Canucks’ newcomer Travis Boyd buoyed by the opportunity to put up points
Travis Boyd is intriguing. So is Jimmy Vesey.
The unrestricted free-agent forwards were waiver-wire claims by the Vancouver Canucks in a one-week period of roster reflection earlier this month. How they figure into future club plans depends on what transpires before or during the National Hockey League trade deadline April 12.
Boyd practised on a line with Brandon Sutter and Tyler Motte on Tuesday, and was also on the second power-play alignment, in advance of his Canucks debut Wednesday against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena. After a mandatory seven-day COVID-19 protocol quarantine in a downtown hotel after flying from Toronto, Boyd is obviously buoyed by the opportunity.
He had eight points (3-5) in 20 games this season with the Maple Leafs and averaged 9:40 of ice time as a fourth-liner. The 6-foot, 190 pound Hopkins, Minn., native has 39 points (11-28) in 105 career NHL games with the Leafs and Washington Capitals, but has rarely played a significant role.
Boyd has never scored more than five goals in an NHL season, but the sixth-round 2011 pick of the Capitals can play centre and wing.
“I’ve been on some good teams with a lot of good players and it’s hard to move up the lineup, or even stay in it consistently,” the 27-year-old Boyd said following practice. “I truly believe I’m an every-day NHL player and this is a big opportunity to take advantage and establish myself.”
Skating on the second power-play unit could provide another reminder that there’s more to his game that just grinding away on a third line and expected to think defence first and be good in transition. Being familiar with former teammates in J.T. Miller, Braden Holtby, Jay Beagle and Nate Schmidt has also helped to break the new-guy ice.
In six career playoff games with the Capitals, Boyd had a goal and appeared in one game during Washington’s Stanley Cup title run in 2018. He also logged 221 regular season American Hockey League games with the Hershey Bears and had 172 points (57-115). He collected three goals and 14 assists in 33 career Calder Cup playoff games with the Bears, who advanced to the 2016 Calder Cup final.
“I just want to play and help the team win,” said Boyd. “For me, it’s just moving my feet and when I’m at my best, I can produce offensively and make a good amount of plays. It comes from working hard and bringing that effort every single night. And when you have a chance to make a play, don’t be afraid. Have the confidence to execute.”
The power play might be the ticket.
“I’ve played it quite a bit in every season I’ve been in the NHL,” said Boyd, who was on the half wall during power-play practice. “Very comfortable being there and excited to get some reps. I think I’m an offensive player and when I’m put in situations like the power play to make something happen, I can do that.”
One thing Boyd couldn’t anticipate was how to handle isolation of a quarantine in a new city and new surroundings.
“It was kind of tough, but that’s the world we live in,” said Boyd. “I ended up timing it well with the team being off and I really didn’t miss a whole lot, just one game and a few practices. It was a little weird to do a quarantine and not leave the room and do workouts in the hotel room.”
Travis Green crossed paths with Boyd in the AHL when the Canucks’ coach was patrolling the Utica Comets bench. He has seen him show an offensive flair.
“There’s a reason we put him there (power play),” said Green. “He’s a skilled player and has good hands. Any time you’re looking at a power-play player, you’re looking at their smarts as well and if they’re capable of playing it. He’s got a chance and we’re looking to gain some traction with our second unit and he might be able to help.
“Our scouts have been watching him and he’s a guy they talked about in the past. I’ve watched a little bit of video on him and liked what I saw. It’s a good pick-up and I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
In Boyd and Vesey, the Canucks could be thinking a bottom-six reset next season with a healthier roster.
Vesey doesn’t look out of place on the first power-play unit and has also killed penalties with Miller. At the down-low position in mosh-pits, he has recovered pucks, set screens and tips and is effective at even strength. Sustainability will be his litmus test.
OVERTIME —
Centre
Elias Pettersson
(wrist) is still skating on his own after being injured March 1 in Winnipeg and trying to play through pain the next night in the Manitoba capital. “He played a game and kind of felt it a little bit and we didn’t think it was going to be this long,” said Green. “It hasn’t got any better to a point where he can play and he’s going to be out for a few more games at least.” Green added surgery hasn’t been broached. “We feel like he’s going to make a recovery.”
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