Goodnight and Good Luck Mattias

NHL Free Agency began this morning with some not-so-startling-but-definitely-sad news. The big Swede who dawned #2 for 11 full seasons – Mattias Ohlund, has left the West Coast for the sunny beaches of Florida. Ohlund was about as steady a professional athlete as you could in Vancouver and the Canucks‘ most beloved D-man will be missed. The news came through this morning that Ohlund had signed a 7 year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning and in spite of the Sedins signing, I could still tell this city frowned just a little. TB is pulling a smart move here by bringing Ohlund into town to mentor their other new D-man Victor Hedman – but this could prove to be one of those SMRT moves depending on how you look at the situation. Mattias is kinda old in hockey years. He’s in like his mid thirties and could be on the verge of retirement within the next couple of years. The Lightning signed him for 7 meaning he’ll probably finish out his career there. But signing a long-term deal to a guy who’s on the back end of his career is risky especially since Ohlund can be considered damaged goods. A few seasons ago his eye was badly damaged and he hasn’t looked the same since…

Anyways, onto our beloved Canucks and how this city is going to deal with the loss. The North West Division is getting stacked. Calgary (for all of the stupidity that bleeds through that franchise) has actually done something worth noting in signing Jay Bouwmeester. This means the Canucks will have to improve before the season begins or it’ll be a tough road back to the playoffs. Couple that with the addition of Marion Hossa to the Hawks and every team in the West should look to get a little better. I think the Canucks should make a serious run for Marion Gaborik if not only to make the team better, but to help him play a little closer to the house he just bought. See you soon Gabby and good luck Ohlie – you’ll be missed.