3. Nate Schmidt
It would be an understatement to say that Nate Schmidt got off to a rocky start in Vancouver.
In his first 21 games with the Canucks, he only registered three points, and was victim to a bushel of truly unlucky bounces that found their way to the back of his net.
But Schmidt is a veteran blueliner, and he has positively responded by turning his game around in a huge way.
Schmidt recorded four points in the past four games, including a goal and an assist on Monday night, and he is tied for the team lead with a plus-three rating. He hasn’t made many, if not any, defensive blunders in the past week, and he is the only blueliner who can properly block a passing attempt or shot while laying out his body on the ice (yes, we’re talking to you, Alex Edler and Tyler Myers).
Schmidt has also rediscovered parts of his game that made him one of the best offensive defenceman in the league for the past few years. He has excelled at quickly moving the puck out of his own end, and his intelligent vision has been on full display every time he steps over the boards.
Sweet feed by Schmidt earlier #Canucks pic.twitter.com/bFZ4MHC1oX
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) March 3, 2021
He hasn’t been afraid to complete the simple plays, like throwing the puck onto the net to get a deflection, or clearing the zone as quickly as possible during a crucial penalty kill.
And there’s no question that the coaching staff haven’t taken notice.
Schmidt averages just over 20 minutes of ice time this season, and will continue to be rewarded with meaningful shifts as long as he can keep up this effective, high-energy style of play.
It’s been quite some time since a defenceman made his way onto this list, but we’re all hoping that Schmidt can continue to be a regular visitor here during his tenure in Vancouver.
Honourable Mention #1: Jake Virtanen
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Jake Virtanen has finally cracked this list.
The 24-year-old Abbotsford native has been, without a doubt, the Canucks most disappointing player this season, but he was able to show brief flashes of excellence on Thursday night against the Maple Leafs.
Virtanen scored two goals in the contest to go alongside three registered shots and a plus-one rating, and he finally looked like he belonged in the top-six forward group alongside Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson on the second line.
#Canucks on the PP and Jake Virtanen goes over Hutchinson just under the bar for his 2nd of the game pic.twitter.com/4gzFfBtivD
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) March 5, 2021
Jake Virtanen drive the net with speed and chips it by Hutchinson to give the #Canucks the early lead! pic.twitter.com/k2NJAEBSQS
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) March 5, 2021
Three to play, #Canucks up a pair. pic.twitter.com/a7835LKkuJ
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 5, 2021
He logged just over 15 minutes of ice time, and was able to provide a tough, speedy style of play that management, coaches and fans have been longing to see.
Of course, it’s too little too late for Virtanen at this point, and many of us don’t expect this performance to carry into the upcoming two-game series against the Habs, or throughout the rest of the season, for that matter. But hey, at least his trade value skyrocketed for a brief moment?
Take note, Bob Murray.
Upcoming games
- Monday, March 8th – Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks (7:00 pm PST)
- Wednesday, March 10th – Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks (8:00 pm PST)
Who do you think played well this week? Make sure to drop a comment below!