Cheers & Jeers: February 13th

After two weeks off due to a cold and then a flue (yes, seriously), everyone’s favourite weekly feature is back. That’s right; it’s Cheers & Jeers time.

There hasn’t been much to celebrate in the time off, so it’s probably for the best that we’ve taken this break. The Canucks keep losing, and the bodies keep falling. In their recent trip to the American south, the Canucks lost Brendan Gaunce, Markus Granlund, Chris Tanev and Sam Gagner — it was only a four-game trip, so that’s a loss each match.

It wasn’t all bad, though. There’s a little good to sprinkle in here and there. I’ll try my best, anyway, in this week’s edition of Cheers & Jeers.

Cheers to Adam Gaudette’s hat-trick leading the Northeastern Huskies to their first Beanpot win in 30 years. That performance was also good enough to vault him back up to first in NCAA scoring. As of writing this, Gaudette has 47 points (24 goals and 23 assists) in 30 games. I can’t wait to see what Gaudette is capable of in the NHL. Based on the way his season is going, I might not have to wait much longer.

Jeers to reports that the Canucks are entertaining the possibility of re-signing Erik Gudbranson and Thomas Vanek. It’s almost unfathomable that the Canucks could even consider such a move at this stage in the game, but every report suggests that they’re serious — especially as it concerns Gudbranson.

Cheers to Philip Holm’s recall from the Utica Comets! Much like with Gaudette, I’m eager to see what Holm can bring to the table at the NHL level. All the reports from Utica are encouraging, and his point totals (29 points in 42 games) certainly look the part of someone who’s ready for a look at the NHL level. I wasn’t a fan in training camp; it seemed like the puck was a live grenade on Holm’s stick more often than not. Here’s hoping the extra time on the farm has helped the Swedish defenceman adjust to the North American game.

Jeers to an ugly (likely) end to a frustrating season for Markus Granlund. I had big hopes for Granlund after a mostly good first full season with the Canucks. Granlund’s offensive contributions were likely to take a dip (you can’t expect to shoot close to 15% every season), but overall he looked like he was on his way to being an effective middle-six piece. In 53 games this season, Granlund only has 12 points (eight goals and four assists), and his two-way impact has taken a hit, too. It’s just been an awful year for Granlund. All the same, you hate to see anyone go down with injury, much less a grim looking ankle injury that Canucks head coach Travis Green confirmed will need surgery. Here’s to a speedy recovery.

Cheers to our first big trade of the trade deadline season. Earlier tonight, the Ottawa Senators sent Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson to the Los Angeles Kings for Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore — Ottawa also retained 25% of Phaneuf’s salary. With that, we have the beginnings of trade season. Hopefully that’s the case anyway. I’d hate for this to be a false start since it’s not the most exciting trade and all.

Jeers to no NHL’ers at the Winter Olympics. This isn’t news, but it still sucks. I’ve always loved watching Olympic hockey, so this year is a definite letdown, with all respect to the athletes who are going to represent Canada.

Cheers to Darren Archibald getting an NHL contract and making his season debut in the same week! What a story! Archibald is 28-years-old, so the odds are he’s not going to be able to stick or make a huge impact in the NHL, but honestly, who doesn’t want to see him buck that trend? You have to think he’ll stick until the end of the season with the “toughness deficit” the Canucks are currently suffering. In a best-case scenario, he leaves a great impression and enters training camp next year with a good chance of a return trip to the Canucks roster.