Mason Raymond won't be back for Opening Night in the Canucks regular season. The forward was slammed into the boards by Boston Bruin Johnny Boychuk in game 6 of the Stanley Cup final. It kept him out of the rest of game 6 and game 7. The thing that probably anger's most Canuck fans is that Boychuk did not receive a penalty? Raymond had passed the puck to Ryan Kesler well before Boychuk checked him. Meaning that Boychuk had no reason to be checking Rayomnd, he didn't have the puck anymore. It stirs the pot so to speak because Canuck Aaron Rome was suspended in game 3 of the final, for the remainder of the season with a late hit to Boston Bruin Nathan Horton leaving him with a concussion. Rome suspension, Boychuk nothing. If you want to see the hit check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmnPjjLajFw
The league did instate a new rule this year, Rule 41, to help protect defenceless players. Like all rules in the NHL rule 41 has breathing room. It is open for interpretation, depending on the play.
Good News for Canucks 1st round draft pick Nicklas Jensen! Jensen was offered a 3 year entry level contract. Signed and sealed keep an eye on this Danish forward in the years to come. In true 1st round draft pick form Jensen showed off his skill with 2 points in the preseason opening game against the Calgary Flames.