly tried to trade Pronger’s rights last season, but he might get more interest now that Nonis and Kekalainen have showed clubs how to make such deals workable. If not now, perhaps they will become more common in the future.
While most long-term injured players’ contracts will be insured and clubs will have less incentive to trade them, the salary-cap advantages could prove to be attractive – especially if concussions take more of a toll and insurers are reluctant to assume as much risk as they do now. More concussions could spell higher insurance premiums, which can be in the millions considering the size of some deals.
So the truth about David Clarkson is that he is not a great player. While the winger has highly coveted size, skill and leadership abilities, he is not likely to produce a plethora of points over the remainder of his contract. And while he hopes to get back to playing the way he was in New Jersey, that level was nothing to write home about.
But just by signing a big contract and being part of an unexpected trade, he might be a trendsetter.
The possibilities are intriguing.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Edler's loss to injury spells rookie's gain
The loss of one player to injury is another player’s gain – it’s been forever thus in the NHL and, consequently, it’s now Adam Clendening’s time to shine.
Alex Edler’s absence to an undisclosed injury, enabled Clendening, a 22-year-old Niagara Falls, N.Y., native, to play a key role on Vancouver’s first power play unit as the Canucks hosted the Minnesota Wild on Monday. The rookie defenceman only joined the Canucks in a trade from Chicago in late January for minor-leaguer Gustav Forsling.
Clendening spent most of his two-year tenure in the Blackhawks organization toiling for their AHL farm club in Rockford, Ill., but now he finds himself pushing for points with NHL veterans Alex Burrows, Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Radim Vrbata.
“I take pride in my ability offensively and to quarterback the power play,” said Clendening. “To get that opportunity, especially with the twins and Burr and Verby, it’s a big responsibility.”
Clendening has displayed a flare for offence with the U.S. under-18 program, Boston University and AHL after the Blackhawks drafted him in the second round (36th overall) in 2011. He was an AHL second and first all-star in his first two pro seasons. Now, he gets a chance to replace Edler and demonstrate how consistent he can be in the NHL.
“It’s a great opportunity for other guys to step up,” he said of Edler’s injury, suffered Saturday in Calgary. “But let’s be serious. Eagle’s gonna be missed. A tough guy to take out of your lineup. He took a lot of minutes. He’s big and plays in every single situation.”
But Canucks coach Willie Desjardins, whose mandate this season is to prepare call-ups and acquisition for life in the NHL while also getting the Canucks back to the playoffs, expressed confidence in putting Clendening in difficult circumstances. Desjardins said the rearguard still has to learn some of the intricacies of the NHL, but the coach likes some of the skills that he has displayed.
“He’s a good passer,” said Desjardins. “He sees the ice real well. I think there are some things in his game that he has to work on if he wants to be an elite power-play defenceman at this level. But I think he has a real good vision in the offensive zone, and he moves the puck well.”
Clendening is feeling more comfortable every day after the first couple of days of learning Vancouver’s system, which is similar to Chicago’s on-ice framework, and making sure all of his gear and belongings arrived.
“(The performance) may not be in the numbers showing up, but I think I’m moving the puck the right way and putting it on the right guy’s tape and making the right decisions with it,” he said.
However, while he is gaining, at least for now, from Edler’s injury, he can also relate to the struggles that many players face as they battle for contracts. Clendening is a former teammate of late NHL defenceman Steve Montador, 35, who was found dead in his Toronto-area home Sunday.
“It’s very sad,” said Clendening. “I played with him in Rockford. I was actually his partner down there for a bit, and we spent a little bit of time together (as Black Aces for Chicago’s Stanley) Cup run there (in 2012-13), so I got to know him pretty well. When I heard the news, I was very heartbroken. I don’t know any details (on his death), so I can’t really comment on that. But he’s somebody that’ll definitely be missed in the hockey world.”
Police do not suspect foul play was involved. Montador suffered concussions during his 571-game NHL career with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Blackhawks. He was also battling depression, although Clendening was unaware of his issues.
