VERNON, B.C. (CP) - Being traded to the Vancouver Canucks was a rude awakening for defenceman Lukas Krajicek.

Literally.

Krajicek was at home in Prostejov, Czech Republic, when he learned he was part of the blockbuster deal that sent goaltender Roberto Luongo to Vancouver for forward Todd Bertuzzi, defenceman Bryan Allen and goalie Alex Auld.

"I woke up about five in the morning and my dad told me I was traded," Krajicek said before taking the ice on Saturday's second day of the Canucks training camp. "It was kind of weird.

"I was surprised and kind of happy. There is a much bigger chance to play in the playoffs here than in Florida."

Krajicek sometimes is the forgotten man in Vancouver's biggest trade in seven years. An offensive defenceman with just 90 NHL games to his credit, Krajicek could play an important role as the Canucks try to rebuild after a disastrous season which saw them miss the playoff for the first time in five years.

Of the six regular starting defenceman on last year's roster, only veterans Sami Salo and Mattias Ohlund are returning. Both missed games last year with injuries suffered at the Olympics.

Besides Allen being dealt to Florida, all-star Ed Jovanovski signed as a free agent in Phoenix and Nolan Baumgartner went to Philadelphia.

In an attempt to strengthen their defence, the Canucks signed free-agent Willie Mitchell. They also have promising rookie Luc Bourdon and Krajicek.

If new coach Alain Vigneault has any concerns about his defence he hides it behind a curtain of optimism.

"The two guys that are coming back in Salo and Ohlund are great players that log a lot of minutes," said Vigneault, who replaced the fired Marc Crawford. "Willie Mitchell is a very classy player.

"He comes to work, puts his work boots on and does his best. I think everything is going to fall into place. We don't have a lot of returning guys. We have a couple of good young guys and we're going to mix them with good quality veterans. It's going to work out fine."

Krajicek, 23, has already been pencilled in as one of the Canucks top four defenceman. He know his play on the ice will determine if his name is eventually written in ink.

"Pencilled in is one thing," said Krajicek, who signed a one-year, US$625,000 deal. "If it is going to be true I would like it. It would be a dream.

"There are still some games we have to play before the start of the season so I can show what I can do."

Canuck general manager Dave Nonis said he wanted Krajicek because of his youth and offensive potential.

"He should put up more numbers as he gets more experience because of his skill," said Nonis. "He's a very good passer and he can jump up into the play as good as anybody.

"He will continue to get better and better."

At six foot two, and 192 pounds, Krajicek isn't imposing on the ice. One of the criticisms against him is he doesn't play a physical game.

"I think the (new) rules help me a little bit," he said. "I was never a player that would look for the big hit. I try to play the smart game."

Krajicek left the Czech Republic to play junior hockey with the OHL's Peterborough Petes. He made the all-rookie team in 2001 and was a first-team all-star in 2003.

"My agent told me I would have a bigger chance to play in the NHL because the scouts watch the games a lot more here," Krajicek said.

Florida chose him 24th overall in the 2001 draft. Last year he played 62 games with the Panthers, scoring two goals, collecting 14 assists and 50 penalty minutes.

Luongo had the best seat in the house many nights to watch Krajicek work.

"He's a very offensive-minded defenceman," said Luongo. "He's got good skills and can move the puck really well. I think he can play on the power play.

"Last year was his first full season in the NHL and I think he did a lot of growing. I hope he shows up to camp really confident and shows his ability."

After spending the last year in the sun and surf of Florida, Krajicek is looking forward to playing in a hockey environment.

"It's not much about hockey there, it's weird," he said about Florida. "You put your shorts on very day and go it the rink.

"The atmosphere here, you can feel it more. It's Canada. It's a hockey world here. I'm just happy to be here."