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Allen would provide a couple of things the Canucks need – defensive depth and toughness.
Since Allen was traded from the Canucks he has averaged better that 20 minutes per game so its clear he could take on top four minutes. He's a big dude that can handle himself physically as well.
During the early part of his career the Canucks basically told him to jump anyone he thought goaltender Dan Cloutier was going to engage. If Cloutier was on the verge of going squirrely (which was frequent) then Allen was supposed to step in and take care of business no matter who the customer was. He won't win all his fights but his opponents will always know they've got a fight on their hands.
Allen has a no trade clause but I’ve been told he'll waive it for the right situation and the Canucks fall into that category. He's a unrestricted free agent making $2.9 million this season so he does not come cheap, but he could answer more than one question for the Canucks.
Finally, more than one Twitter follower has asked me if they think Byron Bitz is the answer to the Canucks need for toughness.
It's far too early to tell but he made a good first impression on Saturday in Denver. Bitz threw a couple of big hits against the Avalanche and was quick to accept Cody McLeod's invitation to a fight which no doubt caught Alain Vigneault's eye.
One thing is clear. The Canucks don't want "just an enforcer".
Gillis is looking for a guy who can play a regular shift and answer the bell if needed (similar to McLeod). If Bitz can prove that he is capable of being a reliable third or fourth liner than he's got a shot.
Though he's doesn't consider himself a ‘fighter’ per se, he certainly has not picked his spots so far. Not when his fight card includes the likes of Donald Brashear (first NHL fight), Jay Rosehill, Zenon Konopka, Barret Jackman, Derek Engelland and Matt Carkner.
We have to remember that this is a guy who played his first NHL game in nearly two years Saturday. Good luck to him.
Mer 8 Fév - 10:51