AT THE RIGHT PRICE, NASH COULD PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE CANUCKS’ REBUILD
Bruins forward would be intriguing target if he hits open market, writes Ben Kuzma
Travis Green would love Riley Nash.
Think of everything the Vancouver Canucks coach demands of his forwards on a nightly basis — defensive diligence, strong two-way presence and making the most of offensive opportunities — and you have Nash.
The Boston Bruins’ unrestricted free-agent centre had a career-best regular-season output of 41 points (15-26) because he methodically worked his way up the roster. From measured fourth-line minutes, to a reliable third-line pivot and capable replacement on the top line when Patrice Bergeron was twice sidelined by injury, he gained trust.
Nash led by example and his expected availability on the open market should have the Canucks doing more than kicking tires. And they shouldn’t go into sticker shock because the 28-year-old could buy them support and development time in the youth movement.
Nash earned US$900,000 this season and could triple his salary because there will be several suitors. Put it this way: the Bruins would like to retain Nash, but they have nine expiring contracts, salary cap issues and prospects to promote.
“He has a great hockey sense and is a responsible 200-foot player,” Nash’s agent Kurt Overhardt said Wednesday. “Good on the PK, very reliable, great character.”
You expect that from an agent because the ascension from 17 to 41 points is either a one-off or the product of time on better lines and more offensive opportunities. Bruins’ coach Bruce Cassidy echoed the latter.
“He really elevated his game,” Cassidy told reporters. “He’s had more of an opportunity to play an offensive role. It’s always been in him. It’s up to the player to bring it out. It’s up to the coaching staff to put him in positions if the situation dictates.
“We met halfway on that and it has worked out well.”
So what’s that worth?
The Canucks gave Sam Gagner a three-year, $9.45-million deal July 1 to prop up the power play and slot into the top-six mix. But he spent most of the season in the bottom six, yet was on the wing with Henrik and Daniel Sedin in the final three weeks of the season.
He had three goals in a fourgame spurt and his determination to slog through a 25-game goal drought and 31-point season rubbed off on the kids.
Which brings us to the anticipation and angst surrounding Elias Pettersson.
His mind-boggling rookie season in the Swedish Hockey League — regular season and playoff scoring leader and MVP for leading the Vaxjo Lakers to a championship sweep — has the populace pumped. It should also have the Canucks wary of how to develop and protect the 170-pound Pettersson, who will start here as a right-winger.
In a perfect world, Pettersson would pick up where he left off. Adding centre Jason Spezza, 34, on an expiring contract — if the Dallas Stars ate a chunk of his $7.5-million salary and did the Canucks another favour — might have merit. But the NHL is far from perfect for most newcomers.
It’s why UFA centre Tyler Bozak, 32, of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been lumped into Canucks speculation. He had 43 points (11-32) as a bottom-six fit and a raise on his expiring $4.2-million salary seems rich.
He may want to join a Stanley Cup contender as opposed to Nash, who could thrive here in Green’s earn-it ice-time mantra. And don’t lose sight of being a support system.
Shane Malloy has scouted NHL prospects for more than a dozen years, is author of The Art of Scouting and co-host of Hockey Prospects Radio on Sirius XM, NHL Network Radio and TSN Radio.
With several business degrees, he also does advanced evaluation of players and cap systems to forecast best fiscal fits for franchises. And when it comes to Pettersson and Nash and being methodical, he sees a solution.
“You can’t have stars in your eyes as management,” said Malloy. “You have to understand it’s human development. You bring in kids too early, you screw them up. They will survive, but not be as good as you hope.
“If you think these kids are going to be ready in another year, you’re mistaken. I honestly think they need help because there’s a difference between playing in the NHL and surviving and being ready — there’s a big gap there.
“You have to look at how long it’s going to take them to be ready to contribute to make a run at the playoffs and be dangerous.”
The Canucks expect to be several million below the projected $80-million cap. They have five current roster players on expiring deals as restricted free agents — Sven Baertschi, Markus Granlund, Jake Virtanen, Troy Stecher, Derrick Pouliot — and can extend Brock Boeser’s deal after July 1.
The Canucks did free up $14 million with the Sedins’ retirement and could chase secondtier free agents. As for Nash, a deal wouldn’t burn a hole in their pocket.
“It’s about the percentage and $3 million is nothing,” said Malloy. “Don’t worry about it. It’s fair market value.”