Dan Hamhuis didn’t want to contemplate the question. Neither did Kevin Bieksa.
So the two Vancouver Canucks defencemen sidestepped the issue of whether they would agree to waive their no-trade clauses if asked by general manager Jim Benning.
“That’s something I never really thought of,” said Hamhuis as all Canuck players met with reporters Monday following their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs over the weekend. “I’m not really prepared to give an answer on that. It’s something I’ll probably think about if it ever happens.”
Bieksa offered a slightly more elaborate response, but still made his feelings clear. He is not looking to go anywhere after the Canucks lost in 4-2 in their opening-round playoff series with the Calgary Flames.
“I’ve never had to cross that bridge before,” said Bieksa. “I haven’t heard it brought up by anybody in the organization. I know you guys are poking around. It’s your job. But that’s not something I really even need to respond to.”
Bieksa and Hamhuis came under criticism after the Canucks fell 7-4 in Saturday’s decisive sixth game. The two blue-liners and others were blasted for allowing the Flames to overcome a 3-0 lead. Bieksa, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks, said he has never been asked to waive his no-trade clause.
“My loyalty has always been to this organization and this city,” he said. “I love playing here. I don’t see anything else changing.”
The questions came up as critics called for the Canucks, who returned to the playoffs this season after missing out in 2013-14, to get younger in order to keep up with the Flames and other Western Conference rivals in the chase for a championship. But Bieksa and others said getting younger is not the sole solution to contending for the Stanley Cup.
“I don’t think you have to rebuild anymore,” said Bieksa. “I think you’re able to be competitive every year. I don’t think youth is always the answer. I don’t think making the team younger is going to help us get over the hump. You need the best players, regardless of how old they are.”
Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who were among the NHL’s top scorers in the regular season, echoed his sentiments as the issue of their ice time continued to come up. Last week, coach Willie Desjardins was blasted for not playing them enough. Monday, skeptics suggested the club might benefit if younger players get more action and increased offensive responsibilities.
But the twins tried to put the season in perspective despite Saturday’s disappointing loss. The Canucks finished second in the Pacific Division after sitting on the sidelines during the 2013-14 post-season.
“It’s a small step but a good step in the right direction,” said Henrik Sedin.
“As disappointing as it is, I think people should be excited about the future,” added Daniel Sedin.
They also dismissed the notion that the Canucks core, which was criticized by former coach John Tortorella last year as being stale, no longer has the skills needed to win the Stanley Cup within the next few seasons.
“We have no plans of getting any worse,” said Henrik Sedin. “We’re not young anymore, but we showed this year we can still be a big part of the group. We can play well, and I don’t see that changing in the next couple of years.”
In other words, the Canucks need more than just a fountain of youth to help them win their first NHL title since entering the league in 1970.
Henrik Sedin is calling for the Canucks to use a mix of youth and veteran savvy to get closer to a Stanley Cup title.
“There’s different ways to mature," he said. "If you look at teams that won, they brought the young guys up and the young guys made a difference.”
“We’re not getting younger, but I think we can still play, and I think we showed it this year,” added Daniel Sedin.
He and his brother praised Desjardins, Benning and president of hockey operations as a long-term solution that can bring Vancouver a long-sought championship. Some changes are inevitable, though.
Goaltender Eddie Lack’s future is in question because of the presence of veteran Ryan Miller, who has two years to go on a contract that pays him $6 million annually. Lack is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season, and the Canucks will likely want to get some assets in return rather than risk losing him for nothing. Forwards Brad Richardson and Shawn Matthias will become unrestricted free agents this summer, and it appears likely that Matthias, who had a career year, will sign for a higher salary elsewhere.
Richardson will spend the summer recovering from ankle surgery, and it also appears that his days in Vancouver are numbered following an injury-plagued season.
Many of the adjustments will occur around the time of the NHL draft and the opening of free agency in late June and early July.
“I think Jim (Benning) and Trevor (Linden) have a clear plan with what they want do with this team, and we have a lot of confidence in the management in that department,” said Daniel Sedin.
Henrik Sedin said people have to understand how tough it is to make the playoffs now, noting talented Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas and Colorado teams missed this year’s post-season. So the Canucks must continue to improve. The Sedins said they are aware of Benning and Linden’s plan for improving the club, but it was up to the managers to discuss it.
“They know what they need to do, and we have confidence in what they’re going to do to make us better,” said Henrik Sedin.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Hiller goes with flow as Canucks change goalies
While the Vancouver Canucks switched their goaltenders in a do-or-die situation, Jonas Hiller kept going with the flow Thursday.
Ryan Miller was in and Eddie Lack was out of the Canucks net, but there was no doubt that Hiller would start for the Calgary Flames after he had backstopped them to a 3-1 lead over Vancouver in their Western Conference quarter-final series.
However, it wasn’t always this way for Hiller, who is in his first season with the Flames after being cast aside by the Anaheim Ducks.
His starting status was in question at times this season as he played 52 games while compiling a 26-19-4 record, 2.36 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He had to battle Karri Ramo for the No. 1 job, but solidified his place down the stretch while helping the Flames secure a playoff berth.
Hiller, a 33-year-old Switzerland native, has also battled concussion issues in the past. But he is not getting too excited about his strong run. He was not about to lobby for long-term starter status, either.
“I knew when I signed in Calgary it was going to be between me and Rammer,” said Hiller after Calgary’s morning skate. “Especially these days, it’s great to have two goalies who can help the team win on any given night, because with the travel and everything, it’s tough to play at your best for 82 games. To have the option and know somebody else is there and can carry the ball for a little bit, it’s great to have. I’m pretty happy to know that I can carry the ball right now and I’m playing well, but it can change quick.”
Hiller is gaining some enjoyment as he stands out for a Flames team that is in the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09. He helped the Flames get in despite a late eight-game losing skid. But he knows that success in the NHL is fleeting, and the battle for the No. 1 position is far from over.
“If you play in the NHL, you always have somebody who wants your job,” he said. “There’s always somebody who’s gonna be better than you. It’s definitely, not gonna be the last time. I’m sure, next year, it’s gonna be a similar situation. It’s part of (a goaltender's life in the NHL), but I’m definitely happy with the way I’m playing and the way I’m able to handle (the load) and always find a way to stay confident in myself and improve my game.”
Hiller said he has had to make some adjustments because of the Flames’ shot-blocking prowess. Their skill actually makes him more cautious and further back in his net in case opponents make an extra pass as their shooting lanes are blocked. Calgary defenceman Kris Russell said Hiller has been Calgary's best player in recent games. Russell added that Hiller reads plays well and is a calming influence because of the way he talks with teammates and helps them out.
“(Hiller) has been good for us all year,” said Russell. “There were a lot of questions coming in, because we had two hot goalies playing. They were two guys that were carrying the ship in their own right, and Rams was hot there for a while. We have a lot of trust in both our goaltenders; and, obviously, Hills has been huge for us this series. … So we’re gonna need him to continue that.”
Ryan Miller was in and Eddie Lack was out of the Canucks net, but there was no doubt that Hiller would start for the Calgary Flames after he had backstopped them to a 3-1 lead over Vancouver in their Western Conference quarter-final series.
However, it wasn’t always this way for Hiller, who is in his first season with the Flames after being cast aside by the Anaheim Ducks.
His starting status was in question at times this season as he played 52 games while compiling a 26-19-4 record, 2.36 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He had to battle Karri Ramo for the No. 1 job, but solidified his place down the stretch while helping the Flames secure a playoff berth.
Hiller, a 33-year-old Switzerland native, has also battled concussion issues in the past. But he is not getting too excited about his strong run. He was not about to lobby for long-term starter status, either.
“I knew when I signed in Calgary it was going to be between me and Rammer,” said Hiller after Calgary’s morning skate. “Especially these days, it’s great to have two goalies who can help the team win on any given night, because with the travel and everything, it’s tough to play at your best for 82 games. To have the option and know somebody else is there and can carry the ball for a little bit, it’s great to have. I’m pretty happy to know that I can carry the ball right now and I’m playing well, but it can change quick.”
Hiller is gaining some enjoyment as he stands out for a Flames team that is in the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09. He helped the Flames get in despite a late eight-game losing skid. But he knows that success in the NHL is fleeting, and the battle for the No. 1 position is far from over.
“If you play in the NHL, you always have somebody who wants your job,” he said. “There’s always somebody who’s gonna be better than you. It’s definitely, not gonna be the last time. I’m sure, next year, it’s gonna be a similar situation. It’s part of (a goaltender's life in the NHL), but I’m definitely happy with the way I’m playing and the way I’m able to handle (the load) and always find a way to stay confident in myself and improve my game.”
Hiller said he has had to make some adjustments because of the Flames’ shot-blocking prowess. Their skill actually makes him more cautious and further back in his net in case opponents make an extra pass as their shooting lanes are blocked. Calgary defenceman Kris Russell said Hiller has been Calgary's best player in recent games. Russell added that Hiller reads plays well and is a calming influence because of the way he talks with teammates and helps them out.
“(Hiller) has been good for us all year,” said Russell. “There were a lot of questions coming in, because we had two hot goalies playing. They were two guys that were carrying the ship in their own right, and Rams was hot there for a while. We have a lot of trust in both our goaltenders; and, obviously, Hills has been huge for us this series. … So we’re gonna need him to continue that.”
