From the length of this page I'd say we had a busy Off-Season!! Well if you missed the summer, or were partying to hard to remember what happened that complete details are here.
3/09/99 -
6 down, 4 to go
Well, another
Canuck can be added to the list of players headed to Kamloops next week
for training camp. Todd Bertuzzi has aggreed to a 2 year contract
reportedly worth just over $1 million per season. Bertuzzi, who missed
most of last season due to a broken leg and torn ACL, scored 8 goals and
added 8 assists in 32 games. Now although we didn't like Todd at
first cause he was traded for Trevor, he's proved to be a very nice person.
He showed a lot of promise in training camp last year, and let's hope that
he can build on that and have a breakout year without injuries!
1/09/99 -
Canucks get last Swede under contract
Finally some
work is getting done! The Canucks lowered our number of free agents
today by signing right winger Markus Naslund to a contract reported to
be about $7 million over 3 years. This will be a significant raise
for Naslund who made only $800,000 last season. He led our team in
scoring last season with 36 goals ans 30 assists and won the team awards
for Most Valuable Player, Most Exciting Player and teh Cyrus McLean trophy
for leading the team in scoring. He also played for the World team
in last season's All-Star game. Last year was a break out year for
Markus and let's hope he can keep it up and score 40 goals this year!
30/08/99 -
ACC Celebrity Pro-Am
Jennie and Jodi
attended the Celebrity Pro-Am at the Air Canada Championship golf tournament
today. And let us tell you it was fun! I mean where else can
you follow Billy Muckalt, Mattias Ohlund, Dave Scatchard, Josh Holden and
Bryan Allen around for a day? And watch them play a sport other than
hockey? Golf - a sport they have had A LOT of practice with over the last
3 seasons... Mattias was playing on a team with Jodi's uncle so they
got to meet him a couple times, although we spent most of the day with
newly signed Billy! Look for pictures from the event coming soon!
30/08/99 -
News straight from Billy's lips!
Billy Muckalt
has re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks, and we couldn't be happier!
Jennie and Jodi first heard of the news while at the Celebrity Pro-Am at
the the Air Canada Championship today, straight from Billy himself!
He was the leading Calder contender for the 1st half of last season, but
had a little difficulty in the 2nd half and ended up finishing 6th in Rookie
scoring. Didn't seem to matter to the Canucks though as they're reportedly
going to pay him $2.9 million/year over 3 seasons. Ok! Only 6 more
players left to sign!
25/08/99
- Handy Andy named Goaltending consultant
The Canucks
have hired 3 time Stanley Cup winner Andy Moog as the new "goaltending
consultant". He will work closely with the Canuck and Syracuse goaltenders
and will also scout amateur goaltenders for next year's entry draft.
He served as goaltending assistant last season for the Atlanta Thrashers
as the prepared for their first NHL season. Moog, who retired after
the 1997-98 season, played in 713 NHL games, 4 all-star games, and 6 Stanley
Cup finals in his 18 year career. Let's hope he can help young Kevin
Weekes become the goalie Brian Burke has pegged him to be! In other news,
the Canucks have signed Brian Bonin who played for Pittsburgh (or most
likely their minor league affiliate) last season. Best bet is that
he'll be playing down in Syracuse or on a junior team this coming season.
22/08/99 - Orcabay on the Auction Block click here to see more
19/08/99 -Bye
Bye Bertie!
As expected,
Bert Robertsson has been signed by another team, the Edmonton Oilers.
Bert was an unrestricted free agent (check "Our Boys for the reason why)
and it was just a matter of time before another team scooped him up.
We're all sad to see Bert go. Especially Jennie who's loved him since
the first day she met him and he touched her bum. Well, with Bert gone
we're down to 2 Swedish Gods! That is until the Sedins get here....
Good Luck in Edmonton Bert! In other news, it seems the Canucks have
also come to terms with minor leaguer Chad Allen. Who knew? I was
just looking through nhl.com and there it was!
15/08/99 -
Rain Rain Go Away!
The NHL Breakout
was to take place this weekend just outside of GM Place and Jodi was to
attend it on Sunday. One problem, it was rained out! So Jodi
and The Canucks Report's Jen went all the way down there to watch them
take everything down! Josh Holden and Marc Crawford were there on
Saturday, and Billy Muckalt and Dave Scatchard were scheduled to make appearances
on Sunday. But no! A little rain scared them away. Oh well,
the day was not a complete waste as we got some insider information:
The Canucks Carnival will take place Sunday October 31st (Halloween) this
year instead of in February/March as it has in past years. So get
those costumes ready! As for the players, if they're told to dress
up for the occasion, my guess would have Dave cross dressing! Jen thinks
he would make a nice woman too....
