Adios Frank, We Hardly Knew Ya

Another one bites the dust. I lost count a long time ago, but my guess is Frank is about the 479,506th Canucks player to leave who showed some promise (I might be exaggerating on the number). I never expected him to be the next Nick Lidstrom or Ray Bourque, but he showed some great talent for a fifth round pick. I think what stings the most is his age, 22 years old. In a league where Defenseman seem to mature later than Forwards, and a right-handed shot seems to come at a premium, losing Frank stings a bit.

However, a youth movement has been the theme of the current Front Office, and that made even a 22 year old expendable. Trevor Linden put it best when he said he was an eighth guy on the depth chart and wouldn't be getting the time with the other guys on the roster. Guys like Ben Hutton and Matt Bartkowski coming into the fold, Corrado's time was up. While Bartkowski is five years older, again Defenseman mature later, he is more NHL ready, and Hutton has done nothing but impress in his preseason games.

The one difference with Frank as compared to the other guys who've come and gone is I really am going to miss him. I feel like he was caught between two regimes, and unless he came out with a magnificent preseason his days were numbered. The good news is he's only 22, and if he continues his improvement he could be an NHL regular for a long time. The Maple Leafs might be the best place for him. They are a team rebuilding with plenty of playing time for guys looking to make a name for themselves. Hopefully he will get the chance he needs. Best of luck Frank.