Rob The Hockey Guy

Mitch is back with another article. He’s on the UFA trail once again. We’re less than two weeks away from July 1st and free agency madness, so it’s about time we get caught up. Today, we learn a little more about Scott Hannan.

Name: Scott Hannan

Age: 33

Size: 6’2, 220lbs

Let’s all just close our eyes and pretend Keith Ballard isn’t coming back. There, he’s gone right? OK, open your eyes.

Why the Canucks might want him: If Vancouver doesn’t bring back Sami Salo and they feel like Marc-Andre Gragnani isn’t ready for full time minutes then Scott Hannan could be that guy who comes in to play in some key situations. At 33 years old he still has a few serviceable years left in the NHL, so why not take a chance on him? Calgary did last year and they ended up getting him for $1 million for the season. Given that he plays the PK, can log big minutes, doesn’t take many penalties and only missed four games, $1 million for the year was a steal, in my opinion.

Why the Canucks might not want him: Last years deal with Calgary for a million dollars was a bit of a head scratcher for me. I was surprised he didn’t get more on the open market and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a decent raise this July 1st. That in itself could be why the Canucks don’t sign him. Vancouver might not be willing to take a chance either because they feel like Sami Salo could be back and have another (some what) injury free season and Marc-Andre Gragnani could step up and play a bigger role for them this year.

What I would do: Sign him to a two year deal worth $2-2.25 million per season. Helluva raise from his pay last year. Sure he might slide down the depth chart in Vancouver more than he might in another market, but in Vancouver he gets to come to his home town, play in front of family and friends and have a shot at making a lengthy run in the post season.

X-Factor: Scott Hannan: As handsome as Kevin Sorbo and as ugly as Sloth from the Goonies. Wrap your head around that!

Rob Says: Scott Hannan hasn’t had a whole lot of press lately, but he would be an interesting addition to the Canucks. I like his grit, toughness, leadership and experience, which is what you want from a 5th or 6th defenceman. I think paying him more than $2 million is an overpayment though. Hannan isn’t the player he once was, when he was playing 25 minutes for the Sharks and being named to Team Canada. But he is the type of player that seems to excel in the Stanley Cup playoffs when the referees put their whistles away.