“He seemed like a guy that was always in a good attitude and really enjoyed being around the rink and that type of thing,” said Clendening. “He never really gave me that perception of being in trouble mentally.”
So Clendening is aware that although he has gained from an injury loss, he his time in the spotlight could be fleeting.
Alex Edler’s absence to an undisclosed injury, enabled Clendening, a 22-year-old Niagara Falls, N.Y., native, to play a key role on Vancouver’s first power play unit as the Canucks hosted the Minnesota Wild on Monday. The rookie defenceman only joined the Canucks in a trade from Chicago in late January for minor-leaguer Gustav Forsling.
Clendening spent most of his two-year tenure in the Blackhawks organization toiling for their AHL farm club in Rockford, Ill., but now he finds himself pushing for points with NHL veterans Alex Burrows, Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Radim Vrbata.
“I take pride in my ability offensively and to quarterback the power play,” said Clendening. “To get that opportunity, especially with the twins and Burr and Verby, it’s a big responsibility.”
Clendening has displayed a flare for offence with the U.S. under-18 program, Boston University and AHL after the Blackhawks drafted him in the second round (36th overall) in 2011. He was an AHL second and first all-star in his first two pro seasons. Now, he gets a chance to replace Edler and demonstrate how consistent he can be in the NHL.
“It’s a great opportunity for other guys to step up,” he said of Edler’s injury, suffered Saturday in Calgary. “But let’s be serious. Eagle’s gonna be missed. A tough guy to take out of your lineup. He took a lot of minutes. He’s big and plays in every single situation.”
But Canucks coach Willie Desjardins, whose mandate this season is to prepare call-ups and acquisition for life in the NHL while also getting the Canucks back to the playoffs, expressed confidence in putting Clendening in difficult circumstances. Desjardins said the rearguard still has to learn some of the intricacies of the NHL, but the coach likes some of the skills that he has displayed.
“He’s a good passer,” said Desjardins. “He sees the ice real well. I think there are some things in his game that he has to work on if he wants to be an elite power-play defenceman at this level. But I think he has a real good vision in the offensive zone, and he moves the puck well.”
Clendening is feeling more comfortable every day after the first couple of days of learning Vancouver’s system, which is similar to Chicago’s on-ice framework, and making sure all of his gear and belongings arrived.
“(The performance) may not be in the numbers showing up, but I think I’m moving the puck the right way and putting it on the right guy’s tape and making the right decisions with it,” he said.
However, while he is gaining, at least for now, from Edler’s injury, he can also relate to the struggles that many players face as they battle for contracts. Clendening is a former teammate of late NHL defenceman Steve Montador, 35, who was found dead in his Toronto-area home Sunday.
“It’s very sad,” said Clendening. “I played with him in Rockford. I was actually his partner down there for a bit, and we spent a little bit of time together (as Black Aces for Chicago’s Stanley) Cup run there (in 2012-13), so I got to know him pretty well. When I heard the news, I was very heartbroken. I don’t know any details (on his death), so I can’t really comment on that. But he’s somebody that’ll definitely be missed in the hockey world.”
Police do not suspect foul play was involved. Montador suffered concussions during his 571-game NHL career with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Blackhawks. He was also battling depression, although Clendening was unaware of his issues.
“He seemed like a guy that was always in a good attitude and really enjoyed being around the rink and that type of thing,” said Clendening. “He never really gave me that perception of being in trouble mentally.”
So Clendening is aware that although he has gained from an injury loss, he his time in the spotlight could be fleeting.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Zack Kassian enjoying better times
What a difference a week makes for Zack Kassian.
The Vancouver Canucks winger headed into Friday’s game against Boston with three goals in as many games. The streak followed a different, much uglier one. He was scratched for three straight games and was only put back in the lineup after the Winnipeg Jets manhandled the Canucks and Vancouver had injury troubles among the forward ranks.
“It’s always nice when you’re scoring goals,” he said. “It’s nice to help the team any way you can and, when you’re scoring goals, obviously, you’re helping the team.”
