We are now three-and-a-half months into the NHL lockout, and it finally feels as though an end is in sight. Assuming a deal will be done in time for a 48-game season beginning Jan. 19, the lockout could actually end up being good for the Vancouver Canucks, for more than one reason.
First off, there are injuries. Jason Garrison, Alexander Edler and Ryan Kesler would all have missed time had the season started on time.
Garrison is struggling with a groin issue. In October, the Vancouver Sun reported that he expected to be ready to go if and when the lockout was resolved, and a week before Christmas, he was officially done with rehab, as the Canucks released him from the injured reserve list. Garrison will be a key player for the Canucks as he tries to fill the void created with the departure of Sami Salo in the offseason.
Edler has recently been cleared from an ongoing back injury, but has said that he will likely never be 100 percent again. On the plus side, he wasn't 100 percent last year, either, but he still finished tied for sixth among defenders with 49 points.
Kesler had offseason wrist and shoulder surgery. Hi ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Riley Kufta
Vancouver Canucks: Why the Lockout Could Benefit the Team
January 1st, 2013 by Riley Kufta Leave a reply »
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