Linden Vey has accepted the Vancouver Canucks' qualifying offer that will pay him $735,000 if he plays in the NHL and $67,500 if he plays in Utica.
Given that it's a 2-way deal, here's a useful tidbit of information:
Vey's agent, Tim Hodgson, tried for one-way deal, but notes that Vey would have to clear waivers to be sent to minors. #Canucks
— Brad Ziemer (@BradZiemer) July 14, 2014Hat tip to Canuck89 for posting that in the comment section.
Jim Benning acquired the 22 year-old right wing/center in this year's draft for a second round pick. Vey, primarily a playmaker, had 5 assists in his first 18 NHL games last season for the Los Angeles Kings while averaging 12:08 of icetime. One of those assists came against the Canucks (thank you, Province):
Quite impressive were his 14 goals and 48 points in 43 games for the Manchester Monarchs last season.
Here are some of his highlights from last season in the AHL:
Where Vey ends up in the Canucks' lineup is a hot topic for discussion. Some say second line center, which Benning has said goes to Nick Bonino. Maybe he anchors line 3. Maybe he goes to the wing if Bo Horvat cracks the club. But one thing that Tony Gallagher had pointed out is that Vey will be a huge asset as a right-handed center on defensive zone draws.
Vey averaged 55 seconds per game on the penalty kill with the Kings and 1:27 of power play time on ice. He had a shorthanded assist and power play assist. He won 44.4% of his 124 faceoffs taken with the Kings. He did not register many hits (2), blocked shots (1) or even shots taken (8) in his 18 games with the Kings.
Linden Vey's fancy stats can be viewed here at Extrastats.com.
Yankee Canuck had pointed out a couple weeks back in his post about Vey:
His WHL team (Medicine Hat Tigers) should ring a bell since our next best hope Willie Desjardins was his coach for four seasons, including their WHL championship season in 2006. Surely WD tipped the boss off on the new guy as the Canucks continue their team makeover.
Hockey's Future's take:
The Wakaw, Saskatchewan native is of average size and weight, but delivers above average results in most facets of the game. He is a leader and a grit player who inspires with a solid work ethic. His continued improvement in all three zones and special teams play has helped him raise his stock as a legitimate two-way center option.
Vey's career stats: