Quote:
Originally Posted by JayP
I doubt Horvat plays for them this year. They have a veteran team, but with the situations they give to the Sedins there isn't much room for sheltered minutes for a rookie at centre. Unless they want the Sedins to start taking on tougher match-ups and a lot more shifts starting in the defensive zone (which is very possible with another coach), they'll keep Horvat in the minors. A move like that isn't going to do them any favors in the short-term, especially with the way the Sedin's numbers have dropped the past couple years.
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Torts has said unequivocally sedins will be killing penalties and playing more even matchups.
I think, like having Iginla on the PK, it will be good for their game.
It would surprise me if Horvat isn't pencilled into their lineup. I think part of the reason for drafting him vs. say any of the others that went 10-14 is that ability to be somewhat reliable as an NHLer as soon as possible.
Canucks are desperate for highly effective ELC contracts to keep competitive. After getting a taste of Schroeder and Kassian last year, I think they are pretty desperate to find a guy who could contribute solid minutes for them in a depth role.
We'll have to see what happens with the rest of their contracts though.