We were told not to worry when Jake Virtanen left the ice early during Monday's session at Prospects Development Camp in Shawnigan Lake:
. @Jake_Virtanen, who left practice today, says "he's fine" after being hit on the chin. He expects to skate Tues. pic.twitter.com/xzifacnLRF
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) July 6, 2015There are two on-ice sessions today. Virtanen's not on the ice for the first one, but that's not to say that he won't be skating. Something to keep an eye on...
The Twitter feed from Canucks.com is doing a good job of keeping us updated with pictures of the boys as they go through their paces.
Another beautiful morning @Shawnigan for #Canucks Development Camp. The boys are stretching it out. pic.twitter.com/TcfpmCSJT2
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) July 7, 2015Not taking part in on-ice activities, Cole Cassels and Thatcher Demko are working on their boy-banding skills. I'm oddly impressed that they're messing around with a song from the '70s!
This morning's on-ice sessions are a little shorter than the other days—only an hour instead of 90 minutes. Later, after a break, the 3-on-3 tournament will takes place at 5:10 p.m. Who will dazzle us with their play?
Cam Tucker helps us get to know new draft pick Guillaume Brisebois a little better:
#Canucks prospect report: Guillaume Brisebois doesn't feel pressure from Eddie Lack trade http://t.co/WyPHRvVOSv pic.twitter.com/UBgveb2JhF
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Metro) July 7, 2015For me, the most impressive thing about Brisebois is the fact that he was named captain of his QMJHL team, Acadie-Bathurst in just his second major junior season—as a 17-year-old. For me, that's a sign of great maturity and leadership skills at a very young age.
Hopefully Brisebois will grow into his 6'2" frame—he's currently listed at 175 pounds.
The Temptation of Hindsight
As a rule, I try not to get sucked into the temptation of judging the Canucks with the benefit of hindsight, but I slipped up on that front yesterday when talking about Shawn Matthias.
As some of you rightfully pointed out, the Canucks had a five-point cushion for a playoff spot when the March 3 trade deadline rolled around last season. At the time, it made a lot of sense to keep as many assets as possible for the postseason push.
#Canucks won't move a pending UFA unless blown away by an offer. Also won't ask any player with a no-trade clause to waive it today.
— Matthew Sekeres (@mattsekeres) March 2, 2015As it turns out, Matthias had done all his best work as a Canuck before that deadline, which is why I got wistful about the thought that perhaps he could have been moved for a draft pick.
Some high prices were paid at the deadline—a first-rounder for rental center Antoine Vermette, for instance. Still, at the time I was happy with the idea of making the playoff push with as many bodies as possible.
Leafs Nation seems a little over-excited by the Matthias signing, if you ask me, as you can see in this article from James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail.
I'm sure Matthias will be a serviceable addition to their team, but I doubt he'll turn out to be a MoneyPuck bargain who exceeds the expectations that come along with his $2.3 million contract.
On a Tuesday radio appearance, Matthias confirmed what I had suspected all along—the Canucks had no interest in bringing him back at any price:
Shawn Matthias said it was a "pretty easy decision to leave Vancouver." #Canucks never offered. Also said he didn't get multi-year offers.
— Matthew Sekeres (@mattsekeres) July 7, 2015Here's hoping that roster spot is filled—effectively—by Jake Virtanen or Alex Grenier when the Canucks hit the ice on opening night.