Kassian still only had five goals prior to Friday’s contest. It was evident that he was still in a case of denial after stating earlier last week that he was trying to figure out what was going on when he was scratched.
“In the beginning of the year, I think I was playing better,” he said. “I just wasn’t being rewarded. But I’m finding ways to get back to the dirty areas and score some goals.”
Some observers would question Kassian’s claim that he was playing better in the beginning of the year. His work ethic left little to be desired, and his penchant for penalties and apparent lack of hockey sense and timing were startling when one considers what he has done in the past.
It’s still clear that he has not lived up to former general manager Mike Gillis’ claim that he is a “prototypical power forward.”
Coach Willie Desjardins was clear on why Kassian wasn’t playing. Desjardins did not know what he would get from Kassian game in and game out, so he wasn’t comfortable putting him in the lineup. The next few games and weeks could determine whether Kassian has finally figured out what it takes to be a consistent NHLer.
If he hasn’t, he could be traded by the March 2 NHL trading deadline.
The Vancouver Canucks winger headed into Friday’s game against Boston with three goals in as many games. The streak followed a different, much uglier one. He was scratched for three straight games and was only put back in the lineup after the Winnipeg Jets manhandled the Canucks and Vancouver had injury troubles among the forward ranks.
“It’s always nice when you’re scoring goals,” he said. “It’s nice to help the team any way you can and, when you’re scoring goals, obviously, you’re helping the team.”
Kassian still only had five goals prior to Friday’s contest. It was evident that he was still in a case of denial after stating earlier last week that he was trying to figure out what was going on when he was scratched.
“In the beginning of the year, I think I was playing better,” he said. “I just wasn’t being rewarded. But I’m finding ways to get back to the dirty areas and score some goals.”
Some observers would question Kassian’s claim that he was playing better in the beginning of the year. His work ethic left little to be desired, and his penchant for penalties and apparent lack of hockey sense and timing were startling when one considers what he has done in the past.
It’s still clear that he has not lived up to former general manager Mike Gillis’ claim that he is a “prototypical power forward.”
Coach Willie Desjardins was clear on why Kassian wasn’t playing. Desjardins did not know what he would get from Kassian game in and game out, so he wasn’t comfortable putting him in the lineup. The next few games and weeks could determine whether Kassian has finally figured out what it takes to be a consistent NHLer.
If he hasn’t, he could be traded by the March 2 NHL trading deadline.
Bruins-Canucks rivalry lingers four years later
Circa 2011, games between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins generated considerable buzz, along with plenty of venom. Now? Not so much.
But it was evident Friday that some of rivalry that reached a feverish height in the 2011 Stanley Cup final, when Boston overcame a 3-1 series deficit to win in seven games, is still there.
“Maybe a little bit,” said Canucks winger Alex Burrows before Vancouver hosted the Bruins. “I would have liked to win four years ago. But they’re a much different team and we’re a much different team now. So, personally, maybe a little bit. But now, we’ve moved on from that.”
Burrows was at the centre of many brouhahas with the Bruins, notably with Patrice Bergeron in a finger-biting incident. But, in a sign, perhaps, of lingering animosity, Burrows has not chatted amicably with Bergeron or anyone else about the memorable 2011 finals.
“Honestly, I don’t know where I could have (talked to) most of them,” said Burrows. “I know, maybe, (Patrice) Bergeron. But he’s from Quebec City. I’m from Montreal. That’s a four-hour drive. So it’s not like I see them or have any friends on the team, really. I’ve never really gone out of my way to talk about (the 2011 final loss) or anything. But I’ve been to Fenway Park and I’ve watched the Red Sox. That’s probably as close as I’ve gotten to Boston ever since then.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said Boston is still “a team that brings out the best in us,” but the rivalry is not even close to what it used to be.
“When you play against them in the finals, the heat is going to be there,” he said. “But they have a lot of new faces, and we don’t have too many guys left from that year. So it’s different – for sure.”
The lack of games between the teams – only two per season – also prevents things from heating up.
“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “The only game where the same kind of rivalry has been there was the year after when we played them in Boston.”
