You're the Canucks GM....

[rustybadcock]

Okay, so of late there is a lot of talk with everyone putting forward excellent ideas of this clubs needs and potential changes....so, I thought it might be a lot of fun to put together line ups that you honestly feel could take this club in new and exciting directions. I know we're all fairly serious fans and we all come from different perspectives. My idea here is to open up a thread where we really respect and enjoy what each other have put forward as I expect your line ups to be not only good but thought provoking. All to often, in online forums, it's so much easier to simply stomp someones ideas. In this thread I hope to achieve a deeper unity amongst one another. And I know, sometimes it's brave to put ones ideas forward for fear of humiliation however, once again I say....let this be a thread where we really expand ourselves. Unless of course it's idiotic....:eek: :laughing: JK;)

Also, I invite anyone whom perhaps in say, two months has a change of ideas to ratify their ideas at any time and as much as they like. People's ideas change, teams change, needs change....why shouldn't one's lineups. ;) :)

So here goes....I'll go first.

Since next year we have 9 UFA's and 15.2 million dollars in added budget this is where I would like to see monies spent.

Opening night 08:

Sedin - Sedin - Hossa
Pyatt - Kelly - Cowan
Labrie - Kesler - Linden
Burrows - Rypien - Fedoruk

Mitchell Bieksa
Ohlund Edler
Salo Krajicek
Bourdon

Luongo
Schneider & MacIntyre. They share the roll of backing up Luo. It will be good for both to have time in the show. MacIntyre is doing a fantastic job currently at 7-2 whereas Cory is not at 2-3. However, he's going to be fine. Having them both being called up to share the BU roll will also keep the players in front of the net on their toes. ;)

My line up might take you aback. I've signed Hossa to a multi year deal, 5 mil per. I've signed Chris Kelly to a multi year deal, 2.5 per and placed him with Pyatt and Cowan. I recall Kelly stepping up last year to the top line in Ottawa where he did an fine job under those circumstances; a very underrated center IMO. I've resigned Linden @.750 (to gordo's shagrin) as I believe it's crucial to have him on board for his emotional impact in big games and his veteran presence with the youth 'cause my group will consist of youth. This is where Labrie enters the equation. I believe by this seasons end he will be the next big surprise out of Manitoba. At 6'2" 212 lbs and growing in size and PM's I'm liking what this diamond in the rough is delivering in all directions including scoring. On the 4th line I have Rypien in the middle with Burrows and I've signed Todd Fedoruk to a two year 1 mil per year deal.

This team has it's top 6 scorer in Hossa, whom will see ample scoring chances with the talented Twins. My second line has three players who can score and two for sure who can fight. My third line has Kesler, one year older with Linden and the kid....Labrie....who also can hold his own on the dance card and the score card. My 4th line is terrifying to play against. And even if the glass kid Rypien goes down there will be enough room for Shannon or Moran to step into his role and earn their way onto this team.

My defense is intact. I believe in this D, only difference is Bourdon is holding the seventh spot. However, I've also taken this opportunity to sign Sheldon Brookbank for one year. .5 mil. He's essentially our eight man and can throw down with anyone. He will be a great asset for those mid winter passion filled divisional tilts where huge minutes in fighting majors hit the record books.

Now some of you are wondering what I did with Nalsund and Co. Well, Nazzy and his NTC...my hands were tied. Cooke, I traded for a 2nd round pick before July 1. Mo I traded for a 1st rounder and a conditional pick before July 1. Ritchie, Isbister and Miller all walked.

I gained 15.2 mil in spending money, spent 9.25 mil on Hossa Kelly and Fedoruk. And I have about 6 to 8 mil left if things don't work out and tweaking is necessary. However, this teams mantra doesn't change. We're more talented up top and tougher all around and we've gained picks and are giving a few of our kids a solid shot.

Well, I have a blast, can't wait to see you're ideas.

Badcock:coffee:

[AtLossForWords]

Who's LaBrie? Someone listening to a little too much Dream Theater?

I'm going to assume Raymond gets another shot to play with this team next season and Grabner still needs another year of development.

If I could have anyone I wanted to, I'd sign Brian Campbell and Marian Hossa. I'd also consider resigning Brendan Morrison or Markus Naslund at a fair salary. However, I'm not going to play ideals.

I'm going to start off by trading Kevin Bieksa at the deadline. He's say Bieksa and a 2nd round pick to San Jose for Patrick Marleau who's name has come about the rumor mill. Secondly since I want to get someone I want, I sign Brian Campell for six million per. Hossa becomes to expensive and gets between eight and nine million. Where? I don't know yet.

The current look of my team would be.

Sedin Sedin Pyatt
Naslund Marleau --------
Cooke Kesler Raymond
Burrows Ritche Cowan
Isbister Rypien Jaffray

Ohlund Campbell
Mitchell Salo
Krajicek Edler
Bourdon

Luongo
-------

I'm not going to quote numbers with this point but after trading Bieksa for Marleau, signing Brian Campbell, and resigning key players like Cooke and Ritchie to matching salaries I have increased by payroll by about a million, but I have about four million to use before the start of the season. At this point I need a top six winger and a back up goaltender.

For a top six winger, I bandage it up with Ian Laperiere who will not resign in Colorado for two million. If Raymond can step in seemlessly to the top six and produce some numbers, Laperiere plays on the bottom six and crashes the net and bounces the gloves. For a backup goaltender, I take a shot at Johan Hedberg, and I'm lucky enough that he comes back. In the end here's what my ideal teams looks like with about 2 million left under a rising salary cap.

Sedin Sedin Pyatt
Naslund Marleau Raymond
Cooke Kesler Laperiere
Burrows Ritche Cowan
Isbister Rypien Jaffray

Ohlund Campbell
Mitchell Krajicek
Salo Edler
Bourdon McIver

Luongo
Hedberg
Schnieder

[gordphish]

At the deadline:

To Philly - Morrison, Raymond
To Vancouver - Carter, 08 2nd Round Pick

In the summer:

Resign Naslund at around 3.5 mil (may be old enough for a lower base with easy incentives that don't count against the cap)

Sign Hossa

Daniel / Henrik / Hossa
Naslund / Carter / Pyatt
Cooke / Kesler / Hansen
Burrows / Ritchie / Cowan

D and goaltending as is.

Bieksa would remain the bait to dangle should the team need anything else. Recognizing the need for a PP quarterback that Lossy addressed with Campbell, I've liked the look of Edler, Bourdon and, before his injury, Krajicek so far this season. Their PP has looked especially sharp since Salo's nose was shattered and Vigneault has had Edler and Bourdon out there together. I sincerely believe that the need to bolster this area will come from within the organization with what they already have.

Where Bieksa could be moved in this scenario is an effort to bolster the scoring from the third line should Hansen develop too slowly. Should a need arise in this area, I would consider moving Bieksa to Montreal in a deal for Ryder, but I'd want a defenseman in the deal as well. Vancouver's D is just too injury prone for them to be to afford spreading the depth on the blueline too thin in attempts to strengthen other areas. I'd be perfectly happy if they kept Bieksa and ditched Salo at the first opportunity.

Another player worth mentioning at this point, if he is UFA next summer (which I think he is) and if hehits the open market, is Jason Spezza. But he is going to be the best of a very thin group, and that will drive up his cost. If he should win the Cup and/or a Smythe Trophy along the way, it gets even worse. Think 8 mil per easy, closer to 10 million when the smoke from the bidding war settles. Sign him and there's no money to extend Luongo.

[AtLossForWords]

I thought Ottawa resigned Spezza a couple weeks ago?

Does anyone seriously think with the recent rise in salary for marquee players that Hossa will sign anywhere for less than 8 million per year? Will the Canucks choose to pay him that much? Will they be able to pay him that much and dish out contracts to the Sedin twins in another year or so?

[rustybadcock]

Spezza was just resigned.

Nice to see a few of you participating.:boogie: I enjoyed myself. Bottom line is they look pretty darn good these days so I'm thinking that trades will only be to strengthen the top 6's depth. Otherwise, things will roll on as is. ;)

Regardless, we still need to prepare for many realities in the coming year....

RB

[gordphish]

Spezza was just resigned.

Nice to see a few of you participating.:boogie: I enjoyed myself. Bottom line is they look pretty darn good these days so I'm thinking that trades will only be to strengthen the top 6's depth. Otherwise, things will roll on as is. ;)

Regardless, we still need to prepare for many realities in the coming year....

RB

I honoustly think that this team is now just that Nieuwendyck-esque type of centre away from being truly ready to take a run at the big prize, and I sincerely hope Nonis goes after that type of player before or at the deadline. This is the year I really expect Nonis to be active on the trade front come late February, early March. He has the depth now to make one or two significant moves.

Let's hope he finds the right deal.

[rustybadcock]

I honoustly think that this team is now just that Nieuwendyck-esque type of centre away from being truly ready to take a run at the big prize, and I sincerely hope Nonis goes after that type of player before or at the deadline. This is the year I really expect Nonis to be active on the trade front come late February, early March. He has the depth now to make one or two significant moves.

Let's hope he finds the right deal.

Yes, and who is that guy these days? hmmm. Could it be a vet like Gelinas? How about Perrault for the face offs? I agree in the sense that at the moment a trade could have a very negative effect if the wrong people were coming in. Look at last year when Calgary brought in Stuart and ?? Primeau I believe? Anyway, one could see that it didn't work out. The team lost two friends in the deal and two decent players. They were not a better team for it. I would hate to see Nonis make a deal that upset the chemistry. This thread is merely a moment to take the position and make the team you'd make once the season's done. Fantasy man, you know, da plane boss, da plane. :laughing:

RB

[TimmyTabasco]

This team needs something...we have debated, and we have debated more

Nonis will get something done, but something that will help the team longterm

Look at the Devils for a prime trading partner...

[TimmyTabasco]

Well..check this out..

UPDATE 3:38 PM....2 Western Canadian Teams have interest in Alex Semin. (e2)

I talked to a source in NY JUST told me that two of the three Western Canadian Teams are currently trying to put together packages to attempt to trade for Alex Semin out of Washington...Another source in Western Canada confirmed this. I will continue to track this throughout the next few days...(amidst eating)

Update 5:40

Looks to me like it is Vancouver that is putting the best package together, but Edmonton could be included...

Source (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=11229)

Yes, its Eklund. But, it makes sense

-Washington is really struggling
-Semin is a R shot winger
-Last season he had 6 game winning goals, can be a game breaker
-the Washington/Vancouver connection...

I wouldn't mind a trade straight up for Semin. Or, a package to include Pettinger or Eminger

Thoughts?

[rustybadcock]

Well..check this out..



Source (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=11229)

Yes, its Eklund. But, it makes sense

-Washington is really struggling
-Semin is a R shot winger
-Last season he had 6 game winning goals, can be a game breaker
-the Washington/Vancouver connection...

I wouldn't mind a trade straight up for Semin. Or, a package to include Pettinger or Eminger

Thoughts?

Well, I did see this earlier on Eklund too, for whatever reason on Earth I decided to see what he was making up for the hockey world....:rolleyes: However, Semin, Russian...I always cringe when I think of their abilities to simply disappear when things get tough...or heaven forbid, they don't get their way....Perhaps I am holding the behavior of a few against the lot, so with that said....I suppose his talent would surely be welcomed. However, I still would prefer a Stall type...if young talent is on the menu.

