Canucks insider reports Vincent Desharnais could get surprising promotion
Defenceman Vincent Desharnais left the Edmonton Oilers this summer in free agency to join the rival Vancouver Canucks, where he may have a much different role.
According to a recent blog from Thomas Drance, the Canucks are interested in trying Desharnais on the team's first defence pairing, alongside Quinn Hughes.
»One wonders if we may see incoming free-agent signing Vincent Desharnais given an audition in a top-pair role for a stretch this upcoming season. He'd certainly be a candidate to match Tocchet's «bigger defenseman that can sling Hughes the puck and play a smart game» description.»
Drance continued to explain that the Canucks feel like they can unlock more from Filip Hronek if he anchors the second pairing, which leaves the opening next to Quinn Hughes. Coach Rick Tocchet seems to believe a player of Desharnais' type would be a perfect candidate for the opportunity.
This may come as a surprise to many fans, as Desharnais never really exceeded his role as a depth defenceman with the Oilers. After years of grinding through the minor leagues, Desharnais has only recently broken through to the NHL, and he was still a healthy scratch by the Oilers in the playoffs.
At 28 years old, Desharnais has only played 114 career NHL games. It's certainly a big expectation for Desharnais to handle top pair minutes, and only time will tell if he holds up. With the Oilers, Desharnais succeeded with limited opportunities on the bottom pair and penalty kill, but could struggle moving the puck and against quality competition.
If Desharnais can handle the top pair assignment, it'll be a fantastic value signing from the Canucks. Desharnais is signed to a two year contract that pays him only $2M each year, so their relative salary cap risk is low with the deal. Oilers fans will still be hoping the best for their former 7th round draft pick and fan favourite player, except of course when he plays against Edmonton.
Source: Thomas Drance
Canucks summer notebook: Rick Tocchet's Canada gig, Vincent Desharnais' opportunity, more
Source for Desharnais statistics:
| POLL | ||
Do you think Vincent Desharnais can be a top pair defenceman? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 24.1 % |
| No | 105 | 72.4 % |
| See Results | 5 | 3.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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