Former general manager Mike Gillis believed that his club was never the same after that highly physical and emotional affair. But some Vancouver players, such as Zack Kassian, who was not with the team then, believe that the final loss “still stings.”
Times are much different now, because both the Canucks and Bruins are battling for playoff berths instead of vying for first overall in the NHL like they once did. But Bruins winger Milan Lucic, a Vancouver native, believes there always will be a strong rivalry between the clubs.
“That’s what makes these games so exciting,” he said.
But he also believes the fight for two points is what counts the most now.
“I think that whole revenge thing is out the window as far as the final goes,” said Lucic.
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara also believes the rivalry is much different. He noted that both clubs have changed many players and the Canucks “changed their whole management and coaching staff.”
But Chara thinks the rivalry would “probably” be more intense if the Bruins and Canucks faced each other more often.
“That’s what happens when you play teams more often,” he said. “Different things might cause more more emotional games (to) come out of that, but the schedule is set before the season and, usually, you only play some teams once or twice.”
Bruins coach Claude Julien has been known to stoke the fires between the teams. But the Bruins and Canucks have some ties now following former Boston executive Jim Benning’s appointment as Canucks GM last summer. So Julien actually had some nice things to say about a member of Canucks management.
“Jim is a good man,” said Julien. “He’s a good hockey man. He’s a good person. Great hockey knowledge. Very calm. Sees deficiencies. Sees also assets. I’ve had good talks with Jim. When he was in Boston, we chatted about our team and other players and stuff like that. In my mind, it was too bad that we lost a good man, but I think Vancouver made a really good decision. To be very honest in my comment, I think they got themselves a good man who’s gonna make this team a good team if you give him some time.”
Julien has also been known to say good things about former Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, an old friends. Of course, new Canucks coach Willie Desjardins wasn’t with the club in 2011. But Dejardins, who has won championships at every level, believes that a Boston-Vancouver game will always be emotional for Canuck players who were with the team in 2011.
“I don’t see how it couldn’t be,” said Dejardins. “That’s something you never forget, the guys that were here, the run, that series.
“I think it’ll always mean something to play against Boston.”
But it was evident Friday that some of rivalry that reached a feverish height in the 2011 Stanley Cup final, when Boston overcame a 3-1 series deficit to win in seven games, is still there.
“Maybe a little bit,” said Canucks winger Alex Burrows before Vancouver hosted the Bruins. “I would have liked to win four years ago. But they’re a much different team and we’re a much different team now. So, personally, maybe a little bit. But now, we’ve moved on from that.”
Burrows was at the centre of many brouhahas with the Bruins, notably with Patrice Bergeron in a finger-biting incident. But, in a sign, perhaps, of lingering animosity, Burrows has not chatted amicably with Bergeron or anyone else about the memorable 2011 finals.
“Honestly, I don’t know where I could have (talked to) most of them,” said Burrows. “I know, maybe, (Patrice) Bergeron. But he’s from Quebec City. I’m from Montreal. That’s a four-hour drive. So it’s not like I see them or have any friends on the team, really. I’ve never really gone out of my way to talk about (the 2011 final loss) or anything. But I’ve been to Fenway Park and I’ve watched the Red Sox. That’s probably as close as I’ve gotten to Boston ever since then.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said Boston is still “a team that brings out the best in us,” but the rivalry is not even close to what it used to be.
“When you play against them in the finals, the heat is going to be there,” he said. “But they have a lot of new faces, and we don’t have too many guys left from that year. So it’s different – for sure.”
The lack of games between the teams – only two per season – also prevents things from heating up.
“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “The only game where the same kind of rivalry has been there was the year after when we played them in Boston.”
Former general manager Mike Gillis believed that his club was never the same after that highly physical and emotional affair. But some Vancouver players, such as Zack Kassian, who was not with the team then, believe that the final loss “still stings.”
Times are much different now, because both the Canucks and Bruins are battling for playoff berths instead of vying for first overall in the NHL like they once did. But Bruins winger Milan Lucic, a Vancouver native, believes there always will be a strong rivalry between the clubs.
