You're the Canucks GM....

[gordphish]

Sure but for who? I mean I don't think the Twins would do it for the Sharks....but on second thought...? I mean, both players would be excellent additions to our team and Marleau would be that Center our team is crying for. I mean, year after year of late, his team has disappeared but he has not come the second season. And Clowe...that guy is a fine mix of size, grit and scoring. He'd fit in more than one place on the Nucks.

RB

Well, I've been leafing through THN's Draft Preview and they mention that the Sharks are looking for left wingers. I think any deal they did with the Canucks that involved Marleau and Clowe would likely have to include Raymond going the other way. If Boedker is still available when the Canucks pick at tenth, I'm sure Raymond, Boedker and Bieksa would get the deal done. Perhaps the Sharks throw in a draft pick of their own?...

Or maybe they go bigger and move the twins and Boedker to the Sharks for Marleau and Cheechoo? Or maybe that's just getting silly...

Another interesting possibilty on draft day should Gillis opt to move down would be if Beach was the best player available and they moved him to Boston for their pick. The Bruins are looking to get bigger at forward and aren't likely to find that at 15th. The Canucks could move Beach to the Bruins for their pick and Kobasew (who is RFA and made 1.2 mil last year).

Then if I were Gillis, I think I'd go off the board a bit and take David Toews. I think he's getting overlooked a bit because of who his brother is. He's actually putting up better numbers at the same school than John did, and I think he'll be one of those late first round, early second round picks that we look back at and wonder why so many other teams passed on him. Plus, I don't think he'll get past the Hawks in the second round if he's still available.

Of course, all that depends on whether or not Beach is their best option at 10th. I don't like Beach's lack of speed or dimensions, his immaturity or his concussion problems. With Myers being the next best possibility, I'd definately look to try and move Beach to move down in the round and pick up another asset at the same time.

[KB in Kelowna]

Gordo, I believe the Bruins just re-signed Kobasew, so I am not sure he is trade bait, but for the right offer....

[TimmyTabasco]

Well..several sources have the Canucks interested in Jokinen

He's big, physical, and can score. Sure, Gordo doesn't like his attitude..but didn't Luongo have a similar attitude in Florida?

Also, he's good friends with Luongo..which wouldn't hurt

But, if not Jokinen..Horton/Van Ryn would be a tempting package. Van Ryn has also fallen out of favour with Martin, and has shown potential

Horton scores goals, and is a budding power forward..perfect for the twins

[gordphish]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15599

Here is an interesting blog by Mark Gage, who blogs the Canucks for hockeybuzz.

It's kind of a summary of the teams and possible names that the Canucks could be talking to and about with regards to trades this summer.

[TimmyTabasco]

Gordo,

Yeah, good article. I'll go thru the teams..

Boston-Agreed on Kobasew. However, probably not available. Bergeron would be ideal..and probably available

Buffalo-Bernier is a big guy..but has had trouble putting it all together. Afinogenov, no thanks. Pomminville, but again..not available..

Carolina-Well, I really like Williams. Cole has a question mark, due to his injury. Staal, most likely untouchable. Williams would be the best bet..if you want to take a chance, so would Cole..

Columbus- Brule? I'm not sure..wouldn't give up much for him

Los Angeles- Cammalleri. He's reportedly on the outs, and could be had. Speedy, and can score goals. Plus, he's a former client of Gillis..I'd also listen to offers including Frolov..

Ottawa-Meszaros or Volchenkov..would be interesting..

Philly-Carter. Enough said. Hartnell would also be interesting..but will he ever reach full potential?

San Jose-Pavelski and Clowe..but why trade them..when you can trade the more expensive Marleau?

Washington-Semin. I really like this guy. He had a very good playoffs(after an injury riddled season), and also performed very well at the Worlds. He has good speed, and a very good shot. Imagine him with the twins

[AtLossForWords]

Well working with the rumors that have been out there lately.

The Canucks have interest in Jokinen, Langkow, Demitra, Liles, and Huselius.

Jokinen would be an ideal fit if you can get him at the right price. He's a big center who scores goals. If there's fire regarding the Demitra rumor. He would be a good center in between Demitra and Naslund.

If you don't have to trade the Sedins, and Calgary can't resign Langkow, he'd be a good fit here on the second line with Raymond and Pyatt.

Liles is a cheap solution to finding a puck moving defenseman. If his PP numbers rise again, he's a welcome addition to our team.

I agree with you Timmy, Justin Williams would be a good fit here as would Erik Cole, but it depends upon what you have to give up to get him.

What I'm really concerned about is our depth at center. The wingers on this team are not great either, so I guess the problem is the forwards period. The easy way to make only a decent group of wingers better is to center better centers.

Henrik is a good playmaking center but only for the right type of winger. He is not a good center for Markus Naslund or Mason Raymond. He's a great center for a guy who can tip pucks and bang home rebounds.

Kesler is a good shutdown center who can provide a clutch goal. He and Burrows were dynamite last year, and I hope to see that continue.

If you bring in Williams, you have to consider two things. Will he work with Henrik Sedin, and if he can't who could be his center? Outside of Henrik there is no one who he could possibly be expected to produce with.

However if you get Williams as the big fish in a trade and maybe Cole with him, you still need a center for that line. Where do you get that. You have to look at free agency.

Personally I think the Canucks need to focus their tradeable assets as at acquiring good scoring centers. It's going to be easier to fill holes with free agents at wing than centers.

[gordphish]

Well working with the rumors that have been out there lately.

The Canucks have interest in Jokinen, Langkow, Demitra, Liles, and Huselius.

Jokinen would be an ideal fit if you can get him at the right price. He's a big center who scores goals. If there's fire regarding the Demitra rumor. He would be a good center in between Demitra and Naslund.

If you don't have to trade the Sedins, and Calgary can't resign Langkow, he'd be a good fit here on the second line with Raymond and Pyatt.

Liles is a cheap solution to finding a puck moving defenseman. If his PP numbers rise again, he's a welcome addition to our team.

I agree with you Timmy, Justin Williams would be a good fit here as would Erik Cole, but it depends upon what you have to give up to get him.

What I'm really concerned about is our depth at center. The wingers on this team are not great either, so I guess the problem is the forwards period. The easy way to make only a decent group of wingers better is to center better centers.

Henrik is a good playmaking center but only for the right type of winger. He is not a good center for Markus Naslund or Mason Raymond. He's a great center for a guy who can tip pucks and bang home rebounds.

Kesler is a good shutdown center who can provide a clutch goal. He and Burrows were dynamite last year, and I hope to see that continue.

If you bring in Williams, you have to consider two things. Will he work with Henrik Sedin, and if he can't who could be his center? Outside of Henrik there is no one who he could possibly be expected to produce with.

However if you get Williams as the big fish in a trade and maybe Cole with him, you still need a center for that line. Where do you get that. You have to look at free agency.

Personally I think the Canucks need to focus their tradeable assets as at acquiring good scoring centers. It's going to be easier to fill holes with free agents at wing than centers.

No argument from me on this...their lack of depth at centre has been a problem for nearly 40 years. I said the day Gillis was hired that his number one priority and best way of ensuring that he keeps his job here long term is to go out and find that franchise centre, at whatever the cost. However, I don't think Jokinen is the answer.

Agreed on Henrik. How a guy manages to notch 132 assists over two seasons on a team that has no 50 goal scores, no 40 goal scorers and just one 30 goal scorer is almost beyond me. My only knock on Henrik is his face-off ability. You can bring in the best third and fourth line face-off men in the league, but what good does it do you if you can't get possession of the puck when your best players are on the ice? To be the first line centre, he is going to have to get a lot better in this area, regardless od who his wingers are.

As for Daniel, I actually think he holds Henrik back. In order for Daniel to be a legitimate top line winger, IMO, he has to start topping the 40 goal mark. And for that to happen, he is going to have to start going to the dirty areas on the ice, whether he likes it or not. He can't always pick the easy route to the net, slipping in and out of the low slot when its undefended. Sometimes he's going to have to take the physical play to get there and make things happen.

As for getting them a winger, I don't know. I still think their best option at this point is to set things up so they can move them at the draft.

[gordphish]

Well working with the rumors that have been out there lately.

The Canucks have interest in Jokinen, Langkow, Demitra, Liles, and Huselius.

Jokinen would be an ideal fit if you can get him at the right price. He's a big center who scores goals. If there's fire regarding the Demitra rumor. He would be a good center in between Demitra and Naslund.

If you don't have to trade the Sedins, and Calgary can't resign Langkow, he'd be a good fit here on the second line with Raymond and Pyatt.

Liles is a cheap solution to finding a puck moving defenseman. If his PP numbers rise again, he's a welcome addition to our team.

I agree with you Timmy, Justin Williams would be a good fit here as would Erik Cole, but it depends upon what you have to give up to get him.

What I'm really concerned about is our depth at center. The wingers on this team are not great either, so I guess the problem is the forwards period. The easy way to make only a decent group of wingers better is to center better centers.

Henrik is a good playmaking center but only for the right type of winger. He is not a good center for Markus Naslund or Mason Raymond. He's a great center for a guy who can tip pucks and bang home rebounds.

Kesler is a good shutdown center who can provide a clutch goal. He and Burrows were dynamite last year, and I hope to see that continue.

If you bring in Williams, you have to consider two things. Will he work with Henrik Sedin, and if he can't who could be his center? Outside of Henrik there is no one who he could possibly be expected to produce with.

However if you get Williams as the big fish in a trade and maybe Cole with him, you still need a center for that line. Where do you get that. You have to look at free agency.

Personally I think the Canucks need to focus their tradeable assets as at acquiring good scoring centers. It's going to be easier to fill holes with free agents at wing than centers.

Throw Jagr's name into that mix as well.

The one thing that stands out to me about the Sedins is how Henrik has managed to notch 132 assists over the last two seasons on one of the lowest scoring teams in the league. I mean, this team has no 50 goal scorers the last two years, no 40 goal scorers and Daniel broke 30 just once with 36.

Never mind finding them a winger, ask yourself if Daniel is actually holding Henrik back?

If the Sedins stay, and if they want to be first line players, then two things have to happen before you find them a winger. One, Henrik has to get a lot better in the face-off circle. You can bring in great third and fourth line face-off specialists, and that's fine. But what good does it do you if your best players can't get possession of the puck?

Secondly, Daniel has to start punching the 40 goal barrier, and that means he has to start getting to the difficult areas on the ice and be effective when he gets there, even when those areas are being contested. He has to find the will to pay the physical price a lot of nights.

Can either of those things happen? At this stage, I'm not so sure.

So now you look to keeping them as the second line. Great. That can make them great assets, especially with the right guy on the other wing. But who is your first line, and how do you get them here?

They may be able to land one piece of the top line through free agency, two if Naslund likes who they sign and wants to stay. But who? Demitra doesn't want to play centre. Demitra and Naslund with Morrison up the middle? Backed up by the twins? Great. So we're back to solid regular seasons and short playoff runs.

I'm with Lossy. They haven't had real depth at centre in their 40 year history, and that has always killed them in the end, even in 1994.

They have a chance here with a big whack of cap space to really change the fortunes of this franchise and finally put them on the path to a championship. It's time they gave over trying to add small touches to an existing core that hasn't won jack sh1t in 10 years.

