The only NHL life Jannik Hansen knows is one with the Vancouver Canucks.
That will no longer be the case after the veteran forward was traded late Tuesday to the San Jose Sharks.
Hansen was scratched from Vancouver’s lineup prior to a game against the Detroit Red Wings, the night before the NHL’s trade deadline, so both he and his teammates had a feeling something was brewing.
“I’m overwhelmed right now,” Hansen told reporters in Vancouver following the team’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Red Wings. “I’m excited to be going there, but leaving here is tough. I like it here.”
“I waited in the dressing room post-game and got to see everyone,” Hansen added. “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon.”
See you soon indeed, as the Canucks visit the Sharks Thursday. As long as the Dane has no issues getting a U.S. Visa he should be in the Sharks’ lineup.
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin has been teammates with Hansen since the 2004 ninth-round pick made his NHL debut in 2007. He’s one of many Canucks players sad to see Hansen go.
Hansen registered 105 goals and 130 assists in 565 career regular-season games with the Canucks. He also suited up for 64 post-season contests.
“Our run in ’11 is my Canucks highlight,” Hansen said. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey. It was a tremendous year.”
Added Canucks GM Jim Benning: “Jannik has been an important part of our team for over a decade and we would like to thank him, his wife Karen and their children for all they’ve done and wish them all the best in San Jose. While this was a difficult decision to make, this trade helps us with our goal of continuing to build a younger, skilled team for the future.”
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