13/08/99 -
No Double Trouble
The canucks
made the official announcement yesterday that Daniel and Henrik Sedin will
not be joining the Canucks in the 1999-2000 season. Instead, both
decided to finish school and team commitments back in Sweden. Although
Burke was hoping to have the Sedin's available to help the Canucks immediately,
many people (us included) believe taking one more year before making the
move to the NHL will help the boys. It is a large jump to the NHL
and many predicted stars have been hurt by the amount of pressure (and
money) put on them at such a young age. And besides, we're willing
to wait one more year before we win the Stanley Cup (but that's all!!)
11/08/99 -
Canucks Starting Roster: Only Defensemen
Okay, it's not
quite that bad, but the Canucks did sign another defenseman today.
It was just announced that the newest signing is Chris O'Sullivan, 25.
O'Sullivan began last season with the Calgary Flames, but was traded to
the NY Rangers (ewwwww) part way through. In a total of 49 games
in the NHL, O'Sullivan has 2 goals and 11 assists.
11/08/99 -
Due South
The Canucks
lost two players to free agency and the Nashville Predators. Both
Corey Hirsch and Steve Washburn have signed with the team and are now have
a whole lot of country music in their future. Although Washburn came
over from the Panthers just last season, and played a limited role with
Vancouver, Corey was one of our own, after having spent the last five years
with the Canucks. Born in "Trevor-town," Medicine Hat, Hirsch played
with the Kamloops Blazers before joining the Canucks. He never really
had the opportunity to be an everyday player, even being sent down to Syracuse
at times. The final "nail in Corey's Canuck coffin" came in the form
of Kevin Weekes in the Bure deal. With three goalies, it seemed fairly
clear that Corey's days with the team were numbered. Despite his
lack of playing time, Hirsch was a fan favorite, and was the only player
to receive a standing ovation during the ceremonies after the final game
of the season. From a personal standpoint, Jennie, Jodi and Pam had
the opportunity to spend the day with Corey and his daughter Alexa during
the Canucks Carnival. We are all really sorry to see this great guy
(and great dad; he was soooo cute with her!!) leave the team. Best of luck
to both Corey and Steve.
09/08/99 -
Strudwick "shoulders" a new deal
Strudwick
is the first of 'our boys' to sign to a new deal with the Canucks this
off season. As usual the terms were undisclosed. The 6'3" 220
lb defenseman had a solid year in his first full NHL season, but
has yet to score a goal. Marc Crawford has called Strudwick a great
leader off the ice and he hopes that Jason can build on that and improve
his skills on the ice. In other news, Jason may have gotten married
over the summer as rumors have it that he is engaged. We hope not!
04/08/99 -
Canucks sign free agents Bodger and Gendron
In an attempt
to age their young defense, the Canucks have signed veteran defenseman
Doug Bodger. Bodger, 33, was born in Chemanius, B.C. He has
played for 5 teams over the past 5 seasons and finished last season with
14 points for the L.A. Kings. Bodger, 6'2" and 210 lbs, was the 9th
pick overall in 1984. In other news, the Canucks have signed young
winger Martin Gendron. The 5'8" and 190 lbs Valleyfield, Quebec native
had 67 points in 65 games last season with the Fredricton Canadiensof the
AHL. He was Washington's 4th pick, 71st overall in the 1992 entry
draft.
03/08/99 -
There will be Snow again this winter
Brian Burke
announced today the re-signing of Garth Snow. Snow, who had a career
year with the Canucks last season, tied the club record by posting 6 shut-outs
and won the Molson Cup award for the most 3 star selections. Although
terms of the deal were not disclosed, it appears that he will make approximately
$1.4 million next season. As it stands, looks like the Canucks have
decided yet again to go with Garth Snow as their #1 starting goalie.
Let's hope that Snow shock everyone once again and play as well as he did
last season. Let's also hope that perhaps his teammate can do a little
more offensively so that Snow's record reflects how well he's played...
