The decision making of the Canucks coaching staff baffles me sometimes and the lack of ice time for Keith Ballard baffles me.
The Canucks acquired Ballard from the Florida Panthers along with forward Victor Oreskovich in exchange for a first round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (the Panthers used the pick on centre Quinton Howden), Michael Grabner, and Steve Bernier.
“He's a very dynamic defenseman,” Gilman said at the time. “He's a guy who plays in both ends of the rink. He can play on the power play. He's physical, and he's an incredibly competitive player. He is, in our minds, a critical component of a competitive, top-four defence.”
This was a guy that Canucks associate coach (and the guy who runs the defense) Rick Bowness and assistant general manager Laurence Gilman that pushed hard for to get. The Canucks gave up the equivalent of two first round picks, a second round pick, and a third round pick to obtain him.
Not only did the Canucks give up a larger number of assets to obtain him, he is the second highest paid defenseman at $4,200,000; slightly less than Dan Hamhuis at $4,500,000.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Kevin W
Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Keith Ballard Deserves More Ice Time
November 5th, 2010 by Kevin W Leave a reply »
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