I do agree, Pettinger and Eminger are talents they would add to the pot for sure. :thumb:

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Well..check this out..



Source (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=11229)

Yes, its Eklund. But, it makes sense

-Washington is really struggling
-Semin is a R shot winger
-Last season he had 6 game winning goals, can be a game breaker
-the Washington/Vancouver connection...

I wouldn't mind a trade straight up for Semin. Or, a package to include Pettinger or Eminger

Thoughts?

Eklund, there is a name from the past. Semin might be an effective top six guy in Vancouver, but as RB stated you can't tell about some of these guys come playoff time.

[gordphish]

I'd be shocked if this happened, for a number of reasons...the biggest being that teams don't typically make big trades after firing the coach. They usually give the new bench boss time to evaluate what he has to work with.

[rustybadcock]

I'd be shocked if this happened, for a number of reasons...the biggest being that teams don't typically make big trades after firing the coach. They usually give the new bench boss time to evaluate what he has to work with.

Yes, and if Semin suddenly starts playing then we all know a little more about him....:slant:

[AtLossForWords]

Semin is an interesting pick, he'd be a nice fit to the Pyatt and Kesler line adding some more speed and skill.

However I still think what this team really needs is a center.

If this team could bring in a guy like Jordan Staal and put maybe Pyatt and Morrison on his wings, they could have a big, good skating, and scoring second line.

I think you need to find a way to get a line going with the Snazzy line up top. Without Naslund the Sedins are dependant too much upon the cycle to score goals, and Naslund floating on the second and third line really hurts his production. When those same three guys are on the poweplay, your down low game is great because they have two excellent players on the half boards in Henrik and Markus and Daniel is the best deflector around the net in the league. That's right **** you Ryan Smyth.

The second line has some interesting pieces to play with, Morrison, Kesler, and Pyatt all deserve a place on it, but Kesler isn't as effective as a wing, and Morrison is a little small to play a lot in the corners. I don't know how all of you feel about reducing Brendan Morrison to a PP specialist right now.

[flyerfan2]

At the deadline:

To Philly - Morrison, Raymond
To Vancouver - Carter, 08 2nd Round Pick

In the summer:

Resign Naslund at around 3.5 mil (may be old enough for a lower base with easy incentives that don't count against the cap)





Have you finally lost your mind gordy.?? Unless of course you meant as a stick boy.:wicked: :nod:

[TimmyTabasco]

Yeah, now things become a little more difficult

You don't break up the twins and Naslund, they are playing too well..and Naslund is on his game

Do you break up the Pyatt-Kesler-Isbister line? They are also playing very well as a shutdown line

So, do you try and get someone to play with Morrison and Cooke?..someone who could also shift to the top line..if and when needed. This would provide a solid three lines for scoring..and shutdown

Someone versatile would be ideal..with a scoring touch, a defensive mindset, and a physical presence

Staal isn't likely to be moved..or it would take a lot to get him. How about these guys

-Langenbrunner..signed to a long term deal, affordable. Two cups, versatile..can play on the top line, or with Mo/Cooke
-Zajac..right hand shot, center, perhaps another Kesler?
-Kobasew..he's really finding his game..versatile..
-Dumont..

So, what do you guys think?

[KB in Kelowna]

Yeah, now things become a little more difficult

You don't break up the twins and Naslund, they are playing too well..and Naslund is on his game

Do you break up the Pyatt-Kesler-Isbister line? They are also playing very well as a shutdown line

So, do you try and get someone to play with Morrison and Cooke?..someone who could also shift to the top line..if and when needed. This would provide a solid three lines for scoring..and shutdown

Someone versatile would be ideal..with a scoring touch, a defensive mindset, and a physical presence

Staal isn't likely to be moved..or it would take a lot to get him. How about these guys

-Langenbrunner..signed to a long term deal, affordable. Two cups, versatile..can play on the top line, or with Mo/Cooke
-Zajac..right hand shot, center, perhaps another Kesler?
-Kobasew..he's really finding his game..versatile..
-Dumont..

So, what do you guys think?

The Pens D has not been playing well so Staal might still be an option. Not sure I see Langenbrunner with the Twins.

Kobesew is an Okangan boy ( Oosooyos actually and a former Rocket) but what would the Bruins want. I would have to think about Dumont or Zajac.

[AtLossForWords]

Langenbrunner would be the best fit for Morrison and Cooke line. He can score clutch goals and do anything you ask of him to win a game. He's a real Devil player and I don't see anyone taking him from them. Especially the Canucks who don't have any scoring to send over.

If you could get Dumont, you'd have three good scoring lines for sure. However Nashville seems to be happy with their young blueline, so it would probably cost the Canucks Cory Schnieder and more.

Kobasew is another ideal fit like Langenbrunner, if the Canucks dangle Bourdon it could happen. However I'm not sure if I would want anymore for Bourdon.

[rustybadcock]

Send Scheider and Mo to Pitts at the deadline for Stall and Roberts. You need a madman in the playoffs and you need someone who knows how to throw the aggressiveness back a little. I expect as the games wear on here that this side of Cowan returns however he's a little off still.

Roberts would be an effective guy and can play anywhere from the 2nd line to the 4th. Mo is becoming the odd man out when you think of our centers.

H Sedin
Stall
Kesler
Ritchie

Yes, I put Stall as the second line center. He was stellar last year when he was playing more and in the top six. Last I checked the Pens have him playing with Ruuttu?! Good lord...:shrug:

Stall is a 29 goal scorer, is only 19 I believe and would be the future of our center position. Kesler needs to accept he's a shut down man. He's a third line man....if so, he will star and become a Selke award winning player...(selke? SP) He's our Sammie Phalsson....as someone else might have already mentioned. :coffee:

Schneider is good, the Pens need a good goalie something fierce right now as I've mentioned above and since they didn't jump on Bryzgalov I cannot imagine they want anything but a young kid like Scheider....or they're just to daft to see the Fluery isn't going to be the man just yet...if ever. Regardless, we've got Luo for a long while, long enough that Schneider can be replaced by way of draft of trade down the road.

The bottom line here is Mo is way overpaid at 3.2 and really is worth no more than 2. We have too many centers cut from the same cloth. We need diversity in this position and frankly, we need a star. Stall is the future and now is the time to yank him away from the Pens.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Morrison is a UFA at the end of this season, and is probably the most expendible of the current crop of centers, although Kesler is probably the most attractive to mst other teams in the market. Of the defence corps Edler is a keeper, while Bourdon I think has a higher market value. Bieska has a hefty contract extension that kicks in next season, so he might not be movable, same iwht Salo who has a fairly hefty salary abd a history of injuries. Notice he goes down and the Canucks have a nice streak and don't loose in regulation, he comes back and they suffer a regulation loss :conspire: With Luongo, Corey Schnieder is a coveted commodity. I think that from the names I have mentioned as movable a quality scoring forward, who needs a change of scenary should be available from somewhere. Staal from the Pens, Ryder from the Habs.

We are only at the quarter point of the season and the vast majority of teams are still within striking distance of each other for playoff spots, so right now nobody is contemplating a fire sale, after Christmas a survey of the landscape may look very different.

[AtLossForWords]

Let's not just move Cory Schnieder like he's garbage. He is an elite goaltending prospect who is hard to come by. If Luongo decides he's had it with this team because they won't get the team in front of him to make a serious run at the Cup, then having Cory Schnieder in your system is very favorable.

If I am the Canucks, I'm only listening to offers for Cory Schnieder if guys coming my way are named Staal, Pavelski, Arnott, Jokinen, Semin, or players who can similarly help my team. The same goes for Bourdon and Kesler. I like what I have right now, but if I can improve my team I will. The way I'd look to do that is with a powerplay quarterback, a top six center, or a pure goal scorer.

I wouldn't trade Morrison unless I'm getting a center in return. Depth up the middle is important with any team and with Henrik, Kesler, and Morrison we have great depth at center. The only problem is we don't have that big standout playmaking center like Forsberg or Thornton.

[KB in Kelowna]

Let's not just move Cory Schnieder like he's garbage. He is an elite goaltending prospect who is hard to come by. If Luongo decides he's had it with this team because they won't get the team in front of him to make a serious run at the Cup, then having Cory Schnieder in your system is very favorable.

If I am the Canucks, I'm only listening to offers for Cory Schnieder if guys coming my way are named Staal, Pavelski, Arnott, Jokinen, Semin, or players who can similarly help my team. The same goes for Bourdon and Kesler. I like what I have right now, but if I can improve my team I will. The way I'd look to do that is with a powerplay quarterback, a top six center, or a pure goal scorer.

I wouldn't trade Morrison unless I'm getting a center in return. Depth up the middle is important with any team and with Henrik, Kesler, and Morrison we have great depth at center. The only problem is we don't have that big standout playmaking center like Forsberg or Thornton.

That's what I was inferring, to get quality one must be willing to part with quality. I mentioned Salo and Morrison as I feel they are the most tradeable veteran players, although as mentioned Salo's salary and injury problems make him doubtful and Morrison's FA status make him a rental for some team, although his versatilty on special teams might entice some one, but much depends on who comes back. No situational rentals this year please!

[rustybadcock]

Let's not just move Cory Schnieder like he's garbage. He is an elite goaltending prospect who is hard to come by.

No one's moving Schneider like his garbage...


If I am the Canucks, I'm only listening to offers for Cory Schnieder if guys coming my way are named Staal,

Didn't I just say that?


If Luongo decides he's had it with this team because they won't get the team in front of him to make a serious run at the Cup, then having Cory Schnieder in your system is very favorable.

You might not get the team Luongo wants without moving talent like Schneider. If Luo does leave and sign elsewhere in a few years then no amount of Cory Schneider is going to matter, our Organization will have failed one of the best goalies on the planet and we've got ourselves a bluechip prospect whom will almost certainly need some development time before he's playing at Luo's level. I can almost guarantee you that. However, if this team continually improves and changes are made which don't include moving Schneider and they become a winner what do you do then with the kid? Now you've got a team that's a winner with Luongo and Schneider as backup? Well, perhaps in a perfect world, I guess I just don't see Cory Schneider happy to be Luo's backup until he's 27. This kids a purebred and he's a starting goaltender.

So, in closing. Create the team that can win now. This is the time, not later. This team has a shot and in about 10 months could be the last man standing looking for UFA's.They have a real shot right now all because of Roberto. So go get the final pieces to this puzzle and resigning Luo will fall into place. Not doing so, IMO is reason enough for Luo to leave. You don't look a horse in the mouth and we traded a Badbacked criminal for his Godly Goaltending arse:eyebug:. (I still can't believe it sometimes.) And he will have accomplished everything he came here to do in a "hockey market". This is his dream and I've never heard anyone say that their main mission in LIFE is to win the Cup. Lot's of guys say this but when Luo does, there's just a little more in his voice.

RB

[gordphish]

No one's moving Schneider like his garbage...



Didn't I just say that?



You might not get the team Luongo wants without moving talent like Schneider. If Luo does leave and sign elsewhere in a few years then no amount of Cory Schneider is going to matter, our Organization will have failed one of the best goalies on the planet and we've got ourselves a bluechip prospect whom will almost certainly need some development time before he's playing at Luo's level. I can almost guarantee you that. However, if this team continually improves and changes are made which don't include moving Schneider and they become a winner what do you do then with the kid? Now you've got a team that's a winner with Luongo and Schneider as backup? Well, perhaps in a perfect world, I guess I just don't see Cory Schneider happy to be Luo's backup until he's 27. This kids a purebred and he's a starting goaltender.