29/07/99 -
Harry York re-signs
The Canucks
announced the re-signing of forward Harry York today, although terms were
not released as usual. The lone Canuck to go to arbitration, York
is the first of many Canuck free agents to sign. Burke is hoping
to sign about 5 or 6 of the 10 free agents before training camp, but said
don't be surprised if there are a couple guys sitting out like Bryan McCabe
did last year. 2 of those hard to sign free agents may very well
be Adrian Aucoin and Markus Naslund who had outstanding seasons last year,
but who's abilities are still being questioned. We'll just have to
wait and see... But Brian Burke just better get cracking cause he still
has Dave Scatchard, Bill Muckalt, Jason Strudwick, Peter Schaeffer, Todd
Bertuzzi and Ed Jovanovski to sign!
27/07/99
- Canucks sign Swedes
Although the
Canucks announced the signing of our Swedish twins, it still looks like
the boys will be headed back to Sweden for another year. The Sedins
signed the exact same contracts which will see them earn the rookie salary
cap maximum of $1.025 million per season for 3 years once they start playing.
And that doesn't look like it will happen until next year. "We're
only 18 years [old], we are still young," Henrik said. "Next year,
we're going to be more prepared to play over here." Oh well, see ya next
year boys!
13/07/99 -
Gaining and Losing in the Free Agent market
Today, the Canucks
announced the signing of free agent center, Andrew Cassels. Last
season with the Calgary Flames, Cassels collected 12 goals and 37 points
during 70 games. Although terms of the deal were not released, Canucks
GM Brian Burke admitted that there was a fairly high price tag attached
to this signing. In other free agent news, Mark Wotton, who spent
his career in the Canucks minor leagues, signed with Dallas, and one of
the 1994 heroes, goaltender Kirk McLean, signed a multi-year contract with
the New York Rangers. This
is absolutely terrible news, and we are all devastated with this turn of
events. We'd love to wish Kirk luck with his new team, but we just
can't ever hope that the Rangers will win.
07/07/99 -
Allen Catches a "Break"
As some of the
Canucks hottest prospects gathered at Burnaby's 8 Rinks to work out, 1998
pick Bryan Allen arrived with a recent, and unwelcome addition: a cast.
Allen reportedly broke his ankle while facing the tough challenge of stairs
at home. His is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, but should be healed
in time to participate in training camp with the rest of the team.
26/06/99 -
TWO! : but not for the price of one
After acquiring
the 2nd overall pick earlier in day, the Canucks were sitting in good position,
with two of the top three picks. Burke pulled off a move that made
many GM's around the league jealous: getting both of the Swedish Sedin
twins. Daniel (LW) and Henrik (C), 18, both had great seasons with
MoDo of the Swedish Elite League, and are expected to make the transition
to the NHL. Both boys have made it clear that they will remain in
Sweden during the next year, in order to finish school, but we should be
seeing them in Canucks uniforms by the 2000-2001 season. Rounding
out the top five picks, Atlanta took concussion prone Patrick Stefan, high
scoring Pavel Brendl went to the NY Rangers (yuck), and Tim Connolly to
the NY Islanders. Click HERE
for a review of all the Canucks choices.
26/06/99 -
Wheeling and Dealing on Draft Day
Brian Burke
led the leagues General Managers through a busy NHL Entry draft, making
three separate trades. The Canucks started out the day by dealing
defenseman Bryan McCabe and the first round choice in either 2000 or 2001
to the Chicago Blackhawks for this years #4 overall choice. (I know this
works out later in the day, but at this point, this seems pretty fishy!)
Burke than traded that #4 pick, as well as two third round picks to Tampa
Bay, in return for the 1st overall pick. Finally, the Canucks hooked
up with the new Atlanta Thrashers, swapping the 1st overall pick for the
2nd overall pick and a conditional third round pick in 2000. Busy
draft days are always exciting, but it is unfortunate that the Canucks
had to lose McCabe, one of the best young defensemen in the game.
25/06/99 -
Steve Staios chosen in expansion draft
The expansion
draft took place in Boston today as the NHL's newest team, the Atlanta
Thrashers, attempted to put the final pieces of their team together.
In the expansion draft, one player from each of the 26 teams (Nashville
exempt) is chosen. It was looking like Corey Hirsch would be the
one to go, but no! The Thrashers decided to go with defenseman turned
forward (under Mike Keenan) Steve Staios. Staios has been with the
team since being claimed on waivers March 18, 1997 from Boston. He
only played 57 games with the team last season after injuring his knee
towards the end of the season, and finished with 2 assists.
