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ZHL GENERAL MANAGER: |
Zach Dolman |
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The Mark Messier era is over in Vancouver. The Canucks bought out the final year of Messier's contract at the end of June, making the 39-year-old an unrestricted free agent. He is expected to re-sign with the New York Rangers. ... Also gone from Vancouver are C Darby Hendrickson and F Steffan Nilsson, both of whom were claimed by the Minnesota Wild in the expansion draft. ... The Canucks used their first-round pick in the NHL draft, 23rd overall, on C Nathan Smith. Expected to slip into the second round, Smith is an above-average skater who plays well at both ends of the rink. "Nathan is a solid two-way forward who has a tremendous upside," GM Brian Burke said. "He is a smart player with good skating skills, a quick release on his shot and he's known for his work ethic." Of Vancouver's seven draftees, six are centers, a fact Burke attributed to his policy of taking the best player available. "It's never going to change as long as I'm in charge," he said. "If we took all centers, it's OK with me." Three of the seven picks are less than six feet tall. "With the crackdown on obstruction, small players are able to function more effectively today," Burke said. |
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Vancouver Canucks