Is Jokinen the answer? Hardly. This guy has been just slightly better than average depsite a tonne of ice-time on some of the league's worst teams over the last decade. If he couldn't even help get the Islanders, Kings or Panthers into the playoffs, what the hell do we want with him? He'll have a strained relationship with Vigneault his whole time here because he won't play a lick of defense. He may the best looking available asset out there at centre right now, but you don't buy a corvette if you're looking for something to haul the wagons with. He just won't fit here.

Gillis must do whatever it takes to finally get this team that franchise centre. If it means moving the twins or Luongo, then that's what he has to do. If it means giving up a few draft picks to get a guy off the RFA list, then that's what he has to do. If he's not willing to do that, then he may as well resign right now, because his tenure here won't be any different than any of the nine that have come before him.

[AtLossForWords]

Well if you don't like Jokinen, this team should seriously look at Ottawa and Jason Spezza.

Spezza was a 2nd overall pick, who has lead his team to a Stanley Cup Final. He's had 2 90 point seasons out of the last 3 years, and 2 30 goal seasons out of the last three years. He put up 71 three seasons ago, and those have gone down to the high fifties now, but those twenty assists turned into 15 goals. Spezza's a good setup man who has learned how to burry chances.

Is he a physical center like Thornton or LeCavalier, no, but he has gone farther in the playoffs that Thornton has and he does have 39 points in 40 playoff games. Furthermore over the last three seasons Spezza has been a +19 or over. He's not a top liner who racks up points and is a -8.

Some might argue that Alfredsson and Heatley made Spezza's career more so than he made his own, but it wasn't until Spezza arrived on the scene that Alfredsson was being considered as a possible Hart nominee, and Alfredsson never scored more than 80 point in any single season until Spezza arrived on his line when he scored 103, 87, and 89 points.

The same goes for Dany Heatley, he did score 89 points in Atlanta, but Spezza took his success to the next level when Heatley scored 103, 105, and 82 points.

Spezza makes other players better, and if you're able to put a silky smooth winger with skill like Naslund or Raymond on his wing with a gritty scorer who can play in front of the net. Spezza will elevate the game of any player on his wing.

Spezza is a guy I would consider trading the Sedins to get. However packaging the Sedins is really the option this team should look to.

I'd trade the Sedins, Bieksa, and the 10th pick to Ottawa for Spezza and either Vermette or Mezjaros.

After you make that deal, you can figure out what free agents are worth signing. If you can sign Jagr and put him on a line with Spezza and Naslund you've got the best top line in the Northwest Division.

Then if you get Vermette you have a second line center to build around. He can play with Raymond and Pyatt. If you get Mesjarzos, you get a puck moving defenseman who can run the power play, and then you look to make a move for a winger via free agency or trade.

[rustybadcock]

Well if we're willing to move core guys then what about Malkin? Just a thought, I mean if the Pens can't sign him.....they're going to do the next best thing. He's going to get huge money lets face it, his next deal will dwarf Briere's I bet.

I like Jokinen, but not enough to move the Twins. I like Heatley but I am not crazy about Spezza. I don't even want to get into it.

Gordo, when you put it that way about Henrik and his point totals in the past 2 years, I re-appreciate him so much.

I like the idea of Jeff Carter but is he ready to be a top line center?

If the twins are leaving town the only real guy I'd move him for would be Vinny.....I know I know...."echo echo" OR, Malkin.

Hossa would be an interesting signing. He'd cost a ton but can you imagine what he'd do with the Twins?!

I like the idea of Liles. I think he's the sleeper of the UFA pool. This guy is really talented. And I believe he would have a connection to Kesler by way of the USA system....not sure though.

Jagr.....I dunno....for cheap cheap maybe but if we're going that route I'd rather my money spent on Selanne. Now there's a guy who would work well with Henrik I am guessing.

Trading Luongo.....well, you never know I suppose. If Schneider arrives.....it sure would make life interesting in Vancity.

RB

[AtLossForWords]

When we talk about LeCavalier and Jokinen, I think we need to keep something in mind. They have both played in the weakest division in hockey with little emphasis on defense, and only very little elite goaltending since Luongo left the division.

Vokoun/Anderson
Smith/Ramo
Ward/Grahame
Lehtonen/Pavolic
Kolzig/Johnson

are the goaltenders that LeCavalier and Jokinen have put most of their points up. It's hard to make a case for any of those guys to be elite goaltenders other than Vokoun along with Lehtonen who only shows flashes of brilliance. Kolzig is far past his prime, and Ward has not been solid enough to put his team into the playoffs since doing so well in them.

The defenseman are even worse.

Bouwmeester
Boyle
Wesley
Morrisonn
Enstrom

are the guys LeCavalier and Jokinen have been playing against regularly. Do any of those guys match up to Phaneuf, Regehr, Schultz, Burns, or Foote on defense other than Bouwmeester?

Spezza in the Northeast division has gone up against tougher defensive players like

Thomas/Chara
Miller/Campbell
Huet/Price/Markov
Toskala/Kaberle

Spezza has gone up against better competition, when it comes to assesing a players worth if a player shows you his skills it shouldn't matter who he is playing against, he is a talented player. However, in the Northwest Division, it is going to be tougher for a player to move to that division and continue to put up big numbers. It would be different if the Canucks were in the central division with only one maybe two really stellar defensive squads, but our entire division is developing a defense first mentality with excellent goaltenders backing their teams up.

I wouldn't mind any of Staal, LeCavalier, Spezza, or Jokinen coming here, but I think Spezza having played in a division with more talented defensive players like Chara and more talented teams like Buffalo and Montreal will more easily adjust to playing in the Northwest division.

[rustybadcock]

When we talk about LeCavalier and Jokinen, I think we need to keep something in mind. They have both played in the weakest division in hockey with little emphasis on defense, and only very little elite goaltending since Luongo left the division.

Vokoun/Anderson
Smith/Ramo
Ward/Grahame
Lehtonen/Pavolic
Kolzig/Johnson

are the goaltenders that LeCavalier and Jokinen have put most of their points up. It's hard to make a case for any of those guys to be elite goaltenders other than Vokoun along with Lehtonen who only shows flashes of brilliance. Kolzig is far past his prime, and Ward has not been solid enough to put his team into the playoffs since doing so well in them.

The defenseman are even worse.

Bouwmeester
Boyle
Wesley
Morrisonn
Enstrom

are the guys LeCavalier and Jokinen have been playing against regularly. Do any of those guys match up to Phaneuf, Regehr, Schultz, Burns, or Foote on defense other than Bouwmeester?

Spezza in the Northeast division has gone up against tougher defensive players like

Thomas/Chara
Miller/Campbell
Huet/Price/Markov
Toskala/Kaberle

Spezza has gone up against better competition, when it comes to assesing a players worth if a player shows you his skills it shouldn't matter who he is playing against, he is a talented player. However, in the Northwest Division, it is going to be tougher for a player to move to that division and continue to put up big numbers. It would be different if the Canucks were in the central division with only one maybe two really stellar defensive squads, but our entire division is developing a defense first mentality with excellent goaltenders backing their teams up.

I wouldn't mind any of Staal, LeCavalier, Spezza, or Jokinen coming here, but I think Spezza having played in a division with more talented defensive players like Chara and more talented teams like Buffalo and Montreal will more easily adjust to playing in the Northwest division.

Huh.....:confused:

Bouwmeester rocks man. And Boyle too....

Spezza folds in the finals. Vinny puts his team on his back, vs Calgary and Regher and gang and wins a cup....I am confused. Vinny's huge. He fought Iggy in the final, did a great job. This guys the man, Spezza's a pussy. Oh don't get me wrong, he's skilled and has contributed to many a high light reel however I think the point here is we need a center who will carry this team when they feel like mailing it in. We are also in need of an alpha male Captain. I personally question Jokinins heart and commitment. Spezza's got an air about him I just don't like. Oh and as I said above, he folds when his team needs him most.

Vinny is everything this team needs IMO. Again, Spezza's good and I think he might be a fine piece of a team but to put all our faith in his hands. Make him the face of this franchise?! The Captain, the leader. OMG
:no:

RB

[AtLossForWords]

Huh.....:confused:

Bouwmeester rocks man. And Boyle too....

Spezza folds in the finals. Vinny puts his team on his back, vs Calgary and Regher and gang and wins a cup....I am confused. Vinny's huge. He fought Iggy in the final, did a great job. This guys the man, Spezza's a pussy. Oh don't get me wrong, he's skilled and has contributed to many a high light reel however I think the point here is we need a center who will carry this team when they feel like mailing it in. We are also in need of an alpha male Captain. I personally question Jokinins heart and commitment. Spezza's got an air about him I just don't like. Oh and as I said above, he folds when his team needs him most.

Vinny is everything this team needs IMO. Again, Spezza's good and I think he might be a fine piece of a team but to put all our faith in his hands. Make him the face of this franchise?! The Captain, the leader. OMG
:no:

RB

I did say that Bouwmeester rocks. He is on par with many NW division blueliners. Boyle I see as good offensive defenseman, but I've always felt his play in his own zone needs work.

I'd say the Senators as a whole folded in the Final, so I wouldn't go blaming that collapse on Spezza. As far as leadership goes, he might not be captain material, but he is a guy who is well liked by his teamates and the media. I don't see him as a guy who will tear apart a dressing room like Emery or Bertuzzi.

LeCavalier is probably the best player available, but from what I have heard is that if he is leaving Tampa, Montreal is where he wants to go. I don't blame him for wanting to go there as an elite French Canadian born player, it is a dream to do what he can in Montreal. If the Lightning would make a deal with the Canucks, and LeCavalier does consider signing long term here, that's a great deal that it doesn't really matter what we give up, we win the trade.

[rustybadcock]

I did say that Bouwmeester rocks. He is on par with many NW division blueliners. Boyle I see as good offensive defenseman, but I've always felt his play in his own zone needs work.

I'd say the Senators as a whole folded in the Final, so I wouldn't go blaming that collapse on Spezza. As far as leadership goes, he might not be captain material, but he is a guy who is well liked by his teamates and the media. I don't see him as a guy who will tear apart a dressing room like Emery or Bertuzzi.

LeCavalier is probably the best player available, but from what I have heard is that if he is leaving Tampa, Montreal is where he wants to go. I don't blame him for wanting to go there as an elite French Canadian born player, it is a dream to do what he can in Montreal. If the Lightning would make a deal with the Canucks, and LeCavalier does consider signing long term here, that's a great deal that it doesn't really matter what we give up, we win the trade.

Fair enough.

See on Spezza, I've heard he's a bit of a nightmare in the dressing room and it was his, Emery's and Reddens off work antics that got out of hand in the final and cost the team their unity.....But hey, I could be wrong. ;)

RB

[gordphish]

Regardless of any of the off-ice questions, I don't like the idea of Spezza because he's soft. Just about everyone they have at centre, save Kesler, is skilled and soft. Unless Kesler is being promoted to the second line, the next top 2 centre they bring in has to have that grit. He doesn't have to be a bulldog, but he just can't be a poodle.

Maybe you try this...

