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The most interesting man in Vancouver

July 30, 2013, 10:12 AM ET [286 Comments]
Ian Esplen
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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The signing and hockey action has died down for the summer as the month in which NHL GMs usually take their summer vacations approaches, so I thought today might be a good day to take a look at a player who I consider to be the most interesting man in Canucks camp.

Zach Hamill was signed less than a week ago in what may turn into Mike Gillis best acquisition. And besides, even if he never dresses for Vancouver, it's not like they used a first round pick on the guy or anything.

Back in 2007, NHL Central Scouting had this to say about Hamill

"Playmaking forward with good stick-handling ability, very good on special teams, especially the power-play, and as someone who sees the ice well and sets up his line mates with his good passing abilities."


Other reports went on to rave about his character and bill him as a No. 1 or 2 centre down the road.

Well, a lot has happened since 2007. Hamill never really did fit in out in Boston and he bounced around between two other organizations as well last season. The main reason: his skating – or at least that’s what I've read.

So than why is this NHL "bust" considered my most interesting man in Vancouver?

The reason, I've always thought he could be a better player than he's been to date. Now, I'm very likely nuts on this one – after all, I loved his skill, leadership, grit and character in Junior and I've always pulled for B.C. players – but this is the type of guy that I can see Gillis and Torts getting something out of.

Hamill is this year's Ebbett, Rome, Barker, Tambellini, Wellwood, etc…

He's the guy that no one wanted, who Vancouver is going to get something out of and that makes him interesting to me.

I see him getting a fair shot at playing the third or fourth line centre role. If he can win faceoffs and finish checks, he has a very solid chance of making the team out of camp. And building upon that, he very likely has more skill than a lot of the bottom-six guys and he should be able to slot into the second power-play unit if needed.

What do you think of the Zach Hamill signing?

Who is your most interesting new player coming to camp?




Until tomorrow my friends, stay classy

Ian


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