“That’s what makes these games so exciting,” he said.
But he also believes the fight for two points is what counts the most now.
“I think that whole revenge thing is out the window as far as the final goes,” said Lucic.
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara also believes the rivalry is much different. He noted that both clubs have changed many players and the Canucks “changed their whole management and coaching staff.”
But Chara thinks the rivalry would “probably” be more intense if the Bruins and Canucks faced each other more often.
“That’s what happens when you play teams more often,” he said. “Different things might cause more more emotional games (to) come out of that, but the schedule is set before the season and, usually, you only play some teams once or twice.”
Bruins coach Claude Julien has been known to stoke the fires between the teams. But the Bruins and Canucks have some ties now following former Boston executive Jim Benning’s appointment as Canucks GM last summer. So Julien actually had some nice things to say about a member of Canucks management.
“Jim is a good man,” said Julien. “He’s a good hockey man. He’s a good person. Great hockey knowledge. Very calm. Sees deficiencies. Sees also assets. I’ve had good talks with Jim. When he was in Boston, we chatted about our team and other players and stuff like that. In my mind, it was too bad that we lost a good man, but I think Vancouver made a really good decision. To be very honest in my comment, I think they got themselves a good man who’s gonna make this team a good team if you give him some time.”
Julien has also been known to say good things about former Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, an old friends. Of course, new Canucks coach Willie Desjardins wasn’t with the club in 2011. But Dejardins, who has won championships at every level, believes that a Boston-Vancouver game will always be emotional for Canuck players who were with the team in 2011.
“I don’t see how it couldn’t be,” said Dejardins. “That’s something you never forget, the guys that were here, the run, that series.
“I think it’ll always mean something to play against Boston.”
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Desjardins enjoys chance to coach against Johnston
Saturday’s meeting between the Vancouver and Pittsburgh Penguins was more than just another game to Willie Desjardins.
The game offered Desjardins a chance to coach against his “real good friend” Mike Johnston after they both took several decades to become NHL head coaches. Desjardins and Johnston, both 57 and rookie NHL bench bosses, initially coached together in the mid-to-late 1980s at the University of Calgary under the guidance of George Kingston. From there, they wound their way to the NHL.
“He’s super-competitive and, for both of us, it was a long time to coach at this level,” said Desjardins. “So whenever we get a chance to coach at this level, I think it’s significant.”
Desjardins began his coaching career at the U of C while completing a master’s degree in social work. He then moved on to the Seibu Bears in Japan, briefly coached the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL as a mid-season replacement, and served as an assistant with the Canadian men’s national team under Johnston before moving to the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Serving as both general manager and coach over the years, Desjardins guided the Tigers to a pair of WHL titles as well as a Memorial Cup final berth before moving to the Dallas Stars organization, where he spent two seasons as an assistant with the NHL club and two more as head coach of their Texas farm club. After guiding Texas to the AHL championship last season, and earning coach of the year honours in the process, he took on his first NHL head coaching position with the Canucks.
Johnston, a Dartmouth, N.S., native, initially served as a head coach at the Augustana University College in Alberta and then worked with Desjardins as a U of C assistant while completing a master’s in coaching science. After leaving the U of C, Johnston took the helm at the University of New Brunswick, served as general manager and coach with the Canadian men’s national team, and then held assistant and associate positions with the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings before becoming GM and coach of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks – a team he built into a powerhouse.
Along the way, both Desjardins and Johnston also coached Canadian squads in a number of junior and senior world championships. Ironically, Johnston received his first head coaching job last summer when Desjardins rejected an offer from the Penguins and joined the Canucks instead.
So did Desjardins put in a good word for Johnston with the Pens?
“No, he did everything on his own,” said Desjardins with a chuckle. “He’s good and he’s real capable.”
The game offered Desjardins a chance to coach against his “real good friend” Mike Johnston after they both took several decades to become NHL head coaches. Desjardins and Johnston, both 57 and rookie NHL bench bosses, initially coached together in the mid-to-late 1980s at the University of Calgary under the guidance of George Kingston. From there, they wound their way to the NHL.
