Flying V: 5 Things we learned during camp
The Vancouver Canucks have less than a week to prepare for the beginning of the regular season and will be moving quickly through a compressed training camp to round out a roster suitable for Saturday night’s home opener.
Check back at NWSB for a daily recap of news and notes from Canucks training camp throughout the week.
Mike Gillis likes defensive depth
Mike Gillis made another blue line acquisition on Monday signing veteran defenceman Jim Vandermeer to a one-year, two-way deal worth $600,000 with the big club. Vandermeer skated with several Canucks during the off-season at UBC and apparently made a lasting impressing with the locals.
“I know some of them went to bat for me in talking to management,” Vandermeer told Ben Kuzma.
Fans seem less convinced of Vandermeer’s worth than some of the Canucks players at the moment, but in what is expected to be an injury-filled season another body on the blue line is likely a wise move from Mike Gillis.
David Booth is Vancouver’s first groin-pull victim
David Booth may have had a productive summer hunting magical beasts, but his already-shortened NHL season may have suffered a setback on Monday.
It was announced that Booth has tweaked his groin during recent skating sessions and will require an MRI to assess the damage.
Dan Hamhuis also has a slight groin tweak and is listed as day to day.
Canucks fans may as well get used to groin problems dominating the injury report as a lengthy off-season takes its toll on rusty athletes, Dan Hamhuis also has a slight groin tweak and is listed as day to day.
Training camp is dangerous
The Canucks just couldn’t help themselves on the second day of camp.
In addition to two groin injuries Kevin Bieksa and Roberto Luongo found themselves on a collision course early during Monday’s practice, both toppling to the ice in a scary but harmless play.
As health issues emerge on Vancouver’s second line the last thing the Canucks need is another injury to exacerbate the problem, Luongo could be the lone play Mike Gillis has left in order to find another top-six forward.
#Canucks The aftermath of Kevin Bieksa’s collision with Roberto Luongo earlier today at practice. Courtesy Jen Gauthier twitter.com/CamTucker_Metr…
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Metro) January 15, 2013
Florida isn’t out of Luongo trade talks
Dale Tallon didn’t want to directly address questions regarding Roberto Luongo on Monday but the Panthers GM did say “it’s an ongoing situation, We’ll see what happens,” when the topic arose at Panthers training camp.
As injury trouble becomes the focus in Vancouver it is more and more crucial for Mike Gillis to add depth to an already banged-up roster, but don’t dare believe he is interested in pulling the trigger on a short-term solution.
After waiting this long to trade his former number one goaltender Gillis is certain to get proper value for the coveted keeper.
Bookies highly favour Cory Schneider this season
Playnow.com released their Vezina Trophy betting lines today and Vancouver’s new starting goaltender has emerged as one of the front-runners in 2013.
Cory Schneider faces 10-1 odds of winning the Vezina according to Play Now, edging out Mike Smith, Carey Price, and Ryan Miller at 11-1.
Henrik Lundqvist is listed as the current favourite at 4-1.
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