Live.&.Die.Nucks Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Maxim Lapierre had every reason to sport a look of concern Tuesday. When the Vancouver Canucks centre was reminded that a prolonged NHL lockout could wipe out the final year of his contract and that a new collective bargaining agreement could push the length of service to become an unrestricted free agent from seven to 10 years, the 27-year-old agitator responded with a grin and shrug of the shoulders. Maybe it's those extra 15 pounds of muscle. Maybe it's the extra confidence from being a versatile forward who saw first-line duty last spring and has finally found a home after playing for three teams in 2010-11. So whether the CBA pressure point for owners is to start filming the popular HBO series 24/7 in late November to build momentum for the Winter Classic on Jan. 1 — or retain a strong stance to gain a greater share of revenue — it doesn't faze Lapierre. Even if the next two weeks are crucial to gain negotiation traction. Even if his UFA eligibility could be pushed back from age 27 or seven years of service in the expired CBA. "To be honest, I don't really think about it," Lapierre said following a rent-a-skate session with his peers at UBC. "If you start thinking about that stuff every day, it's going to make your life miserable. In my head, it [season] is going to start at some point and I want to be in top shape, but there's not much I can do personally about the lockout. "I think we were expecting this but it doesn't matter. I'm in a great spot with a great team and in a great city. I can't complain." The biggest complaint last season was that it took until the rain curtailed and the sun finally shone for Lapierre to earn his $1-million-US salary. While he struggled through the monotony of the regular season and finished 13th in the league with 130 penalty minutes, Lapierre took just five minors in the final 18 games and had three goals and five points during a five-game stretch on the top line in place of the concussed Daniel Sedin. While durable in missing just 13 games the last four seasons, Lapierre is convinced his game can go to another level by taking the opposite approach of most players. While many have become leaner to increase foot speed, he added to his 6-foot-2 frame and now weighs 220 pounds. He expects to improve on nine goals and 19 points last season. Lapierre's Montreal-based trainer, Scott Livingston, even worked in concert with a Cirque du Soleil nutritionist to add muscle where it was needed most by the centre. "Sometimes we focus a lot on the speed of the game but we forget that most of the game happens in the corners, so it's obviously good for the one-on-one battles," said Lapierre. "The plan was to add five pounds at a time and I felt faster; I think 15 of those pounds are in the legs because I feel fast and I feel strong. I didn't lose any speed or explosion. "You look at those [Cirque du Soleil] athletes. They're pretty ripped, so those might be the right people to have the same nutritionist." While Lapierre was linked to a report that Quebec-raised players may form a charity game tour through QMJHL rinks during the lockout, the Saint Leonard, Que., native will stay in Vancouver to train and prepare for what could be an eventful return to the game. With centre Ryan Kesler sidelined until at least December by offseason shoulder and wrist surgeries and a third-line vacancy with centre Samme Pahlsson returning to Sweden, there are riddles in the middle that Lapierre may help solve. Jordan Schroeder is going to get a serious shot at filling the third-line hole and if the Canucks don't dip into free agency when a new CBA is struck — they have had preliminary talks with veteran centre Jason Arnott — then Lapierre is going to do more than just anchor the fourth line. "I'm expecting my best season," Lapierre stressed. "I'm not the type of guy who looks for excuses, but when you go on a long [playoff] ride like we did [in 2011], it's tough physically and a different mentality to approach games," admitted Lapierre. "You've got a tired mind and a tired body. We knew we could have played better, but I guarantee we'll play better this year." That's quite the statement from a player whose career looked lost until he arrived here as a trade-deadline acquisition on Feb. 28, 2011. "Getting traded twice in one year is not good for your mental health and when I came here I was pretty disappointed," recalled Lapierre. "Last year was a good season and I'm out of that hole." Read more: http://www.theprovin...l#ixzz26wLa88OB It's awesome how much dedication he has put into his craft. I hope he gets re-signed. I also predict an awesome year for him and the Canucks, whenever it may start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jägermeister Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Lappiere would be a really good 3rd liner, especially if he could cut down on the crap a little and focus on playing hockey 100% of the time (don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but I have no doubts he could still be an even more effective player). Only issue I have with him being our 3rd liner, is the possibility of an injury to Kesler or Henrik (though he will never ever get injured), and Lappy having to be on the 2nd line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pears Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 If Kassian is ready for top six minutes (if there is a season) we could keep Luongo (unlikely) and trade Raymond, and go with this: Sedin - Sedin - Burrows Booth - Kesler - Kassian Higgins - Lapierre - Hansen Volpatti - Malhotra - Weise Edler - Garrison Hamhuis - Bieksa Ballard - Tanev Schneider Luongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live.