So, in closing. Create the team that can win now. This is the time, not later. This team has a shot and in about 10 months could be the last man standing looking for UFA's.They have a real shot right now all because of Roberto. So go get the final pieces to this puzzle and resigning Luo will fall into place. Not doing so, IMO is reason enough for Luo to leave. You don't look a horse in the mouth and we traded a Badbacked criminal for his Godly Goaltending arse:eyebug:. (I still can't believe it sometimes.) And he will have accomplished everything he came here to do in a "hockey market". This is his dream and I've never heard anyone say that their main mission in LIFE is to win the Cup. Lot's of guys say this but when Luo does, there's just a little more in his voice.

RB

Amen, Brother Rusty.

As long as the scouting staff is doing its job and they are drafting the right players, which it appears they are, let that be enough to take care of next year and the year after that. If getting the right piece to the puzzle means trading Schneider, than that's what you do. Luongo will get his 10 mil per ANYWHERE. It will be the non-monetary issues that effect where he signs. He likes playing here, so you do what it takes to show him that you are doing everything win a championship this year, and let next year take care of itself until next year.

[AtLossForWords]

Wouldn't it would be nice if we could underpay Luongo like New Jersey underpays Brodeur.

[KB in Kelowna]

Wouldn't it would be nice if we could underpay Luongo like New Jersey underpays Brodeur.

I wonder just what does Lou put in the Gatorade in Jersey?:conspire:

[TimmyTabasco]

Alright, so..Dumont would be a good fit, right?

Plus, at the end of the year..he's a UFA, and a proven playoff performer

Also, you guys seem to agree on Kobasew

So..

Sed-Sed-Naslund
Dumont-Mo-Cooke
Kobasew-Kes-Pyatt
Cowan-Ritchie-Burrows
sp: Linden/Isbister

Thats a pretty decent forward group. Dumont and Kobasew could rotate between the top six, depending on who fits with whom. These would both be deadline deals..You could also substitute Ryder for Kobasew

If you want to really improve..and if for some reason carolina tanks in the second half

Bieksa for Justin Williams

This would really help the Canucks, plus the Canes get a much needed defenseman(for next season). Again, a deadline deal

[gordphish]

I wonder just what does Lou put in the Gatorade in Jersey?:conspire:


I think those days are coming to an end, Lossy...with the cap structure in place now, guys will get paid for what they are doing rather than being rewarded at the end of their careers for what they did. The FA freedom players have now, combined with the limited supply and heavy demand that the CBA has created means the guys in their 20s are going to get all the dough. Winning is great and everything, but let's not kid ourselves. Luongo is the best at what he does; he'll want to be paid accordingly.

[KB in Kelowna]

So after the cross check by Pronger on Kelsler on the second goal last night, no one steps up and challenges Pronger. Do the Canucks need a scorer or an enforcer? For me I just have memories of the Moore hit on Naslund and how various people in the media and on other fan forums called the Canucks soft and how that then festered and escalated. That being said I suspect that someone will take a run a Luongo and someone will have to step up. Last night I didn't really see it so I wonder.

[AtLossForWords]

Well the Canucks didn't punk the Ducks around and were penalized like what twice? Then they received like eight powerplays in their favor. There were two fights in the game for crying out loud. I think Vigneault is trying to teach this team to be disciplined.

[gordphish]

Certainly, they were a better hockey team with Brookbank in the lineup...(rolling my eyes; I can't get the smilies to work for me).

I don't think having a knuckle dragger is going to stop Pronger from being a cheap coward that only comes at guys when their backs are turned, nor will it change Anaheim's tactic of going hard to the net. They made Anaheim pay for their garbage by winning the hockey game.

Take a look at the teams at the top of the standings right now and name me their 'enforcers'. Detroit? Dallas? I suppose you could say Neil for Ottawa, and did having him in the lineup stop Downie from trying to kill McAmmond? Has it stopped a number of teams from taking runs at the Sens' players? Who was Carolina's enforcer in 06? Tampa's in 04? New Jersey's in 2000 and 03, or Detroit's in 02, 97 and 98?

Kesler will get Pronger back, you can bank that. But he's smart about it. He took his number and will wait for the right opportunity, when it won't hurt his team and the refs and the NHL won't be looking for it with the words 'revenge' and 'payback' plastered all over the paper.

It's about team toughness. It's about not being intimidated by goon hockey and making sure they stay focussed on the job at hand; winning the game.

[KB in Kelowna]

I guess I was "inspired" listening to Canucks lunch on TEAM 1040. Moje was going on and on about the Pronger cross check and no one challenging him. I was having deja vu about the Moore hit on Naslund. Personally I prefer the route they took, letting the Ducks head for the penalty box, while the Canucks dominate the score sheet. I agree that in a cap era a valuable roster spot can't go to a knuckle dragger. I was shocked that the Pronger cross check is not called, but he does later draw a penalty for flipping the puck out of play:laughing:

[AtLossForWords]

It would've been funny if he's like "If deflected off the glass?" "Nope sorry Prongy, I forgot to call a penalty on you earlier."

[flyerfan2]

Certainly, they were a better hockey team with Brookbank in the lineup...(rolling my eyes; I can't get the smilies to work for me).

I don't think having a knuckle dragger is going to stop Pronger from being a cheap coward that only comes at guys when their backs are turned, nor will it change Anaheim's tactic of going hard to the net. They made Anaheim pay for their garbage by winning the hockey game.

Take a look at the teams at the top of the standings right now and name me their 'enforcers'. Detroit? Dallas? I suppose you could say Neil for Ottawa, and did having him in the lineup stop Downie from trying to kill McAmmond? Has it stopped a number of teams from taking runs at the Sens' players? Who was Carolina's enforcer in 06? Tampa's in 04? New Jersey's in 2000 and 03, or Detroit's in 02, 97 and 98?

Kesler will get Pronger back, you can bank that. But he's smart about it. He took his number and will wait for the right opportunity, when it won't hurt his team and the refs and the NHL won't be looking for it with the words 'revenge' and 'payback' plastered all over the paper.

It's about team toughness. It's about not being intimidated by goon hockey and making sure they stay focussed on the job at hand; winning the game.:laughing: :laughing: Thanks gord it's alway nice listening to a passafist rant about fighting.

Enforcers are needed plain and simple.!! It's the nature of the beast. They are a security blanket for your star or smaller players.

I find it funny that the guy running around calling Moore a gutless un apauligetic puke who got what he deserved for refusing to fight big bad bert is against enforcers.

I guess Ohlund swinging his stick with a wood choppers blow is more up your alley than fighting eh.?

Do you think wild players would have been pulling this **** if not for Boogard sitting on the bench and the canucks having zero of response on theirs.

Ya it was much better ohlund doing what he did and ending up suspended instead of having an equalizer sitting on the canucks bench.:rolleyes:

[TimmyTabasco]

Dumont?

4 points last night. It looks like he would fit like a glove...isn't he friends with Luongo?

Eklund keeps chirping about Gionta..but I dont see how he would fit..just too small

Ryder is playing horrid hockey, so probably could also be had for cheap

[rustybadcock]

Dumont?

4 points last night. It looks like he would fit like a glove...isn't he friends with Luongo?

Eklund keeps chirping about Gionta..but I dont see how he would fit..just too small

Ryder is playing horrid hockey, so probably could also be had for cheap

Well you've always stood by this Dumont thing and ever since you mentioned this, eons ago, I confess I've not only kept an eye on him I have come to agree with you. He's a decent player. Good puck mover and man can he shoot.

I like Gionta, he's small but boy can he skate. Very skilled. And Ryder, we all know I like him. However, there is something about him I must admit. He sure is hit and miss. And why is that? Is he a product of his environment? What's going on in Montreal that players seem to play this way....See Kovalev. They blew a 4-1 lead last night....total meltdown. I mean sure, it happens....just seems Montreal plays great....or they don't. Not a lot of middle ground there. Maybe I am wrong....however, with all that said it's moments like this I like to watch a player like Ryder...what's he doing? How's he handling it? Seems interesting to me. Montreal, and Ryder, go the way Koivu goes. So in the end, you're right, maybe Ryder could be had for little but he gives me the feeling as though one would still be tossing the dice on him.

RB

[gordphish]

Nonis should snag Recchi off of waivers. He's certainly not a long term solution, but I don't buy this BS guys like Don Taylor are spewing about him being done. He's not the only Penguin who has struggled offensively so far this season.

Recchi scored 24 goals and 68 points last year, and before everyone makes the point about playing with Crosby, he had 16 points in 25 playoff games with Carolina the year before.

Me, I think he's worth the chance, at least until the trading deadline. He has bonafide experience that can help this team, with two Cup rings and 140 playoff games under his belt. And while he's on the small side, he can still move. For the short term, he may be the offensive spark they've been looking to get from the Morrison line. He only makes 1.75 million, so the most the Canucks would need to pick up is about 1.3 mil, and only half that if they can grab him on re-entry. And if it doesn't work, you demote him and go looking for help at the trade deadline. For 1.3 mil, he can't be any worse for them than Chouinard was last year at 1.1 mil. He's UFA at the end of the year, so he doesn't cost you anything long term.

[rustybadcock]

Nonis should snag Recchi off of waivers. He's certainly not a long term solution, but I don't buy this BS guys like Don Taylor are spewing about him being done. He's not the only Penguin who has struggled offensively so far this season.

Recchi scored 24 goals and 68 points last year, and before everyone makes the point about playing with Crosby, he had 16 points in 25 playoff games with Carolina the year before.

Me, I think he's worth the chance, at least until the trading deadline. He has bonafide experience that can help this team, with two Cup rings and 140 playoff games under his belt. And while he's on the small side, he can still move. For the short term, he may be the offensive spark they've been looking to get from the Morrison line. He only makes 1.75 million, so the most the Canucks would need to pick up is about 1.3 mil, and only half that if they can grab him on re-entry. And if it doesn't work, you demote him and go looking for help at the trade deadline. For 1.3 mil, he can't be any worse for them than Chouinard was last year at 1.1 mil. He's UFA at the end of the year, so he doesn't cost you anything long term.

Couldn't agree more. I mean just look at Stall, he's got horrid numbers this year....is it because he too sucks? Or has Julian lost the room....the Pens blow for more reasons than Recchi...

[KB in Kelowna]

Couldn't agree more. I mean just look at Stall, he's got horrid numbers this year....is it because he too sucks? Or has Julian lost the room....the Pens blow for more reasons than Recchi...

I think you mean this guy: http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=NHLPage&bcid=tea_sta_bio.php_id_50 ;)
Claude Julien is coaching Boston. Or do all ex_hab coaches look alike?:laughing:

[rustybadcock]

I think you mean this guy: http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=NHLPage&bcid=tea_sta_bio.php_id_50 ;)
Claude Julien is coaching Boston. Or do all ex_hab coaches look alike?:laughing:

:o :slant: :eyebug: oops....:confused: :laughing:

Thank you....I think....hahaha. ;)

Yeah, I meant THAT guy lost the room....not the other guy...