20/06/99
- Stars win Stanley Cup, rosters frozen
With a very
controversial goal in triple overtime, the Dallas Stars won the first Stanley
Cup in team history. The series between the Stars and the Buffalo
Sabres went to 6 games, the first non-sweep since our Canucks took the
N.Y. Rangers to 7 games back in 1994. With the end of the playoffs,
all NHL rosters are now frozen until Friday's expansion draft. As
for the expansion draft, Corey Hirsch is expected to be the Canuck chosen.
Although it will be sad to see Corey leave, it will be an excellent opportunity
for him as he tries to secure a starting goalie position. Good Luck Corey!
18/06/99 -
Stan Smyl named coach of the Crunch
Just a month
after losing Glen Hanlon to the AHL's Portland Pirates, the Canucks lose
yet another long time coach as Stan Smyl is named coach of our farm team,
the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. Smyl, the heart and soul of the Canucks
(until Trevor came along) has been with the team for 21 years. After
a 13 year career full of Canuck records, Smyl came back to be assistant
coach for the team for the past 8 seasons. His number 12 is the only
retired number in team history, and let's hope he can help out our farm
team. They really need after finishing DEAD last this past season.
Good Luck Steamer! The team also announced Smyl and Hanlon's replacements
as assistant coaches. Jack McIlhargey, who's spent the past 8 seasons
coaching the Canucks' minor league affiliate in Milwaukee, Hamilton and
Syracuse and Mike Johnston, who's been coaching the National Men's team
will serve as assistants to Marc Crawford next season.
18/06/99 -
Canucks sign Artem Chubarov
The Vancouver
Canucks have signed yet another prospect, this time 19 year old Artem Chubarov.
Brian Burke calls the 6'1", 200 lbs "a classic two-way center" and says
"He is a responsible player that has a great sense of the game".
Chubarov played for Moscow of the Russian Elite League last season where
he scored 8 goals and finished with 10 points. Not known for his
scoring touch I guess! He was the Canucks 2nd pick, 31st overall
in last years 1998 entry draft.
17/06/99
- Canucks sign Alfie Michaud
The Canucks
have signed yet prospect, this time goalie Alfie Michaud. Although
we're not too impressed with his name, Michaud, along with Steve Kariya
(who recently signed with the Canucks as well) led the University of Maine
Black Bears to an NCAA championship this past season. At 5'10" and
177 lbs, he is expected to start the season in Syracuse, although who knows
what will happen until the end of training camp. Michaud has another
year remaining on his kinesiology degree which he hopes to finish during
the off-seasons. YAY! Another smart boy to add to our list...
16/06/99
- Canucks sign Ryan Ready
The Canucks
have signed yet another prospect. But will it help? Nope!
They still haven't gotten rid of Messier, so no matter what else they do,
they'll never get better! Ready is a high scoring (YEAH) left-winger
from the Belleville Bulls, who was compared to Mike Keane by Dave Nonis.
Ready was drafted by Calgary in 1997, 100th overall, but apparently, he
wasn't "ready" to sign yet! In other 'Nuck's news, they are attempting
to sign goaltender ALFIE Michaud from the University of Maine.
14/06/99 -
Canucks sign Jarkko Ruutu
Brian Burke
announced the signing of 23 year old winger, Jarkko Ruutu. Ruutu,
the 3rd and final player in the trade that saw Trevor Linden go to the
N.Y. Islanders, is listed at 6'2" and 195 pounds and was the Captain of
IFK Helsinki of the Finnish Elite League last season. Known for his
toughness and irritability rather than his scoring ability, he finished
with 10 goals, four assists (14 points) and 136 penalty minutes in 25 games
last season. Burke described Ruutu as a pesky, agitating winger and
compared him to the likes of former Canuck Esa Tikkanen, and Tomas Sandstrom.
Ruutu was the Vancouver's 3rd choice, 68th overall, in the 1998 Entry Draft.
01/06/99 -
Canucks acquire Pat Kavanagh
The Canucks
also made a minor trade today when the sent their 6th round pick in this
year's draft to Philadelphia for centre/right winger Pat Kavanagh who quickly
agreed to a 3 year deal. As usual, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Kavanagh, a 6'3" 205 lbs forward, had 69 points in 68 games with the OHL's
Petersborough Petes last season. He was drafted by Philadelphia in
the 2nd round, 50th overall, in 1997.
01/06/99
- Canucks sign Harold Druken
The Canucks
announced today the signing of their 1997 2nd round pick, Harold Druken.
