Sports

Former Canuck David Booth returns to NHL after two years in Russia

by Nathan Caddell on October 3rd, 2017 at 7:35 PM
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      David Booth came to Vancouver in a trade that was lauded at the time as a major coup for the Canucks. The winger was part of one of the many deals in recent memory between the Canucks and the Florida Panthers, and he came to Vancouver in October of 2011, when the sting of losing in the Cup Final was still fresh. Booth was viewed as a scoring forward who might be able to help the Canucks get to the promised land. 

      Booth had put up 60 points in 72 games in 2008-09, and while many observers thought he still had something left in the tank, it appears now that Florida was right to sell the Detroit native after he scored 40 points in 82 games during the 2010-11 campaign. GM Mike Gillis must have thought he was getting a power forward who would be able to re-energize the squad. In reality, the speedy Booth was a disappointment in Vancouver, costing the Canucks fan favourite Mikael Samuelsson and getting his costly contract bought out by the team after failing to hit 30 points in a Vancouver uniform. 

      In retrospect, it's not even his on-ice play that first comes to mind when thinking of the player's time in Vancouver, but rather this tweet. 

      Not too many NHLers can say that they pissed off environmental activists during their career, but here we are. 

      But Booth seems to be remembered by Canucks' fans at least somewhat fondly. Maybe it's the fact that his acquisition happened when the team was still a Western Conference powerhouse, and he'll forever be associated with that. Or maybe his easy-going attitude isn't forgotten.

      Whatever the reason, Canucks fans might get a chance to see the forward again when the team faces off against the Detroit Red Wings. Booth has signed a two-way deal with his hometown team (which means he can be sent down to the American Hockey League at any time) for the upcoming season. 

      After spending two seasons in Russia, Booth came to Red Wings camp determined to land a spot on the fourth line. While the Red Wings won't be high in the standings this year, making the NHL is an accomplishment as veteran players that spend more than one year away from the league usually don't get to return (unless they are Jaromir Jagr). 

      Here's hoping he has good luck shooting (the puck). 

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