Friday, April 17, 2015
Rookies making their mark in Flames-Canucks series
Rookies are making their mark in the Western Conference quarter final series between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
The Flames planned to dress five first-year players, including wingers Sam Bennett and Johnny Gaudreau, for the second straight contest in Friday's Game 2. The Canucks were expected to dress at least two rookies, centre Bo Horvat and winger Ronalds Kenins.
"They’re stepping in and playing hard," said Canucks coach Willie Desjardins about the rookies on both clubs. "I just think that’s the way of the new players. The young players, they’re confident in their ability and they feel they can come in and play – not just have ice time, but make a difference.”
Bennett turned heads by assisting on Calgary's winning goal, with only 29.6 seconds left, in the first game. It was only Bennett's second career NHL game, after he drew an assist in the first minute against Winnipeg.
His performance in Game 1 drew rave reviews from Calgary coach Bob Hartley, teammates and opponents alike.
“It’s part of his personality," said Hartley. "You’re talking about a fearless kid, a kid who wants to learn, a kid who wants to compete. I really thank God that we got him in the lineup. He’s probably the biggest pain that I’ve ever coached. This year, every day he was coming to me. He wanted to be in practice. He wanted to be in pre-game warm-ups, stuff like this.”
Bennett, the fourth overall pick in last summer's NHL draft, has excelled after missing most of the season due to shoulder surgery and playing in the latter stages of the campaign with his junior team. He initially hid the injury while attempting to make the Flames in the pre-season.
"There (were) many reports that the kid was not a good worker and couldn't do pull-ups (at the NHL combine) or anything," said Hartley. "When your shoulder is broken in pieces, but you won't tell anyone because you are a competitor and you want to be there, I think that speaks volumes about his character.
“Apparently, his shoulder was fine,” continued Hartley. “But now, today, we know that it wasn’t fine. He wanted to make our team so bad that all the pain was not a problem. Once we got him checked by our team doctors and a specialist, there was no way that he could keep going without a surgery. That’s the kind of player that we need in this organization if we’re going to make some great strides forward. Yes, you need talent, you need speed, but you need character.
"This kid is full of dynamite.”
Teammate Sean Monahan, an old foe in years gone by, was not surprised by Bennett's play.
“I played against him in the OHL," said Monahan. "He’s a good player and he’s gonna be good for a long time.”
Horvat, who also played against Bennett in the OHL was also impressed with his effort in only his second NHL game. They used to square off while Horvat was with London and Bennett toiled for Kingston.
"He’s a special player. ... He’s definitely gotten stronger, and it seems like he’s gotten a little faster,” said Horvat.
Horvat, a 20-year-old Rodney, Ont., also impressed as he scored Vancouver's only goal in his first career Stanley Cup playoff game.
Gaudreau, a leading candidate for the NHL Rookie of the Year award, would like to do better after struggling in Game 1. But the pint-sized Salem, N.J., native, who plays on Calgary's top line, still appreciates the opportunity to take part in the playoffs in his first pro season.
“It’s exciting," said Gaudreau, a Boston College product who was considered a long shot to reach the NHL after being drafted by Calgary in the fourth round (104th overall) in 2011. "I never thought I’d be in this kind of position before."
He praised older teammates for showing the way for him and the four other rookies who started Game 1.
"Thankfully, I had a lot of help from teammates throughout the season, and they really put me in this position.”
Gaudreau, a former Hobey Baker award winner as the top collegiate player in the U.S.
But according to Flames winger David Jones, who scored their first goal in Game 1, the rookies provided guidance for Calgary's older players.
“Even for a lot of us veterans, we don’t have a lot of playoff experience," said Jones. "So we’re all sort of in the same boat. The young guys kind of bring new life to all of us. I’m always impressed every year when guys that are 18, 19, 20 years old come in and play big minutes. When I was (Sam) Bennett’s age, I was still in Junior A.
“Just to show that kind of poise, the kind these guys have, always impresses me.”
The Flames planned to dress five first-year players, including wingers Sam Bennett and Johnny Gaudreau, for the second straight contest in Friday's Game 2. The Canucks were expected to dress at least two rookies, centre Bo Horvat and winger Ronalds Kenins.
"They’re stepping in and playing hard," said Canucks coach Willie Desjardins about the rookies on both clubs. "I just think that’s the way of the new players. The young players, they’re confident in their ability and they feel they can come in and play – not just have ice time, but make a difference.”
Bennett turned heads by assisting on Calgary's winning goal, with only 29.6 seconds left, in the first game. It was only Bennett's second career NHL game, after he drew an assist in the first minute against Winnipeg.
His performance in Game 1 drew rave reviews from Calgary coach Bob Hartley, teammates and opponents alike.
“It’s part of his personality," said Hartley. "You’re talking about a fearless kid, a kid who wants to learn, a kid who wants to compete. I really thank God that we got him in the lineup. He’s probably the biggest pain that I’ve ever coached. This year, every day he was coming to me. He wanted to be in practice. He wanted to be in pre-game warm-ups, stuff like this.”
Bennett, the fourth overall pick in last summer's NHL draft, has excelled after missing most of the season due to shoulder surgery and playing in the latter stages of the campaign with his junior team. He initially hid the injury while attempting to make the Flames in the pre-season.
"There (were) many reports that the kid was not a good worker and couldn't do pull-ups (at the NHL combine) or anything," said Hartley. "When your shoulder is broken in pieces, but you won't tell anyone because you are a competitor and you want to be there, I think that speaks volumes about his character.
“Apparently, his shoulder was fine,” continued Hartley. “But now, today, we know that it wasn’t fine. He wanted to make our team so bad that all the pain was not a problem. Once we got him checked by our team doctors and a specialist, there was no way that he could keep going without a surgery. That’s the kind of player that we need in this organization if we’re going to make some great strides forward. Yes, you need talent, you need speed, but you need character.
"This kid is full of dynamite.”
Teammate Sean Monahan, an old foe in years gone by, was not surprised by Bennett's play.
“I played against him in the OHL," said Monahan. "He’s a good player and he’s gonna be good for a long time.”
Horvat, who also played against Bennett in the OHL was also impressed with his effort in only his second NHL game. They used to square off while Horvat was with London and Bennett toiled for Kingston.
"He’s a special player. ... He’s definitely gotten stronger, and it seems like he’s gotten a little faster,” said Horvat.
Horvat, a 20-year-old Rodney, Ont., also impressed as he scored Vancouver's only goal in his first career Stanley Cup playoff game.
Gaudreau, a leading candidate for the NHL Rookie of the Year award, would like to do better after struggling in Game 1. But the pint-sized Salem, N.J., native, who plays on Calgary's top line, still appreciates the opportunity to take part in the playoffs in his first pro season.
“It’s exciting," said Gaudreau, a Boston College product who was considered a long shot to reach the NHL after being drafted by Calgary in the fourth round (104th overall) in 2011. "I never thought I’d be in this kind of position before."
He praised older teammates for showing the way for him and the four other rookies who started Game 1.
"Thankfully, I had a lot of help from teammates throughout the season, and they really put me in this position.”
Gaudreau, a former Hobey Baker award winner as the top collegiate player in the U.S.
But according to Flames winger David Jones, who scored their first goal in Game 1, the rookies provided guidance for Calgary's older players.
“Even for a lot of us veterans, we don’t have a lot of playoff experience," said Jones. "So we’re all sort of in the same boat. The young guys kind of bring new life to all of us. I’m always impressed every year when guys that are 18, 19, 20 years old come in and play big minutes. When I was (Sam) Bennett’s age, I was still in Junior A.
“Just to show that kind of poise, the kind these guys have, always impresses me.”
Willie Desjardins aims to keep Sedins fresh
Vancouver Canucks coach Willie Desjardins is not fazed by criticism over his use of stars Daniel and Henrik Sedin in the first game of their opening-round playoff series with the Calgary Flames.
“I think all our lines are playing pretty good,” said Desjardins as the Canucks prepared to face the Flames in Game 2 at Rogers Arena on Friday night. “And, I think we play our best when we’re fresh. Maybe they should have had a couple more minutes. Probably, it wouldn’t hurt. But there was times during the year when they had those minutes and we won, and everything was great because they weren’t given the minutes. We feel we’ve gotta work hard every night. There’s no sense burning them out (in) one game.”
Critics were quick to blast Desjardins for not using his top point producers more often as the Canucks lost 2-1 on a last-minute goal while the Sedins were on the bench Wednesday night. Daniel Sedin played 16:14, slightly more than two minutes below his season average of 18:21. Henrik Sedin played 17:29, about a minute less than his average.
But Desjardins plans to stick with his season-long practice of rolling four lines, a method which players have praised. Accordingly, the Sedins were not complaining about their reduced ice time.
“We wouldn’t be standing here talking about it if we had won,” Henrik Sedin said. “We would have been standing here saying, ‘We’re still fresh, they played a lot of minutes and can they keep up with us?’ So here we are.”
Earlier, Henrik drew chuckles when he told reporters: “We have always said we want to play 25 minutes. We did it last year and it didn’t work, so now we are standing here talking about us playing too little.”
The Canucks hope to make a strong run after missing the playoffs under former coach John Tortorella in 2013-14. Consequently, Daniel Sedin was not about to dispute his coach's strategy, either.
“It’s made us successful throughout the year, to roll four lines," said Daniel Sedin. "If we just keep doing that, the longer the series goes, we’ll be fresh – and I like that. You shouldn’t change what has brought you here.”
“I think all our lines are playing pretty good,” said Desjardins as the Canucks prepared to face the Flames in Game 2 at Rogers Arena on Friday night. “And, I think we play our best when we’re fresh. Maybe they should have had a couple more minutes. Probably, it wouldn’t hurt. But there was times during the year when they had those minutes and we won, and everything was great because they weren’t given the minutes. We feel we’ve gotta work hard every night. There’s no sense burning them out (in) one game.”