Druken, a 20 year old, 6'0", 205 pound centre, agreed to a contract that
could let him see a maximum of $2.665 million US over 3 years. He'll
receive $500,000 US next season, $550,000 the following and $650,000 the
year after that if he makes the club. If he is sent to the minors, the
salary drops ot $75,000 Cdn. He will also receive a $650,000 signing
bonus payable over the 3 years. Druken, who led the OHL in goal scoring
with 58 goals, was not expected to sign before the deadline of 9pm PST
tonight. If the Canucks had failed to sign Druken, he would have
re-entered the draft and was almost assured of being drafted in the 1st
round. It doesn't look like Druken will play for the team next season,
as Brian Burke seemed pretty unsure of his ability. Druken may have
scored 58 goals last season, but he did not have a good tournament and
the World Juniors last year, where he picked up a silver medal. I
guess time will tell and hopefully he can keep it up and score 58 goals
for the Canucks one day!
29/05/99 -
Trevor Linden traded to the Canadiens
Even though
Trevor Linden is no longer an "official" member of the Canucks, his place
in the heart of Vancouver fans is secure. In light of this, we have
decided to include this in our updates. The New York Islanders traded
centre Trevor Linden to the Montreal Canadiens Saturday in exchange for
the Habs first round pick, 10th overall. Linden then turned around
and signed a four year contract rumoured to be worth $15 M. Although
we were all hoping that Trevor would return to Vancouver during the off
season, we're glad to see him back in Canada. We guess this means that
we're just going to have to buy tickets to see the Habs play now. Good
Luck, Trevor!
20/05/99 -
Canucks sign Ryan Bonni
This week, the
Canucks announced the signing of defenseman Ryan Bonni, Vancouver's second
round pick in the 1997 draft. The Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner
for 1997, Bonni collected nine goals and 36 assists in '98-'99, splitting
the season between the Saskatoon Blades and Red Deer Rebels. The
6'4", 190 pound frame of this 20 year old will fit in well with the growing
core of young Canucks defensemen. Although he's not a high scoring,
offensive d-man, he will add some strength, and some more penalty minutes
to the team.
19/05/99 -
Glen Hanlon hired by Portland
Today the Washington
Capitals and the Portland Pirates announced that Glen Hanlon has been named
coach of the AHL's Portland Pirates. Hanlon, who was drafted in the
3rd round in 1977, began his coaching career 8 years ago with the
Canucks after an illustrious NHL career as a goaltender. Hanlon,
who's been one of the more popular coaches amongst the players, may not
be the only one leaving for a head coaching job. Rumors are that
Stan Smyl is looking around as well. Fans as well as players would
hate to see the Steamer leave as he's been with the Canucks for close to
2 decades. And that raises the question of who will be assisting
Marc Crawford behind the bench next season? Stay tuned as we're prepared
to ask Crawford and Brian Burke themselves tonight!
16/05/99
- Canucks to pick third in 1999 Entry Draft
Over the weekend
the draft lottery took place in Boston. The Canucks had a 1 in 6
chance of drafting first, but in keeping with recent luck of the team,
we lost to Chicago who had a 1 in 27 chance. However, because of
the lottery rules, Chicago can only move up 4 spots moving them to 4th.
Therefore we are remain in with the third pick. The player we are
likely to draft is one of the two Sedin twins, who happen to be Swedish
(we have a certain fondness for the Swedes), neither of whom will be ready
for the NHL until at least the fall of 2000. Daniel, a goal-scoring left
winger, and Hendrik, a playmaking center, are planning on playing for Sweden
for at least another year as they complete High School. Both boys,
however, proved they have the ability to play in the NHL as they fared
well in the World Championships these past few weeks. Perhaps a year
or two might help them develop. Just look what it did for Mattias
Ohlund.
12/05/99
- Canucks sign Bryan Allen
Today the Canucks
announced the signing of last year's first round pick, 18 year old Bryan
Allen. Allen has spent the past 3 seasons with the Oshawa Generals of the
Ontario Hockey League and also played for Canada in the 1998 World Junior
Championships. At 6'4" and 210 pounds, Allen will fit in perfectly
next season with the "fab 5" defense we have of Mattias Ohlund, Jason Strudwick,
Ed Jovanovski, Bryan McCabe and Adrian Aucoin. However, it looks
as though one of these great defensemen is gonna be moved before the start
of training camp. With the Canucks finishing with an all-time club
record low in goals scored, the team needs a goal scorer or a playmaking
centre to get back that spark in players like Alexander Mogilny, amongst
others. Look for #7 Bryan Allen in a Canuck uniform next season.