Canucks Could Help Vet D-Man Get Revenge

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The Vancouver Canucks have a unique opportunity to foil a division rival by allowing a veteran D-man to get his revenge.

The Vancouver Canucks could have a unique opportunity to help a veteran blue liner get back at his former team. In the process, the Canucks also have a chance to foil a division rival.

The blue liner in question is Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The division rival in question is the San Jose Sharks. Vlasic was bought earlier this summer by the Sharks. San Jose dumped the final year of his eight-year, $56 million deal signed in 2018.

But after 19 seasons, Vlasic isn’t done. Speaking to the French-language journal, Le Journal de Quebec, Vlasic made it clear that he wants a shot to prove the Sharks wrong.

In an August 14 piece, Vlasic declared in French translated into English:

“I’m motivated to train, find a new team and shove it in the Sharks’ face.”

That’s where a team like the Vancouver Canucks can help Vlasic get revenge while piling on a division rival. Vlasic will be looking for another kick at the NHL can, and it won’t be about money. The Canucks can sign Vlasic to a league-minimum deal. The goal would be to show that, even at 38, he’s got what it takes to be an effective NHL blue liner.

The road back won’t be easy. But there’s a chance Vlasic could make an impact for the Canucks on the team’s bottom pairing. So, Vancouver should at least kick the tires on Vlasic this summer.

Canucks Could Bring Vlasic in on Cost-Effective Deal

Signing Vlasic wouldn’t be a costly endeavor for the Canucks. The club could sign the veteran blue liner to a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO), with an offer for a full-time NHL contract if he makes the team.

Alternatively, the Canucks could just go ahead and sign Vlasic to a one-year deal worth league minimum. Such a deal would not create a shackling commitment for the Canucks, while affording Vlasic one final shot at the NHL.

But there’s one other possibility. The Canucks could take a page out of the Winnipeg Jets’ book and sign Vlasic to an incentive-laden contract. The signed Jonathan Toews to a deal worth $1 million base salary, with incentives up to $4 million.

Similarly, the Colorado Avalanche signed Brent Burns to a $1 million contract with incentives that could reach past the $3 million mark.

As such, the Canucks could put such an offer on the table, allowing Vlasic to prove he still belongs in the NHL.

Vlasic Poses Calculated Risk for Vancouver

The Canucks would be taking a calculated risk by bringing Vlasic into the fold. His upside is quite limited at this stage of his career. While he may be looking to prove he’s still got it, his role is more akin to a depth defenseman. It would be surprising to see him even crack the Canucks Opening Night lineup.

So, Vlasic could realistically face most of the season in the press box as a healthy scratch. But then again, injuries can strike unexpectedly. So, Vlasic could step into the Canucks’ bottom pair.

It would be a stretch to imagine he could be anything more than that. But then again, revenge is a significant motivator. That’s why fans shouldn’t be remiss to see Vlasic find another gear before hanging up his skates for good.

Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan