Vancouver Province write Ed Willes is not impressed with the recent signing of Demitra, labeling him a “complimentary offensive player” and likening him to an also declining Markus Naslund.
Demitra, at best, is a complementary offensive player. He turns 34 in November. Over his last four NHL seasons he’s recorded 58, 62, 64 and 54 points and he’s six years removed from his most productive campaign with the Blues.
This doesn’t mean he isn’t a useful player. But, as of this writing, the Canucks’ offseason rebuilding plan is based on Demitra and Steve Bernier. And the notion that Mats Sundin would spurn offers from Montreal, Toronto and New York to play with this revamped powerhouse is absurd.
Though Demitra does have some fine offensive skills, he likely can’t carry a team, especially one like the Vancouver Canucks, who may struggle to score. He should be a valuable addition to the power-play, where he should mesh well with the Sedins.
