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Canucks Sign Five More Free Agents On Canada Day After Landing Loui Eriksson
CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff July 2, 2016
Canucks signed five more free agents on Canada Day after landing Loui Eriksson, caping off an eventful free agent frenzy.
Canucks sign Jayson Megna to one-year deal
Canucks signed forward Jayson Megna to a one-year, one-way contract that will carry a value of $600,000.
“Jayson brings a combination of size, speed and skill to our team adding depth to our forward group this season,” said Jim Benning. “He has the ability to catch the opposition off-guard with deceptive speed and brings a willingness to play in the difficult areas around the net and in the corners. We’re pleased to be able to add Jayson to the team.”
Megna, 26, split the 2015.16 season between the New York Rangers and the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack. In six games with the Rangers, Megna tallied one goal and one assist (1-1-2) along with two penalty minutes. In 68 games with Hartford, he finished tied for third on the team in goals (15), tied for first in assists (29) and second in points (44). His totals on the year in games played, assists and points were all AHL career-highs.
The 6-1, 195-pound forward has skated in 54 career NHL games over parts of three seasons split between New York and Pittsburgh, registering 12 points (6-6-12) along with 22 penalty minutes. In addition, Megna has appeared in two career NHL playoff games.
Prior to his professional career, Megna played one season with the University of Nebraska-Omaha. During his freshman season in 2011.12, Megna was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and finished third on the team in goals (13), assists (18) and points (31).
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Megna was originally signed by Pittsburgh as a free agent on August 1, 2012.
Canucks sign Philip Larsen to one-year deal
Vancouver signed defenceman Philip Larsen to a one-year, one-way contract that will carry a value of $1,025,000.
“Philip is a skilled, right shot defenceman who can anchor a power play,” said General Manager Jim Benning. “He had a terrific year in the KHL last season and we look forward to him adding offence from the blue line.”
Larsen, 26, spent the 2015.16 season with Jokerit Helsinki of the KHL where he accumulated 38 points (12-26-38) and 39 penalty minutes in 54 games. His 11 goals ranked him tied for second among KHL defencemen while his 36 points ranked him fifth. He also tallied four points (3-1-4) in four playoff games. The 6’1”, 183-pound defenceman has appeared in 125 career NHL games with Dallas and Edmonton, recording 31 points (8-23-31) and 42 penalty minutes.
On the international stage, Larsen has represented Denmark at the World Junior Championships (2008) and the World Championships (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014).
The Esbjerg, Denmark native was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft on February 24, 2016. He was originally drafted by Dallas in the fifth round, 149th overall, at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Canucks sign Chaput, Rendulic & Billins
Canucks signed forwards Michael Chaput and Borna Rendulic as well as defenceman Chad Billins each to a one-year, two-way contract.
Chaput, 24, split the 2015.16 season between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the AHL Lake Erie Monsters. In eight games with Columbus, Chaput posted a goal and an assist (1-1-2) along with five penalty minutes. In 63 games with Lake Erie, he finished second on the team in scoring with 45 points (16-29-45) along with 31 penalty minutes. Chaput also collected eight points (2-6-8) along with with 13 penalty minutes in 17 playoff games to help the Monsters capture their first Calder Cup Championship. The Ile Bizard, Quebec native has registered eight points (2-6-8) and 28 penalty minutes in 58 career NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets.
Chaput was originally selected by Philadelphia in the third round, 89th overall, at the 2010 NHL Draft.
Rendulic, 24, split the 2015.16 season between the Colorado Avalanche and the AHL San Antonio Rampage. He appeared in three games with Colorado and 68 games with San Antonio, where he registered 38 points (16-22-38) and 41 penalty minutes. Among Rampage skaters, his 16 goals ranked second while his 22 assists and 38 points ranked him fifth. The 6-2, 200-pound forward has appeared in 14 NHL regular season games over parts of two seasons with Colorado, collecting a goal and an assist (1-1-2) along with six penalty minutes.
A native of Zagreb, Croatia, Rendulic was the first player born in Croatia to sign a contract with an NHL franchise when he was signed by Colorado as a free agent on May 19, 2014.