Put an offer sheet in front of Jaret Stoll, promote Kesler to the second line and spend the summer adding the right wingers into the mix. Then you can let the other GMs know that you are entertaining offers for the Sedins and see what shakes loose.

I could see the Oilers turning away from any substantial offer that Stoll gets. They already have 46.6 million tied up for next season, and while Pitkanen is their only significant free agent other than Stoll, Lowe desperately needs to add scoring depth this summer and will have to pay big to lure any UFAs his way.

But here's the rub. Stoll made 2.2 million last season, and even that is pricey for a third line centre. How much do you want to overpay to get him even if you have the money, knowing it could throw a real monkey wrench into your salary structure? And he's 26, so it's not likely he's going to sign anything long term unless the deal is ridiculous, knowing he's a year away from being UFA.

AND there is that little problem with turning over low draft picks to a division rival, a potential disastrous PR nightmare.

But if Kesler can find a top 6 scoring touch, he really would be a perfect fit as the second line centre, most especially because of his face-off abilities. And with his grit, backed by the right third line centre, you could then afford to go a little softer on the top line centre.

[rustybadcock]

Regardless of any of the off-ice questions, I don't like the idea of Spezza because he's soft. Just about everyone they have at centre, save Kesler, is skilled and soft. Unless Kesler is being promoted to the second line, the next top 2 centre they bring in has to have that grit. He doesn't have to be a bulldog, but he just can't be a poodle.

Maybe you try this...

Put an offer sheet in front of Jaret Stoll, promote Kesler to the second line and spend the summer adding the right wingers into the mix. Then you can let the other GMs know that you are entertaining offers for the Sedins and see what shakes loose.

I could see the Oilers turning away from any substantial offer that Stoll gets. They already have 46.6 million tied up for next season, and while Pitkanen is their only significant free agent other than Stoll, Lowe desperately needs to add scoring depth this summer and will have to pay big to lure any UFAs his way.

But here's the rub. Stoll made 2.2 million last season, and even that is pricey for a third line centre. How much do you want to overpay to get him even if you have the money, knowing it could throw a real monkey wrench into your salary structure? And he's 26, so it's not likely he's going to sign anything long term unless the deal is ridiculous, knowing he's a year away from being UFA.

AND there is that little problem with turning over low draft picks to a division rival, a potential disastrous PR nightmare.

But if Kesler can find a top 6 scoring touch, he really would be a perfect fit as the second line centre, most especially because of his face-off abilities. And with his grit, backed by the right third line centre, you could then afford to go a little softer on the top line centre.

Stoll is excellent in the FO circle if my memory is right, he was huge for the Oilers during their cup run a few years back. This team is in desperate need of that quality. I don't think 3.5 is out of the question. And he plays a tough game. I don't see why he wouldn't be a interesting fit for our club. But I also think it would be important to know whether or not he was interested in staying longer than one year.

Could get sticky with this guy....

RB

[TimmyTabasco]

I really like Stoll. He's gritty, can play the point on the PP, has a very good shot, and is very good on faceoffs

However, wasn't Lowe very critical of the new GM? If you place an offer sheet in front of Stoll, things would get very ugly

About Luongo. He stays. We wanted a top goalie for many years, and now we have one. He will return to form, and pay dividends

Sedins..hard to say..but I say give them one more shot..with an established winger..

Many people are mentioning Ryder. Sure, he's not elite..but he is a goal scorer..and could very well score 30-40 goals with the twins..

But, if you do bring him in..you'd have to also bring in a Plan B..for the playoffs..and when the games get rough..possibly a top 6 forward to rotate

[AtLossForWords]

Many people are mentioning Ryder. Sure, he's not elite..but he is a goal scorer..and could very well score 30-40 goals with the twins..

But, if you do bring him in..you'd have to also bring in a Plan B..for the playoffs..and when the games get rough..possibly a top 6 forward to rotate

Ryder had like 14 goals in 70 games last season. Could he really score 30-40 with the twins who haven't produced late in the season since they've become this team's top unit?

If you think you need a plan B for the Sedins winger in the playoffs, why don't you think you need a plan B for the Sedins themselves. Sure, they are younger than most of us realize, in the playoffs they are half a point a game players if that.

[TimmyTabasco]

Ryder had like 14 goals in 70 games last season. Could he really score 30-40 with the twins who haven't produced late in the season since they've become this team's top unit?

If you think you need a plan B for the Sedins winger in the playoffs, why don't you think you need a plan B for the Sedins themselves. Sure, they are younger than most of us realize, in the playoffs they are half a point a game players if that.

Point taken

However, Carter was in a very similar position. Remember, he had a very bad season, scoring only 15 goals and 28 points. This is a player who had 4 previous 20 plus goal seasons

Then, he joined the Canucks, scored a personal best 33 goals

Ryder and Carter are similar players. Guys that will tap in the rebound, be in the right place at the same time

Plus, how can you blame the twins for their lack of playoff success? They are playing with Pyatt, a lacklustre Naslund, or Klatt?

Come on. They need someone better than that. Plus, they need secondary scoring

[AtLossForWords]

Plus, how can you blame the twins for their lack of playoff success? They are playing with Pyatt, a lacklustre Naslund, or Klatt?

Come on. They need someone better than that. Plus, they need secondary scoring

The Sedins are supposed to be top liners for this team in the playoffs. Pens fans didn't have to make excuses for Hossa and Crosby playing with DuPuis. Flames fans don't complain about Iginla being a one man line alongside two absolute muppets.

If this team needs to get a top winger to play with two supposedly star players, the Sedins are weak. Matt Cooke should have been able to be a winger for the Sedins who hits and fights in the corners to create space for these two great scorers even if he only gets thrity points a year.

The Sedins are supposed to take scoring into their own hands like most core players do.

How is Ryder an upgrade over a lackluster Naslund? In a bad year Naslund scores 25 and Ryder gets only 14. Ryder is just not the right guy. Unless he really wants to be a Vancouver Canuck, I don't think he's going to be.

[rustybadcock]

The Sedins are supposed to be top liners for this team in the playoffs. Pens fans didn't have to make excuses for Hossa and Crosby playing with DuPuis. Flames fans don't complain about Iginla being a one man line alongside two absolute muppets.

If this team needs to get a top winger to play with two supposedly star players, the Sedins are weak. Matt Cooke should have been able to be a winger for the Sedins who hits and fights in the corners to create space for these two great scorers even if he only gets thrity points a year.

The Sedins are supposed to take scoring into their own hands like most core players do.

How is Ryder an upgrade over a lackluster Naslund? In a bad year Naslund scores 25 and Ryder gets only 14. Ryder is just not the right guy. Unless he really wants to be a Vancouver Canuck, I don't think he's going to be.

ROTFLMAO - good one.

Personally I think Ryder might just land on this team. I mean yeah, last year his numbers were terrible however this guy's a 30 goal man. You have to recall Lossy, Ryder landed in Carbos dog house, his playing time was cut. Some nights he even rode the press box. Sometimes a coach can suck the life right out of a guy....just sayin', I see Timmy's point. For my money Ryder scores 35 goals with the Twins....on the SECOND line. I really believe we're going to see them on the 2nd line where they belong. Or, if they're the first, we need a sure fire second line to take the pressure off them. either or.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

ROTFLMAO - good one.

Personally I think Ryder might just land on this team. I mean yeah, last year his numbers were terrible however this guy's a 30 goal man. You have to recall Lossy, Ryder landed in Carbos dog house, his playing time was cut. Some nights he even rode the press box. Sometimes a coach can suck the life right out of a guy....just sayin', I see Timmy's point. For my money Ryder scores 35 goals with the Twins....on the SECOND line. I really believe we're going to see them on the 2nd line where they belong. Or, if they're the first, we need a sure fire second line to take the pressure off them. either or.

RB
So they land Ryder for the second line with the twins, who is going to be the first line? have a feeling that if Selanne retires, Burke offers Naslund money to re-unite with Bert in Duckland.

[AtLossForWords]

So they land Ryder for the second line with the twins, who is going to be the first line? have a feeling that if Selanne retires, Burke offers Naslund money to re-unite with Bert in Duckland.

The Canucks will likely sign Huselius to replace Naslund, and then Gillis will likely acquire a fringe first line center to play with him giving up Kesler and Edler if he doesn't move the twins to do it. Of course Mason Raymond will have a spot on that line two.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of moves Gillis pulls off to make things happen. I really hope he doesn't have to give up Edler to acquire the players he needs, but somehow I see every team in the league calling up Gillis for Edler or Kesler.

[gordphish]

Well, the tenth pick hasn't exactly turned out a plethera of gems over the last decade.

http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366083

Antropov is probably the best of the bunch, and that should tell you all you need to know right there.

Trade the pick, Mike.

Oh, and the Canucks have reassigned Smyl to the position of their Director of Colleigate Development and hired Dave Gagner as their new Director of Player Development. Gagner actually owns his own business that helps prospects with their transition from the prospect ranks into pro hockey. He's been an assistant coach for the London Knights the past two years.

The most interesting rumour I've heard involving the Canucks this week is one that claimed they were dangling the 10th pick to Philly in a deal for Jeff Carter. I've also heard that they have a very serious interest in Ryan Malone, and will make him an offer once he hits the market on July 1.

A line with Carter between Malone and Raymond would be a nice way to start the restructuring of the offense, although I'm leary of Malone. I'd expect his numbers to drop playing in the West without Crosby as his centre. I'd see that as a really solid second line.

And the Sedin rumours are starting to really heat up again.

And here are my preictions for the top 10 picks tomorrow night...

1 - Stamkos
2 - Doughty
3 - Pietrangelo
4 - Schenn
5 - Beach
6 - Bogosian
7 - Filatov
8 - Myers
9 - Boedker
10 - Boychuck

[TimmyTabasco]

Sedins wont be traded. Why trade your only offensive threats? Anyway, read somewhere that Gillis wants them signed

Carter has been resigned by the Flyers, so thats that

Malone will probably ask for too much money..but would do alright with the twins

I still think Mike Cammalleri would be a good option..

[gordphish]

Sedins wont be traded. Why trade your only offensive threats? Anyway, read somewhere that Gillis wants them signed

Obviously you don't trade them for a fourth line penalty killer and an enforcer. Think salaries and re-arrangement of the deck chairs.

Carter has been resigned by the Flyers, so thats that

Is that official? Onlt speculation as far as I've heard.

Malone will probably ask for too much money..but would do alright with the twins

Agreed. One of the players that will really hit the jackpot this summer. Disagree on the twins, though. If you keep them, you need to get them someone that makes them a threat off the rush. Malone would essentially just be another Trent Klatt IMO.

I still think Mike Cammalleri would be a good option..

Small and brittle, although he doesn't appear to be afraid of traffic. Wouldn't be close to my first choice at this point.

The Jokinen for the Sedins rumour is heating back up. That's likely just Martin trying to force more out of the GMs that really have interest, though.

[TimmyTabasco]

Dreger from TSN noted that Carolina is going after Bieksa..

Williams would be a solid choice. Cole wouldn't be bad either

[AtLossForWords]

Yeah Timmy, I was watching the draft too.

Williams or Cole would be solid returns for Bieksa. I want no part of Tuomo Ruutu though. He's just a younger version of Jarko Ruutu who spends more time on the IR.

