Patrick Wiercioch, formerly of the Colorado Avalanche, has signed a one year deal with the Vancouver Canucks worth $650,000. The 26 year old defencemen has spent six seasons in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators and the Colorado Avalanche.
#Canucks announce D Patrick Wiercioch gets 1-year, $650K.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2017
Patrick Wiercioch Signs with Vancouver Canucks
Wiercioch was an unrestricted free agent after the season. Wiercioch has never been a great offensive defenseman. He had just 4 goals goals and 12 points in 57 games this past season. His best season offensively came with the Ottawa Senators in the 2013-2014 season when he had four goals and 23 points. For his career, he has 16 goals and 74 points through 268 games played. Wiercioch is a lot better in his own zone and suppresses shots very well. He was consistently one of the Senators best relative possession players, frequently surpassing even Erik Karlsson.
Wiercioch has had a hard time taking hold in the NHL during his career. The most games he has played in an NHL season is 57 this past season with Colorado. He found himself a healthy-scratch on repeated occasions. This new contract gives Wiercioch a fresh start on a team that may be more likely to employ him consistently.
Wiercioch will likely be used as a bottom pairing defenseman on the Canucks, just like how he was in Colorado. His best assets are his first-pass, ability to keep the puck in the offensive-zone, and drive possession. With the right deployment, Wiercioch can make the bottom pairing blossom.
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