For someone following the Leafs’ rebuild up close, TSN insider Jeff O’Neil’s comments regarding the Vancouver Canucks’ activity yesterday is ridiculous. Player development takes time. Bridge players fill vacant roster spots and can become trade chips.
Pre-expansion and entry draft, Canucks general manager Jim Benning signed Alexis D’Aoust and continued dialogue with Ryan Miller’s camp. Making use of their cap space to deepen weak positions in free agency, the Canucks loaded up on NHL players: Sam Gagner, Michael Del Zotto, Alex Burmistrov and Patrick Wiercioch.