Thursday, June 26, 2008
Take Two: Wellwood's Speed Can Be Doubted
Apparently this blogger was incorrect when he stated that "There is no doubting [Kyle] Wellwood’s skill or speed," as Vancouver Province writer Ben Kuzma does just that. I apologize to any and all doubters of KW's speed. I will now reserve my own judgement until I see him in a Vancouver Canucks jersey next season, rather than basing it on sweet, but poorly sound-tracked, YouTube compilations and an assumption that small NHLers are, by definition, speedy.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Kyle Wellwood – The Next Steve Sullivan or the Next Steve Kariya?
In a move to bolster its forward corps, the Canucks today plucked Kyle Wellwood, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, from waivers. Overall this represents a sound, low-risk move for the Canucks, as Wellwood still has a lot of offensive upside despite being thrown to the scrapheap by the Buds after a disappointing third season in the league. There is no doubting Wellwood’s skill or speed, and he is only 25 years old, so he is a good gamble for a Vancouver squad that is looking to add some punch to its lacklustre offence.
After a solid 45-point (11G, 34A) rookie campaign in 2005-06, Wellwood recorded an impressive 42 points (12G, 30A) in 48 games the following year. However he was plagued by injuries during the past season, when a sport hernia kept him out of action to start the year and his production dropped to just 21 points (8G, 13A) in 59 games. Wellwood presumably did not fit into the Leafs rebuilding plans, although giving up on his talent after only three NHL seasons seems rather risky.
Wellwood’s departure from the Leafs is bound to draw comparisons to Steve Sullivan, another diminutive ex-Leaf who left Toronto via the waiver-wire. Both players have been criticized for a lack of size (Wellwood is 5’10”, 180 lbs.; Sullivan is 5’8”, 155 lbs.), and both failed to realize their potential in the fishbowl that is the Southern Ontario hockey market.
Sullivan was picked up by the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1999-00 season and immediately took off, registering 64 points (22G, 42A) in 73 games during his first season with the Hawks. The next year he improved to 75 points, which still stands as his career high, and in total he enjoyed five solid seasons in the Windy City before he was shipped to Nashville during the 2003-04 season. Sullivan continued his strong play with the Predators, and has averaged slightly over a point-per-game in three seasons with the team.
Needless to say, Sullivan’s success after leaving Toronto is a sore point for the many Maple Leafs fans who are waiting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since the end of the Original 6 Era. Will Wellwood become the next Steve Sullivan, the man hardened Torontonians curse when they see a highlight reel goal on SportsCentre or peruse the stats page at the end of the season? Or will he go the way of Steve Kariya, who lasted just 65 games with the Canucks before sinking into AHL and Scandinavian hockey anonymity?
Much of the expectations around Steve Kariya likely sprung from his superstar brother Paul, who has enjoyed a fine NHL career. Unfair as it may be, the Kariya name carried considerable cache in the family’s home city (the Kariya brothers hail from North Vancouver) and so expectations were high. Despite his small size (5”8’, 170 lbs.), Kariya showed flashes of brilliance in training camp and began the season on a line with Alexander Mogilny and Andrew Cassels. However, he finished the year having played only 45 games and registering 19 points (8G, 11A), and would play only 20 more games for the Canucks over the next two seasons before disappearing from the NHL forever. Kariya played two seasons in the AHL, posting respectable numbers, and then left for Europe where he played two seasons in Finland and currently skates for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Elite League. Apparently he has not lost his scorer’s touch, and presumably the larger ice surfaces and less-physical style of the European game better suits his skill-set and stature. By NHL standards, however, he was somewhat of a bust.
So, what is Kyle Wellwood’s fate? Much of that depends on how he bounces back from his injuries, how he adjusts to a new (though no less rabid) hockey market and if he can overcome the criticisms of his size and perform consistently well at the NHL-level. Canucks fans are hoping that Wellwood is the new Steve Sullivan, and should be pleased with Mike Gillis’ gamble. Leafs fans, however, will be spared years of bitterness if he turns out to be the next Steve Kariya.
After a solid 45-point (11G, 34A) rookie campaign in 2005-06, Wellwood recorded an impressive 42 points (12G, 30A) in 48 games the following year. However he was plagued by injuries during the past season, when a sport hernia kept him out of action to start the year and his production dropped to just 21 points (8G, 13A) in 59 games. Wellwood presumably did not fit into the Leafs rebuilding plans, although giving up on his talent after only three NHL seasons seems rather risky.
Wellwood’s departure from the Leafs is bound to draw comparisons to Steve Sullivan, another diminutive ex-Leaf who left Toronto via the waiver-wire. Both players have been criticized for a lack of size (Wellwood is 5’10”, 180 lbs.; Sullivan is 5’8”, 155 lbs.), and both failed to realize their potential in the fishbowl that is the Southern Ontario hockey market.
Sullivan was picked up by the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1999-00 season and immediately took off, registering 64 points (22G, 42A) in 73 games during his first season with the Hawks. The next year he improved to 75 points, which still stands as his career high, and in total he enjoyed five solid seasons in the Windy City before he was shipped to Nashville during the 2003-04 season. Sullivan continued his strong play with the Predators, and has averaged slightly over a point-per-game in three seasons with the team.
