Fan In Van

Why Demitra Isn’t The Answer

There’s a lot of buzz being generated around Vancouver recently that Pavol Demitra was spotted in Vancouver late last week being given a tour of the city by Markus Naslund. Word is that Demitra, a former client of Canuck GM Mike Gillis, would like to play in Vancouver next season after having a sub-par two-year tour of duty in Minnesota.

Now while Demitra presents some scoring punch and his 15 goals and 54 points last season would be good enough for fourth on the Canucks roster, there’s a tonne of reasons to believe that Pavol Demitra would not be a good fit in Vancouver. Unlike a lot of people I’ve talked to, I strongly oppose the idea of having Demitra in the white, green and blue.

1. First off, Demitra had a season of Naslund-like proportions last season. He had 15 goals and 54 points in 68 games playing with the ever-talented Marian Gaborik. Naslund, similarly, had 25 goals and 55 points in all 82 games. And while Demitra’s point-per-game rate is higher than Naslund, anyone who complains about Naslund’s production should look again at Demitra’s.
2. In addition to his poor regular season, Demitra looked two times worse in the postseason. Not only did Demitra struggle with one goal and two assists in the six game defeat by Colorado, he brought fellow Slovak Marian Gaborik down with him. Gaborik put up one assist in the playoffs, just one. Demitra’s 71 games in the postseason have gotten him 19 goals and 47 points, hardly anything spectacular.
3. His best years was in 2003 when he had a career best 36 goals and 93 points. The 78 games he played that season were also the most he’s ever played in one year. Demitra has had a hard time staying healthy for any long stretch, having played in 68, 58, 71 and 68 games over the last four NHL seasons.
4. What exactly does Demitra bring to the table besides sub-par numbers? Mike Gillis stated he wanted the team to get faster, grittier and more skilled. Demitra brings one of those elements, and it isn’t speed or grit. Demitra isn’t exactly the type of leader the Canucks would like to take on right now; Markus Naslund’s inept leadership skills are almost a complete clone of Demitra’s.
5. Demitra is another European forward. Now, I hate to put on my Don Cherry suit and tie here, but the Canucks need to get a little more North American. I want to know where Demitra’s mindset is when the playoffs begin and whether he’s playing for his next paycheck or the Stanley Cup. This town needs winners, not more disappearing playoff performers.
6. And finally, the all-important number: 4.25. That’s the amount of money Demitra made last season, in millions. And if Demitra thinks he can get anywhere near that in Vancouver, I’d advise him to leave town before the angry mob of Canuck fans drive him to the airport. At 3M, I might consider taking a flyer on him, but anything more than 3.5M is pushing it. I have to add that the same thing goes for our illustrious captain, Markus Naslund.

I like Pavol Demitra, despite everything said about him. He presents a lot of skill which isn’t exactly in abundance in Vancouver. And certainly some skill is better than none at all. But at this present time I’m getting a Bulis-like vibe from Demitra.

Your thoughts? Your opinions? Voice it off in the poll and comments sections.

After the Stanley Cup final, I’ll be introducing a special feature on the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in 2008, featuring five of my choice picks in this year’s edition.