Former Washington Capitals forward and Stanley Cup Champion Travis Boyd is set to play his first game for the Vancouver Canucks when they face the Calgary Flames Wednesday night. Boyd was waived by the Toronto Maple Leafs and claimed off the waiver wire by the Canucks a little over a week ago. He joins former Capitals teammates Braden Holtby, Jay Beagle and Nate Schmidt on the Canucks roster.
“I’ve been on some good teams with a lot of good players and it’s hard to move up the lineup, or even stay in it consistently,” the 27-year-old Boyd said following Tuesday’s practice. “I truly believe I’m an every-day NHL player and this is a big opportunity to take advantage and establish myself.”
After departing Toronto, Boyd spent the last week serving his mandatory seven-day quarantine in a downtown Vancouver hotel.
“It was kind of tough, but that’s the world we live in,” said Boyd. “I ended up timing it well with the team being off and I really didn’t miss a whole lot, just one game and a few practices. It was a little weird to do a quarantine and not leave the room and do workouts in the hotel room.”
Boyd remains confident and ready to prove himself.
“I just want to play and help the team win,” said Boyd. “For me, it’s just moving my feet and when I’m at my best, I can produce offensively and make a good amount of plays. It comes from working hard and bringing that effort every single night. And when you have a chance to make a play, don’t be afraid. Have the confidence to execute.”
Boyd practiced on a line with Brandon Sutter and Tyler Motte on Tuesday, and was also on the second power-play unit.
“There’s a reason we put him there (power play),” said Canucks head coach Travis Green. “He’s a skilled player and has good hands. Any time you’re looking at a power-play player, you’re looking at their smarts as well and if they’re capable of playing it. He’s got a chance and we’re looking to gain some traction with our second unit and he might be able to help.
Green is familiar with Boyd’s game. Green coached the AHL’s Utica Comets from 2013-2017 and faced Boyd and the Hershey Bears while he was in Utica. Boyd recorded 221 regular season AHL games with the Hershey Bears and had 172 points (57-115) from 2015-2020. He had three goals and 14 assists in 33 career Calder Cup playoff games with the Bears, who advanced to the 2016 Calder Cup final.
“Our scouts have been watching him and he’s a guy they talked about in the past. I’ve watched a little bit of video on him and liked what I saw. It’s a good pick-up and I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
“I’m very excited to be here. This is a big opportunity for me to try and establish myself.” Travis Boyd, the newest member of the #Canucks, meets the media after his first practice with the team. pic.twitter.com/1njtVIBQdd
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) March 30, 2021
We wish Travis and his family nothing but success in Vancouver. Go get ‘em Boyder!
By Jon Sorensen
