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Vancouver Canucks: 2016-17 Special Teams

By Connor Cullen

Apr 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Tryamkin (88) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Tryamkin (88) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Bruins defeat the Stars 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Loui Eriksson (21) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Bruins defeat the Stars 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Loui Eriksson

Unquestionably the most important addition this offseason, Loui Eriksson will bring above-average scoring talent, powerplay proficiency, sound defensive play, leadership, and veteran experience to the Vancouver Canucks youthful squad.

Eriksson’s presence on the PP will immediately boost the team’s chances of success in that department. The Sedins will have a new linemate with whom they have already fostered considerable chemistry in international play, and his lethal shot alone will add at least 10 goals on the powerplay. Last season with the Boston Bruins, Eriksson tallied 10 goals and 17 points on the PP. Those totals would already make him the third-highest PP scorer on the team, based on last season’s totals (Henrik Sedin had 20 points, Daniel Sedin had 19 points).

Playing with the Sedins, Eriksson is capable of much, much more. Having Eriksson as the main trigger-man, like Radim Vrbata was the past two seasons, should lessen the amount of passing (one can hope, at least).

The Canucks might even consider putting Eriksson as the trigger-man on the PP, rather than another defenseman, because his defensive awareness is rather high. Having Eriksson as the replacement D-man, could allow the Canucks to utilize a big body in front of the net — say, Jake Virtanen.

Potential #1 PP units:

Sedin – Sedin – Eriksson
Edler – Tanev/Hutton

Sedin – Sedin – Virtanen
Edler – Eriksson

Conclusion: most definitely, ADVANTAGE CANUCKS

Next: The Champion: Doug Jarvis

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