I also heard Gillis say the Canucks have not put the Sedins on the trade market.

Jokinen is no longer available, and Murray has said Spezza will be a Senator to start the season.

I have a feeling the Sedins will be our top line again and manage about 5 points though 10 playoff games each. Gillis needed to be aggressive in moving these guys. They've had plenty of time to learn how to produce in the NHL both in the regular season and the playoffs.

[TimmyTabasco]

Well..how much more for both Cole, and Williams?

That would really address for the need for speed, scoring, and grit(with Cole)

But, it would probably have to be an overpayment..

[AtLossForWords]

Well..how much more for both Cole, and Williams?

That would really address for the need for speed, scoring, and grit(with Cole)

But, it would probably have to be an overpayment..

I have a feeling Kesler and Raymond would have to be part of that deal. Rutherford knows he has to score to contend in the East and subtracting Cole and Williams both from his lineup would cripple his offense.

[TimmyTabasco]

Alright, so it seems that Gillis almost landed Cammy from LA for the 10th pick

However, he also wanted a prospect..and LA didn't bite

Also, Gillis agreed with Poisson on Jokinen..and didnt want to obtain him

Other rumours are Nylander from the Caps, among others

[gordphish]

Speculation is that the Canucks have some serious interest in Kyle Wellwood, who was put on waivers by the Leafs today. A right handed centre, but small.

One has to wonder what the deal is with this guy, though. He seems like a promising young talent, so why was he scratched so often in Toronto and why is he now being allowed to walk to another team for nothing?

But for a cheap quick fix in the short term until Hodson is ready? Wellwood might be a really good fit with Mason Raymond.

And Eklund is still reporting that Vancouver is the team most interested in Hossa as of right now, although he claims that Oilers are suddenly making a push for him. I dunno. Sure, the Oilers are a fast team that like to run and gun, but with the money being equal, where would you choose to live and play, Vancouver or Edmonton?

How about this for your top 3 forward lines?

Daniel / Henrik / Hossa
Raymond / Wellwood / Malone
Pyatt / Kesler / Burrows

It's faster and a bit grittier, but will it solve their scoring problems? I guess that would depend a great deal on Raymond and Wellwood.

[TimmyTabasco]

No thanks to Wellwood

I've read he has character, and conditioning concerns..lack of motivation etc.

Both of those are huge parts of the Canucks criteria

[rustybadcock]

See and I've heard just the opposite on Wellwood and have suggested him in the past. I am big fan of this talent. I think perhaps his label comes from the TO media and fan base....? :confused: I mean lets face it, this hockey club has chased more than a few talented people away.....Anyone recall how rudely Cujo was shown the door? And the fan base! These guys booed Belfour two games into his arrival....a hall of fame cup winning goalie! So maybe, just maybe Kyle Wellwood hates life in TO and right this minute there isn't a happier person in the world sitting on waivers. With all things TO I take a step back and remember these above stated things.

Gord, you read my mind on Wellwood. I was coming here to say I read this on Eklund and to say him and Raymond would be sick! Wellwood is way more talented than first meets the eye. And he's nearly the same height and weight as Morrison so....and arguably more gifted.

I still recall a certain goal he scored as a WJ - he was on on knee, roofed the shot. Just awesome. They say he's a play maker but for my money this guys both. This would be a super snag if Gillis can pull it off.

And his conditioning. I think there is potential for a guy to have been black labeled after being injured and not getting back into a terrible line up fast enough for everyones satisfaction. And thus, he came back too soon and of course was injured again....And then the tables turned on him....

Remember, this is Toronto media we're getting all this negative from...

RB

[rustybadcock]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241636&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Well I hope your sitting down Tobasco cause Wellwood's on his way to van city and I couldn't be happier. I think this is a good gamble if you want to call it that. I mean really, for the price they might very well have one of the best pick ups in years. Low risk. And I tell you man, this guys a gem!

RB

[gordphish]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241636&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Well I hope your sitting down Tobasco cause Wellwood's on his way to van city and I couldn't be happier. I think this is a good gamble if you want to call it that. I mean really, for the price they might very well have one of the best pick ups in years. Low risk. And I tell you man, this guys a gem!

RB

Yeah. See, if you are going to take a flyer on a waiver pick up, Wellwood's a guy you do it on. Guys like Kris Beech didn't help because this team needed top 6 offensive potential, and Wellwood has that.

His groin and hernia issues aside, if he's healthy he can help this hockey team score goals and makes them faster. For his price tag and for not having to give up anything to get him, this is a decent pickup.

With Raymond on one wing and the right grit on the other, Wellwood can be a solid addition to this team.

So, with the additions of Wellwood, Hodgson and Froshaugh on top of Gendur, is this the end of Morrison in Vancouver, or do you resign him and move Kesler to the wing?

[rustybadcock]

Yeah. See, if you are going to take a flyer on a waiver pick up, Wellwood's a guy you do it on. Guys like Kris Beech didn't help because this team needed top 6 offensive potential, and Wellwood has that.

His groin and hernia issues aside, if he's healthy he can help this hockey team score goals and makes them faster. For his price tag and for not having to give up anything to get him, this is a decent pickup.

With Raymond on one wing and the right grit on the other, Wellwood can be a solid addition to this team.

So, with the additions of Wellwood, Hodgson and Froshaugh on top of Gendur, is this the end of Morrison in Vancouver, or do you resign him and move Kesler to the wing?

You know what, I think you resign Mo to push Wellwood. Remember, you can never be too deep at center. And in the end, if Mo ends up in the bottom six now we're thick in this position. Something we've never been in my memory.

RB

[TimmyTabasco]

Bad move

This guy doesn't work out in the summer, and has bad conditioning

Doesn't Vino stress conditioning?

Also, I've read numerous reports of his character..lack of drive etc.

Is Gillis THAT desperate?

Man, another small perimeter player

[TimmyTabasco]

Eklund..ahem..reports that the Canucks are interested in Raycroft..and have two deals on the table with carolina(one for Cole)

Wouldnt mind Cole or Williams..

Raycroft? He was good with Boston, but has had a really hard time since..and I'd pass..especially at the salary

[rustybadcock]

Bad move

This guy doesn't work out in the summer, and has bad conditioning

Doesn't Vino stress conditioning?

Also, I've read numerous reports of his character..lack of drive etc.

Is Gillis THAT desperate?

Man, another small perimeter player

Meh, where are you getting this from? The TO media....nuff said. They chased Cujo out of town for crissakes. Gotta respectfully disagree my friend.

Eklund..ahem..reports that the Canucks are interested in Raycroft..and have two deals on the table with carolina(one for Cole)

Wouldnt mind Cole or Williams..


Raycroft? He was good with Boston, but has had a really hard time since..and I'd pass..especially at the salary

And again, Raycroft's a former rookie of the year man, correct me if my memory is miss serving me. They signed Raycroft and then put a garbage team in front of him and allowed the media to take the piss out of him until today where he's going to be a fine waiver wire pick up for someone. I could also see Calgary or someone like Edmonton taking a shot at him. That or even maybe the panthers....just a thought.

believe me Timmy, wellwoods not gonna come to town out of shape or they're not gonna keep him. He's probably already been read the riot act otherwise I doubt they'd jump on him at all. And that's IF what has been reported out of TO is true.....which I find hard to believe. Could he have come back from injury too soon cause of media/fan pressure? Could he have become unhappy and depressed playing in TO.....100% man. TO is the last team I think I'd want to play for, especially when I consider some of the ways they've treated some very respectful people in the past.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Meh, where are you getting this from? The TO media....nuff said. They chased Cujo out of town for crissakes. Gotta respectfully disagree my friend.



And again, Raycroft's a former rookie of the year man, correct me if my memory is miss serving me. They signed Raycroft and then put a garbage team in front of him and allowed the media to take the piss out of him until today where he's going to be a fine waiver wire pick up for someone. I could also see Calgary or someone like Edmonton taking a shot at him. That or even maybe the panthers....just a thought.

believe me Timmy, wellwoods not gonna come to town out of shape or they're not gonna keep him. He's probably already been read the riot act otherwise I doubt they'd jump on him at all. And that's IF what has been reported out of TO is true.....which I find hard to believe. Could he have come back from injury too soon cause of media/fan pressure? Could he have become unhappy and depressed playing in TO.....100% man. TO is the last team I think I'd want to play for, especially when I consider some of the ways they've treated some very respectful people in the past.

RB

RB,

sorry bud, but Cujo signed as a free agent in Detroit(after Hasek's first retriement) and said he felt Motown was his best chance to win a Stanley Cup, which po'd Leafnation. He wasn't chased out of the center of the universe.

Raycroft had an amazing rookie season, a mediocre second that JFJ thought was a sophmore slump so he traded Rask for him and signed him to a big contract. Raycroft was not ever going to be more than this decades Jim Carrey( the Net detective)

As for Wellwood, if he plays to his potential he might be a waiver wire steal, but Nonis used to try out other team's rejects and we all know how some of those moves turned out.;)

[rustybadcock]

RB,

sorry bud, but Cujo signed as a free agent in Detroit(after Hasek's first retriement) and said he felt Motown was his best chance to win a Stanley Cup, which po'd Leafnation. He wasn't chased out of the center of the universe.

Raycroft had an amazing rookie season, a mediocre second that JFJ thought was a sophmore slump so he traded Rask for him and signed him to a big contract. Raycroft was not ever going to be more than this decades Jim Carrey( the Net detective)

As for Wellwood, if he plays to his potential he might be a waiver wire steal, but Nonis used to try out other team's rejects and we all know how some of those moves turned out.;)

Mmmm, I, like Roger Clemens.....must be "mis-remembering" things. :laughing:

However, Nonis never came close to a waiver wire guy of this caliber. I am seeing that the reports on this guy might be true, he's got some work ethic issues. However I have a feeling this is the wake up call his career has been screaming for. This guys raw talent has carried him this far, if he choses to wake up he will be everything we need.

RB

[gordphish]

First off, unless they've qualified Wellwood, he'll become a UFA in a few days, so in the end he might not even end up being a Canuck anyways.

Or he could be an insurance policy should Gillis not be able to upgrade at centre over the summer.

Yes he has some issues surrounding his comittment to rehabbing his injuries, but I heard him interviewed yesterday and he admits it, so perhaps this is a wake-up call for him.

The big difference for me between Wellwood and Nonis' list of rejects is that Wellwood scored 42 points in 48 games two seasons ago. He's a 25 year old that appeared on the verge of a breakout season before he got hurt. Guys like Cowan and Beech you expect to see on Waivers, guys like Wellwood you don't, and therefore, when a guy of his talent does become available for nothing and you are a team that lacks both scoring depth and speed, you take a shot at him. This guy is far from being a bag of used pucks like the waiver wire pickups we saw from Nonis.

And Wellwood will by no means be guaranteed a roster spot this season. Without signing or trading for anyone, the Canucks have a few young centres that will compete for that spot with Wellwood in Gendur and Hodgson. Morrison could be resigned and put on a third line with Kesler and Burrows. Gillis could still acquire a bonafide top two centre in the coming weeks.

