TIME TO PUSH DEFENCE CORPS
Coach wants much more from Hutton
Canucks coach Travis Green seemed genuine when, during the season’s final news conference, he asked: “What do you mean by his ‘strengths?’ ”
He was talking about Ben Hutton, who clearly doesn’t have a glass jaw. Hutton took it on the chin for much of the second half of the season, but the biggest hits were saved for last when he was called out for his fitness, skating and meagre point production.
Hutton said all the right things about a fresh start, a summer running program and his plan to return for next season as a refreshed player with a new relationship with the team and its head coach.
But here’s the thing about Hutton and the Canucks’ defence: Something has to change. Because the essence of the question Green asked about Hutton can be used in a similar way to probe his entire blue-line corps. What strengths do the Canucks’ defence have?
Collectively, it’s not big or physical, don’t skate particularly well, aren’t above average in moving the puck and don’t create much offence. This season, the Canucks’ defence produced 21 goals, which is one fewer than it did a year ago under coach Willie Desjardins.
The Canucks’ defence gave up more goals than it did a year ago (3.19-goals-against per game, which was up from 2.94). It gave up more shot attempts per 60 minutes played at five-on-five (59.35, up from 54.75). It gave up more goals per 60 minutes played at five-on-five (2.54, up from 2.34).
“We need to get more production from our back end,” Green said. “That’s part of the reason we push these guys. I think Ben Hutton can get back to 20 points in a season, 25 to 30, who knows?”
The six assists Hutton had for the Canucks in 61 games, place him at the front of the line when it comes to speculating about moves Vancouver can make this summer.
The Canucks are all in on giving big minutes to Michael Del Zotto, who was on the ice for 98 goals against and Erik Gudbranson, who many believe would be best in a limited role as a third-pair guy.
The Canucks also have two restricted, defensive free agents in Troy Stecher and Derrick Pouliot.
Signing both would leave the Canucks with a top six of Alex Edler, Chris Tanev, Del Zotto, Gudbranson, Stecher and Pouliot.
When the Canucks re-signed Gudbranson to a three-year, US$12million deal he’s now expected to play in the top four.
So one D-pairing would have Tanev on the right side and another Gudbranson. Both play a similar, shutdown role.
Some speculate that the Gudbranson extension opened the door for a Tanev trade. Many around the NHL are expecting the Canucks to make some plays for free agents.