Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Trade Deadline 2008
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:53 PM]
Sorry guys. Had to step out. You can find the rest of today's trades on NHL.com. I've got a summary from the Canucks side of things coming.
[added: 02/26/2008, 12:31 PM]
This made me smile and shudder at the same time (TSN.ca).
[added: 02/26/2008, 12:11 PM]
Nice trade by Pittsburgh to obtain Marian Hossa (TSN.ca)?
Not bad.
[added: 02/26/2008, 11:40 AM]
The only big name out there is Marian Hossa. Sportsnet was reporting that he could be on his way to Pittsburgh; TSN is saying it's not done and that a Hossa/Hedberg deal may be on the table with Montreal. With Matt Pettinger the only name coming to the Canucks, should Dave Nonis make a pitch for him?
Unlike Richards and Jokinen, Hossa is an unrestricted free agent after this season. He's purely a rental player and Nonis has been adamant that he won't throw many assets after that. The only other big UFA to be traded so far is Brian Campbell. He went for Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick. Does that change the market for Hossa? Will a prospect and a 1st round draft pick do it? And if that's the case, should Nonis offer Bourdon or Schneider and a draft pick to Atlanta?
[added: 02/26/2008, 10:45 AM]
Those of you who've followed my blog for a while know I'm a big Matt Cooke fan. Don't get me wrong. Matt Pettinger is decent. What I don't understand is the need to replace to Cookie with a Cookie-like player.
Here's Pettinger's scouting report (from Sportsnet.ca):
[added: 02/26/2008, 10:39 AM]
And the first Canuck to be traded is... Matt Cooke.
Coming back is Matt Pettinger from the Washington Capitals.
More in a minute.
[added: 02/26/2008, 10:00 AM]
Report: Patrick Roy and Ray Bourque sign with the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of the season.
Okay, maybe not those two but after getting Peter Forsberg to re-sign with the team yesterday, they've also now re-acquired Adam Foote. And word has it that Rob Blake might be on his way too. Shit, maybe we can send them Aaron Miller.
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:48 AM]
With a few deals already done, here are some reactions from the blogosphere.
The Battle of California on the Brian Campbell and Brad Richards deals:
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:39 AM]
PS. Dave Nonis - You still there?
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:27 AM]
I'm talking to John via Skype regarding the Cristobal Huet trade to the Washington Capitals (TSN.ca). Neither of us expected that trade at all.
The obvious next question is, which other goaltender is on his way to the Habs? Montreal is in a dogfight with Ottawa for the Northeast Division championship. Carey Price is good, but I doubt they go into the stretch run and the playoffs with a Price/Halak combo in net.
Good trade for the Caps. Kolzig's had an inconsistent season and Washington wants to take the next step. At the very least, Kolzig and Huet can push each other.
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:16 AM]
Tuomo Ruutu is now a Carolina Hurricane and Andrew Ladd is a Chicago Blackhawk (Sportsnet.ca).
Ruutu is a nice pick-up, though due to injuries or for some other reason, just never found his stride in Chicago.
I do like this trade for the Blackhawks. I'm surprised Carolina gave up on Ladd, a good Maple Ridge kid, who, after winning the Cup back in 2006, brought it to the Stone Temple. He's a big winger with some decent hands and should look good on a line with any one of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marty Havlat or Patrick Sharp. He's also only 22 years old.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:42 AM]
Apparently, Brad Richards is now a Dallas Star (TSN.ca).
The Stars get Richards and goaltender Johan Holmqvist.
The Lightning get Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern.
No draft picks, no bluechip prospect on defense exchanged.
Here's hoping for a Marty Turco first-round flop.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:37 AM]
Bob McKenzie just mentioned that Brad Richards has officially been asked to waive his no-trade clause. It sounds like he's headed to the Dallas Stars.
That sucks.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:28 AM]
The first of today's big fish, Brian Campbell, has just been traded to the San Jose Sharks (TSN.ca).
In one, swift move, the Sharks addressed one of their biggest needs. Campbell is a heckuva defenseman and he can move the puck. Now they have someone who can actually get the puck to the likes of Thornton, Marleau (if he's still a Shark by the end of the day) and Michalek.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:18 AM]
Wade Belak has just been traded to the Florida Panthers for a 5th round draft pick (TSN.ca).
I don't know if I'm more surprised that some team actually wanted Belak or that that team actually gave up something to get him. Belak, incidentally, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:55 AM]
I know, I know. As Alanah said last night, I'm quite emotionally invested in the possibility of Brad Richards in a Canucks jersey. This morning, RJ from the Vancouver Viewpoint mentioned he would actually prefer to see Olli Jokinen come over.