As for Raycroft, I just don't like his salary. 2 mil on a backup that will likely hardly play?

If they do claim him, I think it really begs the question about Luongo's future here. It would seem likely to me that the plan would then be to trade Luongo and play Raycroft and Schneider next year, because again, it makes no sense to me whatsoever to use up 2 mil of cap space on a backup to a 6 milllion dollar goalie that plays 70 to 75 games a year.

And how about Bieksa for Cole? Good move? Too risky, given their depth and health concerns on the blueline? I'd have to see if anyone else is involved. And Rutherford may like Pitkanen better in the end anyways.

[AtLossForWords]

First off, unless they've qualified Wellwood, he'll become a UFA in a few days, so in the end he might not even end up being a Canuck anyways.

Or he could be an insurance policy should Gillis not be able to upgrade at centre over the summer.

Yes he has some issues surrounding his comittment to rehabbing his injuries, but I heard him interviewed yesterday and he admits it, so perhaps this is a wake-up call for him.

The big difference for me between Wellwood and Nonis' list of rejects is that Wellwood scored 42 points in 48 games two seasons ago. He's a 25 year old that appeared on the verge of a breakout season before he got hurt. Guys like Cowan and Beech you expect to see on Waivers, guys like Wellwood you don't, and therefore, when a guy of his talent does become available for nothing and you are a team that lacks both scoring depth and speed, you take a shot at him. This guy is far from being a bag of used pucks like the waiver wire pickups we saw from Nonis.

And Wellwood will by no means be guaranteed a roster spot this season. Without signing or trading for anyone, the Canucks have a few young centres that will compete for that spot with Wellwood in Gendur and Hodgson. Morrison could be resigned and put on a third line with Kesler and Burrows. Gillis could still acquire a bonafide top two centre in the coming weeks.

As for Raycroft, I just don't like his salary. 2 mil on a backup that will likely hardly play?

If they do claim him, I think it really begs the question about Luongo's future here. It would seem likely to me that the plan would then be to trade Luongo and play Raycroft and Schneider next year, because again, it makes no sense to me whatsoever to use up 2 mil of cap space on a backup to a 6 milllion dollar goalie that plays 70 to 75 games a year.

And how about Bieksa for Cole? Good move? Too risky, given their depth and health concerns on the blueline? I'd have to see if anyone else is involved. And Rutherford may like Pitkanen better in the end anyways.


I like the Bieksa for Cole move. I think our forward lines needs someone along the lines of Williams, Cole, or Malone.

I thought we would only pick Raycroft up on reentry waivers so wouldn't we only be paying him 1 million of 2 million? That's a fair price for a backup if you're looking for him to give you solid minutes. They may be trying to buy Roberto a few games of rest without surrendering two points as easily as they have the last couple years.

[grim]

said he felt Motown

Jesus. Uh... hey! June/July is outside time. Drop the mouses and go outside! If humans don't get some sun, the skin begins to turn translucent. Hey look I can see right through KBiK's arm.

[gordphish]

I like the Bieksa for Cole move. I think our forward lines needs someone along the lines of Williams, Cole, or Malone.

I thought we would only pick Raycroft up on reentry waivers so wouldn't we only be paying him 1 million of 2 million? That's a fair price for a backup if you're looking for him to give you solid minutes. They may be trying to buy Roberto a few games of rest without surrendering two points as easily as they have the last couple years.

Yeah OK, if they can pick up at a million it would be OK.

But I don't think it's going to happen. I can't see Raycroft being overly thrilled at spending the year as Luongo's backup, where he might play 15 games at best.

[AtLossForWords]

Yeah OK, if they can pick up at a million it would be OK.

But I don't think it's going to happen. I can't see Raycroft being overly thrilled at spending the year as Luongo's backup, where he might play 15 games at best.

Hey everybody loves easy money right?

[TimmyTabasco]

RB,

sorry bud, but Cujo signed as a free agent in Detroit(after Hasek's first retriement) and said he felt Motown was his best chance to win a Stanley Cup, which po'd Leafnation. He wasn't chased out of the center of the universe.

Raycroft had an amazing rookie season, a mediocre second that JFJ thought was a sophmore slump so he traded Rask for him and signed him to a big contract. Raycroft was not ever going to be more than this decades Jim Carrey( the Net detective)

As for Wellwood, if he plays to his potential he might be a waiver wire steal, but Nonis used to try out other team's rejects and we all know how some of those moves turned out.;)

Agreed on all counts

On Wellwood, he's small..not fast, and quite soft. But, I'm willing to give him a shot..see what he can do

This is depth, and nothing more

[TimmyTabasco]

On Bieksa for Cole..

It is a risk, thats for sure. Cole has had injury concerns, but has proven to be a decent player

Would you rather sign Malone, or trade for Cole?

Malone is more the complete player, but would he play well without superstars?

Williams could be another option...

[TimmyTabasco]

BTW, what about Hartnell?

Philly might have to shed some more salary...

[gordphish]

Agreed on all counts

On Wellwood, he's small..not fast, and quite soft. But, I'm willing to give him a shot..see what he can do

This is depth, and nothing more

I'm not saying the guy is going to be their saviour, but here we have a guy who scored 42 points in 48 games before hurting his groin. I don't think you can compare Wellwood to Cowan, Park or Beech, or even to the few that worked like Pyatt and Carter.

If the injury and conditioning issues are solved, then they could have a young, PPG player on their hands.

If nothing else, you could use him as a fourth line centre that can help out the powerplay and he'll make them a better offensive team.

He only makes about a mil per, and he cost them nothing to acquire. This is the way you use the waiver wire.

As for Raycroft, I really don't care one way or the other. This team has seemed so concerned with it's backup goalie over the last 10 years, and I can't figure out why. As long as Luongo is here, it doesn't matter because the backup will never play.

On Malone, he signed with Tampa, so that's that.

Other options for a similar forward on the free agent front would be Avery and Tucker, and I'd rather have Cole than either of those guys.

[KB in Kelowna]

I'm not saying the guy is going to be their saviour, but here we have a guy who scored 42 points in 48 games before hurting his groin. I don't think you can compare Wellwood to Cowan, Park or Beech, or even to the few that worked like Pyatt and Carter.

If the injury and conditioning issues are solved, then they could have a young, PPG player on their hands.

If nothing else, you could use him as a fourth line centre that can help out the powerplay and he'll make them a better offensive team.

He only makes about a mil per, and he cost them nothing to acquire. This is the way you use the waiver wire.

As for Raycroft, I really don't care one way or the other. This team has seemed so concerned with it's backup goalie over the last 10 years, and I can't figure out why. As long as Luongo is here, it doesn't matter because the backup will never play.
On Malone, he signed with Tampa, so that's that.

Other options for a similar forward on the free agent front would be Avery and Tucker, and I'd rather have Cole than either of those guys.

Gordo,
the back up goal tender situation this year needs to be resolved. Luongo was tired down the stretch, notwithstanding the emotional strain of his wife's difficult pregnancy. If they can get a backup who can give them 15-20 games, a rested and sharp focused Luongo could/should carry the team deep into the playoffs.

As for Tucker, no thanks. Avery could be a bigger distraction than he is worth and neither strikes me as Gillis' type of player.

[KB in Kelowna]

Jesus. Uh... hey! June/July is outside time. Drop the mouses and go outside! If humans don't get some sun, the skin begins to turn translucent. Hey look I can see right through KBiK's arm.
Ah Grim, how are you. I am just killing time when I could be working, how about you?

[TimmyTabasco]

Gordo, agreed on Wellwood..

Anyway..here's a lineup to consider

Cole-Demitra-Naslund
Sedin-Sedin-Ryder
Pyatt-Kesler-Burrows
Pettinger-Wellwood-Cowan

Mitchell-Liles
Ohlund-Edler
Salo-Kraijeck
Miller

Luongo
Auld/or Valiquette

Now, I'd prefer someone over Demitra..but he has produced in the past. Cole would bring a decent level of toughness to that line

Ryder would bring the twins that R shot, and sound positioning. He's looking to rebound, and the Canucks would be a prime opportunity

Wellwood could start on the 4th line, and move up and down the lineup..depending on injuries. Badcock says he's good on faceoffs, so that would also help

Liles could be looking for 3-3.5 million, and would bring a PP specialist element to the defense

Bieksa would be moved for Cole

I'd also bring back Miller as the 7th defenseman. I liked his game last season

Auld or Valiquette would be solid as the backup. Last season Auld went 9-7-5 with 2.32 GAA, and .919 SP. Valiquette would also be solid, is huge, and is a former Gillis client

Not the most perfect lineup, but could get the job done..and bring more scoring

[Matt Cooke]

Gordo, agreed on Wellwood..

Anyway..here's a lineup to consider

Cole-Demitra-Naslund
Sedin-Sedin-Ryder
Pyatt-Kesler-Burrows
Pettinger-Wellwood-Cowan

Mitchell-Liles
Ohlund-Edler
Salo-Kraijeck
Miller

Luongo
Auld/or Valiquette

Now, I'd prefer someone over Demitra..but he has produced in the past. Cole would bring a decent level of toughness to that line

Ryder would bring the twins that R shot, and sound positioning. He's looking to rebound, and the Canucks would be a prime opportunity

Wellwood could start on the 4th line, and move up and down the lineup..depending on injuries. Badcock says he's good on faceoffs, so that would also help

Liles could be looking for 3-3.5 million, and would bring a PP specialist element to the defense

Bieksa would be moved for Cole

I'd also bring back Miller as the 7th defenseman. I liked his game last season

Auld or Valiquette would be solid as the backup. Last season Auld went 9-7-5 with 2.32 GAA, and .919 SP. Valiquette would also be solid, is huge, and is a former Gillis client

Not the most perfect lineup, but could get the job done..and bring more scoring

geez Timmy, some things don't change... I see you're still hyping Michael Ryder.... :laughing:


Marian Hossa to Vancouver. I'm tired of settling for "the right price" player that can't/won't make an impact to the franchise. Pavol Demitra? No longer a superstar.. you could argue he never was a superstar in this league.. but in my opinion Demitra is a 65 GP player who won't cash in on 40 goals this late in his career and that's exactly what the Canucks need, someone who can score and score often. Demitra's been tossing the puck Gaborik's way all last season, what's going to change with Demitra? Will Daniel pot 40? Not likely.

[gordphish]

Well, Tampa dealt for Rolston, and the Oilers dealt Stoll to the Kings...

Looking more and more like we're going to get the same old, same old out here in the Rim. Everyone else gets involved in the dealings and signings but us.

Checked out Eklund today and he's reporting that the Canucks are trying to acquire Hossa's rights, and it will be expensive.

I think this would not be a smart move. Here we have a player that is obviously intent on testing the market. It's why Atlanta traded him and why the Penguins haven't been able to resign him, even though it was a highly expensive yet successful trade for them.

[AtLossForWords]

Liles signed in Colorado for four years, so he is off the market too.

No thanks on Ryder Timmy, and I'm only looking at Demitra if he wants to come here togethor with Hossa as some are speculating.

How about taking a shot at Streit for the PP quarterback position?

[gordphish]

Liles signed in Colorado for four years, so he is off the market too.

