Article content continued

With this coach there are no head games. No hidden agenda. Just the facts.

The facts are Etem’s seven goals in 39 games last season aren’t going to cut it in Willie’s World; but Etem had four goals in his final five games to tease of potential. But uneven physical performances and questionable decisions with the puck grate on Desjardins for obvious reasons. Etem can skate. He played at 215 pounds and plans to be at 205 next fall to add another gear and get on the forecheck quicker. And if he doesn’t do it, he’s certainly going to hear about it.

“It’s awesome to have a coach where I have no worries,” said Etem. “He can call me into his office and we can talk about anything. He has seen a timeline of my career in that he knew how hard I worked to get to this point. He was just being honest and fair (at MSG) because I hadn’t worked as hard as I did in junior. My statistics and presence in this league have dwindled a little bit and it’s just because of that. He cares about me as a person and a player and obviously wants the best for me and my career.

“We’ve talked many times of being hungry so I can be the best I can be. He’s always pushing me and keeps me accountable. That’s how I get better and he just makes sure of it.”

The Canucks aren’t sure what they have on the right side.

They’re bidding heavily to find a free-agent fit for Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Loui Eriksson and Milan Lucic have long been prime targets, and you can add Kyle Okposo, Troy Brouwer and Andrew Ladd to that wish list before dipping into the secondary market.