Yesterday, I calculated that the Vancouver Canucks would have about $4.7 million in cap space left to spend after they re-sign their restricted free agents.
By nightfall, that space and more was gone with the announcement that the team had signed right wing Radim Vrbata to a two-year contract worth $10 million.
Vrbata's 33 and has made $3 million a season for the past six years, so I was shocked to see his price spike all the way to $5 million. That's Ryan Kesler money!
Most of what I'm reading says that this is a solid move. Dimitri Filipovic of Canucks Army
does the heavy lifting on the numbers here, showing that Vrbata has been one of the league's top goal-scorers over the past five years and that his possession numbers are also quite positive.
Ben Kuzma of
The Province called the deal "win/win"
in this story, which quotes Vrbata's locally-based agent extensively.
Vrbata did have other suitors. Kuzma mentions Montreal, San Jose and his old team, Arizona, as having interest. It's reported that he could have signed a longer deal—as long as four years—but I'm guessing the Canucks topped the pay scale with the offer of $5 million.
My reaction: Why has this player never made an impression on me??
He's been in the league since 2001-02 and has spent most of his career in the Western Conference. Stints with Colorado, Chicago and two with Phoenix were only broken up by a couple of early years in Carolina and an 18-game cup of coffee with Tampa Bay in 2008-09, where he finished out the year playing in the Czech league.
He's been with Phoenix ever since 2009-10, his second tour of duty with the team.
So—Vrbata has played against the Canucks 14 times over the past four seasons. And I can't think of a single standout moment.
When we talked about Linden Vey last week, I could quickly recall the impression that he'd left on me in two games against the Canucks. When I think of Nick Bonino, I can picture his speed on the penalty-kill and his clutch scoring over the pat two seasons. Vrbata? I have nothing.
Take a look at his stat lines against the Canucks for the past four seasons:
2013-14: 5 GP, 1-0-0, minus-1, 18:20 average ice time
2012-13: 2 GP, 0-1-1, minus-1, 20:25 average ice time
2011-12: 3 GP, 0-0-0, even, 20:12 average ice time
2010-11: 4 GP, 1-1-2, even, 15:32 average ice time
That certainly helps to explain why my internal loop of Vrbata highlights comes up empty.
The Coyotes don't exactly enjoy vast TV coverage, but I followed their run to the Western Conference Final in 2012. There were some game-breakers on that that team—Ray Whitney and Shane Doan, as well as goalie Mike Smith. Vrbata contributed just 2-3-5 in 16 playoff games.
It's also worth noting that, while Vrbata has made a few appearances at the World Championships, he has never played for a Czech Olympic team that has been scrambling for talent in recent years.
Yes, Vrbata's 51 points last season are more than any of the Canucks managed to tally. Yes, he's scored 20 goals or more four times and topped out at an impressive 35. And yes, I could see how in a perfect world, he could be that cerebral, talented winger that gets the twins playing their best hockey once again. But for now, I'm not sold. Especially not at that money.
Another problem with Vrbata: I don't think he can sell tickets—especially not this summer, as an unproven commodity. Jarome Iginla would have pumped up fan interest. Even Ryan Miller is a high-profile player that I think people will want to see. But I don't think Vrbata has a high-enough profile in this town to rally the haters.
Assuming the RFAs will all be signed, the roster's now full and the money is spent. As a few of you pointed out yesterday, the Canucks will get some cap relief when Jacob Markstrom is sent back to the minors—and I don't think he'll have a problem clearing waivers. That'll be enough to give the team a little bit of wiggle-room, but I think the roster we're seeing now is basically the one that'll be on the ice for opening night.
At least Tom Sestito says he's willing to step up and help on offense:
Who says we're not a four-line team?
There's my grumpy outlook on Vrbata. Do you feel similarly? Or do you think the numbers are enough to affirm his status as a solid offensive contributor?
I've set up the poll on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the most positive reaction and a few thoughts to guide your choice. Very interested to see your reactions.
Santorelli Signs with Toronto
As I expected, another team has signed Mike Santorelli for much more money than he would have received in Vancouver.
I'll be interested to see how this plays out as well. Santorelli's career body of work would indicate that his fine play in Vancouver was the exception more than the rule. I liked what he did here, but I think he'll have a tough time repeating the feat.
Best of luck to him in Big Smoke.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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