Head coach speaks out after controversial decision to sit star rookie

Fans were pissed. Do you agree with his reasoning?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Head coach speaks out after controversial decision to sit star rookie
KeyStone Press

Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green angered many fans when he announced his decision to sit star prospect Brock Boeser in the team's season opener against the Edmonton Oilers

The rookie, drafted 23rd overall in 2015, has a lot of hype attached to him after a successful college career. He busted out of the gate towards the end of last season, getting 9 games in - and potting 4 goals and an assist.

The kid is expected to be in the Calder trophy discussion, so the fans' disappointment over the decision is warranted.

That being said, in response to his decision, Green attempted to explain himself.

“There’s been a lot of hype on Brock. There’s a lot of big expectations on him. It’s twofold, really. I’m thinking about the team and I’m thinking about development and Brock. I felt for the game against Edmonton, we needed to have a couple lines that were going to be effective against the McDavid line and he just happened to be the guy out. There’s 82 games in the season, it’s a long season still. He’s going to get plenty of opportunities to play. I’ve had a good conversation with Brock and I’m not worried about it at all.”

He clearly sees him as a defensive liability at the moment, unable to matchup against players such as Connor McDavid. This isn't necessarily a false assessment, but you have to let kids play to learn the defensive aspect of the game.

Vancouver ended up winning the game 3-2 nonetheless.

It's only one game, Boeser will get his chances, but Canucks fans will hope that this doesn't become a reoccuring trend with their new head coach.

Source: Sportsnet