No thanks on Ryder Timmy, and I'm only looking at Demitra if he wants to come here together with Hossa as some are speculating.

How about taking a shot at Streit for the PP quarterback position?

I'd be very surprised if the Habs let Streit go, but he'd certainly be high on my list, most especially due to his versatility. It would be a huge bonus to have a player of his effectiveness that could play both the blueline and at forward.

I want no part of Demitra. How a team that has failed miserably in the playoffs this decade could even be considering signing him is beyond me. Why don't we sign Alexei Yashin and bring Cloutier in as the backup while we're at it?

So what other options could they look at for a powerplay quarterback now that Liles is signed (other than the obvious in Campbell or Redden)?

Kalinin, Hainsey, Tarnstrom, Rob Blake (unlikely), Berard, Rozsival?

Take a shot on Ozolnish?

Signing one of those cheaper guys to help bolster the powerplay would give them enough depth to move Bieksa for a top 6 forward.

I think I like Kalinin and Rozsival the best out of that list, but wouldn't mind seeing them give Ozolnish a try.

[KB in Kelowna]

Why do I get the feeling the Canucks will not make a splash in the big free agent pool? I just have a sneaking suspicion that not much will happen.

[rustybadcock]

I got me a feeling on Hossa but I also fear that Gillis is going to watch everyone else get what they want and need and he'll be left signing Demitra....very scary thoughts.

On Ryder, you all know I covet this guy. He's a good player. End of story. He scored 30 goals three years in a row on a rebuilding team....once they started really making noise he falls out of favor with carbo....no reason to turn up our noses at him. And honestly, he might be all that's left for this team from the looks of things. Cause as much as I like the sound of Hossa I get this very strange and negative feeling these days about the whole thing.

I mean to watch Mo go to the BJ's for 8 mil over 3....We can't land this guy for less? Can't tell me Mo wouldn't sign here for 3 years 6 mil. That's fair money IMO. However, he's likely good and pissed off now as I am sure Gillis hasn't even bothered to pay him any attention. They likely figured he was out front of GM Place mowing the lawn he's so much a Canuck. :rolleyes: I mean, every man has pride and you piss of people they'll jump at the first offer that comes their way and 2.6 mil per year....decent for Mo.

I still say moving Bieksa is a huge mistake that this franchise cannot afford to make. If they can't get people to come here with 20 mil to spend, moving Bieksa for Cole won't solve this teams problems. There are just too many players that they should be attempting to sign first. I mean, I really like what TBay has done. Days before the 1st they're moving late picks with every intention of giving whom they're after what they want. It's really that simple and Gillis is in no position to be playing the role of a tight ass GM.

At the very moment Gillis has me very nervous. EVERY around us is improving, or at least attempting to do so.....

RB

[TimmyTabasco]

I'm not crazy on Demitra, either

However, the pickings have become slim..and are becoming much slimmer

Ryder could be a bargain player..and I'd think the Canucks will make a play for him

About the PP quarterback..no thanks on Streit. He's purely a specialist, and it makes you wonder why the Habs haven't resigned him...

During the playoffs he was non-existant

There are reports that Boyle could be available. I'd make a strong pitch for Boyle, even to overpay for him. This is a guy who would do wonders for the PP

Another name via trade would be Zidlicky. The Preds are deep on defense, and he would be expendable

[AtLossForWords]

I wouldn't overpay for anyone at this point who plays on the blueline. This team's forward lines were absolutely horrible last year. The only line on this team that is complete is the checking line. Sure you can't neglect the defense, but I would only overpay where I need the most help. Forwards should get the biggest pitches from the Canucks, powerplay specialists come next, and then have a waiver wire pickup for a backup goalie.

[gordphish]

Why do I get the feeling the Canucks will not make a splash in the big free agent pool? I just have a sneaking suspicion that not much will happen.

Yeah, I'm getting that sinking feeling too, although Eklund is reporting that the Canucks have made an offer to Sundin, along with the Habs, Rangers and Wings...reportedly the Habs offer is for 10 million, and that's just silly, unless it's a front end loaded deal.

Actually, TSN is reporting that it's the Canucks that have offered Sundin a mulit-year deal worth 10 mil per!!!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242175&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

If that's true, and Sundin retires or goes elsewhere, you can't blame Gillis for not trying. Sundin would have to be nuts to turn it down. The only team in the east that have shown interest that could afford to match that are the Rangers. If they don't, I don't care what Sundin's concerns with coming here would be, he'd be a moron to turn down 20 mil over two years at this point in his career.

I'd also bet that once Sundin accepts that offer that Naslund resigns shortly thereafter. I'd think that getting Sundin here would make Vancouver a little more attractive to other UFAs, too. 10 mil per, though...I'm still mulling that one over.

I'd have to think the Canucks are one of the ten that have tabled an offer to Rolston.

And their name is still in there on Hossa...

Kind of slow so far. Tells me that the big names are getting lots of offers.

Should we get the Forsberg rumours going again? LOL...

[gordphish]

Well this has turned out to be kind of boring, man. I decided to give myself this one day to do pretty much nothing and tune in to the Free Agency frenzy, and all I really get are Fedoruk, Raycroft and Wellwood...yawn.

[gordphish]

Canucks sign 24 year old hulking RW David Backes to a 3 year, 7.5 Million dollar offer sheet (2.5 mil per, Backes made just over 800 grand last season). St. Louis has 7 days to match or accept a 2nd round pick as compensation.

An agressive move, for sure.

If the Kesler offer sheet raised a few eyebrows, this one will yours climbing all the way to the back of your skull. Backes had just 13 goals and 31 points with 99 PIMS and was a minus 11 last season. A young kid with some potential, but 2.5 mil per for 3 years?

At least Gillis isn't afraid to spend money...

Signed 4th line LW Darcy Hordichuk. Wee.

St. Louis matched the offer to Backes.

[AtLossForWords]

I like that there is a rumor about Sundin coming here. He makes a first line all by himself meaning he'll take pressure off the Sedin twins to score. The best part is that the contract will expire when Luongo needs to be extending giving this team the ability to fill a hole they desparately need to fill, and at the same time allowing them to have the oppurtunity to take care of their golden crease when the time comes.

[gordphish]

I like that there is a rumor about Sundin coming here. He makes a first line all by himself meaning he'll take pressure off the Sedin twins to score. The best part is that the contract will expire when Luongo needs to be extending giving this team the ability to fill a hole they desparately need to fill, and at the same time allowing them to have the oppurtunity to take care of their golden crease when the time comes.

Yeah, but it's risky. He's 37, for one thing. Second, he'll be joining a new team for the first time in 15 years, and switching to the more physical, defensive minded Western Conference.

Should he take the Canucks' offer, I think people will really need to be prepared for what we'll see from Sundin here. Unless he's playing the right side with the twins, I'd expect his numbers to drop. Not by much, mind you, but enough to have a whole bunch of knuckleheads in this city screaming about how they are paying him 10 million per to score 65 to 70 points.

That said, I really believe that Sundin can still make his wingers better. If he could bring up Naslund's numbers and help Raymond emerge as a top flight offensive threat, then he's solid investment for that.

I also think Mats would be a great influence on their younger players, both off and on the ice.

And he's still an awesome threat on the PP and more than solid in the face-off circle, and they certainly need help in those areas.

He's certainly no stranger to pressure, but I wonder how much the pressure of playing in a hockey market like Vancouver with a contract like that will play into his decision. And I wonder how much he can be sold on Vancouver's chances of winning a Cup in the next two years, Luongo or no Luongo.

I'm really trying to not get my hopes up. There's just been too many times this team has left its fanbase holding the wet end over the years. And after today, it doesn't seem to be shaping up any differently.

But it sure would be nice to wake up tomorrow and see that Sundin will be wearing the blue and green.

I just listened to Gillis on CDC and he says Mats was impressed with the offer (well, duh) and that he's sleeping on it and they'll talk in the morning.

Here's hoping.

[rustybadcock]

I think your right gord, about Naslund signing if Sundin does. For sure. In fact, I think all the swedes we sport might help tip the scales.

I like the horidchuk signing.....this guys pretty tough. Cowen, Rypien hordichuk....that's a pretty solid line.

I don't care about the money, this team has never had a center of Sundin's caliber. I also don't care that he's 37. He carried that leafs club more than once, he knows how to lead and he knows how to put up points with kids or veterans. He and Raymond would be like Cheechoo and Thornton I bet.

I can also see why nothing else has really happened. I mean if Sundin accepts, they're moving one way, if he declines, plan B. I can accept that.

I like the fact that Gillis has pulled a move like this. To me it shows major intent and it's an admirable attempt to make this team better.

Van city fans are going to bitch if he gets 110 points so regardless gord, most morons in that town are going to hate this move.

To me this is a great move. Mats will lead, they will follow. Every center in the franchise is going to see first hand how to play like a top line guy. After two years are through, Henrik will be ready to take over the team in that department. I really see more than meets the eye on this one.

I like the offer sheet too. Sure, overpayment, yeah....for now. This kids upside would have been nice to watch arrive. However, I too have heard the Blues are matching....boo. It's a nice shot in the dark I guess you could say.

And Umberger is still out there.....Mo hasn't signed anywhere....Bert? Not a word....Naslund is likely traveling to Mats's house right now....if not already there. I can really see deep down that having Ohlund, Nazzy and the twins would really sway him to the whale...

At least Gillis throws down....win or lose on this one - I like that about him.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Well I will give Gillis points for having the "cajones" ( sic) to make a couple of bold moves. Usually we would here Burke or his clone Nonis talk about how they weren't prepared to overpay sell the farm, mortgage the future and so on. However he still needs to land proven scorers to improve the top six forwards or it will be a very long season on the west coast considering how many of the divisional teams and conference teams are improving so far and on paper this off season.

[Matt Cooke]

i'd take two players at 5 million a season than Mats Sundin through TWO seasons.. or better yet if they're spending 10 million on one player.. why not make it 12 million and have Hossa... at least maybe that way we'll see one Vancouver Canuck hit the all-star weekend.

[rustybadcock]

Well I will give Gillis points for having the "cajones" ( sic) to make a couple of bold moves. Usually we would here Burke or his clone Nonis talk about how they weren't prepared to overpay sell the farm, mortgage the future and so on. However he still needs to land proven scorers to improve the top six forwards or it will be a very long season on the west coast considering how many of the divisional teams and conference teams are improving so far and on paper this off season.

Mats sundin is a proven scorer. :thumb:

[KB in Kelowna]

Mats sundin is a proven scorer. :thumb:
He still isn't signed;)

I still have that feeling I mentioned earlier that at the end of the day Gillis and the Canucks could still be on the outside looking in as players they covet or need or signed or traded elsewhere.

[gordphish]

i'd take two players at 5 million a season than Mats Sundin through TWO seasons.. or better yet if they're spending 10 million on one player.. why not make it 12 million and have Hossa... at least maybe that way we'll see one Vancouver Canuck hit the all-star weekend.

Yeah, I knew we'd hear this argument.

Mats Sundin is a centre, and if you listen to Gillis, he understands this team's need for an elite centre is the single most important weakness he needs to address. Plus, as Gillis mentions, Mats is capable of carrying a line by himself, a vital attribute when your team is limited offensively and must start depending on its prospects to contribute on the scoresheet.