RB:eyebug:

[TimmyTabasco]

Well you've always stood by this Dumont thing and ever since you mentioned this, eons ago, I confess I've not only kept an eye on him I have come to agree with you. He's a decent player. Good puck mover and man can he shoot.

I like Gionta, he's small but boy can he skate. Very skilled. And Ryder, we all know I like him. However, there is something about him I must admit. He sure is hit and miss. And why is that? Is he a product of his environment? What's going on in Montreal that players seem to play this way....See Kovalev. They blew a 4-1 lead last night....total meltdown. I mean sure, it happens....just seems Montreal plays great....or they don't. Not a lot of middle ground there. Maybe I am wrong....however, with all that said it's moments like this I like to watch a player like Ryder...what's he doing? How's he handling it? Seems interesting to me. Montreal, and Ryder, go the way Koivu goes. So in the end, you're right, maybe Ryder could be had for little but he gives me the feeling as though one would still be tossing the dice on him.

RB

Yeah, I really like Dumont's game. he seems to be a good fit

Ryder is struggling in Carbo's defensive system. He's a goal scorer, not great in defensive situations. So, would he fit in Vancouver? I'm sure he would fit with the twins..but thats about it..He's not versatile. But, saying that..he usually scores goals..and the Canucks need goals.

[rustybadcock]

Yeah, I really like Dumont's game. he seems to be a good fit

Ryder is struggling in Carbo's defensive system. He's a goal scorer, not great in defensive situations. So, would he fit in Vancouver? I'm sure he would fit with the twins..but thats about it..He's not versatile. But, saying that..he usually scores goals..and the Canucks need goals.

Do they really? I mean, they are winning as things stand.

As for Ryder, he's playing poorly. I watched bits of the Montreal game last night, he was terrible frankly. I think it's more personality in Montreal, Carbo isn't the easiest cat to gel with I am thinking....

RB

[TimmyTabasco]

Do they really? I mean, they are winning as things stand.

As for Ryder, he's playing poorly. I watched bits of the Montreal game last night, he was terrible frankly. I think it's more personality in Montreal, Carbo isn't the easiest cat to gel with I am thinking....

RB

Alright, I typed quite a bit..but the computer crashed

Anyway, Ryder has 3 goals..and he's a two time thirty goal scorer. He's not a fluke, so perhaps a change in scenery?

Also, more goals dont hurt the team. Sure, they are winning..but the playoffs are a grind, and they would need the extra help

Gallagher was mentioning Erat possibly being of interest to the Canucks(esp. considering the status of the Preds)

I'm not sure..I like his speed/shot, but he's more of a playmaker

Anyway, I'd like to see a defenseman coming back, also..

How about this..

Van
Bieksa
??
high pick

for

Nash
Hamhuis
Erat/Dumont/or Legwand

Thoughts? I really like Weber..but Hamhuis isn't bad himself...

[KB in Kelowna]

I saw Weber play here in Kelowna, but I am sure David Poile gets a lot of offers for him. Hamhuis is also a BC boy, if I recall he played in Prince George.

With Burke needing to make a deal to free up cap room for Niedemayer is there anyone on the Ducks that might be a fit?

[gordphish]

Recchi is now on re-entry. Can be had for about $650,000. For a 25 goal scorer that stays healthy, why not?

[AtLossForWords]

I saw how Recchi was put on the re-entry waiver. However Nonis isn't looking to eat up space with so so band aids, so I doubt this team would pick him up.

He is a BC boy who could pot ya 20 goals. That's not bad for 650,000, but does Recchi like Vigneault? Didn't they work togethor in Montreal?

[rustybadcock]

Recchi is apparently a Thrasher now.

TT, I am all for boosting the line up.

Did I read you right? Are suggesting Rick Nash? If that's the case, yeah, I am all over that trade as much as I like Bieksa. You bring me Nash and you could very well have solidified this teams chances at ole glory.

As for Legwand, I believe I read on the ticker yesterday while sipping a brew with Mrs. Badcock at BP at our days end that he signed an extension with the Preds. 6 years 27 mil.
RB

ps

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2007/12/07/predators_legwand_six_year_deal/

That's huge money for him IMO. Actually, that's massive money for Legwand. I mean honestly, more the 4 mil per year for a guy who's never topped 70 points. Wow! It's contracts like this that make a guy like Luo look like a better deal day after day. Insane money!

[AtLossForWords]

Recchi was picked up on waivers by Atlanta.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=224712&hubname=

[gordphish]

I saw how Recchi was put on the re-entry waiver. However Nonis isn't looking to eat up space with so so band aids, so I doubt this team would pick him up.

He is a BC boy who could pot ya 20 goals. That's not bad for 650,000, but does Recchi like Vigneault? Didn't they work togethor in Montreal?

I wouldn't give up anything from my roster right now unless I were getting the dominant top 2 centre that they need, were I Nonis. But they could still use a little scoring from the wing as is, so picking up Recchi off of waivers at that cost made a lot of sense.

Moot now, though.

I'd be prepared to move Bieksa at the deadline, but we better be getting that centre in return. It's the last piece to the puzzle for them.

[AtLossForWords]

I wouldn't give up anything from my roster right now unless I were getting the dominant top 2 centre that they need, were I Nonis. But they could still use a little scoring from the wing as is, so picking up Recchi off of waivers at that cost made a lot of sense.

Moot now, though.

I'd be prepared to move Bieksa at the deadline, but we better be getting that centre in return. It's the last piece to the puzzle for them.

I think you, I, and most all of us are on the same page here. If Staal continues to struggle in Pittsburgh do you think he'll be made available?

I think most teams are going to start out dealing with Vancouver by asking for Kesler. As far as I am concerned, Kesler is untouchable unless you're offering me a proven star in his prime like Alexander Ovechkin, and of course I'll be willing to put togethor a package for someone like that, but trading Kesler for this team should not be a likely option.

[gordphish]

I think you, I, and most all of us are on the same page here. If Staal continues to struggle in Pittsburgh do you think he'll be made available?

I think most teams are going to start out dealing with Vancouver by asking for Kesler. As far as I am concerned, Kesler is untouchable unless you're offering me a proven star in his prime like Alexander Ovechkin, and of course I'll be willing to put togethor a package for someone like that, but trading Kesler for this team should not be a likely option.

I think if a team wants quality youth off this team, Bieksa and Schneider (and possibly Raymond) are it right now, and the price will be steep. I agree, Kesler is untouchable. Along with Edler and even Bourdon, at this point.

Nonis has said he wants this team to build primarily off of the strength of their drafting, and I can't see him giving Kesler away lightly after all the money and time they've invested in him.

But I do think that if he packaged Bieksa, Morrison and Schneider, he could swing one hell of a major deal come the deadline. And yes, I think that a package like that would be enough to get Staal out of Pittsburgh, especially if he continues to struggle. Hell, I think a package like that could get Zetterberg out of Detroit or Richards out of Tampa. Both those teams are in desperate need of a blue chip goaltending prospect, and I think Holland would jump at the chance to get Bieksa on his blue line. Washington could also be an interesting suitor, with Kolzig nearing the end of the road.

Bottom line, thanks to the huge improvement in drafting this team has done over the last few years, Nonis is finally in a position of strength to swing a major deadline deal this year. And I don't expect him to be handing out quailty youth for has-beens and never-weres like Tkachuk, Smolinksi or Rucincsky this time around.

[AtLossForWords]

I think if a team wants quality youth off this team, Bieksa and Schneider (and possibly Raymond) are it right now, and the price will be steep. I agree, Kesler is untouchable. Along with Edler and even Bourdon, at this point.

Nonis has said he wants this team to build primarily off of the strength of their drafting, and I can't see him giving Kesler away lightly after all the money and time they've invested in him.

But I do think that if he packaged Bieksa, Morrison and Schneider, he could swing one hell of a major deal come the deadline. And yes, I think that a package like that would be enough to get Staal out of Pittsburgh, especially if he continues to struggle. Hell, I think a package like that could get Zetterberg out of Detroit or Richards out of Tampa. Both those teams are in desperate need of a blue chip goaltending prospect, and I think Holland would jump at the chance to get Bieksa on his blue line. Washington could also be an interesting suitor, with Kolzig nearing the end of the road.

Bottom line, thanks to the huge improvement in drafting this team has done over the last few years, Nonis is finally in a position of strength to swing a major deadline deal this year. And I don't expect him to be handing out quailty youth for has-beens and never-weres like Tkachuk, Smolinksi or Rucincsky this time around.

Bieksa, Morrison, and Schnieder is the package to offer, and that is going to be a tough offer to pass up. You're getting a blueliner who was one of the best two way players last season, a center who is great on special teams and centered one of the best lines in hockey, and a blue chip goaltending prospect. You have guys who can help you now and later.

Who would I want for that? I doubt Detroit would hand over Zetterberg when they have the best record in the league, but perhaps Jiri Hudler or Mikael Samuelson coming our way with a pick or another prospect would interest me.

Washington doesn't have much that interests me other than of course Ovechkin. Semin is somewhat intersting, but for that package I want a lot more than Semin, but then there's not much else I would want from Washington.

Chicago needs a top goaltender to complete their young team. However I doubt Chicago is going to trade it's youth up the middle like Sharp.

The teams I'm really looking to trade with would be Florida and San Jose. San Jose has always wanted that blueliner like Kevin Bieksa, and if they send Patrick Marleau my way, I'm happy parting with Bieksa, Morrsion, and Schnieder.

Florida has a guy I really like named Olli Jokinen. Assuming you keep Naslund with the Sedins how many goals do you think a big line like Pyatt, Jokinen, and Isbister/Cooke could produce behind the Snazzy line?

Pittsburgh also needs the help on the blueline, and I'm sure they wouldn't mind a young goaltending prospect in their system either with the way Fleury has struggled again this season.

If they send Staal my way, I still might want another player into my lineup. Most likely a forward.

[gordphish]

Bieksa, Morrison, and Schnieder is the package to offer, and that is going to be a tough offer to pass up. You're getting a blueliner who was one of the best two way players last season, a center who is great on special teams and centered one of the best lines in hockey, and a blue chip goaltending prospect. You have guys who can help you now and later.

Who would I want for that? I doubt Detroit would hand over Zetterberg when they have the best record in the league, but perhaps Jiri Hudler or Mikael Samuelson coming our way with a pick or another prospect would interest me.

Washington doesn't have much that interests me other than of course Ovechkin. Semin is somewhat intersting, but for that package I want a lot more than Semin, but then there's not much else I would want from Washington.

Chicago needs a top goaltender to complete their young team. However I doubt Chicago is going to trade it's youth up the middle like Sharp.

The teams I'm really looking to trade with would be Florida and San Jose. San Jose has always wanted that blueliner like Kevin Bieksa, and if they send Patrick Marleau my way, I'm happy parting with Bieksa, Morrsion, and Schnieder.

Florida has a guy I really like named Olli Jokinen. Assuming you keep Naslund with the Sedins how many goals do you think a big line like Pyatt, Jokinen, and Isbister/Cooke could produce behind the Snazzy line?

Pittsburgh also needs the help on the blueline, and I'm sure they wouldn't mind a young goaltending prospect in their system either with the way Fleury has struggled again this season.

If they send Staal my way, I still might want another player into my lineup. Most likely a forward.

