The Vancouver Canucks avoid going to arbitration by signing Winger Dale Weise to a one-way contract worth $615,000.
This move might make the average fan let out a “meh”, in the middle of a summer where the Canucks don’t seem to be making any splashes in roster movement, but as minor a deal as it is, it can be seen as a good thing for the Canucks.
1. He provides depthThere is no team that stays 100% healthy all year long, and re-signing Weise, is putting a guy back in the line-up who has played with the big boys, and knows what will be expected out of him.
If anyone in the bottom six goes down, Weise will be there to fill in that role.
He will probably have to battle Aaron Volpatti and Byron Bitz for that spot, but options and competition are always a good thing.
2. He can play on the 4th lineWhile not exactly becoming the quintessential 4th line player like a Maxim Lapierre, Weise has shown that he can bang and crash on that 4th line, and that is where he will be expected to try to land a full-time job.
He has shown potential in that role, and hopefully after his first year of seasoning with in the NHL, he can grow into that role more so this upcoming season.
Weise has shown that he can bang and crash on that 4th line – Rich Lam/Getty Images
3. He can potentially fill in on the 3rd lineWhile no one really wants to say it at this point in the hopes that GM Mike Gillis will be able to add more forwards to the roster come October, our 3rd line could potential use some help, whether due to a lack of goals, or due to injury.
Weise has shown some offensive spark here and there, and could come in for a stretch of a few games on the 3rd line.
He only scored 4 goals and added 4 assists in 68 games last year, but he does have some offensive ability.
4. He is big and can fit a physical roleHe’s 6’2″ and 210 pounds, so he fits into that “get bigger” mentality of GM Gillis. He has shown a penchant for dropping the gloves, albeit to some mixed results, but the Canucks can use a gamer who’s willing to take on an opponent or two with some fisticuffs.
5. He’s Still young, let’s give him a chanceWeise is only 23, and last year was just his first in the NHL.
The Canucks have really moved quickly on discarding young, raw players recently, and it might benefit them to give someone like Weise a chance in the bottom six.
He may be able to turn his game on this year, and only he will be able to determine if he sticks with the team long term, but sometimes, all a player needs is just that chance.
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© Reggie Gill for North West Sports Beat, 2012. | Permalink | No comment |
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Post tags: Aaron Volpatti, Byron Bitz, Canucks Blog, Canucks contract news, Canucks news, Canucks Rumors, Canucks trades, Dale Weise, Maxim Lapierre, Mike Gillis, NHL, NHL Free Agency, NHL Signings, Vancouver Canucks
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July 25, 2012