Should Naslund resign, he can hit the 35 goal mark again playing with Mats. Sundin can make guys like Raymond and Pyatt 30 goal threats. Think of what their first line PP unit could do with Sundin playing with Henrik and Daniel.

So why offer Mats 10 per? If you really want him, you have to give him a reason to take your offer above what the Habs, Rangers and Wings are offering, and those three teams have something you don't...they are all close to his home in Toronto.

I'm so tired of hearing that this team isn't willing to pay what the free agents that could help them were asking, or that they aren't willing to give up the assets to make deals that would help make them a better club. Clearly, Gillis targeted Sundin and is willing to do what it takes to get him here. If that's a 20 million dollar contract, then I'm fine with it. What other two five million dollar players were they going get that would help them as much as Sundin can?

And they can afford this right now, with about 19 million of cap space.

The only real question is, why hasn't Mats jumped at this? Correct me if I'm wrong, but there hasn't been a 37 year old make close to this kind of money in the NHL.

[gordphish]

Hey check it out...the NHLPA's website has Ryan Johnson listed as a Canuck...at 1.1 million...did I miss the signing?

http://www.nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerBiography.asp?ID=2689

And Eklund is reporting that Sundin may visit Vancouver before making a decision on signing, although he says Sundin will play in the NHL next year.

If this is the case, it should make things really interesting, since delaying the decision a week could take the Rangers and Habs out of the mix and force them to go with plan B. It would then come down to the Canucks and Wings, and unless the Wings clear some cap space, their offer can't be even close to Vancouver's.

Sportsnet is reporting that the Canucks have signed Ryan Johnson to a two year deal at $1.15 million per season.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/signings_2008/

Kind of a lot of money for a fourth line centre, but I like the fact that Gillis is not waiting on Sundin to bolster the depth of the team in other areas.

Apparently Johnson lead the league in blocked shots last year...I like that.

They've resigned Sanford...$650,000 grand.

Sundin has pulled the "don't know if I'm playing next year card..." That kind of bugs me. He should have been up front about that before July 1 so that teams didn't waste a day waiting on his decision. In fact, the more I think about it, the more it really pisses me off.

So what's plan B? Looks like Naslund and Demitra...still no centre, though...errgghh...maybe Forsberg?

Signed Nolan Baumgartner.

[Matt Cooke]

With Hossa off the block and somebody explain to me how Detroit pulled this financially, that leaves just ol' Mats Souptin. Valid points Gordo... Wellwood, Stajan, Ponikarovsky have all excelled in Maple land at some points in their career and they've exceeded expectations some seasons... in my opinion anyway.. I'm no Leafer fan but I'm assuming Souptin played a large role in this?

I like Hossa's thinking, he goes to the defending Stanley Cup champions, makes a cool $7.4 million dollars in the process and isn't tied down at all, he can be traded at the deadline if need be or test the markets again. The only downfall to a one-year contract is what if you stink it up this coming season, your market value would decrease significantly and he's going to be urking himself why he didn't sign that multi-year deal worth millions upon millions...

[grim]

Ah Grim, how are you. I am just killing time when I could be working, how about you?

Hi KB. I am always excellent. I hope you are too. Uh.... $20 million for Mats Sundin? *blink* You far out westerners really are on drugs. Even your nemesis the Coilers didn't bid up on that one. Matsy is still pretty good but $5 mil tops. One year contract tops. He's no Finger. Wait... that's another rant. Huh?

[TimmyTabasco]

First of all, agressive moves by Gillis..

Backes..would have been impressive to land this guy. He was among the league leaders in hits, and has power forward potential

Sure, it was overpayment..but thats offer sheets. Too bad Davidson/Armstrong/Pleau (who's in charge, anyway??) matched the offer

On Sundin..sure..its overpayment. However, the Canucks have to win..and win now

Two years, Hodgson will be ready..and Hank will be better..plus both would have learnt alot from Sundin

Sundin scores goals, wins draws, goes to the net, and also sets up plays. If he can create scorers out of the Toronto foddle, what could he do with Vancouver?

Hossa scores goals, and brings excitement. However, he is not the all around player of Sundin. In sundin you are signing a guy who can score you goals, and also create a goal scorer out of someone else. So, you have two goal scorers..instead of one

BTW, won't just 5 million count against the cap? Anyway..if he does agree..very good signing. Immediately makes the team better in the short term

Johnson..good signing. This guy will replace Ritchie. Among the league leaders in blocked shots, good on faceoffs, and scores the odd point. Plus, he's got great wheels

Hordichuk is another good signing. Brings the true tough guy, making Cowan expendable..or play better to earn his spot

Baumgartner is a good depth move, good on the PP..relief duty

Sanford. Not surprised, since most of the goalies were snapped up. BTW, good move by the Isles to sign Yann Danis. Anyway, must be better this season..and probably will with more starts

Disapointing about Backes, and not signing a top six winger..but lets stay optimistic

[rustybadcock]

He still isn't signed;)

I still have that feeling I mentioned earlier that at the end of the day Gillis and the Canucks could still be on the outside looking in as players they covet or need or signed or traded elsewhere.

Yup, I got a feeling there will be no chairs for Gillis when the music stops.

RB

[gordphish]

Well, who is left?

I think Jason Williams might be their best bet from the UFA list. A right handed centre who had 36 points in 43 games last season. At 5'11 and 194 lbs, he's not a smurf at least. He made 1.6 million last year and he won't be back with the Hawks considering that they are over the cap right now.

But that still leaves them pretty weak on the right wing.

On the RFA front, there are two players that really stand out. Marek Svatos and Steve Bernier.

Now both Colorado and Buffalo still have a lot of cap space left, so they would have to be pretty hefty offers to give both teams pause.

Buffalo might be the more likely of the two to back off of a big offer. They have about 14 million of space left but really need to add some depth to their defense, which should make Kalinin a strong priority for them. In fact, they only have 4 NHL calibre defensemen under contract.

It's still a long shot shot, but Bernier would give the Canucks size and scoring on the right side.

Other than that, unless your looking at Jay Bouwmeester and then moving a defenseman to get a top 6 forward, there isn't much left.

[AtLossForWords]

Well I think there may be more good players sitting around than we really notice.

Jason Williams as Gord mentioned is sitting around. I'm puzzled as to why I haven't heard the Canucks are yet to make an offer to him. He can play up front and on the point for the powerplay, he has a good right handed shot, and he is a shootout specialist. He's a good second tier got that fills a lot of needs that this club has.

Jaromir Jagr is still available, but like Sundin he is yet to decide his playing future.

Joe Sakic has not signed with the Avalanche yet. I can't imagine they don't want him back, maybe he's trying to decide his future too. I wouldn't at all be opposed to him playing out the twilight of his career home in BC.

Demitra and Naslund are still available, but they seem to be talking with other teams.

After that you start looking at the trade market. If Marleau is really going to be dealt as Eklund insists he is, you'd have to think Gillis is trying to make that move. He lost out on getting a forward from Carolina, so moving Bieksa for Marleau makes a lot of sense.

With Marleau on the second line with Raymond the Canucks still need two top six forwards to play on the right wing. Jason Williams should be one of those players. I'm hoping Taylor Pyatt isn't the other and he keeps his place on the shutdown line.

Sending a bigger package to San Jose for Marleau to acquire both Marleau and Setoguchi helps solve that problem. Making a deal with Buffalo for the rights to Bernier is a good idea too.

[KB in Kelowna]

If I am the Canucks GM I would be going over the current roster and cap numbers of all 29 teams and trying to identify salaries that need to be moved and weaknesses in those line ups, then I am putting together trade proposals. But I am not the Canucks GM and I am probably stating the obvious.:rolleyes:

[gordphish]

If I am the Canucks GM I would be going over the current roster and cap numbers of all 29 teams and trying to identify salaries that need to be moved and weaknesses in those line ups, then I am putting together trade proposals. But I am not the Canucks GM and I am probably stating the obvious.:rolleyes:

Were I the GM, I'd be identifying what players would work best with younger players and I'm going after them. Then I'm putting Luongo on the market and taking the best offer I get that includes a top prospect at centre, and then I'm shopping the twins and Ohlund.

Hogdson, Grabner, White, Raymond, Froshaug, Ellington, Sauve, maybe Rahimi, and Schneider are all playing in Vancouver next season, along with whatever prospects I can snag in the deals for Luongo, the Sedins and Ohlund.

This is just the smartest thing the Canucks can do. Missing the playoffs and ending up with the 10th to 14th pick year after year is just spinning your wheels and stupid. Look at Toronto.

I hope Nonis rots in hockey hell for what he did to this team. I honoustly think he did it just to spite the city and ownership for firing his bum buddy Burke.

Stupid fat arsehole.

[KB in Kelowna]

Hogdson, Grabner, White, Raymond, Froshaug, Ellington, Sauve, maybe Rahimi, and Schneider are all playing in Vancouver next season, along with whatever prospects I can snag in the deals for Luongo, the Sedins and Ohlund.

This is just the smartest thing the Canucks can do.

So you are saying you want to enter the Tavares (sic) Sweepstakes? Given this team's history they will get the number 2 pick out of the draft lottery.:rolleyes: :pimp:

[Matt Cooke]

Jaromir Jagr to Vancouver you say....? 2-year $30 million contract?

[AtLossForWords]

Jagr is in Russia now with Omsk. I suspect he got big money to play in a league that isn't called the NHL.

It makes me fear for the state of our league if star players like Jagr would really prefer to play over there than in the NHL.

[gordphish]

So you are saying you want to enter the Tavares (sic) Sweepstakes? Given this team's history they will get the number 2 pick out of the draft lottery.:rolleyes: :pimp:

Well, let's take a moment to predict wht the Western Standings could look like next season with the current rosters.

Northwest Division

1. Calgary
2. Minnesota
3. Edmonton
4. Colorado
5. Vancouver

Central Division

1. Detroit
2. Chicago
3. Nashville
4. St. Louis
5. Columbus

Pacific Division

1. Dallas
2. San Jose
3. Phoenix
4. Anaheim
5. Los Angeles


Overall

1. Detroit
2. Dallas
3. Calgary
4. San Jose
5. Phoenix
6. Chicago
7. Minnesota
8. Anaheim

9. Nashville
10. Edmonton
11. Los Angeles
12. St. Louis
13. Columbus
14. Colorado
15. Vancouver

How many teams in the east could be worse, as of right now? The Islanders, Florida...maybe Buffalo? Toronto if Sundin does decide to retire?

Dump Luongo, the twins and Ohlund and it wouldn't be that hard to be firmly esconsed in dead last by Christmas.

And consider this as well. Right now we hear all about how no one wants to come to Vancouver. Well, there are a group of players that would love to play in Vancouver, and that's their prospects. They may lose a lot of games, but at least we should see a strong effort from them as they look to establish themselves in the NHL.

With Vigneault's track record with younger players and a phenom topping next year's draft in Tavares, there may not be a better time to rebuild, for a long, long time. The last thing they want is to just delay the inevitable until their floundering around in the basement when the draft cycle turns lean again, the way they did in the late 90s.

