It’s a sad day for Canucks fans.
You slayed the dragon, shot arrows to the heavens and never backed down. Thank you Burr. pic.twitter.com/ky47j9fDtR
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 27, 2017
It’s a sad day not because Vancouver has traded Alex Burrows – it was a move that needed to be made – but because of all the memories he made in 12 seasons with the Canucks.
See also
- Farewell Alex Burrows, you will be missed
- How Canucks fans reacted to the Alex Burrows trade
- Sens fans aren't happy about the Alex Burrows trade
- Meet new Canucks centre Jonathan Dahlen, the player traded for Alex Burrows
- The Larscheiders: Canucks supporters group honours a broadcasting legend
Two days ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the Vancouver Canucks have traded Alex Burrows to the Ottawa Senators.
Looks like 2 x 2.5 for burrows in Ottawa. #canucks
— Dan Murphy (@sportsnetmurph) February 27, 2017
Burrows had to waive his no-trade clause to get the deal done. The Senators have reportedly signed the soon to be 36-year-old to a two-year contract extension worth $2.5 million per season.
“We would also like to thank Alex, Nancy, and their three children for their incredible commitment to this team and community for over a decade,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a media release. “Alex is a consummate professional and has been a leader for us throughout his career in Vancouver. We wish him and his family the very best.”
In return, the Canucks will receive centre Jonathan Dahlen, the 42nd overall pick in last year’s NHL Draft.
“Jonathan is a very skilled player with natural goal scoring instincts,” Benning said. “He’s had a terrific season playing in Sweden and was a big part of Sweden’s offence at the World Juniors. His offensive upside combined with his willingness to go to difficult areas of the ice will make him a valuable player for our organization moving forward.”
From an undrafted player out of the ECHL to a 35-goal scorer and a key member of back-to-back Presidents’ Trophy winning teams, Canucks fans have seen Burrows grow up right in front of their eyes.
With 822 games in a Canucks uniform, Burrows ranks sixth on the all-time franchise games played list behind only the Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Trevor Linden, Stan Smyl, and Markus Naslund.
He has certainly slowed down in recent years, but the gritty winger has had a renaissance season this year, scoring 20 points (9-11-20) in 55 games.
A move to Ottawa puts Burrows close to his hometown in Montreal. It also reunites him with his first NHL coach, Marc Crawford, who is an assistant with the Senators.