News within the news
Headline: - Vancouver Canucks have interest in Jason Arnott
Yesterday some interesting news broke courtesy of Brad Ziemer (@BradZiemer) from the Vancouver Sun regarding UFA center, Jason Arnott.
Shane Doan is the guy the #Canucks really want, but they are also talking with Jason Arnott. See him as fit for 3rd line centre position.
— Brad Ziemer (@BradZiemer) August 1, 2012
Ziemer also went on to say that the Canucks only sign Arnott if Doan doesn’t sign in Vancouver.
Stating that the team is wanting to get younger, and can’t do so while employing to players over the age of 35.
To be clear, Arnott only gets signed if Doan doesn’t. Canucks looking to get younger and can’t do that with 2 guys north of 35. – Brad Ziemer
Not a bad consolation prize, even if Arnott is 37 and Doan is turning 36 before the start of the season. Arnott has been reliable and relatively injury free over the past few seasons.
Experience and Leadership
Jason Arnott is a vet of 1244 NHL games. He won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1999-00, scoring the cup clinching goal.
Jason Arnott is a vet of 1244 NHL games, could we see him in white, blue and green in 2012?
His leadership and experience on a young St. Louis team this year proved invaluable.
He was a big part of that team and getting them into the second round of the playoffs before losing to the eventual cup winning LA Kings.
Durability/Versatility
Arnott has missed more than 20 games in a single season since 2000-01.
He’s a big body that can play some decent minutes. He still has a great shot and could help re-establish Vancouver’s 3rd line as the dominant line it was in 2010-11.
He could also fill in as 2nd line center if prospect Jordan Schroeder isn’t ready for the NHL while Ryan Kesler recovers from off season shoulder surgery.
Knows his Role
At 37, Arnott knows his role. His leadership on and off the ice can only help younger players, especially a player who is very similar in size and playing style in Zack Kassian.
He also won’t try to push for jobs or complain about ice-time.
It’s never been who he is, so why would that start at 37?
I see no harm in Vancouver signing Jason Arnott to a one year deal.
He could nicely balance out the bottom six. A 3rd line of Higgins, Arnott and Hansen is quite appealing.
It gives the Canucks the ability to play Manny Malhotra on the 4th line and move Maxim Lapierre to the wing with Zack Kassian.
It also adds depth to the centre position, something that is lacking in the organization.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CANUCKS CLUBHOUSE TODAY AT NWSPORTSBEAT!
About Mitch Dyck
