Canucks hope infusion of new players will drive them to post season

The Vancouver Canucks have been also-rans for too many years now for their fans’ liking.

Last season started off well with a quick winning streak to get out of the gate but that momentum stalled and the season was lost early on.

The Canucks are getting old and slow and they are not going to compete well in the Pacific Division until they turn that around.

This off season Vancouver made some noise in free agency but the question remains as to whether or not it will translate to wins on the ice.

Among the signings was defenseman Micheal Del Zotto late of the Philadelphia Flyers.  The two sides inked a two-year deal with an annual rate of $3 million, hefty price for a player who has not been overly productive in his previous two teams including the Flyers and New York Rangers.

“Michael is a mobile, playmaking defenceman who adds depth and scoring to our blue line,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said. “His ability to log big minutes and contribute in all situations will help our team be competitive every night.”

Vancouver also signed Sam Gagner from the Columbus Blue Jackets to a three-year deal worth just north of $3 million each year.

“Sam is a hardworking, right-shot center with good speed and skill,” Benning said. “He brings tremendous experience to our team and will set a good example for our younger players.”

Gagner had a good year with the Jackets and the 27-year old should add some scoring depth to a beleaguered offensive corps and help take pressure off the Sedin twins.

“There’s never really any promises when it comes to ice time, but I see a lot of similarities to the Columbus situation last year,” Gagner said. “The opportunity to be a leader and come to a team with a lot of really good young players knocking on the door and some older veterans that feel that didn’t feel like they had their best year and there is a lot to prove.”

Alexander Burmistrov signed a one-year deal for under a million.  He was in Arizona for part of last season after being claimed off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

“Alexander put up good numbers towards the end of last season with Arizona and has shown good offensive potential throughout his young career,” Benning said. “We’re excited to give him an opportunity to help our team compete next year.”

He will need to produce quickly before the fans and management turn on him.

With Ryan Miller signing with the Anaheim Ducks as a free agent, the Canucks signed Anders Nilsson as goalie.

Nilsson iced for the Buffalo Sabres previously and appeared in 26 games, a career high.  It is hoped he can make an impression on the Canucks and backstop the defense over the next two seasons.

Michael Chaput resigned with the Canucks for one-year at less than $700,000.

The Canucks also hired Travis Green as their new head coach.  That move may be the one pays off more quickly as he has been the bench boss in Utica, the AHL affiliate for the Canucks.  His Comets had been a success on the ice and many of those same younger players will be transiting to Vancouver sooner rather than later.