CanucksFanMike Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Looking at the Canucks roster, we only have one centre that shoots right handed: Linden Vey. But it is risky to bank on him because A. Vey is far from a lock to make the team, B. If he does, there is a good chance he will play wing instead of centre, and C. Vey's faceoff win percentage last year was 44.4% which isn't terrible but isn't great either. This creates a problem for defensive zone faceoffs, because usually left-handed centres are weaker in the right dot than they are on the left (H. Sedin, Bonino, Matthias, Richardson, Horvat and Gaunce all shoot left). So, I am proposing that we sign veteran centre Jerred Smithson to be a faceoff specialist, with a very similar role to what Manny had with us after his eye injury. Here is his player profile for those of you who aren’t familiar with him: http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468162&docid=TeamPlayerBio:34802#&navid=nhl-search Smithson would be a good signing for us for the following reasons: - He is a right handed centre who is great on faceoffs, boasting a faceoff win percentage of 58.3% last year, taking 216 draws. - Aside from his faceoff abilities, Smithson is also a good penalty killer, he is responsible in his own end, and he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. - At 6’3’’ and 209 lbs, Smithson has great size. - He is also a versatile depth forward, as he can play both centre and wing. - Smithson could bring his veteran leadership to our team, especially for our young centres such as Horvat, Gaunce, McCann, Fox and Cassels to share his expertise on the dot. - He is a BC boy, having been born in Vernon, BC. I am proposing we sign him to a one year, two way deal worth $600 K. That way it is a low risk, flexible signing for us. Smithson could either be in our lineup as a 4th line centre/winger with faceoff duties, he could start out in the press box as a 13th/14th forward and step in if there is an injury, or he could be sent down to Utica to help out our prospects. Either way, I think Smithson brings something of value to the Canucks organization. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senpai Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 If he's alright with being a 13th forward then i'm all in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tearloch7 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 His best days are behind him, but he would be a depth signing for easy call-up .. I always want BC boys to get a taste of playing for the Canucks, if it makes sense .. sign him for Utica and let him mentor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William_Clarkson Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Might as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YEGCanuck Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Smithson couldn't stick the Oil when he played there a couple of years ago. That being said your rationale makes some sense. At the price and terms mentioned he may serve as a decent insurance policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BanTSN Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 So done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogbyte Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 I like Smithson but we have too many players. Would neccesitate a trade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadcanucks Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Smithson couldn't stick the Oil when he played there a couple of years ago. That being said your rationale makes some sense. At the price and terms mentioned he may serve as a decent insurance policy. Especially the part about "usually left handed centers...all shoot left." All kidding aside, good points, OP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItsMillerTime Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 No thanks. I think we our fine how we are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendan Gaunce Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Man this guy was a stud for my GM Connected league playing as my 4th line C and on the 1st PK unit. Loved his faceoffs lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanucksFanMike Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 Especially the part about "usually left handed centers...all shoot left." All kidding aside, good points, OP. yeah haha the wording wasn't very good there.... what I meant to say is usually left handed centres are weaker on the right side. I just added in brackets in the middle of the scentence that almost all of our centres shoot left which made it confusing lol edit: fixed it, hope it is a bit better worded now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadcanucks Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 yeah haha the wording wasn't very good there.... what I meant to say is usually left handed centres are weaker on the right side. I just added in brackets in the middle of the scentence that almost all of our centres shoot left which made it confusing lol edit: fixed it, hope it is a bit better worded now You're a good sport, CanucksFanMike. Glad you weren't offended by my feeble attempt at humor. Peace out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n00bxQb Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Smithson couldn't crack the Leafs lineup last year despite a parade of injuries at center ... And couldn't crack the Oilers lineup 2 years ago despite being the Oilers ... At 35, his NHL career is basically over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tearloch7 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Smithson couldn't crack the Leafs lineup last year despite a parade of injuries at center ... And couldn't crack the Oilers lineup 2 years ago despite being the Oilers ... At 35, his NHL career is basically over. Hence the AHL .. 'player/Coach' .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanuckFanForever1123 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Old, average, probably wouldn't make the roster. I see no point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanucksFanMike Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 Old, average, probably wouldn't make the roster. I see no point. See post above yours... That could be one use of him Or another would be to simply take draws and skate to the bench.... Like Manny used to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanuckFanForever1123 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 See post above yours... That could be one use of him Or another would be to simply take draws and skate to the bench.... Like Manny used to do If we trade for him and AHL him, we have to give up something for him, which would be a waste. If he plays the Manny role, he takes time away from a useful player. I really just see no point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-AJ- Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 We have a logjam at centre already, so if he came, it'd be as a 2nd or 3rd liner in Utica. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanucksFanMike Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 If we trade for him and AHL him, we have to give up something for him, which would be a waste. If he plays the Manny role, he takes time away from a useful player. I really just see no point. No, we would not have to give up anything for him because he is a UFA.... if you actually read my post you would know that, and you would also know "the point" of signing him which u don't seem to understand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.