Canucks GM Looks to Insert Big D Into Back End

Vancouver GM Aaron Sanderson has made no secret about it; The Canucks need to upgrade their defense personnel.

The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the better teams over the last 30 games of the season, racking up plenty of wins as they came out of their November slump that had them on the outside of the playoff line looking in.

Vancouver plays a traditional game under Sutter this year... Defensemen, for the most part, focus on defense first while the forwards are a good mix of role players, providing lots of good scoring depth.

So what is the problem one might ask?

According to coach Sutter, it's the D..... "We're really stretched back there..... Jani(Haakanpaa) and Browners(Josh Brown) are putting in short minutes, but they should realistically be logging big minutes down in Abbotsford....." Sutter commented..."and Fox and Girard, well, they are more focused on defense this season and it has held back our transition game, despite helping the team win."

And that seems to be what this is all about. Last season, Samuel Girard was one of the top transition players in the entire PFHL, finishing in a 3 way tie for 7th place in assists amongst defensemen, with 62 A's. Despite being the club's top passer from the blueline this season, Girard is on pace to finish with 55 assists, which is definitely a reduction.

"I think we put a lot of pressure on Girard and Fox on this club, and as the first 2 picks of the dispersal, they should be carrying it. With them shouldering a lot of the load, the Guys like Mike Reilly are thriving with less pressure being put on them. One more guy like Reilly,Girard, or Foxy could make all of the difference to this team." Sutter lamented.

And so here is where the Canucks find themselves, in almost a 4 way tie for the lead in the strongest division in the league, and looking to fill a top 4 spot on defense without touching their core group.

Can it be done? Lots can happen in the PFHL in a little time, so stay alert and we will all find out.