“He’s super-competitive and, for both of us, it was a long time to coach at this level,” said Desjardins. “So whenever we get a chance to coach at this level, I think it’s significant.”
Desjardins began his coaching career at the U of C while completing a master’s degree in social work. He then moved on to the Seibu Bears in Japan, briefly coached the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL as a mid-season replacement, and served as an assistant with the Canadian men’s national team under Johnston before moving to the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Serving as both general manager and coach over the years, Desjardins guided the Tigers to a pair of WHL titles as well as a Memorial Cup final berth before moving to the Dallas Stars organization, where he spent two seasons as an assistant with the NHL club and two more as head coach of their Texas farm club. After guiding Texas to the AHL championship last season, and earning coach of the year honours in the process, he took on his first NHL head coaching position with the Canucks.
Johnston, a Dartmouth, N.S., native, initially served as a head coach at the Augustana University College in Alberta and then worked with Desjardins as a U of C assistant while completing a master’s in coaching science. After leaving the U of C, Johnston took the helm at the University of New Brunswick, served as general manager and coach with the Canadian men’s national team, and then held assistant and associate positions with the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings before becoming GM and coach of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks – a team he built into a powerhouse.
Along the way, both Desjardins and Johnston also coached Canadian squads in a number of junior and senior world championships. Ironically, Johnston received his first head coaching job last summer when Desjardins rejected an offer from the Penguins and joined the Canucks instead.
So did Desjardins put in a good word for Johnston with the Pens?
“No, he did everything on his own,” said Desjardins with a chuckle. “He’s good and he’s real capable.”
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Evander Kane longs to reach NHL playoffs for the first time
Don’t look now, but this is Evander Kane’s sixth NHL season.
It seems like just yesterday he was playing for the Vancouver Giants and helping them win the 2007 Memorial Cup and the 2006 WHL title. Even he finds it hard to believe that he’s been in the NHL so long.
“I feel old,” he said as his Winnipeg Jets prepared to play the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at Rogers Arena. “It’s my sixth season (in the NHL), so it’s a crazy year and it’s crazy to think that. “It feels like it’s not, but I guess time flies. It’s quite a bit of experience, but each year you learn new things and you try to become better.”
That goal has been difficult this season because of injuries that have limited his playing time and production. The 23-year-old Vancouver native was just glad to be in the lineup during a rare visit to his hometown.
“I’m healthy enough to play, so that’s probably a good thing,” he said. “We’re winning and it’s a nice change from the way it’s been in the past, being in the playoff position. We’re consistently having that feeling that the playoffs are a strong possibility. There’s so much hockey left in the season. We have to make sure we’re winning at the pace we were in the first half.”
The Jets arrived in Vancouver after suffering four consecutive losses. Kane said they have not been the same club since the all-star break, but their strong start has kept them in a playoff position.
Now, it remains to be seen whether Kane can help them make a strong playoff push and, if they get in, turn heads in the post-season. But that will also be a challenge given his health woes.
“It’s definitely not been an easy season – that’s for sure,” he said. “With the couple of injuries I had and the ongoing ones, it’s tough. But it’s part of being a professional athlete and a professional hockey player. It’s a physical sport. You’ve gotta battle through it sometimes.”
The same goes for the Jets as they try to regain the consistency which they have been lacking lately. But Kane believes they have turned the corner as far as becoming a playoff contender.
“You get sick and tired of losing and you’ve kind of got to figure it out – one way or the other – and make a decision, make up your mind as a group and as individuals,” he said. “I think we did that at the beginning of the year, and it’s paid off so far here.”
Kane knows what it’s like to win as a junior, having helped the Giants to their crowns and also winning a gold medal with Canada at the world junior championships in 2009, when he was originally cut by quickly invited back. Canucks coach Willie Desjardins was an assistant with the Canadian squad that season while still with Medicine Hat of the WHL.
“He was a very intense guy, very well prepared and really easy to talk to at the same time,” said Kane.
