The Vancouver Canucks have stated that they are moving towards a youth movement, so this means that it may be goodbye for most of the veterans on the team. Dan Hamhuis, Brandon Prust, Yannick Weber, and Radim Vrbata are all becoming unrestricted free agents on July. 1, according to the Fourth Period. Chris Higgins was already moved down to the AHL. So what does this mean for 34-year-old Alex Burrows?
Even though Burrows has another year on his contract after the current season, it does not guarantee he will have a roster spot. He has a no-trade clause, so will most likely accept whatever the Canucks organization is willing to offer, according to the Fourth Period. GM Jim Benning however, could start putting him up for sale soon, as the veteran's play will most likely begin to decline.
"You think about it (future), but you want to be a good team guy," stated Burrows, who has received support from retired players Brendan Morrison, Markus Näslund and Todd Bertuzzi, according to the Vancouver Province. "They told us they wished they would have enjoyed it more while they were still playing, so obviously that message resonates more with the older guys than younger guys. And for me, that's how I see it. Keep having fun because one day it will be taken from you, and it will be too late to look back."
The club has no lack of young players with potential, such as rookies Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, and are looking at AHL prospects, Hunter Shinkaruk, Brendan Gaunce, Alex Grenier, Alex Friesen and Andrey Pedan, who play on Vancouver-affiliate team the Utica Comets.
The young star with the greatest potential is centre Bo Horvat, who Burrows supports fully.
"He's unbelievable - he does everything right for a 20-year-old. His work ethic, the way he prepares and takes care of his body and approaches the game as like a true pro. It's fun to watch," said Burrows, according to the Province. "I can easily see a future captain in Bo. He's going to have a lot of good years in Vancouver."
Burrows spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks. He has not scored a goal in 23 games, and only five in 43 games.
