RealGM Hockey: Shift Change - Untapped Potential

	More from RealGM NBA: Knicks Turned Down Deal For Fernandez MLB: A-Rod Confirms Split With Boras NFL: Cowboys Deal Crayton To Chargers
Index News Scores & Statistics Team Columns Transactions NHL Forum

Shift Change

Shift Change Archives

26th Jul, 2010
Best of the Rest – Defensemen and Goalies

2nd Jul, 2010
Grading The Deals: Free Agency Day 1

Full Archive

NHL Columns

RealGM Poll

Which team will win the NHL Central Division in 2010-2011?

Blackhawks
Blue Jackets
Red Wings
Predators
Blues

Poll Archives

Untapped Potential

Authored by Michael Sonday - 10th September, 2008 - 6:14 pm

Current Featured Columns

OCPR Goalies

The OCPR for Goalies takes into account total saves, total goals allowed, as well as saves made and goals allowed on the power play (a goalie is supposed to be your best penalty killer, is he not?).

Nick Obergan. 25th August, 2010.

Grading The Deal: Devils Win Kovy Sweepstakes

The New Jersey Devils, not usually involved in high stakes deals, got themselves one of the most prolific goal scorers of the last decade in Ilya Kovalchuk.

Nick Obergan. 8th February, 2010.

Early Favorites For Conn Smythe Trophy

The Final Four is now set, but which players have had the greatest individual success through the first two rounds of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Christopher Reina. 15th May, 2009.

RealGM Search

Since the Sedin Twins arrived in Vancouver seven years ago the Canucks have tried unsuccessfully to find a formidable linemate to play with the talented pair. If the season were to start today Steve Bernier would be penciled in for that coveted position. If Bernier is given the spot he could be the key component to formulate a successful first line for the Canucks.

Bernier, who was acquired from Buffalo this summer for a second round pick in 2009 and a third round pick in 2010, has had an up and down start to his young career. During his rookie season the highly touted prospect showed signs of stardom scoring 14 goals and adding 13 assists in just 39 games. After his debut season many were tabbing him as the future of the San Jose Sharks.

Unfortunately, Bernier’s progression hit a plateau with the Sharks and the organization subsequently decided to trade their 2003 first round pick to Buffalo at the trade deadline last season. His stay in Buffalo lasted just 20 games. The fact that two NHL teams have made Bernier expendable in the last year does not bode well for the 23-year-old. This season will be important to Bernier as he is on the brink of being labeled as damaged goods.

A couple of the major knocks on Bernier are his weight problems and his overall dedication to hockey. Many criticize Bernier for poor conditioning habits which they feel have hindered his development. Bernier himself has acknowledged these faults and vows to work harder while in Vancouver. It is one thing to say something but now he must show he can do it. Vancouver seems to see through these flaws and are very excited to get Bernier as they see an abundance of potential, remember he is still a kid at just 23-years of age.

Bernier’s physical style of play makes him a perfect fit to play with the Sedins. Bernier’s willingness to play gritty should create an ample amount of space for his line mates which should generate more scoring opportunities.

With the retirement of Trevor Linden and the free agent departures of Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund, Canucks’ fans will be looking for Bernier to produce, especially if he is playing with the Sedins. The added pressure on Bernier should motivate the Quebec City native to silence all of his critics.

The time is now for Bernier. The circumstances could not get any better than what he may have in Vancouver. Time will tell if Bernier can bounce back and prove his worth to the teams that gave up on him and the rest of the NHL.

More from RealGM