Critics were quick to blast Desjardins for not using his top point producers more often as the Canucks lost 2-1 on a last-minute goal while the Sedins were on the bench Wednesday night. Daniel Sedin played 16:14, slightly more than two minutes below his season average of 18:21. Henrik Sedin played 17:29, about a minute less than his average.
But Desjardins plans to stick with his season-long practice of rolling four lines, a method which players have praised. Accordingly, the Sedins were not complaining about their reduced ice time.
“We wouldn’t be standing here talking about it if we had won,” Henrik Sedin said. “We would have been standing here saying, ‘We’re still fresh, they played a lot of minutes and can they keep up with us?’ So here we are.”
Earlier, Henrik drew chuckles when he told reporters: “We have always said we want to play 25 minutes. We did it last year and it didn’t work, so now we are standing here talking about us playing too little.”
The Canucks hope to make a strong run after missing the playoffs under former coach John Tortorella in 2013-14. Consequently, Daniel Sedin was not about to dispute his coach's strategy, either.
“It’s made us successful throughout the year, to roll four lines," said Daniel Sedin. "If we just keep doing that, the longer the series goes, we’ll be fresh – and I like that. You shouldn’t change what has brought you here.”
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Miller's return gives Canucks two goaltending options
The Vancouver Canucks will have two dependable NHL veteran goaltenders when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.
Ryan Miller, out since Feb. 22 with a knee injury, dressed as the backup as the Canucks hosted the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. He is expected to start Saturday when the Canucks wrap up the regular season at home against the Edmonton Oilers.
As a result, coach Willie Desjardins can now choose from Eddie Lack, who has played most games in his absence, or Miller in the playoffs.
“I’m excited for the possibility here and I’m just trying to take it day by day and work my way into becoming an option first,” Miller said earlier this week.
Miller, in his first season with the Canucks, was unavailable to reporters Thursday as he stayed out on the ice late during an optional morning skate. He went into the dressing room after it was closed to media.
“I was pushing, trying to get back for one of the last games,” said Miller. “If I was going to have an opportunity to get some game action, that would be the hope.”
Miller has posted a 28-15-1 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage this season. Desjardins indicated Wednesday that he will start one regular-season game before the playoffs, leaving only Saturday’s contest against the Oilers.
“We’ll just have to monitor these next couple days to see where he’s at,” said Desjardins. “We’d like to get him in a game, but we’ll have to see where he’s at.”
The situation is reminiscent of past years when former Canucks Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider battled for the No. 1 position. Desjardins has declined to name a starter until the post-season begins.
“You never make that decision right now,” said Desjardins. “That decision will be made before the first playoff game. But, saying that, I think Eddie’s played really well. We needed him to step up. We had a lot of hockey left without Ryan, and he did a terrific job for us and he certainly got us into the playoffs. So you always take that into consideration.”
The Canucks returned Jacob Markstrom to Utica of the AHL on Thursday. Markstrom has a 1-1-0 record in three appearances with Vancouver this season. He was with the Canucks on an emergency recall basis as a result of Miller’s injury.
Once Miller was deemed healthy enough to play, Markstrom had to return to the minors.
Ryan Miller, out since Feb. 22 with a knee injury, dressed as the backup as the Canucks hosted the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. He is expected to start Saturday when the Canucks wrap up the regular season at home against the Edmonton Oilers.
As a result, coach Willie Desjardins can now choose from Eddie Lack, who has played most games in his absence, or Miller in the playoffs.
“I’m excited for the possibility here and I’m just trying to take it day by day and work my way into becoming an option first,” Miller said earlier this week.
Miller, in his first season with the Canucks, was unavailable to reporters Thursday as he stayed out on the ice late during an optional morning skate. He went into the dressing room after it was closed to media.
“I was pushing, trying to get back for one of the last games,” said Miller. “If I was going to have an opportunity to get some game action, that would be the hope.”
Miller has posted a 28-15-1 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage this season. Desjardins indicated Wednesday that he will start one regular-season game before the playoffs, leaving only Saturday’s contest against the Oilers.
“We’ll just have to monitor these next couple days to see where he’s at,” said Desjardins. “We’d like to get him in a game, but we’ll have to see where he’s at.”
The situation is reminiscent of past years when former Canucks Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider battled for the No. 1 position. Desjardins has declined to name a starter until the post-season begins.
“You never make that decision right now,” said Desjardins. “That decision will be made before the first playoff game. But, saying that, I think Eddie’s played really well. We needed him to step up. We had a lot of hockey left without Ryan, and he did a terrific job for us and he certainly got us into the playoffs. So you always take that into consideration.”
The Canucks returned Jacob Markstrom to Utica of the AHL on Thursday. Markstrom has a 1-1-0 record in three appearances with Vancouver this season. He was with the Canucks on an emergency recall basis as a result of Miller’s injury.
Once Miller was deemed healthy enough to play, Markstrom had to return to the minors.
Dorsett and Sbisa looking forward to long stays in Vancouver
Derek Dorsett got the long-term deal he wanted from the Vancouver Canucks. Now, he’s looking to build a future for himself, his family and his team.
The winger was pumped Thursday, a day after signing a new four-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $2.65 million. The contract is the longest of the 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native’s NHL career.
“Me and my agents talked about trying to get a long-term commitment and, obviously, Vancouver made that offer,” he said as the Canucks prepared to face the Arizona Coyotes. “So we’re very happy with it and glad to be staying in Vancouver. That’s for sure.”
His previous three contracts ranged from two to three years.
“It means a lot,” he said of the contract length. “The ownership and management group have been nothing but great to me and my family. It’s a first-class organization, and I couldn’t be happier anywhere else. Being in Canada and being in a Canadian market and, obviously, it being a childhood dream to play in a Canadian market, now I get to do it for four years and work towards the goal that everyone wants to accomplish here – and that’s to win a Stanley Cup.”
Dorsett joined the Canucks in an off-season trade from the New York Rangers and has established a strong affection for the city after his son Dylan was born here. He has become a mainstay on a nominal fourth line with rookie centre Bo Horvat and fellow centre Jannik Hansen.
The line has been prominent down the stretch as the Canucks secured a playoff berth after a one-year absence from the post-season.
Before Thursday’s contest, Dorsett had posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He was leading the Canucks in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes ranked fourth in the NHL.
“Coming into a locker-room full of guys that you’ve had some pretty good wars against, it can be a little difficult and nerve-wracking,” he said. “But the guys opened the locker-room with open arms. It just shows what kind of leaders are on this team and the character of guys that are in this locker-room. It’s been a lot of fun this year. And, as soon as I got here, (seeing) how welcoming they are to me and my family, it just made me realize that I wanted to be here long-term.”
Dorsett has earned praise from coach Willie Desjardins and general manager Jim Benning for his physical ways and his willingness to stand up for teammates in altercations. In coming years, Dorsett, who has also played for Columbus, which drafted him from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, also hopes to become active with charitable causes in Vancouver and be more of a mentor to younger players.
“I still remember the first times I walked into an NHL locker-room star-struck at some of the guys that were walking around,” he said. “When I was in Columbus, you had the likes of Sergei Federov, you had Anson Carter, you had Michael Peca and Freddie Modin, guys like that. Walking around, you see them and you get caught in the moment. I can remember times when those guys made me feel welcome and always had time to chat with me; or if I had any questions, to show the way. So (mentoring) is something I take pride in. I hope I can do that for the next four years to some of the young guys. We’ve got some young talent coming up that will help this team win down the road, and it’ll be a fun role to take on.”
But first, there’s a Stanley Cup to play for this season. Dorsett is glad that he won’t be distracted by contract issues as the Canucks chase a championship.
“It’s an important time of year and it’s obviously a relief to get it over with,” he said.
Meanwhile, defenceman Luca Sbisa was also relieved that he could also focus on the playoffs after signing a new deal of his own. Sbisa signed a three-year deal with a yearly cap hit of $3.6 million Wednesday.
“From a personal standpoint, that’s huge,” he said. “(There were) a lot of question marks coming into this year. So it’s good to have the confidence of upper management, the coaches and all that to be here for another three years.”
Sbisa, 25-year-old Swiss product of Italian descent, was acquired from Anaheim at the trade deadline as part of the Ryan Kesler deal. After some early struggles, Sbisa has established himself as a regular. He solidified his spot after helping the defence corps get through a plethora of injuries with a strong run early in 2015.
“Joining a new team, you don’t really know where you fit in and all that, so I think it took me a while to get going,” he said. “The second half of the year, I started to play better. … When those injuries happened on the back end, obviously, that was a bad thing. But at the same time, it was an opportunity for some other guys in the room. I think that’s when I stepped up a bit and started to play better hockey. It’s nice to get rewarded with a contract.”
Benning did not give no-trade clauses to either Dorsett or Sbisa. But they are not going anywhere soon.
The winger was pumped Thursday, a day after signing a new four-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $2.65 million. The contract is the longest of the 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native’s NHL career.
“Me and my agents talked about trying to get a long-term commitment and, obviously, Vancouver made that offer,” he said as the Canucks prepared to face the Arizona Coyotes. “So we’re very happy with it and glad to be staying in Vancouver. That’s for sure.”
His previous three contracts ranged from two to three years.
