Canucks: Micheal Ferland could be the X-factor vs. the Wild

Micheal Ferland could be a difference maker if he’s able to play in the Vancouver Canucks-Minnesota Wild qualifying round matchup.

Vancouver Canucks forward Micheal Ferland was limited to 14 regular season games due to concussion symptoms, but he just might be able to suit up for the team’s upcoming best-of-five showdown with the Minnesota Wild.

Ferland, who signed a four-year deal worth $14 million with the Canucks last offseason, said he was “feeling really good” after taking part in a team scrimmage, per Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province. Ferland also expressed confidence that he’ll “be ready.”

But head coach Travis Green seemed to hint that Ferland will have to earn a roster spot as the Canucks prepare for Game 1 against Minnesota, slated for Aug. 2 in the hub city of Edmonton, Alberta.

“If he’s ready to go, it’s another body we have to take into consideration,” Green said, per Kuzma. “We’re going to have to make some hard decisions. The next couple of weeks are going to be important for a lot of guys, It’s no secret we signed Ferly for these type of games (postseason) when things get heated. His physical presence is well known.”

Indeed, Ferland is the type of player that every team wants and needs for the postseason. His physicality, toughness and ability to generate valuable offence in the bottom-six could go a long way in the series against Minnesota.

This makes him the possible X-factor in the qualifying round.

Look no further than the Canucks first round matchup with the Calgary Flames back in 2015. Ferland was a thorn in the side of Vancouver, with two goals and four points in the series. Then-head coach Willie Desjardins and company had no answer for Ferland, who helped Calgary close out the series in six games.

Ferland could play a similar role that Raffi Torres did for the Canucks during their run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. You need those players who aren’t afraid to get dirty and physical. Ferland’s presence would also cause teams to think twice about going after young stars such as Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes.

The Wild are far more experienced than the Canucks, having made the postseason in six straight years from 2013 to 2018. Ferland has 20 playoff games under his belt, and that experience could be key for the playoff deprived Canucks.

Five years ago, Ferland was responsible for sending Vancouver home. Here we are in 2020, and he now has the chance to serve as the X-factor and difference maker for the Canucks in their upcoming series against the Wild.