Every Wednesday for the next seven weeks sportsnet.ca gets you set for a fresh NHL season with looks at players from Canadian teams who could have breakout seasons in 2012-13.
The Vancouver Canucks were favourites to come out of the Western Conference during last season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs but their efforts were thwarted in the first round by the eventual Cup-winning Los Angeles Kings.
If the Canucks wish to get back to the Stanley Cup final, like they did against the Boston Bruins in 2011, they need certain players to step their games up and others to have a breakout season.
Here are one forward and one defenceman on the Canucks that could take their play to the next level in 2012-13 and become difference makers.
Jason Garrison
When the Vancouver Canucks signed defenceman Jason Garrison to a six-year contract worth an average of US$4.6 million per season on July 1, it raised a few eyebrows because the White Rock, B.C., native is not a household name to many NHL fans.
The new Canuck had a chance to sign for more money in other cities but instead opted to join the team he grew up watching. This will lead to more pressure to put up strong numbers. While playing in Florida, the 27-year-old did not face the media scrutiny or exposure he will endure in Vancouver.
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds he adds some more size to a defensive core that includes Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis and Alexander Edler.
Although statistically speaking Garrison had a breakout year with the Florida Panthers last season, he should improve on those numbers in his first year with the Canucks. In 190 career NHL games Garrison has 59 points, but 33 of those points were gained in 77 games this past season.
Zack Kassian
Zack Kassian is the type of player that could become a headache for opponents and a fan favourite for the Canucks if he can crack the lineup and get some decent ice-time in 2012-13.
In addition to having the talent to add secondary scoring, he is a valuable physical presence and will be able to stand up to anyone who gives the Sedins, and the other skilled forwards, a hard time.
Last year with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans Kassian had 26 points in 30 games and also gained valuable experience playing 44 regular season games in the NHL with Vancouver and the Buffalo Sabres. The Canucks’ forwards are almost an identical group to last year and Kassian should add some youthful exuberance to the lineup.
