While the signing of Kiefer Sherwood this summer wasn't one of the biggest moves made in the NHL, or even by the Vancouver Canucks, one former Canuck thinks the forward will have a huge impact on the team's success.
Derek Dorsett, who played parts of 4 seasons with the Canucks before injuries forced his retirement, made a career off the back of being a bottom six grinder who would put his body on the line and do whatever is necessary to get the win.
Now, more than 5 years removed from professional hockey, Dorsett sees a little of himself in Sherwood.
In an interview with The Province, Dorsett commended Sherwood's game and says he could be the 'missing link' in Vancouver.
Every team needs a guy like that. And he'll keep evolving with confidence.
- Derek Dorsett
Sherwood currently leads the league with 32 hits in 5 games, and he's added 2 points while only ending up with 4 penalty minutes even with the physical style he brings.
Dorsett says during his 515 NHL games, he found a role as a penalty killer and energy player to avoid being pigeonholed as simply a fourth line enforcer.
Speaking to The Province, Sherwood said he always admired how hard Dorsett had to work to earn his place in the league, and he sees that in himself.
It's all about winning and I'll do whatever it takes. Dorsett had to scrap and claw for everything he got out of the game and I always respected him from afar... I try to model my game after that feistiness and pit-bull mentality.
His coach Rick Tocchet also compared him to Conor Garland, calling both of them 'motor players'.
The Canucks will be happy to have him in the lineup for playoffs this year, rather than facing him in round 1 as they did last season.
