Thought #10: Should Vancouver Thank Injuries?
So what is the ultimate verdict on the fate of the Canucks as determined by injuries? Should the Canucks be thankful in some way that this great year of drafting has peaked for the Canucks thanks to the injuries? Should Vancouver thank the injury gods for catalyzing this youth movement? You know, had it not been for Tanev’s injury, Biega won’t be here.
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Had Henrik not been injured, Linden Vey would not be here. Had Sutter not gotten injured, Mike Zalewski and Brendan Gaunce would not have seen light. If Alex Edler was still here, are we talking about Andrey Pedan seeing time? If Brandon Prust was still around, no need for Alex Grenier to taste NHL action. Ryan Miller’s “cramps” could have been the best injury of the year as Jacob Markstrom saw his play blossom while Miller was out.
Should the Canucks grab that Blue Jackets pick, that’s another thing that injuries would have accomplished for the Canucks?
But what if these injuries permanently scar the playing potential of these veterans like Captain Henrik and the top defensive pairing of Edler and Tanev? Secondary damage has already been done — Bo Horvat is struggling this year as both Sutter and Henrik were injured for extended periods of time.
And of course, it cost a season that could have resulted in a strong push for the playoffs with the Pacific being so weak to start the year. The irony of loving what hurts — should Vancouver really be thanking the injuries for helping the management truly “rebuild on the fly”?
Time will tell. But here is what time already has told.
Next: Thought #11: The #20in20 was a Failing Success