Amidst all the negative stories surrounding the Vancouver Canucks this season, Tyler Motte’s strong start to the campaign was one of the lone positives for the team.
Unfortunately, in typical Canucks fashion, the hard-working winger was injured during a game against Toronto on February seventh, and we’re still not sure when he might be able to make his return.
When Motte does suit up again, he’ll need to replace one skater among the current forward group, and that person should be Antoine Roussel.
I’m sure that many fans would’ve instinctively pointed to Jake Virtanen as the odd man out because they all love the Abbotsford native, but the 24-year-old has actually played well in the past few games and could elevate his trade value when he inevitably gets dealt.
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Before Motte’s injury, Virtanen, Adam Gaudette, and Zack MacEwen all took turns sitting in the press box, but Roussel has appeared in every game thus far when healthy. That should change once Motte returns, as he’s been one of the worst Canuck forwards this season.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Roussel has the worst expected goals against (xGA) mark on the team amongst forwards who’ve played over 50 minutes at five on five, as Vancouver is conceding a ghastly 2.98 xGA number per 60 minutes with him on the ice.
He isn’t making up for his putrid defence with scoring chances, either. He has a 46.24% Corsi and an expected goals percentage of 44.90% at five on five, which is third-worst on the Canucks among those same group of forwards, and only Jay Beagle and Virtanen have posted lower numbers in the respective categories.
Some fans might use that as fuel to scratch Virtanen, but as I said before, he has been playing a lot better recently which will increase his trade value. Meanwhile, Beagle is still needed due to his role on the penalty kill and the team’s lack of centre depth.
It sucks that Vancouver should scratch a player making $3 million per season, but if Loui Eriksson can sit in the press box, then so can anyone.
What do you think, Canucks fans? Who do you want to see scratched when Motte returns? Let us know in the comments below!