NHL Free Agents: Radim Vrbata - Rumors, Best Fits

NHL Free Agents: Radim Vrbata – Latest Rumors, FA Profile, 5 Best Fits

It’s safe to say that Radim Vrbata will become one of the many NHL free agents this summer after a disappointing 2015-16 season.

Canucks GM Jim Benning even attempted to trade Vrbata as a rental at the deadline, but attempts went unsuccessful. This is the same player who showed good chemistry alongside the Sedin twins for spurts of time. Unfortunately, Radim Vrbata was wildly inconsistent during his tenure in Vancouver.

The 32-year-old Czech forward was originally taken by the Colorado Avalanche 212th overall (7th round) back in 1999. His numbers jumped in his final two seasons of junior, from 60 points in his draft year to 74 points in 1999-2000, followed up with a 120 points in 2000-01.

More from Puck Prose

He began his pro career with the Avs in 2001-02, spending a bit of time with AHL Hershey, but suited up for 52 games (30 points) during his NHL rookie season. Vrbata spent the better half of one more season in Colorado before he was dealt to Carolina late in the 2002-03 season.

Spending his first full season with Carolina in 2003-04, Radim Vrbata only managed to produce 25 points in 80 games. A year later, the lockout forced Radim back to his native Czech Republic, but he would re-join the Hurricanes in 2005-06. Carolina traded Vrbata to Chicago 16 games into the season, and as we now know, his former team went on to win the Stanley Cup that year.

Radim spent one more season (2006-07) with Chicago before he was once again traded in the summer of 2007 to Arizona (then-Phoenix). He posted a career high (at the time) 56 points with the Coyotes.

He signed a three-year contract with Tampa Bay in the summer of 2008, but asked permission to return home to the Czech Republic after 16 games citing personal reasons. A year later, Vrbata was traded for the 4th time in his career, this time headed back to the Desert.

Radim Vrbata spent six years with the Coyotes (2009-10 to 2013-14) and posted a new career high of 62 points during that span, which included 35 goals. A 51 point season in 2013-14 helped him earn a new lucrative contract with Vancouver.

He didn’t disappoint in year one, scoring 31 goals, posting another new career-high of 63 points. Unfortunately, those numbers plummeted this past season, with just 13 goals (27 points) in 63 games.

This is a buyer beware situation, but it’s difficult to ignore a 5-time 20-goal scorer regarded as a sniper. For the right price, a few teams out there should have interest.

Radim Vrbata’s Resume:

– CHL Top Prospects Game – 1998-99
– QMJHL First All-Star Team – 2000-01
– Team Czech Republic Junior U20 Squad (Gold Medal) – 2001
– Four World Hockey Championship Appearances – ’03, ’05, ’08, ’13
– 33 percent owner of BK Mlada Boleslav (Czech Extraliga/Czech2)
– NHL Rookie of the Month – 2001-02
– NHL All-Star Game Appearance – 2014-15

NHL Free Agents: Radim Vrbata Rumors/Speculation

via Sportsnet,

The Canucks did not receive a single trade offer for Vrbata at the deadline, and most believe it’s doubtful Vrbata re-signs with Vancouver. Not a $5-million asset anymore, but a change of scenery could result in a bounce back.

#Canucks Radim Vrbata: "This will be one of the most frustrating years for sure."
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Sport) April 11, 2016

via Vancouver Sun,

“At my age, I know what my game needs to be successful,” Vrbata said. “That’s why I signed here in the first place, to play with Hank and Danny.

“This year it was a different story. Nothing really clicked. It’s so hard to be successful if you don’t have chemistry. There just wasn’t the right chemistry.”

Potential Contract for Radim Vrbata