Yeah, ideally it would be those three for a centre and a scoring winger. The problem with swinging that deal with Florida is that, while they have a glut of talent at centre, they also have a pressing need for scoring on the wing. The Canucks' package doesn't address that, nor does it leave them available to offer up a scoring winger in return.

With Marleau struggling offensively in San Jose, that deal is still possible, but who other than Marleau comes our way? Do you drop Schneider from the list, take a draft pick in the deal and shop Schneider for a winger in a seperate deal? Or maybe you go big, throw another asset in there ask for Setegouchi?

One note on trading Schneider...I really cringe on the idea of moving him inside the conference where he could really end up burning you down the road. I think if Schneider were in the deal with the Sharks, I'd demand Setegouchi. It's also why I'd demand Zetterberg if they moved him to Detroit.

Atlanta and Hossa is still a possibility as long as Hossa balks at an extension. I heard somewhere yesterday that the big issue now is with Hossa and his comfort level in signing long term with a team that may not be in a position to contend for anything over the next 5 or 7 years. The Thrashers could use Morrison at centre in a big way, and with Lehtonen slowly busting they may take a long hard look at Schneider. But they don't have the centre to offer to Vancouver in return, so you hold Bieksa out of the deal to look for a centre elsewhere. And Hossa is A LOT of cap space to eat, even before the extension.

Chew on this possibility for a while...

To Los Angeles

B. Morrison
K. Bieksa
C. Schneider

To Vancouver

M. Cammallerri
A. Frolov
4th round pick

I know, I know...Morrison and Crow. But the Kings seem to be spinning their wheels, and they could really use the depth on the blueline. In Johnson, Preissing and Bieksa, the Kings would have a very solid top three to build around and two of the best young goalie prospects in the game in Bernier and Schneider. I guess it depends if Lombardi believes that building from the goaltender out is the way to go. If so, that would certainly be a deal that solidified both his defense and goaltending for a long time.

Cammallerri is on the small side, but worth the risking of absorbing him into what is already a smallish lineup? A healthy Frolov rotating off the Sedin line and a line with Cammalleri could easily get you 30 goals. And he has decent size at 6'3, 203. They only cost you about 6 mil altogether.

If Lombardi still has the long term strength of his organization in mind, this would be a tough deal for him to pass up. You could sweeten the deal by throwing in Raymond, but then I'd want a first round pick (or 2 seconds) back in return.

[rustybadcock]

I am pretty surprised to see how quick you guys are to move Bieksa. This is one of the best you D men in the game. He's the complete package. Far as I am concerned I don't see anyone who is ready to step up and replace Scott Stevens....Bieksa is cut from a similar cloth.

You'd better be bringing me one hellova player if Kevin Bieksa is leaving town....:conspire:

If this team is going to move anyone it's going to be Scheider and Mo and possible Bourdon and/or Edler.

IMHO of course...

RB

[AtLossForWords]

I am pretty surprised to see how quick you guys are to move Bieksa. This is one of the best you D men in the game. He's the complete package. Far as I am concerned I don't see anyone who is ready to step up and replace Scott Stevens....Bieksa is cut from a similar cloth.

You'd better be bringing me one hellova player if Kevin Bieksa is leaving town....:conspire:

If this team is going to move anyone it's going to be Scheider and Mo and possible Bourdon and/or Edler.

IMHO of course...

RB

It's not that Bieksa isn't valueble Rusty, it is that he is. I'm sure you can tell that with the list of names Gordo and I have going featuring Jokinen, Marleau, and Zetterberg we're only thinking about top quality players in return for this package.

In the end what you're trying to do is get what your team needs getting rid of what it could more easily do without. Personally I think that a top six center is more important to this team than a goaltending prospect and a two way defenseman.

What gives the Canucks an advantage against teams competing with them for a deal is not only do they have two guys to offer in Bieksa and Schnieder, but they can offer Brendan Morrison to fill a roster hole on a team. Sure he's not the talent he was once considered to be, but this guy can play well in any situation. He works well on the powerplay up front and on the point, he can kill penalties, he can skate with speed in the attacking zone finishing plays and creating them. The only thing that I really don't like about Morrison is his size. This team needs a big center who can be an impact player. Morrison has his moments but he's not big or an impact player, but he is a contributor.

If this team could pry Henrik Zetterberg away from Detroit I'd ****. Holland has to like what the Vancouver deal offers him, but his first line has been what is winning him games and do you think sitting atop the conference he's going to subtract a guy like Zetterberg?

You're better off trying to get a package like Hudler and Sameulson or Hudler and Kopecky or Hudler and Franzen.

If Holland is looking towards the future at all right now. He'd have to like what Nonis could offer him. The question is if he asks for Schnieder, Bieksa, and not Morrison but Kesler do you balk at the deal? I'd probably want Johan Franzen with Zetterberg if that was the price.

It would be great for this franchise if you can come in next season and offer up a first line of Zetterberg and the Sedins with Luongo in goal. But again it takes two teams to make a deal and even though the Canucks would be sending a lot of good **** Detroit's way, does that justify them sending their leading scorer all way when they are atop the conference. Even if it is starting to look like Vancouver is nipping at their heels.

Has anyone thought of Tampa Bay as a trading partner? You most likely will not recieve LeCavalier, but how about a former Conn Smythe winner in Brad Richards? Can you guys think of a team that has more of a need for a defenseman and a goaltending prospect?

Another name to throw out there who could be had for less is Saku Koivu. He's not big, but he's a skilled guy who gives you everything you want. Talk is about how he needs to get away from the Montreal media. I'm sure V would like having this guy back on his team.

[gordphish]

I am pretty surprised to see how quick you guys are to move Bieksa. This is one of the best you D men in the game. He's the complete package. Far as I am concerned I don't see anyone who is ready to step up and replace Scott Stevens....Bieksa is cut from a similar cloth.

You'd better be bringing me one hellova player if Kevin Bieksa is leaving town....:conspire:

If this team is going to move anyone it's going to be Scheider and Mo and possible Bourdon and/or Edler.

IMHO of course...

RB

Umm, I think Dion Phaneuf is the best bet to follow in Scott Stevens' footsteps right now Rusty.

OK...here are the reasons dealing Bieksa makes sense...

1) With the emergence of younger defensemen in the system like Edler, Bourdon, Weaver and McIver, they have the depth to deal Bieksa to get stronger on offense.

2) Even at his increased salary next season, Bieksa is a bargain for what he can do when he's healthy. This makes him highly marketable to other teams.

3) Given Ohlund's family circumstances, you don't go to him mid-season and ask him to waive his NTC. Some things are more important than hockey.

4) With Salo's inability to stay healthy and the fact that he will collect 14 million over the next 3 seasons, you can't expect to get much of a return from dealing him, even if he were to waive his NTC.

5) Bieksa may not be big enough to play his style effectively and remain healthy enough to be a full time contributor. Bourdon and Edler have better size, better mobility and just as much offensive upside.

Yes, Bieksa has emerged as a top NHL defenseman with excellent two-way production. But to echoe Lossy, you have to give up something of quality to get quality in return. They've been stellar without Bieksa; this makes him expendable IMO.

A word on Ryder. I think this last showing in the shoot-out serves to underline a weakness on this team, and that is the lack of a pure sniper. Ryder has his shortcomings for sure, but he can help their powerplay and their shoot-out record. If he's available, they need to think seriously about getting him. Even trap teams need pure goal scorers.

So what would you give up for him? If you offer up Bieksa, I'd want something else along with Ryder in return. How about Bieksa and Raymond for Ryder and either Komisarek or Dandenault? Then they could still shop Schneider with Morrison to upgrade the centre position.

And Lossy, about Tampa. The problem is Feaster has gone on record saying that he still is not prepared to part with one of his big three. And if he was, Richards' 7.8 mil per season salary would be awfully difficult for Nonis to work under the cap before next season. I'd be thrilled if they could get him, but until Feaster unclenches his grip on those three, I wouldn't hold my breath.

How about Bieksa for Marleau straight up?

And while we're throwing names around, how about Darcy Tucker? He'd be a good fit for Vigneault. Could you imagine adding him to a lineup that already has Cooke, Kesler and Burrows? Teams would absolutely loathe us.

[AtLossForWords]

And while we're throwing names around, how about Darcy Tucker? He'd be a good fit for Vigneault. Could you imagine adding him to a lineup that already has Cooke, Kesler and Burrows? Teams would absolutely loathe us.

:boogie: :boogie: :boogie:

Imagine a line of Cooke, Kesler, and Tucker followed by a line of Brown, Ritchie, and Burrows! Hows that for an agitating bottom six?

[gordphish]

:boogie: :boogie: :boogie:

Imagine a line of Cooke, Kesler, and Tucker followed by a line of Brown, Ritchie, and Burrows! Hows that for an agitating bottom six?

OK OK OK...how about these deals?

To San Jose - B. Morrison, K. Bieksa
To Vancouver - P. Marleau, 2nd round pick

To Toronto - C. Schneider, SJ's 2nd round pick
To Vancouver - D. Tucker, A. Stralman

[TimmyTabasco]

Don't like Tucker. The Canucks have enough penalties

Ryder seems like the most realistic obtainable player. Sure, he's not great, but he would fill a few needs

Komisarek and Ryder would be a good package. Higgins would also be a name to think about

But, Gainey is a bright man..and is pretty high on Higgins/Komisarek...

This team needs help on wing, and on center. Defense is alright

[rustybadcock]

Umm, I think Dion Phaneuf is the best bet to follow in Scott Stevens' footsteps right now Rusty.

OK...here are the reasons dealing Bieksa makes sense...

1) With the emergence of younger defensemen in the system like Edler, Bourdon, Weaver and McIver, they have the depth to deal Bieksa to get stronger on offense.

2) Even at his increased salary next season, Bieksa is a bargain for what he can do when he's healthy. This makes him highly marketable to other teams.

3) Given Ohlund's family circumstances, you don't go to him mid-season and ask him to waive his NTC. Some things are more important than hockey.

4) With Salo's inability to stay healthy and the fact that he will collect 14 million over the next 3 seasons, you can't expect to get much of a return from dealing him, even if he were to waive his NTC.

5) Bieksa may not be big enough to play his style effectively and remain healthy enough to be a full time contributor. Bourdon and Edler have better size, better mobility and just as much offensive upside.

Yes, Bieksa has emerged as a top NHL defenseman with excellent two-way production. But to echoe Lossy, you have to give up something of quality to get quality in return. They've been stellar without Bieksa; this makes him expendable IMO.

A word on Ryder. I think this last showing in the shoot-out serves to underline a weakness on this team, and that is the lack of a pure sniper. Ryder has his shortcomings for sure, but he can help their powerplay and their shoot-out record. If he's available, they need to think seriously about getting him. Even trap teams need pure goal scorers.

So what would you give up for him? If you offer up Bieksa, I'd want something else along with Ryder in return. How about Bieksa and Raymond for Ryder and either Komisarek or Dandenault? Then they could still shop Schneider with Morrison to upgrade the centre position.

And Lossy, about Tampa. The problem is Feaster has gone on record saying that he still is not prepared to part with one of his big three. And if he was, Richards' 7.8 mil per season salary would be awfully difficult for Nonis to work under the cap before next season. I'd be thrilled if they could get him, but until Feaster unclenches his grip on those three, I wouldn't hold my breath.

How about Bieksa for Marleau straight up?

