Rob The Hockey Guy

Mitch the blog machine is back again (because that’s what blog machines do.. they blog). Enjoy! Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_SBMedia

Name: Jay McClement

Age: 29

Size: 6’1″, 205lbs

Why the Canucks might want him: McClement may be one of the most underrated centres going into UFA on July 1st. His ability to win face offs and kill penalties is probably what will be most attractive to Vancouver, also he’s only missed six games since 2006-2007 and has only taken over 30 PIM twice in his NHL career. He isn’t known for his goal scoring or play-making abilities, but can chip in with a timely goal. Most importantly, if the Canucks feel like Malhotra won’t be able to return to his ‘A’ game, McClement would be a great fit for that third line role.

Why the Canucks might not want him: Inflation. If the price is too high then Vancouver may walk and just hope that Malholtra is able to return to form with a full season of training and no procedures to his damaged eye. Other than that I don’t see why Vancouver would not want to sign a checking line centre who’s able to play close to 17 minutes a night and kill penalties.

What I would do: At 29 years old, McClement is young enough and has been relatively injury free his whole career, I would sign him to a 3 year deal worth $2.25 per year. It’s a few hundred thousand more than he was making with the Avs last season and the length of the contract has to be enticing for someone his age as well. With Malhotra being in the last year of his three year deal, this would seem to make sense to have someone ready to take over that role moving forward.

Rob says: McClement would be a good addition to the Canucks third or fourth line. He’s gritty, good defensively and can pop in the odd goal. The question I have, is if they can afford to have both McClement and Malhotra on the fourth line, playing them both $2+ million. If McClement could cement himself as a solid third line centre in blue and green and regain his point production from his St Louis days (30 points per season), he’ll be worth the money.

X-Factor: No words. Just this photo, it’s of Matt Walker, Jay McKee and Jay McClement. Enjoy.