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Garrison had a goal in each of his first two games this season but would score just five more. He led team defencemen in points (33) and shots (181) but was second to Ryan Kesler in missed shots (79).
Only four teammates had a lower shooting percentage (3.9), and like his peers, Garrison never developed a true comfort factor in any zone and has been bothered by groin concerns.
David Booth, 29, is another buyout possibility, but with one year left on his deal at $4.75 million, ($4.25m cap hit) the winger has extra contract incentive. Then again, trading Garrison and buying out Booth are the type of significant changes the team has been talking about.
“We’re going to have some very difficult decisions this summer and do everything we can to make the team better now and in the near future,” said Linden. “We have to make some adjustments and changes for sure.”
Kesler is of obvious concern. Willing to waive his NTC at the trade deadline, the centre will be a hot commodity at the draft which has become the annual hotbed of wheeling and dealing. Kesler, 29, is more concerned about the skill level on the Canucks than who’s coaching, and at $5 million annually the next two years, he’s coveted by Pittsburgh and Anaheim.
“We go back many years and unfortunately I was his first centre,” joked Linden. “I have a good relationship with Ryan and that will serve us well.”
As for coaches to replace John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan, Los Angeles Kings assistant John Stevens is in the Stanley Cup final and Texas Stars coach Willie Desjardins is in the AHL playoffs. Unless there’s a wild-card consideration — Jeff Blashill of the Grand Rapid Griffins is out because he’s close to a contract extension — there might not be a bench boss in place by the draft.
“We’ve got a real vision of what we want our coaching staff to look like and it would be great to have it taken care of by the draft,” said Linden. “I think it’s doable but not imperative.”