“It means a lot,” he said of the contract length. “The ownership and management group have been nothing but great to me and my family. It’s a first-class organization, and I couldn’t be happier anywhere else. Being in Canada and being in a Canadian market and, obviously, it being a childhood dream to play in a Canadian market, now I get to do it for four years and work towards the goal that everyone wants to accomplish here – and that’s to win a Stanley Cup.”
Dorsett joined the Canucks in an off-season trade from the New York Rangers and has established a strong affection for the city after his son Dylan was born here. He has become a mainstay on a nominal fourth line with rookie centre Bo Horvat and fellow centre Jannik Hansen.
The line has been prominent down the stretch as the Canucks secured a playoff berth after a one-year absence from the post-season.
Before Thursday’s contest, Dorsett had posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He was leading the Canucks in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes ranked fourth in the NHL.
“Coming into a locker-room full of guys that you’ve had some pretty good wars against, it can be a little difficult and nerve-wracking,” he said. “But the guys opened the locker-room with open arms. It just shows what kind of leaders are on this team and the character of guys that are in this locker-room. It’s been a lot of fun this year. And, as soon as I got here, (seeing) how welcoming they are to me and my family, it just made me realize that I wanted to be here long-term.”
Dorsett has earned praise from coach Willie Desjardins and general manager Jim Benning for his physical ways and his willingness to stand up for teammates in altercations. In coming years, Dorsett, who has also played for Columbus, which drafted him from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, also hopes to become active with charitable causes in Vancouver and be more of a mentor to younger players.
“I still remember the first times I walked into an NHL locker-room star-struck at some of the guys that were walking around,” he said. “When I was in Columbus, you had the likes of Sergei Federov, you had Anson Carter, you had Michael Peca and Freddie Modin, guys like that. Walking around, you see them and you get caught in the moment. I can remember times when those guys made me feel welcome and always had time to chat with me; or if I had any questions, to show the way. So (mentoring) is something I take pride in. I hope I can do that for the next four years to some of the young guys. We’ve got some young talent coming up that will help this team win down the road, and it’ll be a fun role to take on.”
But first, there’s a Stanley Cup to play for this season. Dorsett is glad that he won’t be distracted by contract issues as the Canucks chase a championship.
“It’s an important time of year and it’s obviously a relief to get it over with,” he said.
Meanwhile, defenceman Luca Sbisa was also relieved that he could also focus on the playoffs after signing a new deal of his own. Sbisa signed a three-year deal with a yearly cap hit of $3.6 million Wednesday.
“From a personal standpoint, that’s huge,” he said. “(There were) a lot of question marks coming into this year. So it’s good to have the confidence of upper management, the coaches and all that to be here for another three years.”
Sbisa, 25-year-old Swiss product of Italian descent, was acquired from Anaheim at the trade deadline as part of the Ryan Kesler deal. After some early struggles, Sbisa has established himself as a regular. He solidified his spot after helping the defence corps get through a plethora of injuries with a strong run early in 2015.
“Joining a new team, you don’t really know where you fit in and all that, so I think it took me a while to get going,” he said. “The second half of the year, I started to play better. … When those injuries happened on the back end, obviously, that was a bad thing. But at the same time, it was an opportunity for some other guys in the room. I think that’s when I stepped up a bit and started to play better hockey. It’s nice to get rewarded with a contract.”
Benning did not give no-trade clauses to either Dorsett or Sbisa. But they are not going anywhere soon.
Mattocks excels in first start of season as Caps tie Crew
Darren Mattocks finally got a chance to start a game for the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday, and he did not disappoint.
Mattocks scored the tying goal in the 64th minute and added an assist as the Whitecaps rallied to earn a 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew at B.C. Place Stadium. He was named the man of the match as the Whitecaps (4-1-1) extended their unbeaten streak to five games in the young MLS season.
“A fantastic game. We should have gotten the three points. I scored, but I think I should at least get one more. I’ve got to consider that that’s my first 90 minutes, so I’m going to take it as a positive.”
In his fourth season with the Whitecaps, Mattocks has appeared in three other games as a substitute while missing another game due to international duty with Jamaica. He helped the Whitecaps come back from a pair of deficits as Kai Kamara scored both Crew goals, in the 24th and 50th minutes.
Second-half substitute Kekuta Manneh enabled Mattocks to cash in for an easy first goal of the season. Manneh broke down left wing with the ball, cut towards the net and then, when he was within six yards, made a sublime pass back through two defenders to Mattocks in the middle of the Columbus area.
“He’s a great player and, every game he plays, we know what he’s capable of doing and what he’s expected to do. … Fortunately for me, I was in the right place at the right time,” said Mattocks.
Mattocks set up Vancouver’s first goal by making a long throw-in to Octavio Rivero in the 31st minute. After taking the ball in the Columbus box, Rivero sidestepped a defender and fired a shot just inside the near post.
Mattocks showed versatility by playing on both wings. He started on the left wing and then switched to the right after Manneh came on for Nicolas Mezquida. Late in the game, Mattocks put the would-be winning goal off the corner of the crossbar. He also played one of his better games defensively in a Caps jersey, hustling back to mark opponents and being strong on the ball.
“When I’m scoring, that’s expected of me, to score, but I never can see myself doing so much work defensively,” he said. “It’s something I’m not used to on a nightly basis, because I’m a striker. But I think I did really good defensively. I think that’s what I’m going to take out of this game. And if I can continue to do that on both sides of the ball, creating chances for the team but working extremely hard defensively, I think I’m going to be in pretty good shape going forward.”
The Whitecaps spent a fair amount of time going backward in the first half as Columbus pressed forward with regularity. Both of Kamara’s goals resulted from poor defensive play.
He scored the first by firing in a loose ball after it bounced off the feet of centre back Kendall Waston and a Columbus player. The second was a terrible goal, with the Whitecaps leaving Kamara alone in their box and free to take a slow cross along the turf from Justin Meram.
“I think we had enough chances to, probably, win the game,” said Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson. “We didn’t take enough of our chances, but we weren’t good enough defensively. We (allowed) two sloppy goals. We got countered and the second goal, obviously, was a bad goal for us to concede.”
But Robinson, who juggled his lineup to avoid his players getting fatigued in three games this week, was impressed with Mattocks.
“He was very good,” said Robinson. “He got his goal. He could have, maybe, had one or two more. But there was a lot of positive play. I can’t fault my players in there today, because we’re exciting to watch attacking-wise. We’ve just gotta to tidy up a few things on the defensive side of it.”
Mattocks has not always been the hardest working Whitecap or displayed the most vision on the pitch. But he showed that Robinson made a good choice in putting him for 92 minutes before he was replaced by Robert Earnshaw in stoppage time.
“I felt it was the right time to give (Mattocks) the opportunity,” said Robinson. “He’s been away with Jamaica, he scored two goals, he got very very lively in training. And the decision was correct, because he came on and put a very strong performance for 90- odd minutes. He ran out of gas in the end, which is why I tried to put Earnie on to see if we could nick a second ball off a Kendall header or something, but (Mattocks) should be very proud of his performance today.”
The Whitecaps pulled out the draw while dealing with injuries. They lost centre back Diego Rodriguez to a groin injury in the 15th minute as his return from a two-game league suspension was brief. Waston, who was dominant in the air, also hurt his neck late in the game as he was upended by Kamara and landed head-first. But, surprisingly, Waston remained in the game.
“Maybe he got a little bit undercut and fell awkwardly, which made me angry, as you could see,” said Robinson.
The Whitecaps visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, hoping to keep their unbeaten streak alive while Mattocks looks forward to another start in the near future.
Mattocks scored the tying goal in the 64th minute and added an assist as the Whitecaps rallied to earn a 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew at B.C. Place Stadium. He was named the man of the match as the Whitecaps (4-1-1) extended their unbeaten streak to five games in the young MLS season.
“A fantastic game. We should have gotten the three points. I scored, but I think I should at least get one more. I’ve got to consider that that’s my first 90 minutes, so I’m going to take it as a positive.”
In his fourth season with the Whitecaps, Mattocks has appeared in three other games as a substitute while missing another game due to international duty with Jamaica. He helped the Whitecaps come back from a pair of deficits as Kai Kamara scored both Crew goals, in the 24th and 50th minutes.
Second-half substitute Kekuta Manneh enabled Mattocks to cash in for an easy first goal of the season. Manneh broke down left wing with the ball, cut towards the net and then, when he was within six yards, made a sublime pass back through two defenders to Mattocks in the middle of the Columbus area.
“He’s a great player and, every game he plays, we know what he’s capable of doing and what he’s expected to do. … Fortunately for me, I was in the right place at the right time,” said Mattocks.
Mattocks set up Vancouver’s first goal by making a long throw-in to Octavio Rivero in the 31st minute. After taking the ball in the Columbus box, Rivero sidestepped a defender and fired a shot just inside the near post.
Mattocks showed versatility by playing on both wings. He started on the left wing and then switched to the right after Manneh came on for Nicolas Mezquida. Late in the game, Mattocks put the would-be winning goal off the corner of the crossbar. He also played one of his better games defensively in a Caps jersey, hustling back to mark opponents and being strong on the ball.
“When I’m scoring, that’s expected of me, to score, but I never can see myself doing so much work defensively,” he said. “It’s something I’m not used to on a nightly basis, because I’m a striker. But I think I did really good defensively. I think that’s what I’m going to take out of this game. And if I can continue to do that on both sides of the ball, creating chances for the team but working extremely hard defensively, I think I’m going to be in pretty good shape going forward.”