Needless to say, Sullivan’s success after leaving Toronto is a sore point for the many Maple Leafs fans who are waiting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since the end of the Original 6 Era. Will Wellwood become the next Steve Sullivan, the man hardened Torontonians curse when they see a highlight reel goal on SportsCentre or peruse the stats page at the end of the season? Or will he go the way of Steve Kariya, who lasted just 65 games with the Canucks before sinking into AHL and Scandinavian hockey anonymity?
Much of the expectations around Steve Kariya likely sprung from his superstar brother Paul, who has enjoyed a fine NHL career. Unfair as it may be, the Kariya name carried considerable cache in the family’s home city (the Kariya brothers hail from North Vancouver) and so expectations were high. Despite his small size (5”8’, 170 lbs.), Kariya showed flashes of brilliance in training camp and began the season on a line with Alexander Mogilny and Andrew Cassels. However, he finished the year having played only 45 games and registering 19 points (8G, 11A), and would play only 20 more games for the Canucks over the next two seasons before disappearing from the NHL forever. Kariya played two seasons in the AHL, posting respectable numbers, and then left for Europe where he played two seasons in Finland and currently skates for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Elite League. Apparently he has not lost his scorer’s touch, and presumably the larger ice surfaces and less-physical style of the European game better suits his skill-set and stature. By NHL standards, however, he was somewhat of a bust.
So, what is Kyle Wellwood’s fate? Much of that depends on how he bounces back from his injuries, how he adjusts to a new (though no less rabid) hockey market and if he can overcome the criticisms of his size and perform consistently well at the NHL-level. Canucks fans are hoping that Wellwood is the new Steve Sullivan, and should be pleased with Mike Gillis’ gamble. Leafs fans, however, will be spared years of bitterness if he turns out to be the next Steve Kariya.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Farwell Captain Canuck
Wednesday’s retirement of Trevor Linden marks a sad day for both the Vancouver Canucks and the National Hockey League. Linden’s contributions to the league and its players include his long tenure as President of the NHLPA, which was prefaced by eight years as a player rep to the union, as well as numerous charitable efforts. He was recognized by the NHL for his community involvement with the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1997 and the NHL Foundation Player Award this year, however the impact he had on community members, such as the many children he visited at Canuck Place, stands as a much greater legacy of his character.
Linden’s contributions to the Canucks organization have been huge. He joined the Canucks at age 18, and immediately had a huge impact on the club. He finished second to Brian Leetch in Calder Trophy voting and earned a berth on the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. In his third season Linden became one of the youngest captains in NHL history when the retirement of Stan Smyl left a vacancy that was filled on a rotating basis by Linden, Dan Quinn and Doug Lidster. By his fourth season Linden had already emerged as the team’s undisputed leader and one of its brightest stars. His selection to 1991 and 1992 All-Star Games confirmed his status as one of the Canucks’, and the NHL’s, finest players.
After two of the Canucks best seasons on record, campaigns in which Linden played an integral role, the team entered the 1993-94 season with high expectations. Though they disappointingly failed to capture their third consecutive Smythe Division title, their amazing playoff run ensured that the season would go down as the greatest in franchise history. Linden played a huge part in that memorable Cinderella run, finishing with 25 points in 24 games, and would have been considered, along with Kirk Mclean and Pavel Bure, a favourite for the Conn Smythe Trophy had the Canucks not fallen agonizingly short to the New York Rangers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
In the first round of the ’94 playoffs the Canucks fell behind 3-1 to the favoured Calgary Flames. After escaping Calgary with a Game 5 overtime win, the Canucks returned to a raucous Pacific Coliseum with a chance to send the series back to Calgary for a decisive Game 7. When the game went to overtime, it was their captain that delivered the Canucks a victory when he slid the puck under a prone Mike Vernon. The Canucks eventually won Game 7 in a double-overtime thriller, before steamrolling the Stars and Maple Leafs in five games each to reach the Finals. After again clawing back from a 3-1 series deficit, the Canucks were unable to overcome the Rangers in-front of a packed Madison square Garden, and lost the game 3-2 despite two goals by Linden. Sadly that was as close as Linden would ever come to winning the biggest prize in hockey.
In 1997 the Canucks acquired one-time nemesis Mark Messier. Despite being the undisputed leader of the Canucks Linden voluntarily handed his captaincy to the new-arrival, an act which demonstrated his selfless devotion to the team. Sadly that loyalty was poorly repaid when new bench boss and Messier-buddy Mike Keenan turned Linden into his whipping boy. After several ugly incidents between the two men, Keenan orchestrated the mid-season departure of Linden and shipped him to the New York Islanders.
It is a mark of the great respect commanded by Linden that, upon arriving in Long Island, he was handed the captaincy of his new team. However, Linden never flourished away from the Canucks, racking up only 134 points in 242 games with the Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals. It was therefore with great excitement both for Linden and the Canucks community that on November 10, 2001 he was traded by the Capitals to the Canucks. The city re-embraced its favourite athlete and his first game back was the source of much fanfare. Linden himself admits to being unable to sleep the night before owing to his excitement.
