Player Discussion Vincent Desharnais

[Laodongxi]

His ability to play very physical and not take penalties often should have a positive effect come playoff time. You're right, he's made himself firmly an NHL defenseman

Yes, for sure! Maybe he could also develop his fighting techniques and scrum techniques so players would not be as keen to engage him so often. He's still got some serious potential.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Pretty remarkable story. Counted out at every level he's played at from midget age to present day yet grinds to find a way to make teams and continue to grow in responsibilities and ice-time. No short cut taken. A story and person which is easy to cheer for. Worthy of the Masterton Trophy nomination. Well done Vinnie. Well done.

As for contract re-signing this is a bit of a tightrope walk. We're talking a right shot prime years d-man with elite size, PK specialization on a strong team, cycle breaker with developing game that's refining rough spots. Within squinting eye shot range, left shot late developer Steeler got contract length and term at $2.7 mill per season. I don't expect Desharnais to sign for anything less than $1.5 million with a 3 year security blanket or gulp maybe stretching to 4 year to drag AAV. He's also bet on himself to beat long odds to secure an NHL job. Seems viable to wait until free agency to bet on the market.

There's a premium on right-shot d-men. Anything under $2 million per year will be a win win I think for player and team imo.