The Whitecaps spent a fair amount of time going backward in the first half as Columbus pressed forward with regularity. Both of Kamara’s goals resulted from poor defensive play.
He scored the first by firing in a loose ball after it bounced off the feet of centre back Kendall Waston and a Columbus player. The second was a terrible goal, with the Whitecaps leaving Kamara alone in their box and free to take a slow cross along the turf from Justin Meram.
“I think we had enough chances to, probably, win the game,” said Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson. “We didn’t take enough of our chances, but we weren’t good enough defensively. We (allowed) two sloppy goals. We got countered and the second goal, obviously, was a bad goal for us to concede.”
But Robinson, who juggled his lineup to avoid his players getting fatigued in three games this week, was impressed with Mattocks.
“He was very good,” said Robinson. “He got his goal. He could have, maybe, had one or two more. But there was a lot of positive play. I can’t fault my players in there today, because we’re exciting to watch attacking-wise. We’ve just gotta to tidy up a few things on the defensive side of it.”
Mattocks has not always been the hardest working Whitecap or displayed the most vision on the pitch. But he showed that Robinson made a good choice in putting him for 92 minutes before he was replaced by Robert Earnshaw in stoppage time.
“I felt it was the right time to give (Mattocks) the opportunity,” said Robinson. “He’s been away with Jamaica, he scored two goals, he got very very lively in training. And the decision was correct, because he came on and put a very strong performance for 90- odd minutes. He ran out of gas in the end, which is why I tried to put Earnie on to see if we could nick a second ball off a Kendall header or something, but (Mattocks) should be very proud of his performance today.”
The Whitecaps pulled out the draw while dealing with injuries. They lost centre back Diego Rodriguez to a groin injury in the 15th minute as his return from a two-game league suspension was brief. Waston, who was dominant in the air, also hurt his neck late in the game as he was upended by Kamara and landed head-first. But, surprisingly, Waston remained in the game.
“Maybe he got a little bit undercut and fell awkwardly, which made me angry, as you could see,” said Robinson.
The Whitecaps visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, hoping to keep their unbeaten streak alive while Mattocks looks forward to another start in the near future.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Canucks sign Dorsett and Sbisa to new deals
Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning had more than just a playoff berth to celebrate Wednesday.
Benning announced that winger Derek Dorsett and defenceman Luca Sbisa have signed contract extensions. Dorsett, a bruising fourth liner who plays way above his limited size, received a new four-year deal through 2018-19. Sbisa, who has emerged as a top-six rearguard, signed a new three-year contract.
Both are completing their first season with the team following off-season trades from the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively. The new contracts came after the Canucks qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers.
“We have some good, young players that are going to be on our team here in the next few years, so we want to make sure that we surround them with the right type of people and players,” said Benning. “And, I feel, with the decisions that we’ve made today, we’re going in that direction.”
Dorsett, a 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native has posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He leads the team in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes rank fourth in the NHL. In 408 career NHL games with the Canucks, Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets, he has recorded 98 points (38-60-98) and1,024 penalty minutes. He also has one post-season assist, with the Rangers last season as he helped them reach the Stanley Cup finals.
According to Canucks coach Willie Desjardins, he stands out in many ways. He also stands up for his teammates.
“Everybody knows that when he’s on the ice, your back’s covered,” said Desjardins. “There’s no problems. He’s out there. He’ll always come to your aid, and I think players appreciate that.”
“Derek Dorsett has the heart of a lion,” added Benning. “He plays hard every game. Some games, he doesn’t feel good. … But you get the same effort with him every game. That’s what we’re trying to do around here. We want to be a hard-working team every night, and he brings that to our group.”
Sbisa, 25, has recorded 11 points (3-8-11) and 46 penalty minutes. He ranks second on the team in both hits with 149 and blocked shots with 127.
“In this division, we’re playing against L.A., San Jose, Anaheim – big, heavy teams – and he plays his best games against big, heavy teams,” said Benning. “He’s a guy that can separate forwards from the puck, he has his strength, and he’s young. He’s 25 years old. He has one year of restricted free agency (remaining) and then we bought two years of unrestricted with him. So I feel it’s a good deal – for him and for the team.”
Born in Italy and raised in Switzerland, Sbisa has produced 67 points in 340 career NHL games the Canucks, Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him 19th overall in 2008.
“He’s continued to improve all year,” said Benning. “He’s physical, he blocks shots, he’s an old throw-back, stay-at-home, physical defenceman. I like the way he plays, and I think he’s an important guy going forward.”
Benning announced that winger Derek Dorsett and defenceman Luca Sbisa have signed contract extensions. Dorsett, a bruising fourth liner who plays way above his limited size, received a new four-year deal through 2018-19. Sbisa, who has emerged as a top-six rearguard, signed a new three-year contract.
Both are completing their first season with the team following off-season trades from the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively. The new contracts came after the Canucks qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers.
“We have some good, young players that are going to be on our team here in the next few years, so we want to make sure that we surround them with the right type of people and players,” said Benning. “And, I feel, with the decisions that we’ve made today, we’re going in that direction.”
Dorsett, a 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native has posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He leads the team in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes rank fourth in the NHL. In 408 career NHL games with the Canucks, Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets, he has recorded 98 points (38-60-98) and1,024 penalty minutes. He also has one post-season assist, with the Rangers last season as he helped them reach the Stanley Cup finals.
According to Canucks coach Willie Desjardins, he stands out in many ways. He also stands up for his teammates.
“Everybody knows that when he’s on the ice, your back’s covered,” said Desjardins. “There’s no problems. He’s out there. He’ll always come to your aid, and I think players appreciate that.”
“Derek Dorsett has the heart of a lion,” added Benning. “He plays hard every game. Some games, he doesn’t feel good. … But you get the same effort with him every game. That’s what we’re trying to do around here. We want to be a hard-working team every night, and he brings that to our group.”
Sbisa, 25, has recorded 11 points (3-8-11) and 46 penalty minutes. He ranks second on the team in both hits with 149 and blocked shots with 127.
“In this division, we’re playing against L.A., San Jose, Anaheim – big, heavy teams – and he plays his best games against big, heavy teams,” said Benning. “He’s a guy that can separate forwards from the puck, he has his strength, and he’s young. He’s 25 years old. He has one year of restricted free agency (remaining) and then we bought two years of unrestricted with him. So I feel it’s a good deal – for him and for the team.”
Born in Italy and raised in Switzerland, Sbisa has produced 67 points in 340 career NHL games the Canucks, Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him 19th overall in 2008.
“He’s continued to improve all year,” said Benning. “He’s physical, he blocks shots, he’s an old throw-back, stay-at-home, physical defenceman. I like the way he plays, and I think he’s an important guy going forward.”
Willie Desjardins allows himself some rare excitement
Willie Desjardins finally caved in Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
The Vancouver Canucks coach has tried not to get too excited while leading an NHL bench for the first time. But he couldn’t help but celebrate a little after the Canucks made the playoffs as a result of the Los Angeles Kings’ loss in Edmonton on Tuesday night.
“I was at home and watching it,” said Desjardins after practice Wednesday at Rogers Arena. “It was big. It’s been a long season, and you never allow yourself to think about getting in because, for me, I don’t want to lose my edge. I want to make sure we’re just focused on getting in. So it’s great to get in. Hopefully, we can find a way to win a couple games and start at home.”
The Canucks (46-29-5) sit second in the Pacific Division and close out the regular season with home games Thursday against Arizona and Saturday against Edmonton. Desjardins has returned them to the playoffs after they failed to qualify last season, for the first time since 2008, under former coach John Tortorella.
But Desjardins downplayed the accomplishment of being a first-year NHL head coach and getting his team into the post-season.
“Wherever you’re at, it’s always exciting to get into the playoffs,” he said. “You’re focused on it for the whole year. Right from the start of the year, as soon as you’re in training camp, that’s the one thing you start thinking about. And throughout the year, you look and monitor your spots. There was lots of times when we went on the road and we’d say: Well, this will define the team. And, there was three or four times that happened. When you’re in that situation, you know this is a real tough trip coming up. Can we get through it? Where are we going to be at?
“So, I think, for myself, the whole year has been a grind where there’s good teams and, every night, you play a team that can beat you. You have to be ready. So it’s been a long grind, but it’s so exciting right now to finally get a chance to get in – and it’s a great feeling.”
Actually, the Canucks have stayed in playoff position for virtually the whole season. After going 16-7-1 in the first two months, they battled through injuries and adversity to keep the Kings and Calgary Flames, among others, chasing them. At one point, the Canucks defence corps was decimated by injuries, but they still managed to win key road games and beat top teams like Montreal, St. Louis, Anaheim, Chicago and the New York Rangers. They also bettered Pittsburgh and the New York Islanders when they were at the top of their game and in the upper echelons of the standings, contrary to their current plight.
“What stands out to me is, certain times, you look at teams and they win games that they probably, on paper, shouldn’t win just (because of) the nature of the schedule, just how they’re playing,” said Desjardins. “And, this team has had the ability to win games where you’d think: Oh, they’re not going the right way right now. It’s gonna be tough.
“I think, whenever you have a team like that, it makes it a little bit special. This team has found some ways to win some games. To me, that’s a real good sign when you look back at it.”
Desjardins, who rose to the NHL from the Canadian university, junior and minor pro ranks, appears unlikely to be a coach of the year candidate, but he is beginning to gain some notoriety. General manager Jim Benning and players were quick to praise the job that he has done.
