The Canuck Way Mailbag: Boeser, Ekblad, trades, more

Hughes, Pettersson, Motte & potential buyouts

Both Hughes and Pettersson’s rookie seasons were unbelievable as both of them set the hockey world on fire and broke records left, right, and center. They are already elite talents in the NHL and they are only 20 and 21 years old respectively. Though when it comes to ranking which was more impressive, I am going to have to go with Hughes.

As a young defenceman, it is extremely difficult to excel in this league. Why do you think there have been only three defencemen in the last 20 years to win the Calder Trophy? With all the skilled, elite forwards that come from the top of the draft every season, a defenceman has to do something out of this world to break through that wall. Hughes didn’t just crack the wall, he busted through it at 100 miles an hour.

Hughes didn’t just impress in the regular season with 8 goals and 53 points, he also blew the roof off in the playoffs with historic numbers on his way to a 16-point performance. As much as I was blown away by Pettersson’s rookie season, I am even more impressed by his performance. He truly is already a top-five defenceman in the NHL, and that’s saying something considering his age.

Tyler Motte is an integral part of the Canucks’ bottom-six and should be re-signed, but not at a high price or long term. He can’t demand a lot since he’s not a goal scorer or point producer. Most of his leverage is contained in his character and intangibles like blocking shots and penalty-killing prowess. So I would not go higher than three years, and $2 million AAV.

I’m assuming you are referring to other team’s buyouts, so I am going off of that assumption. As it is with all offseasons, there will be buyouts and subsequent cheap, short-term contracts offered by other teams. Potential buyouts the Canucks could be interested in this offseason will probably include, Kyle Turris, Justin Abdelkader, Zach Parise, or Alexander Wennberg. Of that list, I would be interested in seeing Turris or Wennberg on the West Coast.

Turris is a hometown boy from nearby New Westminster and a three-time 20 goal scorer. He has admittedly declined since his days with the Ottawa Senators, but maybe a change of scenery and a taste of home cooking could turn that around. He still could have some offence in the tank especially if he can develop some chemistry with Gaudette. The risk would be low and the reward could be high for a team looking to shake up their bottom-six.

As for Wennberg, he represents a curious case as he once was a highly rated prospect of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Since signing his costly $29 million contract he has not eclipsed eight goals and 35 points and is starting to look like a bust at 25-years-old. However, with a change of scenery and removal of the burden of a large contract, that potential could still be realized. May be playing with some fellow Swedes will reignite his offence?

That concludes yet another edition of The Canuck Way mailbag. Don’t forget to follow us at @FSTheCanuckWay for the next one. It’s been great interacting with all of you, so let’s keep it going. Until next time, Go Canucks Go!