Canucks Depth Chart: Rypien and Bieksa Snubbed, injuries or trade TBA?

Well, its almost midnight in Victoria, BC and I should be doing my readings for school, but some things just can’t be ignored. Thanks to a fellow Puckhead, I came across what seems to be a couple of major mistakes or a serious indication of a shift in the Vancouver Canucks lineup.

Rypien and Bieksa Snubbed, Trade Or Injury To Be Announced?

Above is a direct screen shot of the Canucks official Depth Chart, as listed on their website. The first three lines seem normal, Shirokov will get his shot on the second line in Pavol Demitra’s absence, and Burrows will be the third Sedin just as he was at the end of last season. The fourth line unfortunately leaves out Rick “The Pit Bull” Rypien, who has been said to be out with the flu, but if that is all that is keeping him out of the lineup, then it doesn’t warrant a move down on the depth chart does it? So Rypien is hurt, the Canucks aren’t letting out the information yet, and I’m going to be cursing pre season injuries or Rypien really is in danger of losing his fourth line roster spot to Tanner Glass. I admit Glass had a good camp, but no one fights or hits like Rypien does, I think I have stressed that enough already. I couldn’t understand Rypien losing his spot to Glass based on their play, no matter how hard Gillis or Vigneault would try and spin it.

But wait, there’s more! Just as frustrating as an infomercial; Kevin Bieksa (My second favourite Canuck behind Rypien!) is listed as the seventh defensemen. Now, I have no way to explain that move, other than a potential trade to move salary. Speculation of a trade involving Kevin Bieksa has been going on for almost a year, and every time I hear it I curse the heathen who dare mutter “trade” and “Bieksa” in the same sentence. For now, I will stay optimistic than they may have left Bieksa at the seven spot because Rome will be starting on opening night for a last tryout, or to shop him during a couple regular season games in order to trade him, but I worry I might not see Bieksa live this year, which would hurt a little, deep down. It’s already bad enough Hodgson didn’t impress, I’m still not over it.  So here’s hoping that the Canucks’ IT guy is getting three lashings with a wet noodle for messing up the depth chart, I’ll try and stay positive as the hype builds for Thursday night.

Thanks to Neil via Facebook for heads up.