&.Die.Nucks Posted September 19, 2012 Author Share Posted September 19, 2012 Lappiere would be a really good 3rd liner, especially if he could cut down on the crap a little and focus on playing hockey 100% of the time (don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but I have no doubts he could still be an even more effective player). Only issue I have with him being our 3rd liner, is the possibility of an injury to Kesler or Henrik (though he will never ever get injured), and Lappy having to be on the 2nd line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canucks_dynasty Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 It's great that he added some more lbs. I always thought he was a 3rd line centre. He's sorta like our Dave Bolland. Good 3rd line centre, ability to score the odd goals, and agitate the opponent's top line. Plus he took boxing lessons last year too!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheels22 Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Lappy would do an awesome job as third line center. He showed that in the playoffs when Manny was hurt... Although, my hope is that Manny can get back to his old self before his injury.. But I am completely comfortable with Lappy on 3rd or 4th line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chong69 Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 One thing about Lappy is that he has a very underrated offensive ability. If Burr ever went down, him or Hansen can do a good job of filling in because they play the same style as Burr. The Twins are really successful when they have a guy who is willing to get into the dirty areas in the corner or front of the net. The one advantage both Hansen and Lappy have over Burr is that they're right handed which is something that they work well with when they overload and cycle. Some of you are going to interpret that as the two of them should play on a line with the twins instead of Burr, that's not what I'm saying, they're just suitable replacements... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thad Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 i love this guy and i hope he sticks around for a long time.. he's got that inner will to win you see in guys like kesler and burrows. that fire is what takes your average players game to the next level. i'll make a bold prediction right now and say he is going to be one of the best third line centers in the league in a couple years.. go ahead, flame away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canada Hockey Place Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Of course he's getting advice from a Circus. Seriously though. His hard work is noticeable on the ice. Which is why other teams hate him. Also why he's a guy who's able to surprise us with a clutch goal once in a while. I too wish he'd develop into more of a depth offensive player rather than being the guy drawing penalties by getting under the skin of the opposition. But hey, it's hockey, sometimes you have to fight fire with fire and Lapierre brings the gasoline with a smile on his face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uber_pwnzor Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 He's one of my favorite Canucks, love him! <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boudrias Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Wasn't Lappy who had the shift of the year last year. He worked the boards for a solid 90 seconds and then stripped the puck and took it to the front of the net and scored. Beautiful and classic. Wait a minute. Am I in some lockout induced daydream? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortorella's Rant Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Perhaps if he could raise his offensive game again. He had a very good season in Montreal with 28 points four years ago. If he can reach that total or better it, I'll be satisfied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattJVD Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Wasn't Lappy who had the shift of the year last year. He worked the boards for a solid 90 seconds and then stripped the puck and took it to the front of the net and scored. Beautiful and classic. Wait a minute. Am I in some lockout induced daydream? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billabong Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 i love lapierre...but i think having him as our 3rd line center might be putting a little too much on his plate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkeeterHansen Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 I've considered Lappy a third liner since Volpatti and Weise became our fourth line guys...to me, when Glass and Oreo were here it just seemed like a better fourth line for Max. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye Fruit Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 This guy is way more than a pest. 6'2", 220. Hits a ton, not afraid of anything...could he become the power forward we so desire? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kassassin Train Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 I just love how to hate his grin / smirk hahaha. Every time he cracks a smile I just learn to laugh out loud because damn it's aggravating for fans and players of opposing teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn antoski Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Lapierre is Burrows 2.0, with his drive and tenacity in a couple of seasons he might just be on the 2nd line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldnews Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Lapierre is a third line quality player - but being a contender means necessarily having great depth - and being able to ice a fourth line with Lapierre and Malhotra is the kind of depth that sets a team apart from most others. I think the Canucks have sufficient depth with Hank, Kesler, Lapierre, Malhotra, Schroeder - and now a couple young picks in the system as well, but that certainly wouldn't stop me from going out and adding another center to the mix, whether a young guy in a Luongo deal, or if not, a veteran UFA like Arnott to bridge a bit of gap as the younger guys prove themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boudrias Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 This guy is way more than a pest. 6'2", 220. Hits a ton, not afraid of anything...could he become the power forward we so desire? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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