Friday, October 07, 2005

Tyler Bouck Out Indefinately?

Vancouver Canuck forward Tyler Bouck is currently out with a groin injury suffered during Tuesday's practice. Some sources are stating that Bouck could be out until January. Tough break for Bouck, as he finally had a shot to establish himself in the NHL.

With the loss of Bouck, who will likely go on the injured reserve list, the Canucks will be down to a 21 man roster. Currently there is no urgency to add another forward to the roster, so they could stick with 21 guys until there is an injury.

Fedor Fedorov

Fedor Fedorov left the Canucks and skated with the Vancouver Giants yesterday. Fedorov is seeking a trade since the Canucks will not offer him a one-way contract. GM Dave Nonis is likely having difficulty finding any takers for Fedorov. Combine Fedorov's demand of a one-way contract and the fact he has proven nothing in the NHL (or AHL for that matter) and you have a player worth next to nothing. There will be few teams willing to offer a one-way contract, and none willing to trade anything of significance.

However the injury to Tyler Bouck does offer Dave Nonis another option. He could potentially offer Fedorov a two-way contract offer with the promise that he will start the season on the Canucks roster. Would Fedorov accept this offer? Who knows, but he is not going to get a one-way deal from the Canucks and this may be his only opportunity to get a chance in the NHL this season. Of course this is all speculation on my part, for all I know the Canucks may not have any interest in having Fedorov on the NHL roster. Still, it's an opportunity for Nonis to maximize the value of his asset, something his predecessor was often too stubborn to do.

One final note... defenseman Kevin Bieksa is still out with an injured ankle, he will not be on Manitoba's opening 5 game road trip. The Moose open their season tonight against the Peoria Rivermen

No comments: