WiseCanucksFan

I see frequent posts suggesting the Canucks should pick up a checking centre like Malhotra, Pahlsson in the past. Well this team no longer has the same kind of makeup as those Canucks teams of the past, personally I don't think it makes any sense to pick up a checking centre. AV used Malhotra in a shutdown role - with wingers like Torres, Higgins, Hansen. In the current makeup of the team, the Kesler line IS the shutdown line. They are already playing tough minutes with defensive zone starts and playing against the top forwards, they are basically the prototypical 3rd line except they can score as well. But because they are an excellent 2-way line they can go minute-for-minute against the opposition's best and end up with 1st line icetime. Meanwhile, guys like Kassian and Booth are not exactly suited to a shutdown type role. I feel Richardson is a misfit on that line, and the same could occur with Goc, Matthias, etc. This isn't really a checking line - rather the personnel on this line are more prototypical 2nd line forwards. The type of center needed here is a playmaking center to play with these guys, not a checking centre. If the Canucks were to trade for a C, it should be a playmaker not a 3rd liner. But with Horvat in the pipeline, it may make more sense to wait it out. Jordan Schroeder when he gets healthy should be given a shot between Kassian and Booth - this is the type of C that is needed.