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Should the Canucks Re-sign Shane O’Brien?

Written on May 20, 2010 at 08:53, by HTTN

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Size Matters:

For 2 years in a row, the Canucks have had found Dustin Byfuglien to be an immovable object.  The ogre goes wherever he wants on the ice while the opposition watches in fear.   Shrek-er-Byfuglien is listed at 246lbs, but his teammates laugh at that number and say he’s at least 20lbs more.

If you wonder why the Canucks’ defensemen failed to move him, it’s because against the Blackhawks, 3 of them weighed over 215.  Alex Edler was hurt in the final game, leaving only “the human slug” Andrew Alberts and of course, Shane O’Brien.

So if you think O’Brien’s 237lbs are an expendable commodity to the Canucks, think again.  As the team rebuilds its porous defense this summer, the Canucks would be wise to realize that they need O’Brien’s size.  And unlike Alberts, he offers more than just heftiness.

Top 5 Defenseman?

During Mike Gillis’ season wrap-up press conference, he had this to say about the young defenseman: “Shane is at that point in his career (where he can decide) whether he wants to do what’s necessary to become a top-five defenseman”

There are two problems with Gillis’ statement: first, it’s not entirely up to him, his coach has to obrien2give him a chance; and second, he can be a top four defenseman, if he really wants to be.

Although he hasn’t scored many points in his NHL career so far – 55 points in 299 games – O’Brien has shown flashes of a playmaker’s touch in the offensive zone.  He’s not given much chance to do so, being told usually to “stay at home” and be responsible defensively, but when he does have the puck in the other team’s end, he shows patience, while being hard to dispossess and making high quality passes.

Give O’Brien A Chance

In the 2009-2010 season, O’Brien’s playing time increased to an average of about 17 minutes from 13 the previous year, mostly because of injuries to others on the team.  With the extra time, O’Brien excelled, notably going from a plus-6 rating to a plus-15 in a one year span.

I’m not saying he’s the next Paul Coffey, but there’s good reason to believe that given more ice-time, he would play even better.

O’Brien agreed in his interview following the season:

“I could be even a better player if I had a little more leeway. If you have a bad game, they’ll stick with you and you don’t have to worry about sitting in the press-box.”

Certain players respond to the pressure of knowing they will be benched if they play poorly – Pavol Demitra and his indifference come to mind -  but more common are those that are the opposite – the ones who are able to relax and play better when they know that every little mistake won’t cost them.

Hockey Sticks before Chicks, Bro!

Of course, part of the short leash is due to O’Brien’s off-ice behaviour.  Apparently, he took full advantage of the Vancouver Olympics’ party scene, showing up after the break at a tubby 245lbs.

The good thing is he says he’s learned: “It’s a privilege and honour to play in the NHL and there was a stretch during and after the Olympic break where I maybe took it for granted.”

There’s no guarantee that the Canucks will bring O’Brien back, but they should. Not only that – they should give him a larger role on the blueline and watch his career take off.

  • Anon

    As much as I want to believe otherwise, you’re right. It became very evident in Round 2 that it’s not all about skill. Size does matter. “It was just a bad matchup” is no excuse. When you’re playing against such a physically strong team, size is not just an asset. It’s essential.
    Great post!

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  • Summer

    I completely agree with this and without him no one would stand up for other team mates he seems to be the only one making sure ppl back off luongo but he needs to be a little more committed which he showed I really think if alain vigneault and the others gave him a chance he would imrove so much everyone looks down on him and they think he’s just too immature or is too worried about girls but he showed his commitment and he isn’t getting credit for it!!!!!!

  • Ashley

    Yeah, OB needs to be given more credit than what is being given to him. He’s a good player and can become better with more ice time. We need better D ( stronger, more physical ) and that’s something he has! He’s the only one I’ve seen who stands up for Luongo and the Sedins, all he needs to do is step up to the plate more often and he can grow as a player. :)