Raymond feeling the heat

When it comes to followers of the Canucks, the one skill they have certainly honed over the years is an ability to focus.

In October it was all about Roberto Luongo. In November, it was Luongo and Cory Schneider. In December, it was Cody Hodgson's ice time. In January, it was Ryan Kesler and how he used his teammates.

Mix in a couple weeks of the Sedins slump, some angst over the blueline and Sami Salo, who by the way is looking like he could use a day or a week off, and you get to here. http://blogs.theprovince.com/2012/02/22/mason-raymond-feeling-the-heat/

Shacks' Take: Raymond is in an odd spot, not enough finish to be a quality top six forward, not enough size to be a great third line player.  He's kind of the ultimate filler player, one that can slot in and cover any position when there are injuries but he doesn't quite have the right mix of skills for any long term success at any spot. 

Eventually the Canucks will have to move Raymond, whether at the trade deadline or the off-season his contract makes him too costly for a guy that doesn't quite fit.  I'll bet he becomes like Brendan Morrison in his last few years, good enough to play, fills a role, looks good for a while but sooner or later his team will trade him because they think they need an upgrade and another team will happily take him because his diversity will help a playoff run or they think can get him to regain his form.  Raymond is a useful but ultimately unsatisfying player.