Canucks Midseason Marks: The Top Six Forwards

(Contributions from Richard Loat and Matt Lee.)

Now that the Canucks have reached the official halfway point of the 2010/2011 season, we take a look back and give the players their midseason marks.

Photo credit: CBC.ca

Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin: What can be said for one Sedin can be said for the other. They are both on pace for 100-point years. Daniel is on pace for 50 goals and 108 points, which would shatter his career-best of 36 goals and 85 points. Henrik recorded 83 assists last season en route to his Hart and Art Ross trophies; this season, he’s on pace for 90 assists. No one thought they could repeat last year’s level of play, and so far, they’re proving everyone wrong.

Grade: A

Alex Burrows: Burrows was set back by an injury and still looks like he’s getting back in sync. He knows better than anyone where to find the Sedins on the ice and he’s far from lost that magic with them. He’s performed below expectations to start the season but down the stretch is when we need him and he has plenty more games to start clicking at the rate he was last season. At a $2 million cap hit, Burrows is one of the cheapest top-six forwards in the league. As a 35-goal scorer who plays in every situation, he’s also easily the most versatile player on the team.

Grade: B

Mason Raymond: After scoring 25 goals in his third year with the Canucks, Raymond was signed to a two-year pact for a moderate $2.55M yearly stipend, expected to build on his career season. However, mired with hand and thumb injuries, it’s been a sub-par first half for the flashy and speedy one. If he stays healthy, he’ll be better.

Grade: C+

Ryan Kesler: With very little argument, Kesler’s been the Canucks’ MVP. 23 goals to date with the outside chance of getting 50, he’s en route to obliterating his previous career high of 26 while still being one of, if not the best two-way forward in the league.

Grade: A+

Jeff Tambellini: Back on July 1, the hype was around the team signing Dan Hamhuis to the big contract. Few even knew that Tambellini signed a one-year, $500k deal. After being a fringe NHLer until the age of 26, everyone’s favourite Port Moody native is on pace for 22 goals this year.

Grade: B