Derek Forbort signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.
The Vancouver Canucks went back to the Boston Bruins a third time on July 1, signing defenceman Derek Forbort to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. Forbort played 35 regular season games for the Bruins last season but did miss significant time with multiple injuries. The 32-year-old did return for the playoffs, dressing for three games while averaging 17:49 of ice time.
Forbort is a physical defender who can be solid on a team's third pair. Listed at 6'4, 208 pounds, he is also an effective penalty killer who isn't afraid to put his body on the line and block shots. Forbort has also shown he can be versatile by playing on the right side and moving up the lineup when injuries hit.
One interesting tidbit that GM Patrik Allvin mentioned on July 1 is that Forbort is good friends with Brock Boeser. According to the GM, the two were in a workout together right before Allvin talked to Forbort. The two have both also participated in multiple Da Beauty League seasons, which is an annual summer tournament in Edina, Minnesota. Having a relationship with someone already on the team is beneficial as it helps players integrate faster and feel more comfortable in the locker room.
Playing in Vancouver is not easy, but Forbort's career experience should help him adjust to the market. He played three years with the Bruins and has already spent time in Canada with the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets. Forbort has also played 35 career playoff games, and while some of those games were in the Bubble/Covid Year, knows how the pressure can ramp up in the Spring. While it may not be at the top of the priority list, understanding how to play in tough markets is a benefit and should help Forbort adjust to life in the Canucks organization.
The biggest question with Forbort is whether he can stay healthy the entire year. He has missed significant time with injury over the past two seasons, which could be a concern heading into next season. The good news is he looked healthy in the playoffs, which should indicate that his past injuries will not be a factor moving forward.
Ultimately, this is yet another smart bet for Allvin and his staff. Forbort plays the way Rick Tocchet wants his defenders to play and ensures Vancouver maintains their size on the blue line. If Forbort can excel in his role, this could be more than a one-year partnership by the end of the year.
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