When the free agency market opened up, Patrik Allvin was quite busy. While his summer was mainly highlighted by the Carson Soucy, Ian Cole, Teddy Blueger and Pius Suter signings, signing a local product wasn't discussed much. Still, the Canucks also added the veteran Matt Irwin.
Irwin comes with the Canucks after he's been with six other NHL franchises and has cumulated a load of experience. Irwin comes in on a one-year deal at $775K, being fully aware of what his role in the lineup is going to be. He was interviewed today and asked to give his first thoughts on the team; his answer may represent what this team has been lacking for some time:
Currently slotted as an extra defenceman, Irwin intends on coming with intensity and upping the pace. As he stated, if he comes to the rink daily with the idea of taking one of the six d-men's spots, the internal competition will raise everybody's intensity and tempo, which can only benefit Tocchet's man.
Irwin, a Brentwood Bay native, joins the team with over 450 games. He'll add some much-needed experience within a young and d-core.
