According to Sportsnet.ca, the Vancouver Canucks are close to signing offensive defenceman Mathieu Schneider. The deal is reportedly for 1 year. This would be good move for the Canucks who need an offensive minded dman to help run the powerplay. Despite his age, Schneider is still a capable NHL defenceman.
The 41 year old Schneider is coming off a season split between Atlanta and Montreal. During his 44 games in Atlanta, he struggled a bit recording only 15 points and was a -10 (no surprise on the -10 as he was in Atlanta). Schneider had more success in Montreal where he posted 17 points in 23 games.
The Canucks have been looking to add a offensive defenceman for most of the off-season, and where supposedly one of the teams that was interested Tomas Kaberle. Kaberle’s no-trade clause kicked back in on the 15th, so the Canucks were forced to look elsewhere.
#1 by Jeff at August 25th, 2009
I am very surprised that he wasnt more in demand. He played very well with Montreal.
#2 by Derek at August 25th, 2009
Safe to say that his age is the main reason he wasn’t more in demand.