The Vancouver Canucks have just thrown a curveball at the NHL, inking forward Drew O’Connor to a two-year, $5 million contract extension. This move, just weeks after acquiring O’Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins, has sent ripples through the league and left many wondering: what exactly is Patrik Allvin up to?
O’Connor, 26, hasn’t exactly been a household name. He’s a solid bottom-six forward, known for his size, speed, and forechecking ability. While he’s shown flashes of offensive potential, he’s never consistently put up big numbers. His eight goals and 18 points in 57 games this season (split between Pittsburgh and Vancouver) aren’t eye-popping. So, why the sudden show of faith from the Canucks brass?
O’Connor’s Impact and the Canucks’ Future
My take? This move is about more than just O’Connor’s current production. Allvin is playing a long game here. He’s betting on the Canucks’ development staff to unlock O’Connor’s untapped potential. He sees something in O’Connor that others might have missed – perhaps a raw talent waiting for the right opportunity and coaching. Remember, the Canucks gave up a conditional first-round pick in the trade that brought O’Connor and Pettersson to Vancouver. This extension signals they are all in on him.
The $2.5 million AAV is a significant investment, especially for a player with O’Connor’s track record. But consider the current market. Solid, two-way forwards are becoming increasingly valuable. The Canucks are locking down a player they believe can be a key contributor for the next two seasons. They are also demonstrating a commitment to building a competitive team. This extension sends a message to other players, both current and potential targets: Vancouver is a place where you can grow, develop, and get rewarded.
The risk, of course, is that O’Connor doesn’t take that next step. If he remains a bottom-six grinder, the contract could become an albatross. But if the Canucks’ gamble pays off, and O’Connor blossoms into a consistent scorer, this extension will look like a stroke of genius. It’s a bold move, no doubt, but one that could significantly impact the Canucks’ future. It shows that Allvin isn’t afraid to make unconventional decisions and that he has a clear vision for this team. Only time will tell if this vision becomes reality.
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Lol…I don’t see 2.5 million becoming a problem with the cap going up 20 million in the next three years. And yes he is a bottom six player. That will be his role going forward.