Katie Maximick

1. An unverified story handed down from earlier times, especially one popularly believed to be historical.
2. A romanticized or popularized myth of modern times.
3. One that inspires legends or achieves legendary fame.

As you can read for yourself, there are a few definitions for the term “legend.” It can be an old story, a myth or an incredible person who earns the status of being, well, “legendary.”

Hell, The Province even has a “legendary” 24/7 sports chat (shameless plug alert!)

So far this fall, which Canucks are on pace to have a legendary season?

Legend or Laughing Stock?

On the Canucks, Aaron Rome is as hot as Steve Jobs’ new biography at Chapters. Meanwhile, most non-Vancouverites are wondering, “Who’s Aaron Rome?”

People can’t seem to get enough of this guy. Is it because he used to be the butt of everyone’s jokes, at times even a scapegoat, and then he surprised the hell out of everyone by coming out of the gates like a man possessed?

Probably. I mean, there’s no bigger crowd pleaser than an underdog knocking people’s socks off. From the media buzz surrounding him, you’d think the guy has 22 points like Daniel has racked up already. In reality, Rome’s has 5.

But more importantly, he’s has 5 in only 4 games.  Not to mention one of his goals was waived off (unfairly) so he would actually be at 6 points right now.

To show just how surprising Rome’s start is to Canucks fans, let’s look at his stats last year. It took him FIFTY SIX GAMES to get the same amount of points. 56.

I know, right? And you wonder why he was the goat…

So now Rome has 5 in 4. Couldn’t this mean he’s statistically on track for a 60+ point season? Watch out, Christian Ehrhoff! Apparently you weren’t the only d-man in Vancouver who could rack up points.

(Now this is starting to sound more like the mythical legend than legendary, but hey, anything could happen).

Will Rome continue scoring or will his offensive performance fizzle out much like Raffi Torres’ streak last year? I guess we just have to watch, but at least we’ll be highly amused while we do.

The Making of a Legend.

Another Canuck who has been impressive this fall is one who, despite high expectations, gave us a couple disappointing seasons.

Cody Hodgson.

After battling injuries and negative criticism for a couple years, it would appear that Hodgson is finally growing into the role of the incredible rookie we always knew he could be.

The first-round draft pick has 9 points so far (4 goals and 5 assists) and is fourth in rookie scoring in the NHL, but it’s not the amount of points he has that makes Hodgson a valuable, and now permanent, member of the Canucks. It’s his flexibility. Hodgson has no problem adjusting to whatever line he’s put on, and he’s one of a few players who can comfortably play a winger when he’s a natural centre. And no matter where he’s put he doesn’t complain, and it doesn’t affect his performance either.

“I love playing the game and when I couldn't, it wasn't a very good feeling,” Hodgson told the media Sunday night. “Right now, it doesn't matter how much I'm playing or whom I'm playing with or where I'm playing, I'm just concentrating on trying to learn from the older guys in this room and trying to get better.”

See? What a good Canadian kid! Don Cherry must love him.

Look how far Hodgson has come with the Canucks organization. He’s matured, he’s improved as a player and he’s become a go-to guy in the offensive zone who skates fast, has great passing skills and doesn’t quit the entire time he’s on the ice. He’s exactly what the Canucks need if they’re to chase the Cup again.

So, despite what the humble Hodgson says, maybe it’s some of the older guys who should be learning a little from the rookie.

The Legend from Lapland

And speaking of “older guys,” we have Sami Salo. One of my favourites who, as I write this, is preparing to do a signing at the Team Store on Robson.

No matter how often people can joke about Salo and his constant injuries, the thing is when he’s not injured, Salo’s one of the most reliable defencemen on the ice (also, don’t you think he kind of makes up for his injuries by taking out other players with that beast of a slap shot? Just saying).

So far this fall, Salo’s fourth in scoring on the roster, with 10 points in 15 games and one of the best plus-minus ratings on the team. He also has some of the fewest penalty minutes racked up.

Last season he only had 7 points in 27 games.

And that slapshot? I’m sorry, but I don’t think many fans get as excited for any player about to shoot as they do when Salo gets that puck on the blueline. You know his hard shot, and you know there aren’t many out there with one harder, despite Salo’s age.

And that’s really what this “legendary” segment is about.

Salo’s 37, and it’s quite possible that this will be his last year with the Canucks. Imagine the hole he’ll be leaving on both the ice and in the heart of the team? Salo’s an invaluable veteran, one who quietly gives his advice to those who ask for it in the locker room, while leading by example when he’s on the ice. He’s always been strong in community involvement and charity work, which is why his significance in this organization cannot simply be judged by his performance.

Soon Salo will become the kind of legend that we fans will look back on fondly, alongside the likes of his colleagues Naslund and Linden. We’ll watch future d-men shoot from the blue line and say, “Man, remember Salo’s slapshot? He was the best.” Yes, I know that Salo doesn’t have the points Naslund did, or the leadership Trevor had, but Salo is unique and has his own strengths that made the Canucks the successful team they are today.

Aside from his injuries, I don’t think anyone could have anything negative to say about Sami Salo, and that in itself tells you what kind of legacy Salo will be leaving behind when he goes.

And he will be greatly missed when he does.