Canucks to sign Rory Fitzpatrick?

[CCF23]

www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/SPORTS/608160334&SearchID=73253870036847

I don't know what I think about this. It's awesome Nonis is adding another veteran guy but Fitzpatrick was -18 in 56 games with a good Buffalo team. He has never had a + year in the NHL and his best season points wise was 11 in 60 games with Buffalo.

We'll see how this turns out but here's the scouting report from TSN.ca

Scouting Report
Assets: Has a wealth of pro experience and NHL size for the blueline. Plays the right side of the ice with efficiency.
Flaws: Has never been able to hold onto a regular job at the NHL level. Isn't much of an offensive threat.
Career potential: No. 6 or 7 defenseman.

I'm starting to think we're going to play 7 defensemen. Could be solid with a lineup of:

Ohlund
Salo
Mitchell
Krajicek
Bieksa
Bourdon
Fitzpatrick

[canucks]

Add Tremblay to the list and we have 8

[IceStick77]

A good job to Nonis, but should we be more concerned on the forwards? We already have a strong defense and an extra to boost.

[JasonBayMVP]

Yeah I think RW is more of a concern at this point.

[Cementhead]

frostice said:

Add Tremblay to the list and we have 8

Maybe Nonis is doubting Bourdon's ability to make the team.

[IceStick77]

www.canucks.com/news/pressreleases.asp?sectionID=31&id=620

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice-President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that the Canucks have signed defenceman Rory Fitzpatrick. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fitzpatrick, 31, played 56 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season recording nine points (4-5-9) and 50 penalty minutes. During Buffalo’s playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final this past spring, Fitzpatrick recorded four assists and 16 penalty minutes in 11 games.

In 210 career NHL regular season games with four different teams (Montreal, St. Louis, Nashville, Buffalo), Fitzpatrick has 27 points (9-18-27) and 144 penalty minutes. He has played in 17 NHL Playoff games, recording six points (1-5-6) and 16 penalty minutes.

The 6’2”, 210 lbs, native of Rochester, New York was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 47th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

[concussionkid]

Probably just signing guys as a safeguard against injury. Don't really want to repeat last year's injury woes on the d.

[Judge Oscar aka oscarheyman]

cementhead said:

frostice said:

Add Tremblay to the list and we have 8

Maybe Nonis is doubting Bourdon's ability to make the team.

Or Bieska. In any event, I think he's better than the other depth guy, Tremblay.

[Cementhead]

The Judge is in!