Rypien is The Next Burrows

On Wednesday, Rick Rypien signed a two year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks worth a total of $1.1 million. At an average of $550,000 per season, it’s a bargain for a player who possesses more skill and talent than he’s given credit for. Fostering talent in unforeseen sources is something the most consistent, successful NHL franchises do, and the Canucks finally seem to be catching on.

In the space of 3 seasons, Alex Burrows has gone from being a fourth liner to one of the Canucks’ leading goal scorers, playing on the top line with the Sedins twins. This transformation has been based largely on hard work and desire, but also on his unrecognized talent level. Rypien, for his part, may be even more capable than Burrows. He possesses great puckhandling skills and speed which he combines with poise and vision. Given a chance to play in a more offensive role, Rypien will be able to produce.

Unfortunately, this skill could all go to waste if he continues his string of injury luck. Since signing with the Canucks in 2005, Rypien has broken his leg and thumb, torn his groin, and suffered a sports hernia. His lack of durability was likely the most significant contributing factor in the relatively low contract. Although the signing leaves both money and term on the table, you can bet both sides will be overjoyed if Rick Rypien is demanding a hefty raise in two years time.