Billins, 27, scored 31 points (7-24-31) with Linkopings HC of the Swedish Hockey League during the 2015.16 season. A native of Marysville, Michigan, Billins has played 10 career NHL games with Calgary and has recorded three assists (0-3-3). In 141 career AHL games split with the Abbotsford Heat and Grand Rapids Griffins, Billins has registered 79 points (20-59-79) and was a Calder Cup Champion with Grand Rapids in 2013
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The 5-10, 175-pound defenceman was originally signed by Calgary as a free agent on July 5, 2013.
Source: canucks.nhl.com
Vancouver Canucks Choose Defenseman Olli Juolevi With 5th Pick In 2016 NHL Draft
CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff June 24, 2016
The Vancouver Canucks with their 5th pick of the 2016 NHL draft, chose Olli Juolevi of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.
• In 2015-16, Juolevi finished third among Ontario Hockey League rookie defensemen with 9-33—42 in 57 games for the London Knights, earning OHL Second All-Rookie Team and OHL Third All-Star Team honors.
• In the playoffs, Juolevi registered 3-11—14 in 18 games to help the Knights capture the OHL championship. He added 0-7—7 in four games at the 2016 Memorial Cup – where he was named to the tournament All-Star Team – to help the undefeated Knights capture the title for the second time in franchise history.
• Juolevi was a key member of Finland’s gold medal-winning team at the 2016 World Junior Championship where he led all defensemen with nine assists (0-9—9 in 7 GP) and was named to the tournament All-Star Team.
• During 2014-15, Juolevi stocked his trophy case while playing with Jokerit’s junior squad (6-26—32 in 44 GP), where he was named the league’s Best Defenseman, Rookie of the Year and selected to the First All-Star Team.
• Juolevi compares his style of play to Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Arizona Coyotes. His favorite NHL player is Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber.
Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr:
“Juolevi is a smart, smooth skating, puck moving defenseman with excellent poise and composure. He displays elite hockey sense and instincts with and without the puck and plays in every situation.”
The 2016 NHL draft started according to plan with the Toronto Maple Leaf’s picking Auston Mathews, with the top pick; and the Winnipeg Jets choosing Patrik Laine, with the second overall pick.
The Columbus Blue Jackets had the third overall pick and pulled off the first surprise by choosing Pierre Luc-Debois.
The fourth pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, was set now to be anybody’s guess, as the the Edmonton Oilers, had a chance to choose the projected number three pick coming into the draft, Jesse Puljujarvi. And they did not disappoint, as they did do just that.
Source: NHL.com, http://canucks.nhl.com
Vancouver Makes It Three In A Row With 3-2 Win Over Kings
CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff April 4, 2016
The Vancouver Canucks (30-36-13) ended their 5-game season series last night against the Los Angeles Kings (46-28-5) at Rogers Place.
Los Angeles came into the game, 2-5-0 in their past seven games, and one point behind the first-place Anaheim Ducks with four games remaining.
Vancouver entered the game fresh off a successful sweep of a set of California games, against San Jose and Anaheim on March 31 and April 1, snapping a 9 game “winless” streak (0-8-1); and sporting a record of 5-9-1 since March 4.
The Canucks made it three consecutive wins for the first time this season, as they made it a sweep of the California teams and notched their 30th win of the season, in a 3-2 victory on home ice.
Jared McCann scored the winner in the last minute of the second period. Emerson Etem and Jannick Hansen had goals. The Sedin brothers chipped in with assists, along with Derek Dorsett and Bo Horvat. Ryan Miller stopped 35 of 37 shots for a .946 Sv%.
Ryan Miller started the win streak last Thursday against the Sharks, continuing it last night, and now is undefeated in his last two starts.
VANCOUVER, BC – APRIL 4: Milan Lucic #17 of the Los Angeles Kings, Christopher Tanev #8 and Dan Hamhuis #2 watch Ryan Miller #30 of the Vancouver Canucks make a save during their NHL game at Rogers Arena April 4, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
GAME REVIEW
Both teams started the game with something to prove: the Canucks, that they could play better at home then their 13 wins at home indicate; and the Kings, prove that their rise to the best team in the division is no fluke and that they can play playoff hockey and dominate, opposite from what their previous game indicate.
Jannik Hansen would get the first penalty of the game at 3:27 for tripping Brayden McNabb and the Canucks would kill the disadvantage with little trouble.
The Canucks inability at winning face-offs in the game, losing 6 of the first 7, and being out shot 7 to 1, would lead to the first goal of the game and put the Kings up 1-0 at six minutes.