And while we're throwing names around, how about Darcy Tucker? He'd be a good fit for Vigneault. Could you imagine adding him to a lineup that already has Cooke, Kesler and Burrows? Teams would absolutely loathe us.

Well sure, Phaneuf is outstanding, there's no question....my over exaggeration is mostly that I feel people, not necessarily us here, under-estimate just how good he is. Sorry for the stretch there. However, I feel in my heart of hearts, Bieksa is seriously talented and moving him had better bring in a Luongo esq guy. Someone of world class talent. Someone like Vinnie in TBay. I hear your points on Feaster but bottom line is, he's gotta do something or face really screwing things up and ultimately, losing his job. He put himself in this position when he signed these guys...let's see him wiggle out. And if I am Nonis, I am as close as I can be with him and insuring him the best possible options. Cause that's what a guy like Feaster is going to need as the clock ticks down. If I have to accept losing Bieksa I don't think it's crazy to send him and Schneider to TBay for Vinny. Perhaps others but this is the meat of my deal. That's the type of player I want in return. Maybe a Heatley??? But he's now locked up. Vinny's the real gem on the horizon of you ask me. And before anyone chimes in with "there's no way TBay is moving Vinny" or "there's no way Vancity's landing Vinny" I have one word for you. Luongo. Nuff said.

Tucker....:eyebug: :conspire: :confused: I think there might be others in this game I would rather in my locker room. This is a good group we have here. I wouldn't gamble on a guy like Tucker...there's just something about his mental state that really bothers me.

Ryder...I've always said I like this idea. And having a newfie around might just take this teams spirit right over the top. :laughing:

I still say, as I did pages ago. Win now and the future with Luo will look after itself. Schneider is the most expendable blue chip prospect this team has IMO.

Your arguments on Bieksa are very compelling. I suppose I have a personal attachment here. He's one of the people I watched play twice and knew how good he could be while others balked at my assessment. You know how that goes for us die hard fans....;) :laughing: As for his strength to endure as you mentioned. No one is stronger on our team I believe...aside from Lebrie in Manitoba as I've heard. (There's a name you should look into)

Far as I am concerned. We're what? 17 and 11 !!! :eek: And we've done this under some terrible circumstances. I know we're deep on the blue line but I cannot shake the memory of what happened last spring....I just think you leave well enough alone. Seems to me, with this teams shitty injury luck we're gonna need about 10 NHL level guys on the D line - just in case...:D

I've mentioned earlier who I would like to see here. Repeating isn't necessary.

On another note....who gets Mo's "A"?...Ohlund?...I had a vision of Cooke actually wearing it. Yes, Cooke. I could see V doing something like this to really motivate Cooke. Seems he's played a lot better since their little sit down. You never know...I mean...Kunitz sports an "A" for the Ducks...

RB

[gordphish]

Don't like Tucker. The Canucks have enough penalties

Ryder seems like the most realistic obtainable player. Sure, he's not great, but he would fill a few needs

Komisarek and Ryder would be a good package. Higgins would also be a name to think about

But, Gainey is a bright man..and is pretty high on Higgins/Komisarek...

This team needs help on wing, and on center. Defense is alright

Well, their Swedes take too many lazy hooking and holding penalties, granted. But if Kesler is going to be your 2nd line centre, I'd rather have a guy on that line like Tucker that can play the same role as a Cooke or Burrows, but can actually score on a semi-regular basis. Personally, I loathe Tucker. The guy can't take a hit without throwing a temper tantrum. But he is the type of forward Vigneault seems to covet.

I can't see Nonis getting a deal done until the deadline, now. I mean, who is he going to move besides Schneider? Bourdon, maybe? But you have to move a Morrison to get the cap relief. I guess it will depend on what is wrong with Morrison and whether or not they can put him on the IR list.

[AtLossForWords]

I like the idea of Tucker on this team because a line of Cooke, Kesler, and Tucker followed up with Burrows, Ritchie, and Brown would just drive other teams mad. They'd be like "**** we have to play with Vancouver and deal with those too **** kicking shutdown lines!!!"

This team is at an advantage when they can take guys like Crosby, Zetterberg, and Thornton off their game. If those guys try to take over a game against us, only Luongo is standing in their way, and Tucker helps irritate those guys and make them less effective.

I think the Swede penalties are more of an indication of the type of offensive game they play. When you see a Sedin take a penalty, its just usually in the offensive zone on the cycle. Along the boards, a lot of calls are questionable calls like Kesler's holding call in Anaheim a night ago.

[grim]

But I do think that if he packaged Bieksa, Morrison and Schneider, he could swing one hell of a major deal come the deadline. And yes, I think that a package like that would be enough to get Staal out of Pittsburgh, especially if he continues to struggle. Hell, I think a package like that could get Zetterberg out of Detroit or Richards out of Tampa.

Ha. This is some funny stuff. I thought it was mostly Leaf fans that were myopidelusional. You forgot the "and a draft pick" part. :]

[Madferret]

I like the idea of Tucker on this team because a line of Cooke, Kesler, and Tucker followed up with Burrows, Ritchie, and Brown would just drive other teams mad. They'd be like "**** we have to play with Vancouver and deal with those too **** kicking shutdown lines!!!"

This team is at an advantage when they can take guys like Crosby, Zetterberg, and Thornton off their game. If those guys try to take over a game against us, only Luongo is standing in their way, and Tucker helps irritate those guys and make them less effective.

I think the Swede penalties are more of an indication of the type of offensive game they play. When you see a Sedin take a penalty, its just usually in the offensive zone on the cycle. Along the boards, a lot of calls are questionable calls like Kesler's holding call in Anaheim a night ago.

I take it you haven't seen much of Tucker this year.

[AtLossForWords]

Ha. This is some funny stuff. I thought it was mostly Leaf fans that were myopidelusional. You forgot the "and a draft pick" part. :]

Apparently your myopic condition is even worse because you're talking about Leaf fans in a Canuck forum.

Now if you have any ideas to improve the Canucks as if you were their GM shoot. If not, I ask you allow us to keep our thread on topic.

[grim]

Apparently your myopic condition is even worse because you're talking about Leaf fans in a Canuck forum.

Now if you have any ideas to improve the Canucks as if you were their GM shoot. If not, I ask you allow us to keep our thread on topic.

Apparently you need to look up myopic in the dictionary.

But you keep your thread on topic. No problem. I'll leave you to it. I'm waaay too busy trying to put together a blockbuster Eaves, McAmmond, Foligno Senators package deal to entice Iginla out of Calgary or Lecavalier out of Tampa. ;]

[AtLossForWords]

Apparently you need to look up myopic in the dictionary.

But you keep your thread on topic. No problem. I'll leave you to it. I'm waaay too busy trying to put together a blockbuster Eaves, McAmmond, Foligno Senators package deal to entice Iginla out of Calgary or Lecavalier out of Tampa. ;]

A Sens fan talking about Leaf fans in the wrong place seems like narrow-mindedness to me.

I don't think Eaves, McAmmond, and Foligno has the same value as Kevin Bieksa, Brendan Morrison, and Cory Schnieder.

Bieksa proved himself to be an excellent two way defender last season, and that is the hot commodity in the NHL. Brendan Morrison has value because of his versitility on special teams, he can play up front or on the point on the powerplay and hold down a penalty kill doing all those things well. Cory Schnider is one of the better goaltending prospects in the league outside of Price and Bernier.

Are you trying to say that Tampa would not trade one of their big three for a top pairing defenseman who is good at both ends of the rink, a goaltending prospect they are definately in need of, and a second line center who can fill a vareity of special teams roles?

The Canucks have some good pieces that they can offer a team in trade, and while they might not be packaging that one star in the deal, they are giving a group of good guys who are solid contributors to their team. Obviously no deal for the Canucks is going to happen before the deadline, but when the Canucks are buyers they have some pieces to move for their own advantage.

[KB in Kelowna]

Apparently AtaLlossForWords is not aware of the Poster known as Grim

[grim]

Are you trying to say that Tampa would not trade one of their big three for a top pairing defenseman who is good at both ends of the rink, a goaltending prospect they are definately in need of, and a second line center who can fill a vareity of special teams roles?


Yes.

[Madferret]

Am I able to change my user-name to 'Hot Commodity'?

[AtLossForWords]

Yes.

Really then why could Luongo been had for Bertuzzi, Allen, and Auld?

Why did Joe Thornton go for Sturm, Stuart, and Primeau?

If I recall Jaromir Jagr didn't fetch much more than that with guys like Anson Carter being part of the deal.

Stars are most often traded for a package of young players with potential and maybe a veterean to fill a hole. The Canucks would be offering a package like that to other teams. Anyone who doesn't understand the upside of Bieksa and Schnieder must live in the East and know next to nothing about West Coast hockey.

[grim]

Anyone who doesn't understand the upside of Bieksa and Schnieder must live in the East and know next to nothing about West Coast hockey.

Or "anyone's" entire immediate family could live in the Vancouver area. And he could be a long-standing canucks fan who generally sees as many Vancouver games as serious Vancouver fans. And his unique position as a Central Canada resident, Senators fan and close observer of Leaf futility and outrageous and amusing Leaf nation trade suggestions over a period of many years, together with his knowledge of Western conference hockey, could give "anyone" special insight and ability to easily spot a Canucks "homer" - pushing trades of injured sophomore pugilists who have questionable +/- rankings while playing front of one of the best goalies in the world, unproven prospect goalies, and salary dumps of injury-plagued veterans, all under the laughable guise of their value filling "special teams" roles in exchanges with a victim team for the very top echelon of NHL talent like Zetterberg and Richards - with, uh, like, one eye closed. Cough. Just sayin' ;]

[gordphish]

Or "anyone's" entire immediate family could live in the Vancouver area. And he could be a long-standing canucks fan who generally sees as many Vancouver games as serious Vancouver fans. And his unique position as a Central Canada resident, Senators fan and close observer of Leaf futility and outrageous and amusing Leaf nation trade suggestions over a period of many years, together with his knowledge of Western conference hockey, could give "anyone" special insight and ability to easily spot a Canucks "homer" - pushing trades of injured sophomore pugilists who have questionable +/- rankings while playing front of one of the best goalies in the world, unproven prospect goalies, and salary dumps of injury-plagued veterans, all under the laughable guise of their value filling "special teams" roles in exchanges with a victim team for the very top echelon of NHL talent like Zetterberg and Richards - with, uh, like, one eye closed. Cough. Just sayin' ;]

What you guys seem to be unable to grasp is that the value of players like Bieksa and Schneider have essentially doubled since the salary cap was brought in.

But hey, since you're such an expert on NHL trades, what do you think a top 2 defenseman and a projected top 5 NHL goalie are worth? Sundin and Tucker? Murray and Zhamnov?

Nonis is not in the position of having to dump salary, therefore giving these guys up for 39 year olds with bad shoulders. Nor is his franchise bleeding money, forcing him to give up players like that for a big name to sell tickets.

Now that I've got the 'mature' response to your reply out of the way, why don't you guys that just want to jump into our conversations and insult us go phuck yourselves? No one here asked for your worthless opinions.

[Madferret]

What you guys seem to be unable to grasp is that the value of players like Bieksa and Schneider have essentially doubled since the salary cap was brought in.

But hey, since you're such an expert on NHL trades, what do you think a top 2 defenseman and a projected top 5 NHL goalie are worth? Sundin and Tucker? Murray and Zhamnov?

