Latest on P.K. Subban, Radim Vrbata, Tobias Enstrom, Connor McDavid and more in your NHL Canadian Corner.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Although the Canadiens players voted Max Pacioretty as their new captain, Jack Todd believes P.K. Subban would’ve been a better choice because he’s more exciting and fun.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the players in the dressing room know who the best player is to lead them. I doubt it will affect Subban, who skates as an alternate captain. Besides, everyone knows the real leader of the Canadiens is Carey Price.
THE PROVINCE: Veteran winger Radim Vrbata, who brought depth to the Vancouver Canucks’ second line last season, isn’t ruling out re-signing with the club this season. He’s an unrestricted free agent next summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrbata was also the Canucks MVP last season. Another performance like that and I can see management inking the 34-year-old to a two- or three-year extension worth around the same salary ($5 million annually) that he’s currently making. Yes, another solid outing will also enhance his trade value, but if he’s keen to stay, the Canucks could keep him.
WINNIPEG SUN: After injuries sidelined him for 22 games last season, Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom is healthy and looking forward to 2015-16.
EDMONTON SUN: Connor McDavid had two assists as the Oilers rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames in split-squad preseason action. Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens was solid between the pipes in the other contest,as his squad skated to a 3-1 win over the Flames.
CALGARY SUN: New Flames Michael Frolik and Dougie Hamilton are quickly fitting in with their new teammates. Frolik joined the Flames this summer via free agency, while Hamilton was acquired in a trade with the Boston Bruins.
THE STAR/OTTAWA CITIZEN: The Toronto Maple Leafs won both of their split-squad preseason games on Monday against the Ottawa Senators. P.A. Parenteau scored twice for the Leafs in one of those games.
Its weird tosee Babcock behind the bench.
I watched the game in Toronto last night and just finnished up watching the game in Ottawa this morning…kids looked pretty good for the Leafs Nylander Kadri and bBrown were all pretty impressive, not that ot means much in the first preseason split squad game but impressive is better than not.