Traded to the Vancouver Canucks in the trade sending Bo Horvat to the Islanders at the end of January, Anthony Beauvillier arrived in British Columbia only one week after his coach Rick Tocchet. Quickly, the one who took the place of Bruce Boudreau trusted the former Shawinigan Cataractes.
In 28 games in Vancouver, the Quebecer collected 19 points including nine goals to the right of the excellent Elias Pettersson and the impressive Andrei Kuzmenko on the Canucks’ first line.
Love at first sight, however, seems to be fading, as Tocchet has confessed to not liking Beauvillier’s play in recent games.
“To be quite honest, for eight or ten games, I don’t like his game, confides the coach from the outset.[Anthony] understand the player he is. He must be the first in the forecheck, and above all, he must be a pest. »
Tocchet also raises the possibility that the number 72 of the Canucks is annoyed by an injury. “Maybe he’s not 100%, but it’s nothing major for sure. Maybe it’s in his head too. »
For his part, Beauvillier says he appreciates his experience since his arrival in Vancouver, and ensures that he takes nothing for granted.
“The coaching staff is great. They want to help me become the best version of myself, he said in a press briefing. Currently, I am on the first line and I will do everything to stay there. »
The Canucks are 16-11-4 since Rick Tocchet took over.