Tyler Toffoli, his 30th of the season, assisted by Jeff Carter (37) and Drew Doughty (36).
Vancouver would get a chance at 7:51 to respond to the King’s opening goal, with the man advantage, with their second power play of the game, when Andy Andreoff would serve a tripping minor against against Andrey Pedan.
The Canucks would fail to capitalize, adding to their futility on the power play, making it 1 for 39 in 15 games.
With 8:28 left, Canucks were being out shot 8 to 2; were 1 for 11 on face-offs; and being out hit 5 to 2. Kings with the momentum.
Vancouver would get another chance to improve their power play efficiency when at 14:54 Drew Doughty would visit the sin bin for tripping Jannick Hansen. Need I say more? That’s right, they are now 1 for 40.
Canucks would even up the score though, with 13 seconds left in the period, when Emerson Etem would score his 5th goal of the season, and 2nd goal in three games, assisted by Derek Dorsett (9) and Bo Horvat (23).
Tied at 1-1 after one period.
In the first period:
- Vancouver out shot by Los Angeles 13-6 and won 6 of 19 face-offs.
- Canucks out hit by Kings 10 to 8.
- Vancouver face-off leaders: Markus Granlund-1 for 4; Bo Horvat-3 for 4; Brendan Gaunce-0 for 4; Henrik Sedin-2 for 6; Emerson Etem-0 for 1
- Emerson Etem- 2 shots
- Matt Bartkowski, Jake Virtanen and Emerson Etem: 2 hits
- Vancouver power play 0 for 2; penalty kill, 1-1
- Canucks TOI: Dan Hamhuis-8:31; Bo Horvat-6:01; Emerson Etem-6:41; Chris Tanev-6:46; Ben Hutton-7:40; Matt Bartkowski-6:19; Daniel Sedin-5:40; Henrik Sedin-5:37; Alex Biega-4:57
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Vancouver-6; Kings-19
- All Strengths: Canucks-9; Los Angeles-23
- Top Canucks:
- All Situations: Alex Burrows -1; Andrey Pedan -1
- Even Strength: Alex Burrows, Alex Biega and Andrey Pedan: -1 each
Los Angeles would continue where they left off in the first period, but push back by the Canucks would be quicker than it was in the opening period, as Horvat and Dorsett were buzzing around Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.
The Sedins would try a give and go that would lead to the Kings get the puck, leading to the go ahead goal at 9:15. Kyle Clifford, his 3rd goal of the season, deflecting Andy Andreoff (2) pass for the goal.
With 6:30 left, the Canucks were out shooting the Kings, 7-5, still losing face-off battles, 3 for 11; and even in hits at 6 each.
Vancouver would be back on the power play as Vincent Lecavalier would get some rest time for slashing Daniel Sedin at 13:30. They would get a two-man advantage at 14:20, for 1:10, when Brayden McNabb would be punished with an illegal check to head of Alex Burrows.
Jannick Hansen would score on the 5-on-3, his 21rst goal of the season, assisted by Henrik Sedin (43) and Daniel Sedin (33), to make the score 2-2. Canucks second power play goal in 15 games. It was Hansen’s first ppg of the season.
In the last minute of this period, it would be Vancouver who would score again, this time Jared McCann, would get the puck on a turnover and go in all alone on Quick, shooting high on the Kings goalie to bury it on the breakway, giving the Canucks a 3-2 lead going into the 2nd period intermission.
Jared McCann, his 9th goal of the season, unassisted at 19:27.
VANCOUVER, BC – APRIL 4: Jared McCann #91 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated at the bench after scoring against the Los Angeles Kings during their NHL game at Rogers Arena April 4, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 3-2. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
In the second period:
- Vancouver out shot Los Angeles 12 to 9 and won 7 of 18 face-offs.
- Canucks and Kings had 7 hits each.
- Canucks face-off leaders: Markus Granlund-2 for 7; Bo Horvat-3 for 3; Brendan Gaunce-0 for 2; Henrik Sedin-2 for 6
- After two periods: D. Sedin-4 shots; E. Etem-3 shots.
