Gritty Dorsett turns back the clock
Physical winger returns from back surgery with same old nasty streak and something to prove
Derek Dorsett wasn’t sure of his playing future following cervical fusion surgery last December in Los Angeles.
For Dorsett, an eternal optimist, that’s saying something.
A long and emotional rehab process riddled with intangibles raised reasonable doubt that the Vancouver Canucks’ pit bull winger would be ready for this NHL training camp, let alone be able to play his trademark game.
The winger endured long days dotted with soreness and stiffness after being inactive for two months from wearing a neck brace. And yet, here he is. Playing like a man possessed on the fourth line with Brandon Sutter and revolving left wingers, the 30-year-old Dorsett has turned back the clock. His skating is strong, his fitness level is elite and his bite is as hard as ever.
And while you can argue that two more seasons at a US$2.65 million annual salary cap hit is a lot for a grinder, listen to head coach Travis Green’s rationale.
When asked if Dorsett can be an everyday NHL player after what he has battled through and obvious challenges he faces to maintain a physical presence, the Canucks coach was beyond complimentary.
“So far, he’s an everyday player,” said Green. “He has played really well on that Sutter line that’s played against (Anze) Kopitar, (Jeff) Carter, (Sean) Monahan, (Johnny) Gaudreau and (Connor) McDavid. He’s been effective and you might argue that’s been our best line.”
There was always hope that Dorsett would be of value to the Canucks this season. Most of his value was expected to come in the room where he’s been a voice of reason and one to cut to the chase. No clichés. Just the goods.
That means a lot in a transitioning room, but what Dorsett is doing on the ice is inspirational. Think you’ve had a tough time? Look at Dorsett.
In a Nov. 17 game in Arizona, Dorsett took a routine hit, but after just three more shifts, he was forced to call it a night and a season.
“It was a push on the hips and not even that hard,” recalled Dorsett. “I just whiplashed back, the nerve flared and my arm went numb. That was the fourth incident within a month and that’s when we decided to do something about it.”
The C5 and C6 vertebrae were fused, bone spurs were addressed and a bulging disc was removed and replaced by a plastic spacer and bone marrow from Dorsett’s hip. He felt an immediate relief in pain, but daily workouts at Rogers Arena were a rude reminder of how long a recovery road he still had to travel. And now? “I’m hungry to prove that I can still play the way I know I can play — especially coming off an injury like that and missing a lot of time,” said Dorsett. “The first (pre-season) game in L.A., I thought my timing was off, but I’ve got that back and I’m ready to go.
“I feel good. I got some good contact in the pre-season and I haven’t had any issues. I feel healthy and I feel like I can play the way I’ve always played. I’m also skating well and in good shape and looking forward to the first game (Saturday) and playing that gritty role.”
Line combinations will change under Green’s direction, but a plan to play up tempo, push the pace and push people around plays right into Dorsett’s strengths. In street clothes, he looks far from intimidating. In battle dress, he looks like what he is — menacing.
“I think Travis goes with the feel,” Dorsett said of game adjustments. “If there’s a line that’s rolling and putting on pressure, he’s not afraid to make changes — even on the power play.
“Sometimes, it’s easier coming to the rink and knowing what your role is going to be and if you’re in a shutdown role and even (plus/ minus), then you don’t really have to worry about anything else.
“We’ll see where it goes from here. We’re a deep team and I got some good penalty kill time in the pre-season. If I can be a solid defensive player that he (Green) can trust to get pucks out late in the game, then I’d love to be that guy.” For how long? It’s up to Dorsett. Dorsett has thought about a life away from the game. His family is entrepreneurial. His dad owns a construction company in Calgary and Dorsett is intrigued by real estate. He even did a night ridealong with the Vancouver Police Department during the long rehab to gain an appreciation for how the world functions outside his hockey bubble.
But it’s a bubble he’s in no hurry to escape.