Canucks Preseason Profile
Derek Forbort
33-year-old, left shot defenceman
6-foot-4, 215 pounds.
No PP, Yes PK
Sticking with players the Canucks signed on July 1st, 2024 (see Kiefer Sherwood), we focus our attention on big defenceman Derek Forbort, who tallied two goals and nine assists over 54 games for Vancouver last season.
Of course, offence is not what we’re concerned about. The big guy is around to take of business in his own end, and as his first season with the Canucks progressed, that’s exactly what he did.
After overcoming the loss of his father and a knee injury early in the season, factors that manifested in inconsistent play, Forbort settled into his role and took good care of his responsibilities.
He also helped the Canucks in establishing a feisty, physical identity. But like so many other potentially important developments last season, that fact was lost in the saga of the J.T. Miller trade and a rash of untimely injuries.
In the end Forbort finished strong. It would be fair to let this 3rd-pair D-man show us what he’s made of after another full Canucks training camp and a normal start to the season.
One knows what they’re going to get from the Duluth, Minnesota native: An honest game. As for establishing a tougher identity, Forbort isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates.
Outside of his three fights — New Year’s Eve against the Flames Ryan Lomberg in Calgary, February 4th at home against Avalanche forward Miles Wood, and in the season finale on April 12th at home against the Wild’s Yakov Trenin — the big lefty made a statement in the March 15th game against Chicago late in the 3rd period.
After former Canucks center Jason Dickinson cheap-shotted Vancouver center Filip Chytil, Forbort eventually ended up challenging the entire Blackhawks bench. He stood in front of it, waiting for someone, if not Dickinson, to answer the bell. They didn’t.
It was mildly reminiscent of John Wensick doing a more dramatic version of the same thing for the Boston Bruins against the Minnesota North Stars in 1977. (It’s worth a google just to check out “Wire’s” hair)
Bring it on. Forbort’s a work in progress. He signed a one-year contract extension on June 3rd for $2-million.
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks Holiday 9; Lost Friends, Olympic Hopefuls, Greed
