Vancouver Canucks 2018-19 season grades: Jay Beagle

Here at The Canuck Way, we’re looking at player grades for the 2018-19 season. Up next, a look at forward Jay Beagle.

Last offseason, Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning signed a trio of forwards in order to establish more grit and toughness in the lineup.

He signed Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel and Tim Schaller to multi-year deals. The former landed a four-year contract worth $12 million, having just won a Stanley Cup championship with the Washington Capitals.

The Beagle signing came under fire for multiple reasons. It was a lot of term and cash for a player that was turning 33 in October, with limited offensive upside. Beagle had never scored more than 30 points in a season, after all.

In 57 games this season, Beagle registered three goals and 10 assists, so he didn’t exactly justify a $3 million cap hit. But at the same time, expectations weren’t all that high on Beagle coming into 2018-19. After all, everybody knows that Benning didn’t exactly sign Beagle for his offence.

Here’s a look at Beagle’s grade for 2018-19, plus expectations are for next season.

Season grade: C-

Beagle only had seven goals and 22 points for the Capitals in 2017-18, but it was his play in the postseason that helped him land the $12 million contract. Beagle scored eight points in 23 playoff games — including one game-winner.

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He also won 60.1 percent of his faceoffs at even strength, while dishing out 23 hits.

Beagle was an unsung hero for the Capitals in their first Stanley Cup championship, but the money was simply too much for Benning to hand out.

Beagle is the type of player you need in the playoffs, but the Canucks are still in rebuilding mode. That’s why the signing baffled many on the west coast.

The 33-year-old Beagle finished the season with a lackluster 40.4 Corsi For percentage, well below his career average of 45.0 percent (which isn’t that great).

On top of that, Beagle had a forgettable 37.78 Goals For percentage, 40.82 Scoring Chances For percentage and 41.67 High Dangers Chances For percentage, according to Natural Stat Trick.

When Beagle was on the ice, the Canucks simply weren’t dictating the play. His defensive game dipped quite a bit in 2018-19, compared to what we saw in Washington.

But again, we can’t blame Beagle for not living up to the first of a $12 million deal. It’s on Benning for handing him that much money. Beagle was never much of a scorer in Washington, and his puck possession numbers left a lot to be desired.

Again, if the Canucks are a playoff team next season, then you’ll notice Beagle more. His energy, toughness and physical style of play will come in handy — if the Canucks can get that far. Otherwise, Beagle’s contract will overshadow his production on the ice.

Expectations for next year

It’s important to remember that Beagle missed 25 games because of a broken forearm. Had he managed to play the whole year, perhaps Beagle would have found his game early. Maybe he would have had a career season. Nobody knows for sure.

The Canucks aren’t going to be able to move out Beagle this offseason, unless Benning wants to take back a comparable contract. Vancouver might be better off keeping Beagle for another season, because you need his grit and leadership.

If healthy, expect Beagle to post around seven to 10 goals and 20-30 points. He’s not a game-changer, and he’s going to be 34 next season. That’s why one must keep their expectations realistic on Beagle.

The goal is to make the playoffs in 2019, where Beagle will hopefully be able to show his true value to the Canucks.