Moose Graduates

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily shared by the Manitoba Moose or the True North Sports and Entertainment organization in general.

Although there are no sweltering black dresses, or frilly tassles on top of square black hats, the graduation of a hockey player out of the minor-leagues and into the major leagues loses none of it's luster. It marks the end of a job, and the beginning of a career. Although some of the following players are not currently playing in the NHL, all their rights are owned by the Vancouver Canucks, and as such there's a very realistic possibilty they will all play in the NHL. One thing is for sure: their careers with the Moose have almost certainly ended, and they have all left their mark on both the franchise, and the most important group of people: you, the fans. So if you have ever wondered: hey, what ever happened to that guy!? This (hopefully) will be your resource to the graduated Moose players that you want to know more about.

Josh Green

Josh Green enjoyed his best season in the AHL with the Moose in 04/05, in that season he had a respectable 21 goals and 19 assists that had Canuck management watching him more closely. Green was a mainstay with the Canuck's after a callup in 05/06. He now remains a pivotal player with the team, and fan support of his play grows stronger after ever penalty-kill. That is after all, where his best hockey is played, Green is arguably (other than Luongo) one of our best penalty-killers, his tenacious attitude means he's always after the puck, and regularly disrupts plays. He also has fabulous control of a hockey players best asset: the stick. Many a time has he foiled an Iginla scoring chance or Gaborik breakaway with an underappreciated poke-check. His sound defensive play, physical attitude and mental state, and PK prowess will always outweigh the point production as a fourth liner, and will save him a seat on the Canuck bench for years to come.

This year: A few teammate-caused injuries side-lined Green for a good while this year and hindered his chance at a true break-out year. He suited up for 57 games in the regular season and tallied 2 goals and 5 assists along the way. His ice-time has stayed the same throughout the year at 11 minutes per coupled with an average of 17 shifts. As stated above his main role was as a 4th line grinder/ PK specialist, he did everything that was asked of him including converting on a chance to win a SO game vs. the Panthers. Green is one of those role players that can make a big difference in a long playoff series, so look to him to prove his worth in the coming weeks once he returns to the lineup.

Alexandre Burrows

Alexandre Burrows has won over many a heart in Vancouver, except for those he plays against. His foes hate him, and that's a good thing, since playing his first game as a Canuck Alex knew he wouldn't be able to score enough goals to stay in the lineup that way, so he altered his game to mimic a little known agitator named Matt Cooke. And the rest as they say, is history, you can expect him to be in some star players face every game, and draw one, maybe two penalties each game, which subsequently puts the 'nucks on the PP. But other than simply ticking guys off, he has a fair amount of skill, his feet are always moving and he often reaches the puck before the defender, which makes him a very strong back-checker. Although goals aren't coming easily for him, he's taken his role and sprinted with it, becoming one of the best energy players on the team and super-pests in the division.

This year: The offensive production has not been there this year for Alex, despite notching 2 of the Canucks most beautiful goals of the year. With just 3 goals and 6 assists in 81 games he fell into a typical sophomore slump. Like Green, he sees an average of 11 minutes per game and is 42% in the face-off circle. Also like Green, Alex has become a competent grindger and PK specialist, his speed and energy is often utilized late on the penalty-kill when the regulars begin to get tired, what he does in the playoffs is yet to be seen, but you can expect he'll earn one or two cuts on the face along the way.

Kevin Bieksa

Kevin Bieksa has really come into his own this year. A real breakout year for him, he has shown he has a very capable mix of defensive capabilities, physical presence, a mean streak, and a deceptively strong shot from the point. He has given Vancouver a very strong shutdown defensive pairing along with BC boy Willie Mitchell, they can always be seen going up against the best lines in the Northwest division, and usually putting the blanket on the fire. Kevin has welcomed his role with the Canucks, he understands he is not expected to pop in 10-15 goals, but he does it anyway, he understands he does not need to fight, but he does it anyway, and he understands he does not have to smile all the time, but he does it anyway. What more could you ask? Many fans are even commenting that they believe Bieksa is the Canucks current MVP, due to his rise from obscurity, his dedication and intensity.

