Veteran Forward Owen Nolan Looking for One More Shot with Canucks

Veteran Forward Owen Nolan Looking for One More Shot with Canucks
John Nestor

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Owen Nolan is looking for one last shot at playing in the NHL and the Vancouver Canucks are going to see what they can get out of the veteran forward.

The 39-year-old Nolan has played in 1,200 games over 19 seasons, tallying 422 goals to go along with 463 assists and a reputation as a hard-nosed power forward.

Though he has accomplished much, Nolan is not ready to hang up the skates and is fighting for a roster spot with the defending Western Conference champions.

"I feel I can help a team, whether it's 20 minutes a game or three minutes a game," Noaln said. "I'm willing to take any role. I love playing and I love competing. And I'm just not ready to say it's enough."

It appears that nine forwards including Nolan are competing for two or three spots on the Vancouver roster. Something about the veteran must intrigue Vancouver because when Nolan put word out that he wanted another shot at the NHL, the Canucks offered him a tryout.

The Canucks are looking to revamp their fourth line this season and with Raffi Torres and Tanner Glass gone, Nolan could provide the team with some much-needed grit.

Nolan should get a long look in camp as the Canucks gauge what he has left.

He played last season in Zurich, scoring 26 points in 24 games and is happy to get another shot.

"I was trying to stay game-ready, hoping for that one phone call," he said.

The Canucks called, now Nolan has to show he's the answer.