[rustybadcock]

Nice call Gord, Berier's a Nuck.

http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367822

[gordphish]

Nice call Gord, Berier's a Nuck.

http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367822

Finally, something positive. It's about time.

Nice pick up. A really good young player with size and scoring touch.

Let's hope there is a lot more like this coming.

How about a big, nasty offer sheet to Antoine Vermette?

[KB in Kelowna]

So I see Tony Gallagher saying that players will be available once teams start crunching their cap numbers. Given Tampa's cap dilemma right now what would bring Martin St. Louis west?

[gordphish]

So I see Tony Gallagher saying that players will be available once teams start crunching their cap numbers. Given Tampa's cap dilemma right now what would bring Martin St. Louis west?


I don't think Tampa has a cap problem now that they've moved Boyle, KB...they have about 9 million left.

Teams with cap troubles right now are the Flyers, who are over and haven't signed Smith or Thoresen, the Hawks and the Rangers.

A team that could be in trouble cap wise and may be very vulnerable to a RFA poach could be Florida. They are well under the cap at about 46 million spent, but what is their budget? A 5 year, 35 million dollar offer to Bouwmeester could force them to refuse to match, however the Canucks would then be surrendering their number one pick next year as part of the compensation package. It's not a deep draft by all accounts, but there is Tavares.

They could make that offer to Bouwmeester and then move Ohlund or Bieksa to Ottawa for Vermette once they have Bouwmeester secured.

[Matt Cooke]

So San Jose lose Brian Campbell and pick up Dan Boyle AND Rob Blake... Ehrhoff, McLaren, Vlasic, Blake, Boyle and Lukowich; nasty.

What's the deal with PM Bouchard, Marek Svatos, Meszaros?

[AtLossForWords]

I wouldn't be signing by offer sheets if we are planning on finishing last next season. We don't want to lose our lottery pick because of an offer sheet.

If we want to get players like Bouchard, Vermette, or Bouwmeester Gillis should approach other GMs by making a deal.

[TimmyTabasco]

Bernier is a solid pickup

He has problems with consistency, but could do very well with the twins

Also, I've read reports that Gillis will make another offer sheet..one of the names is Fillipula from the Wings

Bouwmeester would be solid guy to sign to a sheet. But, I'd prefer to move Bieksa..or Salo..over Ohlund. Not big on Vermette. This guy was supposed to be a solid offensive player, but has struggled to live up to expectations

What about Bergeron? Sure..he had the concussion..but could be available. Also, Wideman still isn't signed..A deal for both would be pretty solid

On another note , whats with Willes? First, he's a downer..and not much of a writer. Second, he's always whining. To be honest, Gallagher has improved by miles..he's actually writing very good articles. Anyway, I still think the sun have superior staff

[gordphish]

Bernier is a solid pickup

He has problems with consistency, but could do very well with the twins

Also, I've read reports that Gillis will make another offer sheet..one of the names is Fillipula from the Wings

Bouwmeester would be solid guy to sign to a sheet. But, I'd prefer to move Bieksa..or Salo..over Ohlund. Not big on Vermette. This guy was supposed to be a solid offensive player, but has struggled to live up to expectations

What about Bergeron? Sure..he had the concussion..but could be available. Also, Wideman still isn't signed..A deal for both would be pretty solid

On another note , whats with Willes? First, he's a downer..and not much of a writer. Second, he's always whining. To be honest, Gallagher has improved by miles..he's actually writing very good articles. Anyway, I still think the sun have superior staff

I agree. I think Gallagher has been doing a much better job. I've never been a big fan of Willis.

On Vermette.

This next season will only be his 4th full season in the NHL, and his point totals have improved every season. He's been pretty much good for 20 goals per in each of the last three seasons in a secondary scoring role for Ottawa. He's only been a minus player twice in his pro career (both season minus 2), and he is excellent in the face-off circle. He also has pretty good size at 6'1 and 200lbs. And finally, he can line up at any forward postition comfortably (that way, Sundin takes the Canucks offer in August, they can shift Vermette to the wing).

I'd say a second line of Vermette between Raymond and Bernier sounds pretty damn good to me at this point.

And the thing about Vermette is that the Sens might just be willing to let him go. They have Spezza, Fisher and Kelly at centre; where does Vermette fit there, and if he's not their second line centre, do the Sens want to pay him like one?

I still wouldn't gamble much on Bergeron until I get a feel for how he's recovered from that cheap shot. Have you seen him interviewed since? He seems like a guy that had a chunk bit out of his surf board by a Great White and now has absolutely no interest in going near the water, even if it's in a bath tub.

Fillpula. First, no way the Wings don't match. Holland has publicly stated this. Second of all, I'd be leary of being sold on a player that just might have looked better last spring than he really was because he was surrounded by a great team that was peaking at the right time. I'd like to have him, but I sure wouldn't want to overpay for him.

Finally, sure I'd like to move Salo over Ohlund, but no one wants Salo Timmy. The other GMs aren't blind, and most of them aren't completely stupid. They see Salo for what he is; an injury prone, overpaid bottom pairing powerplay specialist that happens to come with an NTC attached to his contract. I'm telling you, most of the GMs wouldn't give you a 7th round pick for Salo.

And right now, Bieksa's not much better. The book on him at the draft was that he wasn't big enough to play his junkyard style and stay healthy at the NHL level. Well hello. And he was handed a 3.5 million dollar contract after just one-and-a-half seasons in the NHL. Most GMs aren't offering much in return for Bieksa alone right now, so Gillis will either have to package him or just keep him and hope he has a couple of solid and healthy seasons.

Ohlund could get you a Vermette most likely, but his body has been breaking down the last few seasons, he has a bad eye, hasn't been overly physical himself since the last lockout, is UFA after this season AND comes with an NTC.

See what I'm getting at? I think we here in Vancouver have a much higher opinion of our blueliners than the GMs around the league do.

And as for your comment in the other thread about the media trying to sell the fans on a rebuilding phase, it's actually the other way around, man. Once the team starts to rebuild, the fringe fans fall away. That means less people are buying papers, less people are listening to sports radio and less people are tuning in on TV. That means advertising money starts to dissappear, and media outlets start trimming the chaffe. The media actually has a lot of people in this market convinced that the fans here would never accept a 3 to 5 year rebuilding plan, when in fact it is the complete opposite. The hardcore fans in Vancouver are knowledgable, sophisticated and loyal. If it meant putting this team in legitimate contention, they'd tough it out.

[rustybadcock]

FYI, Cullen really hasn't had much of a shot at the show but his A numbers are solid. I am guessing this is to bolster the Moose.

http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8470005

[gordphish]

FYI, Cullen really hasn't had much of a shot at the show but his A numbers are solid. I am guessing this is to bolster the Moose.

http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8470005

Agreed. 29 years old and 32 GPs in the NHL...a career AHL player.

Vermette, Filppula and Bouwmeester (plus 12 others) have filed for arbitration, which means that they can't sign offer sheets with other clubs.

Eklund reports the Sens are going hard after Bouwmeester through the trade route, offering Vermette, Mesjaros and a #1 pick to Florida, but have set there sights on McCabe or Kubina as plan B.

He also says the Canucks have interest in Vermette. Could Ohlund or Bieksa be plan C?

He says the Canucks have interest in Nashville's Ville Koistinen (who also filed for arbitration).

Lastly, he says the Canucks have jumped back out in front as the likely team to sign Demitra (groan).

Should they fail to land Vermette, I'd like to see them sign Jason Williams.

[KB in Kelowna]

Interesting item in the Globe and Mail this morning from Eric Duhatschek, basically telling all the gloom and doomers in Canuckland to chill out:
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080704.wspt-nhl-duha-notes-04/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home

"5. The Gillis watch
Rushing to judgment on Mike Gillis, the new Vancouver general manager, after a few days and few failed overtures makes little sense. Gillis provocatively chased a player he wanted as a restricted free agent, David Backes of St. Louis, signing him to an offer sheet, and made an aggressive pitch to Sundin, so he could be the centre-piece of a second scoring line to supplement the Sedin twins. The Backes initiative failed, Sundin is still deciding about his future. Gillis, who looks as if he's prepared to tilt against windmills, gets high marks for initiative, if not for results. One thing every GM learns in time (and should know intuitively): With 30 teams competing for a limited talent pool, not even the second coming of Sam Pollock can just wave a magic wand and make all the piece of the puzzle fall immediately and seamlessly into place. It takes time."

[TimmyTabasco]

Well, I'd take a chance on Vermette..from what your saying. He could be an interesting player

Bouwmeester would really be a good addition..but they would have lots of competition for his services

Also, guys like Clowe, and Cheechoo..could become available

[gordphish]

Well, I'd take a chance on Vermette..from what your saying. He could be an interesting player

Bouwmeester would really be a good addition..but they would have lots of competition for his services

Also, guys like Clowe, and Cheechoo..could become available

One guy I'd keep an eye on would be Simon Gagne. The Flyers signed Asham today and still have Thoresen to sign, and they were already over cap by 900,000.

If the Flyers were looking to dump his salary, I'd give up a prospect or two for him, say Grabner and Patrick White.

I'm kind of disapointed that Gillis sidn't target more RFAs...nothing stupid, or anything...

I would have put a 5 year, 35 million dollar offer in front of Bouwmeester and given up the picks if Florida didn't match it. When have the Canucks ever drafted a defenseman of his calibre?

And 7 mil per isn't out of line for Bouwmeester at all. It may, however, have been more than Florida was willing to spend. Now they'll only get him by trading, which won't happen, or by FLA walking away from his arby award, which most definately won't happen.

Then they could have some depth to play with on the blueline to deal for another foward.

Oh well, another opportunity blown, I guess...

I still don't like the idea of counting on this blueline to stay healthy, nor do I see a PP quarterback anywhere in the mix.

[TimmyTabasco]

Gagne would be a solid player, but only if the Canucks sign Sundin..or acquire a top level center

Agreed on Bouwmeester. He's the ideal defenseman..and I think he's worth big money..much better than Campbell..Redden..Boyle..among others

About the offer sheet..if a deal couldn't work out, perhaps Gillis was going to poach Bernier? Food for thought

Also, lets not forget about Marleau. Sure, he's not Sundin..but he would be pretty decent..especially mentoring players like Raymond etc.

[gordphish]

Gagne would be a solid player, but only if the Canucks sign Sundin..or acquire a top level center

Agreed on Bouwmeester. He's the ideal defenseman..and I think he's worth big money..much better than Campbell..Redden..Boyle..among others

About the offer sheet..if a deal couldn't work out, perhaps Gillis was going to poach Bernier? Food for thought

Also, lets not forget about Marleau. Sure, he's not Sundin..but he would be pretty decent..especially mentoring players like Raymond etc.


But now that the Sharks have landed Blake and Boyle, do they have any motivation to move Marleau? And if they do, wouldn't they be smarter to move him at the deadline where they'd be almost certain to get more in return?

At this point, I'd take Gagne with or without a proven centre. A line of Gagne / Wellwood / Raymond is a lot better with Gagne than without. And if you get Gagne first, maybe the Canucks will be more appealing to Sundin???

Eklund reports that LA looks to be the likely destination for Morrison, and that an 'underwhelmed' Demitra could be making a deci