However, Kane has yet to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs since he was drafted fourth overall by Winnipeg’s predecessor, the Atlanta Thrashers, in 2009. The Thrashers did not qualify for the post-season while he was with them, and the Jets have not reached it since they were reincarnated in 2011.
The chance to finally get there is giving Kane plenty of inspiration as he battles through his struggles.
“You watch it sometimes after the regular season and you see the battle and just the stage that the playoffs are on,” he said. “It makes you want to be a part of that, and that’s definitely motivating for me.”
In other words, now that he is in his sixth NHL season, Kane believes it’s time for him to get in.
“I think five years going all over the place (travelling in the spring) is enough for me,” he said. “That’s a good milestone – and we’ll cut it off there.”
Note_Kane, who has 10 goals and 12 assists this season, indicated in the morning that he would play, but coach Paul Maurice later made him a healthy scratch in Winnipeg's 3-2 overtime loss to the Canucks.
It seems like just yesterday he was playing for the Vancouver Giants and helping them win the 2007 Memorial Cup and the 2006 WHL title. Even he finds it hard to believe that he’s been in the NHL so long.
“I feel old,” he said as his Winnipeg Jets prepared to play the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at Rogers Arena. “It’s my sixth season (in the NHL), so it’s a crazy year and it’s crazy to think that. “It feels like it’s not, but I guess time flies. It’s quite a bit of experience, but each year you learn new things and you try to become better.”
That goal has been difficult this season because of injuries that have limited his playing time and production. The 23-year-old Vancouver native was just glad to be in the lineup during a rare visit to his hometown.
“I’m healthy enough to play, so that’s probably a good thing,” he said. “We’re winning and it’s a nice change from the way it’s been in the past, being in the playoff position. We’re consistently having that feeling that the playoffs are a strong possibility. There’s so much hockey left in the season. We have to make sure we’re winning at the pace we were in the first half.”
The Jets arrived in Vancouver after suffering four consecutive losses. Kane said they have not been the same club since the all-star break, but their strong start has kept them in a playoff position.
Now, it remains to be seen whether Kane can help them make a strong playoff push and, if they get in, turn heads in the post-season. But that will also be a challenge given his health woes.
“It’s definitely not been an easy season – that’s for sure,” he said. “With the couple of injuries I had and the ongoing ones, it’s tough. But it’s part of being a professional athlete and a professional hockey player. It’s a physical sport. You’ve gotta battle through it sometimes.”
The same goes for the Jets as they try to regain the consistency which they have been lacking lately. But Kane believes they have turned the corner as far as becoming a playoff contender.
“You get sick and tired of losing and you’ve kind of got to figure it out – one way or the other – and make a decision, make up your mind as a group and as individuals,” he said. “I think we did that at the beginning of the year, and it’s paid off so far here.”
Kane knows what it’s like to win as a junior, having helped the Giants to their crowns and also winning a gold medal with Canada at the world junior championships in 2009, when he was originally cut by quickly invited back. Canucks coach Willie Desjardins was an assistant with the Canadian squad that season while still with Medicine Hat of the WHL.
“He was a very intense guy, very well prepared and really easy to talk to at the same time,” said Kane.
However, Kane has yet to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs since he was drafted fourth overall by Winnipeg’s predecessor, the Atlanta Thrashers, in 2009. The Thrashers did not qualify for the post-season while he was with them, and the Jets have not reached it since they were reincarnated in 2011.
The chance to finally get there is giving Kane plenty of inspiration as he battles through his struggles.
“You watch it sometimes after the regular season and you see the battle and just the stage that the playoffs are on,” he said. “It makes you want to be a part of that, and that’s definitely motivating for me.”
In other words, now that he is in his sixth NHL season, Kane believes it’s time for him to get in.
“I think five years going all over the place (travelling in the spring) is enough for me,” he said. “That’s a good milestone – and we’ll cut it off there.”
Note_Kane, who has 10 goals and 12 assists this season, indicated in the morning that he would play, but coach Paul Maurice later made him a healthy scratch in Winnipeg's 3-2 overtime loss to the Canucks.
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