Nonis is not in the position of having to dump salary, therefore giving these guys up for 39 year olds with bad shoulders. Nor is his franchise bleeding money, forcing him to give up players like that for a big name to sell tickets.

Now that I've got the 'mature' response to your reply out of the way, why don't you guys that just want to jump into our conversations and insult us go phuck yourselves? No one here asked for your worthless opinions.

WTF is a projected top 5 goalie anyways?

[grim]

go phuck yourselves

Yourselves? Uh, I am just one phucker.

No one here asked for your worthless opinions.

The sign out front says "Join our Community Today. Three free homers." ;]

[J0e Th0rnton]

Really then why could Luongo been had for Bertuzzi, Allen, and Auld?

Why did Joe Thornton go for Sturm, Stuart, and Primeau?

If I recall Jaromir Jagr didn't fetch much more than that with guys like Anson Carter being part of the deal.

Stars are most often traded for a package of young players with potential and maybe a veterean to fill a hole. The Canucks would be offering a package like that to other teams. Anyone who doesn't understand the upside of Bieksa and Schnieder must live in the East and know next to nothing about West Coast hockey.
Because Boston management are retarded?

[KB in Kelowna]

Can we all post respectfully please.

[TimmyTabasco]

Reportedly, Tuomo Ruutu could be shopped for a defenseman

How about Bieksa for Ruutu?

Ruutu is injury prone, and needs a fresh start. Chicago now has Toews, Kane, Sharp, among others..so he could be expendable..

Just an idea to throw around

[MadDevil]

Looking through the last couple posts I actually miss the kind of arguments that used to happen in the Canucks forum at the now defunct HF. Seems like those were the good old days.:( :conspire:

[grim]

.....salary dumps of injury-plagued veterans...

Dear Brendan Morrison,

I am, like, totally sorry about your injury man. I meant to knock on wood after I said this, but I forgot. I hate to make excuses, but I was just distracted. I got one of those cool after-market "clapper" modifier things that I saw on tv. You know, the one that turns the clapper into a device that you can stick to the wall by the doorway so you can just turn the light on and off with a "light switch" like device... to get rid of the need for that annoying clapping sound. Technology just can't be stopped. So, uh, sorry again, and I know you understand

Merry Christmas,
grim

[Madferret]

Reportedly, Tuomo Ruutu could be shopped for a defenseman

How about Bieksa for Ruutu?

Ruutu is injury prone, and needs a fresh start. Chicago now has Toews, Kane, Sharp, among others..so he could be expendable..

Just an idea to throw around

I heard Tallon is looking for another <young playmaking> forward.

[AtLossForWords]

Right now our defense looks like

Ohlund Salo
Mitchell Edler
Krajicek Miller
Weaver Boudon

When Kevin Bieksa comes back, we'll have a decision to make. Keep up the depth on the blueline and push Edler off the ice, or make a trade well, the way I see things shaping up this team should really make two.

Firstly to Nashville
Kevin Bieksa and Cory Schnieder

To Vancouver
Jason Arnott
2nd round pick

and

To Edmonton
Aaron Miller

To Vancouver
Raffi Torres

New look

Sedin Sedin Naslund
Pyatt Arnott Raymond
Cooke Kesler Torres <<<<<I really like this line!
Burrows Ritchie Brown<<<<This one isn't bad either!

Ohlund Salo
Mitchell Edler
Krajicek Bourdon
Weaver McIver

IR-Morrison

This is assuming that Bieksa is back and ready to play at the deadline.

Why trade Bieksa? This team has looked plenty good enough without him in the lineup. Alexander Edler has shown that he can step up and make smart plays leading the team in plus minus, and I'd say let this guy continue to develop rather than sending him back to Manitoba and waiting until Salo gets a hangnail.

Why trade Cory Schnider, because if this team plays well enough he'll never be a starter for this team.

Why trade Aaron Miller? Aaron Miller in my opinion has not been what he was advertised to be. He takes bad chasing penalties and doesn't play as strong in front of his own net as he used to. Lukas Krajicek has solidified his play in his own end and has become a dependable blueliner for this team. I'd rather get a forward like Torres who can score the odd goal and be a pain to his opponents then have an old ineffective blueliner.

Why not trade Luc Bourdon? I would honestly only trade Luc Bourdon outside the Western Conference. He could still develop into a Robyn Regehr type shutdown guy, and we've all see how he can unload a slapshot on the powerplay, and I wouldn't trade that good of a blueliner to a conference rival who can stick it to me at least six nights a year.

[TimmyTabasco]

Miller hasn't been that bad. Sure, he had a hard time adjusting to the system. But, he has been better as of late

You need a veteran like him for the playoffs

I like the idea of Arnott, but remember..he is signed thru next season..for $4.5million. So, they would have to take that into account. Also, if they acquire Arnott..why not try and also acquire Dumont?

Sed-Sed-Nas
Pyatt-Arnott-Dumont

Thats a decent top six..

Torres? Sorry, but I can't stand that guy. Stoll is a player to consider. Good on faceoffs, R hand shot..point on the PP. He's been a healthy scratch as of late, and would be an excellent addition. Gritty, hard worker.

[AtLossForWords]

Timmy it is because you can't stand him that I want Torres on this team.

What you say about Miller is true, but you could say the same about guys like Sopel, Smolinski, and Weinrich.

I really liked the idea of Aaron Miller coming here, but he's been a complete let down up to this point. Wouldn't this team be better served giving his minutes to Bourdon?

[Madferret]

I heard Tallon is looking for another <young playmaking> forward.


I'm good.
http://thefourthperiod.com/news/phi071218.html

[gordphish]

The Jackets have sent Brule to the minors. You know things aren't going well when you get bumped by Manny Malholtra.

Perhaps a return to Vancouver would help speed up Brule's adjustment to the NHL? His offensive production at the NHL level has been a surprising disappointment to me, but I could see him as a solid linemate for Kesler, and I think he'd flourish under Vigneault.

[gordphish]

Timmy it is because you can't stand him that I want Torres on this team.

What you say about Miller is true, but you could say the same about guys like Sopel, Smolinski, and Weinrich.

I really liked the idea of Aaron Miller coming here, but he's been a complete let down up to this point. Wouldn't this team be better served giving his minutes to Bourdon?

I disagree, whole heartedly. Have you seen a lot of teams running into Luongo this season? No, and Miller is a big reason why.

Miller wasn't brought in to score or impress with speed or flash. He was brought in for his experience and his ability to defend the area in front of his goalie, and in those areas he's been just fine.

If any defensemen on the team have been a let down so far, it's been the lack of production from Salo and Krajicek IMO. Those two are in the lineup to provide offense from the blueline. Krajicek does have 10 points from the bottom pairing, so I'll cut him a bit of slack, but Salo's 3 points is inexcusable, injuries or no injuries.

Currently, Miller has 6 points, double that of Salo, and is on pace for his biggest offensive output in 5 seasons. And he's played all 40 games; when you consider his age and his back problems, that's a bonus.

[AtLossForWords]

I agree with you about Salo Gordo. I'm very displeased with his lack of production. You can talk all you want about wearing a cage, hockey is still hockey and Salo should know how to play. The only reason why I cut Salo slack is because of his good defensive play I've seen from him of late. We can't trade him anyways.

The problem that I have with Aaron Miller has been his play in the defensive zone, especially on the penalty kill. I feel like his lack of speed leaves him exposed in his own end. I'm not going to expect points from Aaron Miller, but I expect him to position himself well and hammer the puck out of his own zone when he gets the oppurtunity. This guy has a lot of bad giveaways for a defensive player.

[gordphish]

I agree with you about Salo Gordo. I'm very displeased with his lack of production. You can talk all you want about wearing a cage, hockey is still hockey and Salo should know how to play. The only reason why I cut Salo slack is because of his good defensive play I've seen from him of late. We can't trade him anyways.

The problem that I have with Aaron Miller has been his play in the defensive zone, especially on the penalty kill. I feel like his lack of speed leaves him exposed in his own end. I'm not going to expect points from Aaron Miller, but I expect him to position himself well and hammer the puck out of his own zone when he gets the oppurtunity. This guy has a lot of bad giveaways for a defensive player.

Well, now you're talking about depth and coaching. With this team healthy, does Miller kill penalties? I would think Mitchell, Bieksa, Ohlund and Salo would draw the bulk of the PK minutes, with Edler as the spare if the PIM happens to be to one of those 4.

Sorry man, I have to side with the Sauce Man on this one. For what was advertised, I think Miller has been just fine. If he was all that you are talking about, he'd be a top pairing guy instead of a bottom pairing guy.

[KB in Kelowna]

Miller's play has not bothered me this year. It would be nice to see Salo get back on track offensively. With his contract he had better earn it.

[rustybadcock]

I like the play of Miller very much. I don't agree that he is terrible. And watch, after Shorthouse tore Krajciak apart the other night it shouldn't be long before people start bitching about him too.

I think people are going to forget all of this trade talk very quickly when Bieksa returns. Besides, trading a kid with a 3.5 mil salary is not going to be easy at this point in time. He's simply not proven enough and this was to be his year to show the hockey world his value, life had other plans for him. He will have to come back with fire in his feet and play a massive role in the closing out of the season. Salo would be easier to move even with all of his injury troubles.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/tbl071210.html
Here's something I dug up at the TFP about Tampa's big three. Makes a little sense too when I consider what he looks like on the ice. I watched a few Tampa games and Richards looks like he's in outer space much of the time. At the time this link was initially posted Richards was a point a game guy. However today things are different.
GP G A +/- P
B. Richards 41 11 23 -24 34

WOW, a -24! I mean honestly, that's horrid. :eek: He leads his team in plus minus. This is a CST winner! I am thinking he'd waive his NTC in a heart beat for a fresh start. In spite of it all I can understand how the environment in TB might not be such a happy one. I mean for how long now have we been hearing that someone is being moved out of there? That's no small thing to be dealing with if all that's on you mind is how bad the team you play for is and how many rumors are floating around about you and your families future in that neck of the woods. Can't be easy....

RB

[AtLossForWords]

When Richards was at his best he had St. Louis on his line with LeCavalier playing alongside the garbage on the second line. Now since LeCavalier's game has elevated he's been playing with St. Louis and Richards has taken up the spot on the second line playing alongside Tortorella's flavors of the month.

Richards has quite a hefty salary, and I couldn't understand how the Canucks could trade for him without moving a major salary like Naslund's, Morrison's, or Bieksa.

Soon this team is going to have to resign the Sedins, and I expect they are going to want a raise by a couple million, so any move this team makes better keep in mind how to fit in what these two are going to want when the time comes.

I think if Brad Richards was on this team, you'd immediately have the scoring depth you really need. You could either keep the Snazzy line togethor and play Richards behind them with Pyatt and Raymond, or you can make Richards the set up guy for Markus Naslund and watch those two elevate the play of Mason Raymond, and switch Pyatt back to being a net presence for the Sedins.

Like I said the problem with acquiring Brad Richards isn't trade bait for the Canucks, it is cap room. You'd have to move Cory Schnieer Tampa's way, and I don't think anyone else would have a problem with that, but you'd also have to find a way to move Bieksa, Salo, or Morrison to make the numbers work. With two of those guys hurt, can you make that move? Would Tampa want Salo, they need a good two way defender, but does he look good enough on your blueline to Brad Richards a former Smythe winner?