- Vancouver Time On Ice: Alex Biega-5:40; Dan Hamhuis-8:02; Chris Tanev-4:17; Ben Hutton-7:05; Henrik Sedin-6:09; Matt Bartkowski-6:03; Jannick Hansen-5:40; Daniel Sedin-6:48; Nikita Tryamkin-7:01
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Los Angeles-16; Vancouver-14
- All Strengths: Kings-16; Canucks-18
- Top Canucks After Two Periods:
- All Situations: Bo Horvat +1
- Even Strength: Alex Biega +2
The third period would come down to who wanted the win more, and both teams played hard, trying to leave everything on the ice when the third period buzzer sounded.
Nikita Tryamkin would give the Kings a man advantage when sent off at 15:15 for holding on Anze Kopitar. Canucks would kill the penalty mking it 2 for 2 in the game.
With two minutes it was anybodys game with the score 3-2 Vancouver. Miller standing on his head in the last half of the period, and the Kings driving hard on the Canucks net.
With 21 second the Kings would have a 6th attacker but all for not as the Canucks would hold on for their first three game winning streak of the season, all three wins coming against the NHL California hockey teams.
In the third period:
- Vancouver was out shot by Los Angeles 20 to 6 and only won 8 of 20 face-offs.
- Canucks out hit by Kings 7 to 4.
- Canucks Time On Ice: Dan Hamhuis-6:36; Daniel Sedin-5:32; Henrik Sedin- 5:20; Chris Tanev-6:45; Ben Hutton-7:28; Jannick Hansen-6:24; Matt Bartkowski-7:05; Bo Horvat-6:31; Alex Biega-6:40; Nikita Tryamkin-5:40
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Vancouver-11; Los Angeles-26
- All Strengths: Kings-32; Canucks-11
End Of The Game:
- Vancouver finished with 24 shots, Los Angeles 42 shots, and Canucks won 21 of 57 face-offs.
- Vancouver had 19 hits to the Kings 24 hits.
- Canucks penalty kill was 2 for 2; power play was 1 for 4.
- Vancouver Time On Ice: Ben Hutton-22:13; Dan Hamhuis-23:09; Matt Bartkowski-19:06; Chris Tanev-17:48; Daniel Sedin-18:00; Henrik Sedin-20:11; Alex Biega-17:17; Nikita Tryamkin-17:40
- Teams Corsi For:
- Even Strength: Kings-61; Canucks-31
- All Strengths: Kings-71; Vancouver-38
- Top Canucks in game:
- All Situations: Alex Biega -1
- Even Strength: Alex Biega +2
Videos from the official Canucks YouTube channel here : http://www.youtube.com/Canucks
Pictures courtesy of the NHL, and with thanks.
Vancouver Hosts Los Angeles Tonight At Rogers Place
CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff April 4, 2016
CANUCKS VY FOR SEASON HIGH 3RD STRAIGHT WIN
The Vancouver Canucks (29-36-13) end their 5-game season series tonight against the Los Angeles Kings (46-27-5) at Rogers Place.
Los Angeles is 3-1-0 in the previous four games between the two Pacific division rivals.
Vancouver enters the game fresh from a successful sweep of consecutive California games against San Jose and Anaheim on March 31 and April 1. Against San Jose, the Canucks snapped a 9 game “winless” streak (0-8-1), 4-2.
Former Duck, Emerson Etem scored the wining goal against Anaheim with under seven minutes left in the game, for a 3-2 Canucks win. Jannick Hansen contributed two assists; Bo Horvat had a goal and an assist. Dan Hamhuis had the other Canuck goal; Henrik Sedin and Alex Biega each had one assist.
Jacob Markstrom snapped his five game “winless” streak with the victory, stopping 31 of 33 shots, for a .939 Sv%.
Los Angeles, 2-5-0 in the past seven games, are currently one point behind the first-place Anaheim Ducks with four games remaining.
Look for Ryan Miller to start in goal for the Canucks, coming off a 4-2 win against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night, after going 0-3-1 in his previous four starts, snapping a 4-game “winless” streak.
Miller is 16-23-9 in 49 game starts this season, with a 2.63 GAA and .917 Sv%, 1 shutout. In his last 7 game starts, his is 2-4-1, with a 2.58 GAA and .927 Sv%.
For the Kings, Jonathan Quick is expect to start, and is 39-22-4, with a 2.21 GAA and .919 Sv%, 5 shutouts.
Andrew Phillip Chernoff 