It is most fitting that Linden played out his 19-year career with 6 seasons in Vancouver. Accepting that age and declining skill had limited his offensive prowess, Linden was content to focus on the defensive side of his game and to help the team in whatever way possible. Though he never managed more than 41 points in his final six seasons, fans will remember Linden’s second stint with the Canucks as one in which he was a great leader and mentor to younger players, and an excellent penalty-killer and faceoff man. That being said Linden did show flashes of his old offensive abilities, such as in the 2007 playoffs when he led the team with 7 points in 12 games and scored the series-winner in Game 7 of the Canucks first round defeat of the Dallas Stars.
Trevor Linden retires as the greatest Canuck in the team’s 38 year-old history. He holds club records for games played (1140) and assists (415), and though Markus Naslund has eclipsed his record for goals and points, Linden stands alone as Captain Canuck – a moniker that embodies not just his on-ice accomplishments, but also his tireless and unselfish devotion to the Canucks organization and the city of Vancouver. We will miss you Trevor, and on behalf of Canucks and hockey fans everywhere, thank you for everything you have given to the organization, the city and the sport.
Linden’s contributions to the Canucks organization have been huge. He joined the Canucks at age 18, and immediately had a huge impact on the club. He finished second to Brian Leetch in Calder Trophy voting and earned a berth on the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. In his third season Linden became one of the youngest captains in NHL history when the retirement of Stan Smyl left a vacancy that was filled on a rotating basis by Linden, Dan Quinn and Doug Lidster. By his fourth season Linden had already emerged as the team’s undisputed leader and one of its brightest stars. His selection to 1991 and 1992 All-Star Games confirmed his status as one of the Canucks’, and the NHL’s, finest players.
After two of the Canucks best seasons on record, campaigns in which Linden played an integral role, the team entered the 1993-94 season with high expectations. Though they disappointingly failed to capture their third consecutive Smythe Division title, their amazing playoff run ensured that the season would go down as the greatest in franchise history. Linden played a huge part in that memorable Cinderella run, finishing with 25 points in 24 games, and would have been considered, along with Kirk Mclean and Pavel Bure, a favourite for the Conn Smythe Trophy had the Canucks not fallen agonizingly short to the New York Rangers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
In the first round of the ’94 playoffs the Canucks fell behind 3-1 to the favoured Calgary Flames. After escaping Calgary with a Game 5 overtime win, the Canucks returned to a raucous Pacific Coliseum with a chance to send the series back to Calgary for a decisive Game 7. When the game went to overtime, it was their captain that delivered the Canucks a victory when he slid the puck under a prone Mike Vernon. The Canucks eventually won Game 7 in a double-overtime thriller, before steamrolling the Stars and Maple Leafs in five games each to reach the Finals. After again clawing back from a 3-1 series deficit, the Canucks were unable to overcome the Rangers in-front of a packed Madison square Garden, and lost the game 3-2 despite two goals by Linden. Sadly that was as close as Linden would ever come to winning the biggest prize in hockey.
In 1997 the Canucks acquired one-time nemesis Mark Messier. Despite being the undisputed leader of the Canucks Linden voluntarily handed his captaincy to the new-arrival, an act which demonstrated his selfless devotion to the team. Sadly that loyalty was poorly repaid when new bench boss and Messier-buddy Mike Keenan turned Linden into his whipping boy. After several ugly incidents between the two men, Keenan orchestrated the mid-season departure of Linden and shipped him to the New York Islanders.
It is a mark of the great respect commanded by Linden that, upon arriving in Long Island, he was handed the captaincy of his new team. However, Linden never flourished away from the Canucks, racking up only 134 points in 242 games with the Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals. It was therefore with great excitement both for Linden and the Canucks community that on November 10, 2001 he was traded by the Capitals to the Canucks. The city re-embraced its favourite athlete and his first game back was the source of much fanfare. Linden himself admits to being unable to sleep the night before owing to his excitement.
It is most fitting that Linden played out his 19-year career with 6 seasons in Vancouver. Accepting that age and declining skill had limited his offensive prowess, Linden was content to focus on the defensive side of his game and to help the team in whatever way possible. Though he never managed more than 41 points in his final six seasons, fans will remember Linden’s second stint with the Canucks as one in which he was a great leader and mentor to younger players, and an excellent penalty-killer and faceoff man. That being said Linden did show flashes of his old offensive abilities, such as in the 2007 playoffs when he led the team with 7 points in 12 games and scored the series-winner in Game 7 of the Canucks first round defeat of the Dallas Stars.
Trevor Linden retires as the greatest Canuck in the team’s 38 year-old history. He holds club records for games played (1140) and assists (415), and though Markus Naslund has eclipsed his record for goals and points, Linden stands alone as Captain Canuck – a moniker that embodies not just his on-ice accomplishments, but also his tireless and unselfish devotion to the Canucks organization and the city of Vancouver. We will miss you Trevor, and on behalf of Canucks and hockey fans everywhere, thank you for everything you have given to the organization, the city and the sport.
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