Vancouver Canucks Reveal the Real Reasons Behind Rushing Drew O'Connor's Contract Extension
FOLLOW US
Photo credit: Daily Hive
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has comments for the first time since it was announced that they singed former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Drew O'Connor to a contract extension.
After just playing a handful of games with the Vancouver Canucks since being traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Vancouver Canucks signed forward Drew O'Connor to a 2-year contract extension worth $5 million, earning $2.5 million AAV.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have agreed to terms with forward Drew O'Connor on a two-year contract extension worth $2.5M AAV.
Patrik Allvin reveals reason behind rushing to sing Drew O'Connor to a contract extension
In just 4 games with Canucks, the 26-year-old has already made a big impact on the team, his head coach Rick Tocchet and the management team.
With 2 goals, physical play and a game that seems to mesh well with the Canucks system, Patrik Allvin revealed why it was so important to sign him to a contract extension so soon after setting foot in the Canucks locker room.
«Drew has really made a good first impression since joining our team from Pittsburgh at the beginning of the month,» said Allvin in a release. «We like his size, speed, and ability to get in on the forecheck and hound pucks. Our staff also feel confident that they can help Drew take his game to another level and we are excited to see what the future holds for him with the Vancouver Canucks.»
With a bigger opportunity in Vancouver, it is expected that O'Connor can bring his game to the next level, especially with the advanced stats he dishes out on a nightly basis.
'Connor brings speed and size to a lineup, and it shows in his NHL Edge statistics:
- O'Connor has had 155 bursts over 20 mph this season, which ranks in the 96th percentile of the league.
- His top skating speed this season is 23.1 mph and that ranks him in the 90th percentile of the league.
- He is in the 93rd percentile of the league with 10 bursts over 22 mph.
- O'Connor has had 155 bursts over 20 mph this season, which ranks in the 96th percentile of the league.
- His top skating speed this season is 23.1 mph and that ranks him in the 90th percentile of the league.
- He is in the 93rd percentile of the league with 10 bursts over 22 mph.
Drew O'Connor speaks for first time since signing with Canucks
It was clear form his first comments about joining his new team that he was excited about the prospect of playing for the Canucks, and that has not changed since putting pen to paper on a 2-year extension.
«That first week we spent here was awesome,» said O'Connor. «The city was great. I've always enjoyed visiting here as a road team, and we had a really good run that week up here [before the break]. It's been fun. I think it's been a good fit so far.»
It really seems like O'Connor is going to be a solid fit for the Canucks in their bottom-6 with the ability to move up in the lineup at showcase some his speed and physicality.
MUST READ
