Jim Rutherford went over a bunch of topics regarding the future of the Vancouver Canucks in a press conference yesterday, including the team's plans at the upcoming trade deadline and Andrei Kuzmenko.
Jim Rutherford went over a bunch of topics regarding the future of the Vancouver Canucks in a press conference yesterday, including the team's plans at the upcoming trade deadline and Andrei Kuzmenko.
Kuzmenko has been a healthy scratch five times this season. He has eight goals and 11 assists in 39 games this season. Kuzmenko was on top of the hockey world with his 74-point rookie season last year.
"I don't know what we do more than what the coaching staff has been doing," Rutherford told members of the Canucks media yesterday. "He's lost his confidence. He's a good player, and he can score. There's no doubt in my mind, whether it's in Vancouver or another NHL city, he will score."
Kuzmenko is in the first year of a two-year $5.5 million cap-hit contract. He has a 12-team no-trade list attached to his deal.
"It's a tough game. When you have confidence, everything just feels good, and it goes right like it did last year for him," Rutherford said. When you lose your confidence and you start pressing, then it's hard. I just believe that's where he's at."
Canucks GM Patrik Allvin spoke earlier in the week about what his plans are for Kuzmenko at the trade deadline.
"Obviously, he's a hell of a talented player, and teams are definitely, you know, checking in when they see a guy like that is not in the lineup," Allvin said.
There was some thought that Kuzmenko might be scratched for a sixth time tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that he will remain in the lineup.
Reports of the Canucks wanting to acquire a top-six forward have surfaced.
While Kuzmenko is a crucial piece to the team, trading his $5.5 million cap hit could allow more flexibility in adding him to the roster. Rutherford told the media yesterday that they will be careful not to disrupt the team chemistry that has put them at the top of the Pacific Division.
"You can make the right changes, and it can still not work. There's a risk in it. But there's also a risk in not trying to improve the team," Rutherford said. "Patrick has said this, and this is what we say in meetings: this group of players and coaches deserve the best opportunity they can to compete going forward."
The Canucks sure sound like they will be busy around the March 8th trade deadline, especially when "Trader Jim" Jim Rutherford is at the helm.
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