Some time ago, we here at Pass it to Bulis committed to reporting on and explaining every single cut made by the Canucks at training camp.
This was foolish, as it now means that I have the great pleasure of explaining why defenceman Guillaume Brisebois and Dmitry Zhukenov have been sent back to the QMJHL. Here goes: they're not ready. Also: it's possible the Canucks only just noticed the two were still here.
There's no shame in being sent home, especially for these two. Brisebois and Zhukenov are new to the Canucks organization, having both been selected in the most recent entry draft. (Brisebois was a third-round pick, Zhukenov a fourth.) And while they're on the right track, what with that whole getting drafted by a team business, they've still got a long road before they reach the NHL.
I'm pulling for Brisebois especially, since he's got some big shoes to fill: Eddie Lack's, to be specific. Brisebois is the result of the Eddie Lack trade, which netted the Canucks the pick they used to take him. He knows the pressure's on to be even more popular somehow:
“Yeah, I knew who he was,” Brisebois said Friday. “And I know people love him in Vancouver. I am OK with that. I will do my best and one day maybe I will be one of the fans’ favourites in Vancouver.”
Maybe. But for now, Brisebois will have to settle for being a fan favourite for Acadie-Bathurst.
As for Zhukenov, he heads back to Chicoutimi, where he's been told to work on his strength and defensive game. In this way, he is different from all other prospects.
