The Province
March 11, 2001
By Terry Bell

The Canucks got a little better with Friday's acquisition of defenceman Drake Berehowsky in a trade with Nashville. And a little more mysterious.

Berehowsky's arrival raises short- and long-term questions.

The Canucks plan to re-sign Berehowsky this summer, but if they do will there be room for Murray Baron, whose three-year deal ends on July1? And will Berehowsky's arrival mean a shuttle to Kansas City for impressive rookie defenceman Bryan Allen?

Allen was already a healthy scratch against the Maple Leafs at GM Place Saturday night.

"That's a good question,'' said Baron, 33, when asked about his situation. "I'll wait until the summer to see how things turn out. Right now it's not a concern. With14 games left, that is the last thing on my mind right now.

"It's a good move getting Drake. He'll help the team.''

Baron is earning $2 million US this year. The rest of the veterans on the back end -- Ed Jovanovski, Mattias Ohlund and Scott Lachance -- are signed through at least next season.

We'll sort that out,'' said Burke when asked about the depth on the blueline and Baron's future here. "It's a nice dilemma for a GM.''

As for Allen, Burke said the Canucks will decide soon if they'll keep him or send him to the Blades.

Allen has played well in six games. He hasn't looked out of place in the NHL but he's getting just 9:20 of ice time, and with the in Kansas City he'll get more than double that.

"The question will be his development,'' said Burke. "Defence is a difficult position and takes time to learn. It's much more complex than forward.''

The Canucks don't want to ease Allen into the lineup if it means significantly less ice time for Jovanovski and Ohlund.

Allen, impressive for the poise he shows on the ice, is poised off ice as well.

"I understand that totally,'' said Allen of any preference the Canucks might have for experienced players. "It's a key time of year and they have to get wins.

"We'll just wait and see what happens. I'd like to stay as long as I can. I don't think it (a demotion) would be a disappointment ... well, it might be a little bit. I've been learning something every day.''

Allen knows he's wanted. After his name surfaced with Brendan Morrison's last week in trade rumours involving Buffalo's Mike Peca, Burke called both players and told them not to worry.

"He's a presence,'' said Jovanovski of Berehowsky. "He'll be much needed in the playoffs. He's a big guy who moves the puck well and has a good shot.

"If you can use all six defencemen each and every night it's a good team.''

"He'll be a big help, especially not having to give up anything,'' said captain Markus Naslund, referring to the second-round pick Burke sent Nashville. "He'll make our team better.''



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