“Willie’s done an excellent job,” said Benning. “He’s a tireless worker, first of all. He’s taken this group and I think he’s getting the best out of every player in that team, and the guys have bought in and they play hard for him every night. Even when we get down in games and stuff, our guys never give up. They might run out of time and stuff at the end of the game, but they never give up til the final buzzer.”
Desjardins has managed to refresh a veteran core that Tortorella contended became “stale” last season. Defenceman Kevin Bieksa, critical at the best of times, refused to compare the two campaigns but praised Desjardins
“I don’t care too much about what happened last year,” said Bieksa. “I think Willie’s done a great job this year of coming in and getting the most out of guys and approaching different guys different ways allowing guys to grow and to make mistakes and to mature. You’re seeing different lines and different defence pairings out at crucial times throughout the season. That’s to grow and prepare them, to them in difficult situations so, come playoff time, everybody’s ready to go and really contribute.”
Winger Jannik Hansen said Desjardins has done many little things right while rolling four lines all season and emphasizing a puck-possession game. As a result, they’re creating more offence and not “throwing pucks away as much.”
“He came in and he wanted to play to our strengths,” said Hansen. “You’ve seen what the (Sedin) twins can do when they have the puck. You don’t want them to dump the puck in and try to run guys out of the building.”
Defencemen have also become more involved in the play, and the loyalty to the four-line approach has allowed the use of different combinations depending on the circumstances.
“It hasn’t really mattered who’s been in and out of the lineup,” said Hansen.
In addition to refreshing the veteran core, Desjardins has integrated rookies into the squad, including centres Bo Horvat and Linden Vey, and winger Ronalds Kenins. Despite their first-year status, they have seen considerable ice time.
Horvat has excelled after Tortorella made it clear he was not willing to give him ice time last season and sent him back junior. Tortorella was also prone to reducing his bench drastically late in games.
Captain Henrik Sedin said Desjardins has made everyone feel that they’re involved.
“When you’re playing for him, it doesn’t matter what line you’re on,” said Sedin. “You feel that, if you play well and you contribute, you’re going to play and get more minutes – and you get a chance to contribute each and every night.”
Sedin said the playoff berth does not necessarily put closure on last season's forgettable campaign. He noted that the Canucks excelled until January. But Desjardins feels that players suggested that they want to make up for last season's playoff miss.
“A lot of our guys feel that it’s a chance to prove some things and make a difference,” said Desjardins. “I know, through the season, how passionate the fans are here, and I know we’re excited to get into playoffs. But, now, we want to do something with it.”
The Vancouver Canucks coach has tried not to get too excited while leading an NHL bench for the first time. But he couldn’t help but celebrate a little after the Canucks made the playoffs as a result of the Los Angeles Kings’ loss in Edmonton on Tuesday night.
“I was at home and watching it,” said Desjardins after practice Wednesday at Rogers Arena. “It was big. It’s been a long season, and you never allow yourself to think about getting in because, for me, I don’t want to lose my edge. I want to make sure we’re just focused on getting in. So it’s great to get in. Hopefully, we can find a way to win a couple games and start at home.”
The Canucks (46-29-5) sit second in the Pacific Division and close out the regular season with home games Thursday against Arizona and Saturday against Edmonton. Desjardins has returned them to the playoffs after they failed to qualify last season, for the first time since 2008, under former coach John Tortorella.
But Desjardins downplayed the accomplishment of being a first-year NHL head coach and getting his team into the post-season.
“Wherever you’re at, it’s always exciting to get into the playoffs,” he said. “You’re focused on it for the whole year. Right from the start of the year, as soon as you’re in training camp, that’s the one thing you start thinking about. And throughout the year, you look and monitor your spots. There was lots of times when we went on the road and we’d say: Well, this will define the team. And, there was three or four times that happened. When you’re in that situation, you know this is a real tough trip coming up. Can we get through it? Where are we going to be at?
“So, I think, for myself, the whole year has been a grind where there’s good teams and, every night, you play a team that can beat you. You have to be ready. So it’s been a long grind, but it’s so exciting right now to finally get a chance to get in – and it’s a great feeling.”
Actually, the Canucks have stayed in playoff position for virtually the whole season. After going 16-7-1 in the first two months, they battled through injuries and adversity to keep the Kings and Calgary Flames, among others, chasing them. At one point, the Canucks defence corps was decimated by injuries, but they still managed to win key road games and beat top teams like Montreal, St. Louis, Anaheim, Chicago and the New York Rangers. They also bettered Pittsburgh and the New York Islanders when they were at the top of their game and in the upper echelons of the standings, contrary to their current plight.
“What stands out to me is, certain times, you look at teams and they win games that they probably, on paper, shouldn’t win just (because of) the nature of the schedule, just how they’re playing,” said Desjardins. “And, this team has had the ability to win games where you’d think: Oh, they’re not going the right way right now. It’s gonna be tough.
“I think, whenever you have a team like that, it makes it a little bit special. This team has found some ways to win some games. To me, that’s a real good sign when you look back at it.”
Desjardins, who rose to the NHL from the Canadian university, junior and minor pro ranks, appears unlikely to be a coach of the year candidate, but he is beginning to gain some notoriety. General manager Jim Benning and players were quick to praise the job that he has done.
“Willie’s done an excellent job,” said Benning. “He’s a tireless worker, first of all. He’s taken this group and I think he’s getting the best out of every player in that team, and the guys have bought in and they play hard for him every night. Even when we get down in games and stuff, our guys never give up. They might run out of time and stuff at the end of the game, but they never give up til the final buzzer.”
Desjardins has managed to refresh a veteran core that Tortorella contended became “stale” last season. Defenceman Kevin Bieksa, critical at the best of times, refused to compare the two campaigns but praised Desjardins
“I don’t care too much about what happened last year,” said Bieksa. “I think Willie’s done a great job this year of coming in and getting the most out of guys and approaching different guys different ways allowing guys to grow and to make mistakes and to mature. You’re seeing different lines and different defence pairings out at crucial times throughout the season. That’s to grow and prepare them, to them in difficult situations so, come playoff time, everybody’s ready to go and really contribute.”
Winger Jannik Hansen said Desjardins has done many little things right while rolling four lines all season and emphasizing a puck-possession game. As a result, they’re creating more offence and not “throwing pucks away as much.”
“He came in and he wanted to play to our strengths,” said Hansen. “You’ve seen what the (Sedin) twins can do when they have the puck. You don’t want them to dump the puck in and try to run guys out of the building.”
Defencemen have also become more involved in the play, and the loyalty to the four-line approach has allowed the use of different combinations depending on the circumstances.
“It hasn’t really mattered who’s been in and out of the lineup,” said Hansen.
In addition to refreshing the veteran core, Desjardins has integrated rookies into the squad, including centres Bo Horvat and Linden Vey, and winger Ronalds Kenins. Despite their first-year status, they have seen considerable ice time.
Horvat has excelled after Tortorella made it clear he was not willing to give him ice time last season and sent him back junior. Tortorella was also prone to reducing his bench drastically late in games.
Captain Henrik Sedin said Desjardins has made everyone feel that they’re involved.
“When you’re playing for him, it doesn’t matter what line you’re on,” said Sedin. “You feel that, if you play well and you contribute, you’re going to play and get more minutes – and you get a chance to contribute each and every night.”
Sedin said the playoff berth does not necessarily put closure on last season's forgettable campaign. He noted that the Canucks excelled until January. But Desjardins feels that players suggested that they want to make up for last season's playoff miss.
“A lot of our guys feel that it’s a chance to prove some things and make a difference,” said Desjardins. “I know, through the season, how passionate the fans are here, and I know we’re excited to get into playoffs. But, now, we want to do something with it.”
Monday, April 6, 2015
Richardson and Kassian in limbo as playoffs approach
Mum's the word on injuries as the Vancouver Canucks attempt to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs this week.
Centre Brad Richardson and winger Zack Kassian's status came up for discussion after Monday's morning skate in advance of key game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. Canucks coach Willie Desjardins would clearly love to have them back as the post-season approaches, but he was in no mood to clarify their status.
“They’ve been off for a bit,” Desjardins understated. “I’m not going to talk about injuries. This is probably the last time I talk about them. Those are certainly injuries that we did not expect. I thought (Richardson) might play the game after he got hurt. So that injury’s been a long injury. I think, the Kassian one, every day you hope it might be better, and it just hasn’t come along like we hoped."
Richardson, a workhorse third-line centre whose game suits the playoff style, has been limited to 45 games this season because of a foot and ankle problem. He has played only two games since early January, managing a respectable eight goals and 13 assists in what can best be described as grinder and penalty-killing roles. Just when the 30-year-old Belleville, Ont., native thought he was back for the long haul, the injury flared up he played two games in mid-March.
Kassian was reviving his game when he was sidelined with apparent back troubles from which he suffered previously. He has the big body, speed, and physical game that coaches covet during playoffs. But the 24-year-old Windsor, Ont., native has not played since a March 14 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When either Richardson or Kassian will return is anybody's guess. The Canucks conclude the NHL regular season with games Monday against the Kings, Thursday against Arizona and Saturday versus Edmonton.
"I won’t address it after this, but there are (injured players) that we expected to be back sooner," said Desjardins. "It turned out to be a little bit later than we thought it was going to be.”
Centre Brad Richardson and winger Zack Kassian's status came up for discussion after Monday's morning skate in advance of key game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. Canucks coach Willie Desjardins would clearly love to have them back as the post-season approaches, but he was in no mood to clarify their status.
