The Vancouver Canucks did some addition by subtraction this summer and ended up getting younger on their back line. Veteran Sami Salo took his talents and 38-year-old body to Tampa Bay with a lucrative free agent deal. To replace him, Vancouver brought in Jason Garrison, a 27-year old left handed shot who is a little thicker than Salo, and 11-years his junior.
Garrison joins a veteran and talented crew, featuring Kevin Bieska, Dan Hamhuis, Alexander Edler, and Keith Ballard. Andrew Alberts and Chris Tanev round out the top seven defensemen on the roster that is solid, but not deep.
The best fantasy options on the Vancouver roster would probably be on the top two pairings. Garrison will slide into one of the top two pairings in a predominantly left-handed collection. Tanev is the only right-handed shot on the NHL roster, but he’ll only see time if there is an injury.
Garrison put up statistical highs across the board in only his second full season in Florida, cashing in with a big contract in Vancouver. He should assimilate well into a high-octane Vancouver attack, seeing plenty of time on the potent Canuck power play.
Alexander Edler is an elite defensive option. Also posting career highs in all offensive categories, Edler loves to hit and has a booming shot. The 6’4” Swede is only 26, and has become one of the top-flight blueliners in the NHL.
Kevin Bieksa is known almost as much for his antics on the ice as he is for his production. The charismatic Ontario native also enjoyed career highs on offense while providing veteran leadership.
Dan Hamhuis enjoyed a rebirth last season, returning to form after a couple of injury filled seasons. While he only lit the lamp four times, Hamhuis had career high 33 assists. His offensive production was complemented with some solid defensive stats, finishing third in Vancouver with 99 blocked shots.
If you have to reach into the bottom Vancouver pairing for defensemen, chances are you have bigger problems on your fantasy roster. No offense to the Keith Ballards and Andrew Alberts.