Canucks bolster D, ready to challenge for Cup?

August 28, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

With a couple of slick moves, the Canucks bolstered their D earlier today. First, they acquired blueliners Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich from San Jose in a salary dump for prospects Daniel Rahimi and Patrick White.

After picking up two vets, Vancouver GM Mike Gillis wasn’t done signing Mathieu Schneider to a one-year, $1.55 million deal. The New York native is 40 having played for eight teams including a return to Montreal following a trade from Atlanta last season. In 23 contests, he posted five goals and 12 assists helping the Habs make the playoffs before Original Six rival Boston swept them.

Now, Schneider moves onto his ninth club in the Canucks’ push for Lord Stanley. Apparently, he wants to see if he can chase down recently retired Mike Sillinger’s NHL record 12 teams. For that comical reason, we haven’t listed his clubs. Without looking it up, can anyone name all nine?

The Canucks are still trying to lockup goalie Roberto Luongo which could mean curtains for former No.1 pick Cory Schneider. In the mean time, they have improved their back end by adding depth to a proven top four that features Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, Sami Salo and Willie Mitchell. They also have gritty Shane O’Brien and are slightly over the cap. Might a trade be coming?

That excludes the latest Mats Sundin saga in which the vet who played half a season last year decides whether to return. With a solid nucleus that features The Sedins, Ryan Kesler, Kyle Wellwood, Mikael Samuelsson, Pavol Demitra, Alex Burrows, Steve Bernier and Calder hopeful Cody Hodgson, the Canucks look primed to make a run at the franchise’s first Cup. They’ve had some decent seasons with Luongo but never advanced past Round Two including a six-game ouster at the hands of the Blackhawks this past Spring. It’s about time they get over the hump.

Also keep on an eye on former sixth round Russian Sergei Shirokov who the club finally signed to come over. He played last season for CSKA Moscow of the KHL where he posted 17 goals and 24 helpers in 56 games. We remember the 23 year-old for his theatrics during the WJC a a few years ago when after scoring a goal while teamed with Evgeni Malkin, he imitated Hulk Hogan putting his hand to his ear earning jeers in The States.

Shirokov is a smooth skater with sweet hands which could come in handy at least in shootouts. The question is can he adjust to the more rugged North American style and if so, what kinda shot will he get on a deep roster that also includes Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond?

If anything, it sure looks like the ‘Nucks are plenty good enough to seriously challenge.