Canucks sign Burrows to four-year deal

by James Mirtle on Mar 3, 2009 8:59 PM CST Comment 4 comments

Vancouver forward Alex Burrows, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, has agreed to a new contract with the Canucks.

It is a four-year deal for about $8-million, which is very reasonable given the strong season he's had. Burrows is on pace for a 20-goal, 45-point season, and has become a fan favourite this season playing on a line with Ryan Kesler. Lately, he's been the winger on the team's top line with the Sedin twins.

"Alex plays with intensity and determination at both ends of the rink," said Canucks GM Mike Gillis. "He’s a fierce competitor and a versatile player. We look forward to further growth and development in his game."

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008-09 - Alex Burrows	62	16	17	33	8	105	0	3	2	1	128	12.5

Burrows is 27 years old and only in his fourth NHL season, as he had a long route to the NHL through the lower minors. Undrafted after joining the QMJHL as a 19 year old, he played two full years in the ECHL before catching on with the Canucks' affiliate in Manitoba in 2003-04. He was promoted to the NHL for good in 2005-06.

Tom Benjamin will be happy with this signing.

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Given the prospect of shrinking revenues...

$2 million a year might look like too much money at this time next year.

by dbarefoot on Mar 3, 2009 10:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think so. He’s playing 17 or 18 minutes a night and has had a ton of production for a guy who almost never plays on the power play. The cap won’t decrease by more than about $1-million next season and even then $2-million is the league average salary.

I think it’s fair value unless his play falls off a cliff.

by James Mirtle on Mar 3, 2009 10:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The thing about Burrows

He can play on any line.
He arrived a grinder. Played well getting spotted higher in the lineup.
And now he’s playing with the Sedins, which is not as easy as it might look. See: Pyatt, Shannon, Wellwood, et al.
Lots of guys get big paydays but if they’re not in the Top 6, they’re useless.
Other guys – most notably half the Oilers – get big paydays for being talentless 3rd and 4th-liners who couldn’t hit a barn with a paintball gun.
When Burrows is named the Canucks’ MVP at the end of this season, nobody will blink an eye. Maybe that’s a sad reflection on the Canucks, but the guy is absolutely nails.

by Dr Van Nostrum on Mar 3, 2009 11:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great price

If you can get a 20 goal scorer in your lineup for $2 million per or less that’s a great deal.

by Brooklyn Hockey Guy on Mar 3, 2009 11:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

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