This year: The accolades keep rolling in for Kevin, after being named the team's Best Defenseman and the team's Unsung Hero he was also named to ESPN's all underrated team, and Pierre McGuire's 2007 "Monster" team. He finished the regular season with 12 goals and 30 assists he was also 2nd on the team in Ice Time and Shifts per game, he's 19th among NHL d-men in goals, 27th in assists and 24th in points.

Ryan Kesler

There was alot of expectations for young Ryan Kesler when he was drafted by the Canucks, he was a standout for America at the World Juniors, and had some very good years both at Ohio State, and with the US National Development Program. In his first professional year in hockey he split time with the Moose and Canucks, it was a mediocre season, and fans were willing to look the other way since he was a rookie. Then that lockout thing hit, and the door was opened for Ryan to really prove he was worth being selected over the likes of Corey Perry, Mike Richards, and Jeff Tambellini. He had 30 goals in 70+ games and was finally ready to take the leap into the big boys league. But his shoes were tied up and he fell flat on his face. Only managing ten goals in his first full year in the NHL, he was praised for his hard work and very strong fore checking, but the Canuck organization did not want good defensive play from him, he needed goals, and he failed to deliver them.

This year: A bad hip injury has sidelined Kesler for almost half the year. Before he was injured he had tallied 6 goals and 10 assists playing as the team's 3rd-line center and #1 PK forward. Unfortunately for Ryan he was injured right before the Canucks ridiculous late-season charge and missed a terrific opportunity to better his game. He is expected to return to the lineup during the 1st round of the playoffs, and his fresh legs and drive to succeed after a long-term injury could propel his game.

Where are they now? Former prominent Moose players

Jason King

Jason King spent much time in Winnipeg, and almost all current fans will remember his beautiful passes, great hands, and goal-scorers goals, but unfortunately he walked out of Canuck camp this year and instantly signed in Sweden. Reports were he was not satisfied with the Canucks 2-way contract offer, and declined it. He is currently with Skelleftea of the SEL (Swedish Elite League) he has put up modest numbers of 15 goals and 4 assists in 55 games. For those of you who are wondering what his future holds, his walk-out of camp does not put him in a very flattering light with the Canucks organization. He was a 7th round pick, and he does not have much in terms of bargaining chips which may mean the chances of him being traded away during the transfer window (June) are a real possibility. Many fans however are holding out hope of a return, there is no doubt in anyone's mind that he can score goals, the only question is what sacrifices is he willing to make in order to reach the stage where he can do it for an NHL team.

Kirill Koltsov

Kirill Koltsov was a Moose for a season and a half, during that time nobody questioned his offensive abilities, but his defensive skills were never his strength. Since leaving the Moose he has spent much time in his home Russia, and is finally a well-rounded hockey player. His season with Avangard Omsk just finished as his team was bounced in the 3rd round of the playoffs. He finished the regular season with 9 goals and 31 assists in 51 games. In the playoffs he had 3 goals and 3 assists in 11 games, both sets are respectable numbers. His best chance at cracking an NHL lineup is this upcoming offseason, he has stated before he will play in the NHL, he just does not know for which team. During his time in Russia he significantly improved his defensive prowess but whether or not it is enough to earn him a full-time gig in the NHL is yet to be seen. However many people believe if given an opportunity in the correct system (such as the Canucks) that his defensive liabilities will vanish considering there is so much emphasis on that very aspect of each players game. One thing that is certain right now, Koltsov is the considered the best defenseman currently playing in Europe, and those kinds of guys don't fall into your organization very often.

Jozef Balej

Jozef Balej did not spend long in Manitoba, but he should be remembered for his offensive talents, he has real upside as a quality third or even average second liner. After his strong half-season with Manitoba, he entered the summer with high hopes for a contract. He was given a qualifying offer by the Canucks this past summer, but for some reason unknown to the fans he decided instead to play in Switzerland for Fribourg-Gotteron, this was a real head-scratcher, but dwelling on it did no good. His season with Fribourg is over and he finished up with 17 goals and 18 assists in 41 games.. It is not known whether or not Balej is interested in coming back over the pond. If he is, he will be welcomed with open arms, but may see a 2-way contract put in front of him as a safety procedure by the Canucks, if he performs well then in future years he should be able to secure a one-way NHL contract. His fight back from a life-threatening kidney ailment is commendable, this may have factored into his decision to play in Switzerland, a league that is not as rough and hard as the NHL game, or even the AHL game.