“They’ve been off for a bit,” Desjardins understated. “I’m not going to talk about injuries. This is probably the last time I talk about them. Those are certainly injuries that we did not expect. I thought (Richardson) might play the game after he got hurt. So that injury’s been a long injury. I think, the Kassian one, every day you hope it might be better, and it just hasn’t come along like we hoped."
Richardson, a workhorse third-line centre whose game suits the playoff style, has been limited to 45 games this season because of a foot and ankle problem. He has played only two games since early January, managing a respectable eight goals and 13 assists in what can best be described as grinder and penalty-killing roles. Just when the 30-year-old Belleville, Ont., native thought he was back for the long haul, the injury flared up he played two games in mid-March.
Kassian was reviving his game when he was sidelined with apparent back troubles from which he suffered previously. He has the big body, speed, and physical game that coaches covet during playoffs. But the 24-year-old Windsor, Ont., native has not played since a March 14 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When either Richardson or Kassian will return is anybody's guess. The Canucks conclude the NHL regular season with games Monday against the Kings, Thursday against Arizona and Saturday versus Edmonton.
"I won’t address it after this, but there are (injured players) that we expected to be back sooner," said Desjardins. "It turned out to be a little bit later than we thought it was going to be.”
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Kekuta Manneh outshines Robbie Keane as Caps win
Many people came to see Robbie Keane shine at B.C. Place Stadium on Saturday night – but, instead, Kekuta Manneh stole the show.
Manneh, a 21-year-old Gambian scored the only goal the Vancouver Whitecaps needed in a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy while Keane, the famed Irish international, was held in check throughout the game. The Whitecaps posted a franchise-record fourth consecutive win and moved into first place overall for the first time since joining MLS in 2011. The Galaxy fell to 1-2-2.
“I wouldn’t say it’s (my) best game of the season,” said Manneh. “I felt that the goal gave a lot to that. But I felt that I played well in Chicago and the first game against Toronto. But the goal (against L.A.) completes my performance. If I had a goal in the first game against Toronto, I would say that, probably, that’s my best game.”
In the past two seasons, Manneh has mixed some magical moments with inconsistency while still maturing physically and trying to adjust to the pace and physicality of MLS. The first four games of this season spelled more of the same, but he rescued Saturday’s contest, which had plenty of hype considering the opposition, from being a tedious affair.
While the first half was scoreless, Manneh’s chances, which went high, wide and off the crossbar, provided some consolation as Vancouver dominated but could not put shots on the net.
In the second half, he took a lead ball from Pedro Morales, raced in on goal and beat L.A. goalkeeper Jaime Penedo with a low shot in the 56th minute. The goal, mercifully, opened up the play, and Octavio Rivero put the Caps ahead 2-0 in the 66th minute as he converted a Nicolas Mezquida rebound from in close.
“I told (Manneh) he had done very well in the first half without hitting the target,” said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. “I told him in the second half that he needed to stay positive and hit the target, and he did so it was a good performance. I think he has shown over the past couple of weeks glimpses of (his scoring potential), but for 70-odd minutes he was outstanding today.”
Robinson replaced Manneh with Darren Mattocks in the 78th minute. But for all intents and purposes, the game was over by then as Keane rarely had the ball and his strike partner, Gyasi Zardes, also generated little.
“They were the better team all night,” said Keane. “They outplayed us the entire match. They out-competed us from the start, and it was a big factor in the game. Give them credit. They outplayed us in every aspect of the game.”
As he went off, Manneh could rest comfortably with the fact that he is likely to start again Wednesday against the Columbus Crew. After being used primarily as a substitute the past two seasons, he has started all four games that he has played this season while missing the other because of a suspension for a two-footed tackle.
With Saturday’s effort, he served notice that it won’t be easy to knock him out of the starting 11 in games to come. The strong showing was important to him because he wanted to excel amidst recurring reports that Cristian Techera, a goal-scoring winger for River Plate in Uruguay’s top division, is due to join the Whitecaps in the next few days. Last week, the Whitecaps obtained an international roster spot from the New England Revolution for allocation money, so it appears that, even if Techera doesn’t arrive, an acquisition of some sort is planned.
“We have a lot of great players on the team and everybody’s fighting for a spot,” said Manneh. “I feel like this performance really helped me."
Manneh, who is listed as a midfielder but moves up often, was credited with seven shots, two of which were on target. He threatened regularly from the left wing with Canadian rookie left back Sam Adekugbe often sending the ball his way up the sideline or while overlapping.
Morales, who played one of his better games, also did a good job of distributing the ball so that others could feed Manneh, who likes the left-leaning approach.
“I like to attack, I like to go forward, that’s my game. That’s the setup,” he said of getting him the ball on the left wing. “We try to create one-on-one situations for me, so then I can try to create chances for my teammates or myself, and it looked like it worked today.”
While the crowd oohed and aahed at Manneh’s opportunistic moments, his teammates were also impressed.
“(His goal) was fantastic,” said goalkeeper David Ousted. “He’s done it all week in training. We know he can do it. It’s fantastic to see him get what he deserves from all the hard work today.”
Added centre back Kendall Waston: “He’s a very important player for us. He’s a young guy that wants to reach the top level. I think he’s improving every day, and he wants to get better. Today was a nice goal for him because in the last games, he got other opportunities when he couldn’t score, so today we’re very happy for him that he could score.”
Manneh, chosen fourth overall by Vancouver in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, now has 11 career goals in North America’s top circuit. Much of the early-season public discussion has focused on how many Rivero, a Uruguayan in his first season with Whitecaps, and Morales, the club’s second-year captain, will score this year.
But, chances are, fans will be talking about Manneh often, too, in the weeks ahead.
"Hopefully, the next game, I can be even better,” he said.
Manneh, a 21-year-old Gambian scored the only goal the Vancouver Whitecaps needed in a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy while Keane, the famed Irish international, was held in check throughout the game. The Whitecaps posted a franchise-record fourth consecutive win and moved into first place overall for the first time since joining MLS in 2011. The Galaxy fell to 1-2-2.
“I wouldn’t say it’s (my) best game of the season,” said Manneh. “I felt that the goal gave a lot to that. But I felt that I played well in Chicago and the first game against Toronto. But the goal (against L.A.) completes my performance. If I had a goal in the first game against Toronto, I would say that, probably, that’s my best game.”
In the past two seasons, Manneh has mixed some magical moments with inconsistency while still maturing physically and trying to adjust to the pace and physicality of MLS. The first four games of this season spelled more of the same, but he rescued Saturday’s contest, which had plenty of hype considering the opposition, from being a tedious affair.
While the first half was scoreless, Manneh’s chances, which went high, wide and off the crossbar, provided some consolation as Vancouver dominated but could not put shots on the net.
In the second half, he took a lead ball from Pedro Morales, raced in on goal and beat L.A. goalkeeper Jaime Penedo with a low shot in the 56th minute. The goal, mercifully, opened up the play, and Octavio Rivero put the Caps ahead 2-0 in the 66th minute as he converted a Nicolas Mezquida rebound from in close.
“I told (Manneh) he had done very well in the first half without hitting the target,” said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. “I told him in the second half that he needed to stay positive and hit the target, and he did so it was a good performance. I think he has shown over the past couple of weeks glimpses of (his scoring potential), but for 70-odd minutes he was outstanding today.”
Robinson replaced Manneh with Darren Mattocks in the 78th minute. But for all intents and purposes, the game was over by then as Keane rarely had the ball and his strike partner, Gyasi Zardes, also generated little.
“They were the better team all night,” said Keane. “They outplayed us the entire match. They out-competed us from the start, and it was a big factor in the game. Give them credit. They outplayed us in every aspect of the game.”
As he went off, Manneh could rest comfortably with the fact that he is likely to start again Wednesday against the Columbus Crew. After being used primarily as a substitute the past two seasons, he has started all four games that he has played this season while missing the other because of a suspension for a two-footed tackle.
With Saturday’s effort, he served notice that it won’t be easy to knock him out of the starting 11 in games to come. The strong showing was important to him because he wanted to excel amidst recurring reports that Cristian Techera, a goal-scoring winger for River Plate in Uruguay’s top division, is due to join the Whitecaps in the next few days. Last week, the Whitecaps obtained an international roster spot from the New England Revolution for allocation money, so it appears that, even if Techera doesn’t arrive, an acquisition of some sort is planned.
“We have a lot of great players on the team and everybody’s fighting for a spot,” said Manneh. “I feel like this performance really helped me."
Manneh, who is listed as a midfielder but moves up often, was credited with seven shots, two of which were on target. He threatened regularly from the left wing with Canadian rookie left back Sam Adekugbe often sending the ball his way up the sideline or while overlapping.
Morales, who played one of his better games, also did a good job of distributing the ball so that others could feed Manneh, who likes the left-leaning approach.
“I like to attack, I like to go forward, that’s my game. That’s the setup,” he said of getting him the ball on the left wing. “We try to create one-on-one situations for me, so then I can try to create chances for my teammates or myself, and it looked like it worked today.”
While the crowd oohed and aahed at Manneh’s opportunistic moments, his teammates were also impressed.
“(His goal) was fantastic,” said goalkeeper David Ousted. “He’s done it all week in training. We know he can do it. It’s fantastic to see him get what he deserves from all the hard work today.”
Added centre back Kendall Waston: “He’s a very important player for us. He’s a young guy that wants to reach the top level. I think he’s improving every day, and he wants to get better. Today was a nice goal for him because in the last games, he got other opportunities when he couldn’t score, so today we’re very happy for him that he could score.”
