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And he proved he can play with an edge by levelling Boston Bruins’ behemothZdeno Chara with a heavy end boards check. But that was four years ago.

“This is a big thing for me and this was an easy (free agency) call for me,” said Burmistrov, the eighth overall 2010 pick by the Atlanta Thrashers, who wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer.

“Arizona just gave me a break. The coaching staff (including current assistant Newell Brown) came up to me and said: ‘Do what you can do — do your thing.’

“They gave me an opportunity to play offensively and that was big pressure for me, but I think I did pretty good. I played that game (fourth line) in Winnipeg and another game in Arizona, so it doesn’t matter what the coach wants. And I’m not scared to hit somebody or take a hit.”

Travis Green doesn’t have Burmistrov pencilled in anywhere for obvious reasons.

“He’s a bit of a wild card for us,” the Canucks’ coach said of Burmistrov who had five goals and nine assists in 26 games with the Coyotes.

“I’ve watched him on tape and talked to a lot of people about him. I’m hoping he’s one of those players who hits his stride. He’s gone through a couple of teams and sometimes you get a chance in a role you’re not ready for and then it clicks in.

“We’re hoping he’s that guy who can play more than fourth-line minutes.”