Canucks Sign Rare Russian

[TannieS]

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Canucks signed right-winger Sergei Shirokov to an NHL contract Monday.

Shirokov, 23, had 17 goals and 41 points in 56 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL in 2008-09. He has also played in two world junior championships with Russia in 2005 and 2006. In 12 tournament games he had seven goals and six assists.

Shirokov, a five-foot-10, 176-pound native of Moscow, was selected 163rd overall by the Canucks in the 2006 NHL draft.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=287979


***The Canucks haven't had a regular Russian in their line-up since Artem Chubarov, so let's hope Shirokov will be like one of the Canucks' former Russian scorers in Bure and Mogilny. However, it does create a log jam (once again) up front.....

[doniceage]

I never heard of him so not sure what he is like. Here a a vid I found of him while searching:



No voice but it gives ya some insight.

Don

[RGM81]

Interesting wording - with a population of over 140 million Russians aren't exactly scarce. LOL

A logjam of talent up front is a nice problem to have.

[TannieS]

I think I read he's a poor man's Datsyuk or Zetterberg. If that's the case, the Canucks could definitely need him!!!

And yah, the logjam is good, but either means one of the youngsters (like himself) won't be making the team, or hopefully a trade for a defenceman!

Perhaps Gillis is in a holding pattern until he finds out about Luongo.... sign Luongo to a 5 year contract..... then package Schneider up with a young forward to get a d-man.... I dunno..

[Ray33]

The Next Russian Rocket.

[JVan]

i like his dangles

[ravens_creed]

... However, it does create a log jam (once again) up front.....[/B]

I don't know about that! Considering a significant portion of the Canucks' offensive production last season was dependent on Toronto Maple Leaf left-overs, I don't think you have a log-jam up front, I think you have a shortage of decent offensive talent. Of course, the emergence of guys like Burrows and Raymond helped the fact that Wellwood and Sundin weren't too great, but the fact that Vancouver invested in those guys.... It was sad to see my beloved Sundin pull a Favre last year.

[TannieS]

Significant portion of the Canucks' offensive?!?!? Highly unlikely!! Wellwood came out steaming for 2 months (after his demotion), then disappeared, while Sundin was terrible!!! You're right, the emergence of Burrows and KESLER (not Raymond - Raymond did NOTHING last season like he should have) took less emphasis off both Sundin and Wellwood. I will give Wellwood his defensive abilities though - he's very good at that. Too bad we have too many of those guys already.

And to me, the Canucks have 14 NHL forwards signed for next season, with 4 pushing (ready to make the jump) for spots as well. Seems like a logjam to me. 18 players for 12 spots? Something's gotta give....