Manneh, chosen fourth overall by Vancouver in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, now has 11 career goals in North America’s top circuit. Much of the early-season public discussion has focused on how many Rivero, a Uruguayan in his first season with Whitecaps, and Morales, the club’s second-year captain, will score this year.
But, chances are, fans will be talking about Manneh often, too, in the weeks ahead.
"Hopefully, the next game, I can be even better,” he said.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Buono preparing for Lulay's departure from B.C. Lions huddle
B.C. Lions general manager Wally Buono refuses to confirm whether quarterback Travis Lulay will participate in the team’s offensive mini-camp next month.
However, Buono has made another point clear. He is preparing for the day when Lulay is gone for good from the B.C. huddle.
While the team takes a patient approach to Lulay's recovery, Buono is trying to get as many alternative quarterbacks as possible ready to replace him when the time comes.
Much like this time last year, Lulay’s status as the Lions starting quarterback is in question because of a shoulder injury. Last year, he was recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery. This year, he’s recuperating from an injury to the same, throwing shoulder suffered in the lone game in which he started in 2014.
“I don’t want to say he’s going to be there,” said Buono of the mini-camp slated for three days in late April. “He’s not gonna be there if it’s gonna hurt him, or he’s not gonna be there if it’s not the best thing for him. There’s a plan in place. He understands the plan and we understand the plan.”
Lulay declined to have shoulder surgery after he was hurt in a storm-interrupted game in Ottawa last fall. He tried to recover in time for the playoffs, but could not play as expected – although he dressed for B.C.’s lone post-season game. He has been throwing in the off-season as part of a rehabilitation program devoted to strength training, but there is a nagging question of how the offensive mini-camp could affect him.
Last year, he attended the offensive mini-camp but was sidelined for training camp and the first nine games of the regular season. When it became clear that Lulay could not start the season, Buono traded a first-round draft pick to the Ottawa RedBlacks for veteran Kevin Glenn, who did an admirable job at times but also struggled in a road loss to Montreal in the East-West crossover playoff game.
Glenn has since signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after Buono released him early in the off-season. The Lions currently have five quarterbacks, including Lulay, under contract. But only one, nominal backup John Beck, a 33-year-old former NFL journeyman, has considerable professional experience.
“The goal is to have (Lulay) ready for the regular season,” said Buono. “If him participating in the (offensive) camp is going to be part of that, so be it. If it isn’t, so be it. I don’t want you guys to be writing garbage. He’s on schedule for where we’re at. We’re very happy with it – and I think he is, too.”
The Lions also have second-year pro Travis Partridge, who spent most of last season as the No. 3 signal-caller; 2014 late-season addition Jordan Rodgers, 26, who’s the younger brother of Green Bay Packers star QB Aaron Rodgers; and rookie free agent Sam McGhee. A Howard University product, McGhee turned heads by signing with B.C. before seeing how he fares in this year’s NFL draft.
Buono said the Lions could have six or seven quarterbacks attend the mini-camp. In other words, the Lions will have enough quarterbacks to work with as new coach Jeff Tedford installs his offence and evaluates veterans and rookies alike. Buono does not want to jeopardize a potential 13 or 14 wins during the season by having Lulay suit up in the spring.
While Lulay’s presence might generate some good publicity, Buono does not want to risk his health for PR purposes, either.
“We’re not going to put him in the (mini-camp) if we think it’s going to set him back,” said Buono. “He’s a veteran quarterback. Whether he takes a throw or not isn’t going to be that important.
But finding an eventual replacement for the 31-year-old Lulay – from within the Lions roster – is imperative in the GM’s view. Accordingly, Buono ruled out a trade for a CFL veteran similar to the one he made for Glenn last year.
“We felt, at worst, (Lulay’s absence) would be, maybe, the first three to six games. By making the trade, we wanted to bring in somebody that we felt could get us over the hump. Or even during the season, if they had to come in, they could win the four games that you needed. With the loss of Thomas DeMarco (to Ottawa in the expansion draft) and Mike Reilly (in a trade to Edmonton that avoided his loss through free agency), we didn’t have the depth to overcome that. But this year, our whole focus is on Lulay.”
At least for now.
Buono has built a hall-of-fame coaching and managing career on his ability to find unheralded quarterbacking talent with the Lions and Calgary Stampeders. Last year, he contradicted his practice of developing young recruits by acquiring a CFL veteran QB, but he won’t do that again.
“I’m saying today our focus is on (Lulay),” said Buono. “We’re trying to also bring in the best young quarterbacks that are out there. I better be careful what I say here. If we bring in a guy that’s been through the mill but hasn’t succeeded, what are we doing? We just keep delaying.
“Whether (Lulay) plays a whole year or two years, we have to find the next (No. 1) guy, and this organization has done a good job of that. Like I said, we’ve lost (Reilly) and DeMarco. We were set back two, three years. So it’s going to take us a few years to catch up.
“I believe, this year, we’re catching up.”
Depending on Tedford’s wishes, said Buono, the Lions could also have six or seven quarterbacks at their main training camp in June at Kamloops, B.C.
Lulay’s health will play a large role in determining the final number.
However, Buono has made another point clear. He is preparing for the day when Lulay is gone for good from the B.C. huddle.
While the team takes a patient approach to Lulay's recovery, Buono is trying to get as many alternative quarterbacks as possible ready to replace him when the time comes.
Much like this time last year, Lulay’s status as the Lions starting quarterback is in question because of a shoulder injury. Last year, he was recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery. This year, he’s recuperating from an injury to the same, throwing shoulder suffered in the lone game in which he started in 2014.
“I don’t want to say he’s going to be there,” said Buono of the mini-camp slated for three days in late April. “He’s not gonna be there if it’s gonna hurt him, or he’s not gonna be there if it’s not the best thing for him. There’s a plan in place. He understands the plan and we understand the plan.”
Lulay declined to have shoulder surgery after he was hurt in a storm-interrupted game in Ottawa last fall. He tried to recover in time for the playoffs, but could not play as expected – although he dressed for B.C.’s lone post-season game. He has been throwing in the off-season as part of a rehabilitation program devoted to strength training, but there is a nagging question of how the offensive mini-camp could affect him.
Last year, he attended the offensive mini-camp but was sidelined for training camp and the first nine games of the regular season. When it became clear that Lulay could not start the season, Buono traded a first-round draft pick to the Ottawa RedBlacks for veteran Kevin Glenn, who did an admirable job at times but also struggled in a road loss to Montreal in the East-West crossover playoff game.
Glenn has since signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after Buono released him early in the off-season. The Lions currently have five quarterbacks, including Lulay, under contract. But only one, nominal backup John Beck, a 33-year-old former NFL journeyman, has considerable professional experience.
“The goal is to have (Lulay) ready for the regular season,” said Buono. “If him participating in the (offensive) camp is going to be part of that, so be it. If it isn’t, so be it. I don’t want you guys to be writing garbage. He’s on schedule for where we’re at. We’re very happy with it – and I think he is, too.”
The Lions also have second-year pro Travis Partridge, who spent most of last season as the No. 3 signal-caller; 2014 late-season addition Jordan Rodgers, 26, who’s the younger brother of Green Bay Packers star QB Aaron Rodgers; and rookie free agent Sam McGhee. A Howard University product, McGhee turned heads by signing with B.C. before seeing how he fares in this year’s NFL draft.
Buono said the Lions could have six or seven quarterbacks attend the mini-camp. In other words, the Lions will have enough quarterbacks to work with as new coach Jeff Tedford installs his offence and evaluates veterans and rookies alike. Buono does not want to jeopardize a potential 13 or 14 wins during the season by having Lulay suit up in the spring.
While Lulay’s presence might generate some good publicity, Buono does not want to risk his health for PR purposes, either.
“We’re not going to put him in the (mini-camp) if we think it’s going to set him back,” said Buono. “He’s a veteran quarterback. Whether he takes a throw or not isn’t going to be that important.
But finding an eventual replacement for the 31-year-old Lulay – from within the Lions roster – is imperative in the GM’s view. Accordingly, Buono ruled out a trade for a CFL veteran similar to the one he made for Glenn last year.
“We felt, at worst, (Lulay’s absence) would be, maybe, the first three to six games. By making the trade, we wanted to bring in somebody that we felt could get us over the hump. Or even during the season, if they had to come in, they could win the four games that you needed. With the loss of Thomas DeMarco (to Ottawa in the expansion draft) and Mike Reilly (in a trade to Edmonton that avoided his loss through free agency), we didn’t have the depth to overcome that. But this year, our whole focus is on Lulay.”
At least for now.
Buono has built a hall-of-fame coaching and managing career on his ability to find unheralded quarterbacking talent with the Lions and Calgary Stampeders. Last year, he contradicted his practice of developing young recruits by acquiring a CFL veteran QB, but he won’t do that again.
“I’m saying today our focus is on (Lulay),” said Buono. “We’re trying to also bring in the best young quarterbacks that are out there. I better be careful what I say here. If we bring in a guy that’s been through the mill but hasn’t succeeded, what are we doing? We just keep delaying.
“Whether (Lulay) plays a whole year or two years, we have to find the next (No. 1) guy, and this organization has done a good job of that. Like I said, we’ve lost (Reilly) and DeMarco. We were set back two, three years. So it’s going to take us a few years to catch up.
“I believe, this year, we’re catching up.”
Depending on Tedford’s wishes, said Buono, the Lions could also have six or seven quarterbacks at their main training camp in June at Kamloops, B.C.
Lulay’s health will play a large role in determining the final number.
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