Tampa's falling in the standings fast, they need a top goaltender to rebound and they need some good blueliners. In fact outside of their big three they don't really have anything up front either. I don't think its long before Feaster is pressured to move one of his big three, but I don't know of the Canucks are the best team to deal with not from a prospect perspective, but from a salary perspective. If Tampa doesn't want Morrison, Salo, or Bieksa to make the salarie work. Then you'll have to find a team with the space making a playoff push that will take one of those guys for a pick. Would San Jose take Salo for a pick? I bet they would.

However when you move Sami Salo, your defense depth is definately depleted until Bieksa comes back healthy you're stuck with a blueline of

Ohlund Weaver
Edler Mitchell
Miller Krajicek
Bourdon

I don't know about anyone else, but believing that Ohlund and Mitchell will miss a few games here and there is frightens me having Bourdon and Weaver both in the lineup at the same time. When your blueline looks like

Ohlund Edler
Mitchell Bieksa
Miller Krajicek
Weaver Bourdon

You've got no reason to worry, but how often is an entire blueline healthy in the playoffs.

[TimmyTabasco]

First of all, Shorthouse is a moron..don't know how he got that job. Second of all, larshield is also a moron..don't know what he does to stay on the air...

Anyway :laughing:

Richards? Dream on..lets keep this realistic. No way this guy will be moved to the Canucks, especially considering his lack of defensive responsibility, and ridiculous salary

Supposedly, the Canucks have been scouting the Jackets and the Kings

Frolov-dynamite with the twins, but far fetched
Brown-I wish..perfect player for the Canucks..but signed to a longterm deal..not going to happen

Dont see anyone else on the Kings..other than untouchables, and grizzly vets/overpaid one hit wonders

For Columbus..
Vyborny-Possible..Gordo likes this guy..could be a realistic acquisition..but could also be over the hill
Modin-If he wasn't injured, I'd listen..big guy..playoff performer..two way ability

Then you come back to Nashville...

We all know Lossy has a hard on for Arnott..and why not..he's an attractive fellow. But, he is signed to a deal..could the Canucks afford him next season..or just trade him back to the Preds?

But, I'd like a package..of Dumont..and Arnott..

Sed-Sed-Dumont
Pyatt-Arnott-Naslund

Not a bad top six..could do some damage..

Then you could make a deal with the Caps for Pettinger...and this would be your lineup

Sed-Sed-Dumont
Pyatt-Arnott-Naslund
Cooke-Kesler-Pettinger
Burrows-Ritchie-Linden

Not bad...

Thoughts on this lineup?

[AtLossForWords]

It's a good forward group, but I'd have to think that to acquire all of those guys, you're going to have to move someone off your current roster Timmy.

I'd only move roster players if the return I'm getting is a star player.

[gordphish]

First of all, Shorthouse is a moron..don't know how he got that job. Second of all, larshield is also a moron..don't know what he does to stay on the air...

Anyway :laughing:

Richards? Dream on..lets keep this realistic. No way this guy will be moved to the Canucks, especially considering his lack of defensive responsibility, and ridiculous salary

Supposedly, the Canucks have been scouting the Jackets and the Kings

Frolov-dynamite with the twins, but far fetched
Brown-I wish..perfect player for the Canucks..but signed to a longterm deal..not going to happen

Dont see anyone else on the Kings..other than untouchables, and grizzly vets/overpaid one hit wonders

For Columbus..
Vyborny-Possible..Gordo likes this guy..could be a realistic acquisition..but could also be over the hill
Modin-If he wasn't injured, I'd listen..big guy..playoff performer..two way ability

Then you come back to Nashville...

We all know Lossy has a hard on for Arnott..and why not..he's an attractive fellow. But, he is signed to a deal..could the Canucks afford him next season..or just trade him back to the Preds?

But, I'd like a package..of Dumont..and Arnott..

Sed-Sed-Dumont
Pyatt-Arnott-Naslund

Not a bad top six..could do some damage..

Then you could make a deal with the Caps for Pettinger...and this would be your lineup

Sed-Sed-Dumont
Pyatt-Arnott-Naslund
Cooke-Kesler-Pettinger
Burrows-Ritchie-Linden

Not bad...

Thoughts on this lineup?

If they are scouting Columbus and LA, and the rumours about Nonis looking for centre are true, then I would think Jiri Novotny would be the player Nonis would be most interested in from the Jackets. I think his name has been linked to the Canucks before, but I could be wrong. Vyborny, while a solid possibilty as a winger for the twins, is first, not a centre, and secondly, currently in the IR list. I could see the Jackets looking to peddle Federov off on someone, and it wouldn't shock me to see Nonis swing a deal for him. He only has about 3 mil left on his contract this year and his UFA next summer. Don't forget, he is a former Selke winner, so he wouldn't be completely out of place in V's system.

As for the Kings, I know Nonis has coveted Cammalleri over the last few seasons. He's having an OK offensive season in LA, but he is -10. O'Sullivan seems to be progressing nicely, but has had to be used on the wing with Kopitar, Cammalleri and Handzus up the middle. Maybe the Kings are trying to make room for O'Sullivan at his natural position? I guess it really depends on where Lombardi is trying to go with that team, and that's not an easy read right now. And for all we know, Nonis could be looking for more of a third line centre and could be chasing down Malholtra and Armstrong.

As for your lineup, Timmy, I just don't like the idea of adding Arnott's salary. He makes 4.5 per until he is 36, which he turns in the 2010-11 season. That's too much to be paying for Arnott at that stage of his career in my books.

Dumont, hey, he's on fire right now and I like his speed. But I wouldn't want him here at the expense of Raymond. Mason's been stellar this time up. Really, what more could you ask of him? V's system doesn't really flatter players like Raymond, yet he's finding a way to hit the scoresheet on a regular basis. They need a player in his salary range to step in and give them another dimension in scoring. And they REALLY need his speed. Dumont would just stunt his development, so no thanks.

Pettinger. Why? He has 5 points so far and is a minus 11. Why in the name of KB's short and curlies would you give Burrows' spot to Pettinger? And please take the Golden Boy off that fourth line and put Brown back in. At least Brown is useful.

[KB in Kelowna]

Pettinger. Why? He has 5 points so far and is a minus 11. Why in the name of KB's short and curlies would you give Burrows' spot to Pettinger? And please take the Golden Boy off that fourth line and put Brown back in. At least Brown is useful.

There are some things I will give up to enjoy hockey, and some things that are too sacred:D

[Madferret]

The Jackets have sent Brule to the minors. You know things aren't going well when you get bumped by Manny Malholtra.

Perhaps a return to Vancouver would help speed up Brule's adjustment to the NHL? His offensive production at the NHL level has been a surprising disappointment to me, but I could see him as a solid linemate for Kesler, and I think he'd flourish under Vigneault.

Malholtra is one of the best face-off guys in the league.

[AtLossForWords]

I think if Nonis is looking for a center, he isn't looking for a dedicated shutdown guy like Malhotra or Armstrong, he's looking for a guy who can play a solid two way game chipping in offensively every now and then. With Kesler and Ritchie, I doubt Nonis is looking for another shut down guy.

I agree with Gordo, he could make a pitch for Federov to be his number two center. Adding a veterean with a Stanley Cup ring never hurts, you even you Gordo said Nonis was not looking for a rental which is all Federov would be.

I hope Nonis doesn't deal for Handzus, even though he's dependable, he's slow and not exactly what the Canucks need. His size is right, but I just don't see how he would make our team better. Cammalieri was just signed wasn't he? If the Canucks could pry this guy out of LA, that would be great for our team, but I wouldn't mind O' Sullivan either if LA doesn't "have room" for him.

Kopitar hasn't been signed yet....:lol:.

*posts a pic of a Greek poet*

[gordphish]

I think if Nonis is looking for a center, he isn't looking for a dedicated shutdown guy like Malhotra or Armstrong, he's looking for a guy who can play a solid two way game chipping in offensively every now and then. With Kesler and Ritchie, I doubt Nonis is looking for another shut down guy.

I agree with Gordo, he could make a pitch for Federov to be his number two center. Adding a veterean with a Stanley Cup ring never hurts, you even you Gordo said Nonis was not looking for a rental which is all Federov would be.

I hope Nonis doesn't deal for Handzus, even though he's dependable, he's slow and not exactly what the Canucks need. His size is right, but I just don't see how he would make our team better. Cammalieri was just signed wasn't he? If the Canucks could pry this guy out of LA, that would be great for our team, but I wouldn't mind O' Sullivan either if LA doesn't "have room" for him.

Kopitar hasn't been signed yet....:lol:.

*posts a pic of a Greek poet*

Well, both the Kings and Jackets have the depth at centre to make a move, but perhaps with Naslund slumping again Nonis is hunting for a winger for the twins?

Taking another look at the rosters of both teams, I doubt it...there aren't enough natural RWs on both teams to fill one roster. Which makes them odd trading partners for the Canucks, who don't have a lot of scoring depth on the right side themselves. Perhaps Matt Cooke?

No, the more I ponder it, the more it's clear that it would have to be a centre that Nonis is looking for from those teams. And looking at how poor the Canucks are in the circle outside of Ryan Kesler, I'd say Armstrong and Malholtra are the two most likely candidates.

[TimmyTabasco]

Pettinger has 5 points, but has been a decent checking line winger. Check out his previous stats, and bio..sounds like a good fit

Dumont or Raymond? I like Raymond..but its a no brainer..Dumont. Raymond still needs time to develop, and he'll get that time. The Canucks will need scoring for the playoffs, and Dumont will bring that scoring

Arnott..yeah, I also don't like his salary. But, he has size..a r hand shot..and is playing very well. He's a big center, could help the team. But again, his salary stinks

I've said it before, but Stoll would be interesting..similar player to Arnott..but cheaper

[gordphish]

Pettinger has 5 points, but has been a decent checking line winger. Check out his previous stats, and bio..sounds like a good fit

Dumont or Raymond? I like Raymond..but its a no brainer..Dumont. Raymond still needs time to develop, and he'll get that time. The Canucks will need scoring for the playoffs, and Dumont will bring that scoring

Arnott..yeah, I also don't like his salary. But, he has size..a r hand shot..and is playing very well. He's a big center, could help the team. But again, his salary stinks

I've said it before, but Stoll would be interesting..similar player to Arnott..but cheaper

Raymond has 8 points in 11 games since being recalled while averaging 11:24 of ice time per game. That's a .727 PPG average, and he's a plus 4. Dumont has 29 points in 40 GP's for a PPG average of .725 while averaging 18:20 of ice time per game, and he's a plus 5. And I think we would both agree that Raymond is only likely to get better if given the chance, while with Dumont we pretty much get what we see. And the sooner Raymond gets that valuable playoff experience, the better.

Stoll, highly unlikely the Oilers would move the best face-off man in the league to a division rival.

Pettinger, still not sold. They have plenty of third liners that could score 20 under the right circumstances. They should only add another one if he can help in the face-off circle.

[Madferret]

Pettinger has 5 points, but has been a decent checking line winger. Check out his previous stats, and bio..sounds like a good fit

Dumont or Raymond? I like Raymond..but its a no brainer..Dumont. Raymond still needs time to develop, and he'll get that time. The Canucks will need scoring for the playoffs, and Dumont will bring that scoring

Arnott..yeah, I also