RJ is right.
Truth be told, I prefer Olli Jokinen as well. On episode 60 of The Crazy Canucks, I spelled out why too. He's the big center the Canucks have always needed plus his contract is much more manageable. I even argued that I would give up Ryan Kesler if it meant upgrading the top-six to include Jokinen.
Both will cost the Canucks prospects and cap space for sure. The difference is that Richards will cost the Canucks more cap space, and for the reasons RJ mentioned, Jokinen will cost the Canucks more prospects. Bourdon, Schneider and draft picks won't be enough to land Olli Jokinen. To get OJ in a Canucks jersey, start with that package for Richards and then add Kesler or Edler.
Also, I focused on Brad Richards because I know Nonis is hot on his heels and I don't blame him. Again, money issue aside, giving up a package with Bourdon and Schneider ain't bad. Regardless of what high-end player the Canucks acquire and regardless of whether they acquire him through trade or free agency, it's going to cost them significant money (see: Boyle, Dan). Jokinen probably isn't much of a target, perhaps because of how many young players it's gonna cost to get him or perhaps because the Panthers don't want to give us any more of their All-Stars.
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:33 AM]
Woo-hoo! Finally, a trade!
The New Jersey Devils have acquired Bryce Salvador from the St. Louis Blues for Cam Janssen.(TSN.ca).
Solid deal for the Devils. Salvador provides the Devils with some defensive depth. He was playing mostly between 17 and 20 minutes a game for the Blues. Cam Janssen, well, he's been injured all season.
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:09 AM]
Always one of the funniest liveblogs on trade deadline day is Jay Onrait's (TSN). Check it out. He even has some Baby Spice rumors.
[added: 02/26/2008, 6:56 AM]
I actually forgot that TSN has John Ferguson Jr. on its deadline day show. But then again, is there any other ex-GM out there that's more astute than JFJ? I mean, he is the guy that brought luminaries like Brian Leetch, Ron Francis and Luke Richardson to the Leafs on past trade deadline days. Nevermind that he paid primo assets for them in the twilight of their careers.
If I'm not mistaken, Sportsnet has Doug MacLean on. His claim to fame is acquiring guys like Sergei Fedorov and Adam Foote to lead the Blue Jackets.
JFJ vs. Dougie Mac. Who can give the better analysis on today's trades?
[added: 02/26/2008, 6:47 AM]
James Mirtle brings up a good point. Brian Campbell's people should send Dan Boyle's people a thank you card.
[added: 02/26/2008, 6:18 AM]
Jay Feaster is apparently a slow learner (Erik Erlendsson, Tampa Tribune)?
Don't get me wrong. I love Dan Boyle as much as the next guy. I'm just not sure I love him more than, say, Dion Phaneuf and Sergei Zubov. Especially when Boyle is 38, which is when this contract ends, I don't know if I'd still love $6.67 million ways.
[added: 02/26/2008, 5:49 AM]
Okay, so I had time to drive up to Tim Horton's and still no trades?
[added: 02/26/2008, 5:13 AM]
Nothing confirmed on the Brad Richards front, though Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province) and the TSN panel are reporting the rumored proposals from the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets and our Vancouver Canucks:
[added: 02/26/2008, 4:52 AM]
The first big name to move yesterday wasn't because of a trade. It was the Colorado Avalanche signing Peter Forsberg (TSN.ca)
As a Canucks fan, I hope the Avs miss the playoffs.
[added: 02/26/2008, 4:45 AM]
Oh crap. Maybe not Brad Richards (link via Canucks and Beyond)?
[added: 02/26/2008, 4:36 AM]
G'morning boys and girls. I see Paul, James, Lyle and Mike are working the web already. Any West Coasters up yet?
Should hopefully be a good day. I'm looking forward to seeing Brad Richards and Mark Recchi in Canucks jerseys by the end of the day.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Sorry guys. Had to step out. You can find the rest of today's trades on NHL.com. I've got a summary from the Canucks side of things coming.
[added: 02/26/2008, 12:31 PM]
This made me smile and shudder at the same time (TSN.ca).
The Minnesota Wild added lots of toughness on Tuesday, acquiring Chris Simon from the New York Islanders for a sixth-round draft pick.Dear God, aren't Derek Boogard and Todd Fedoruk enough?
[added: 02/26/2008, 12:11 PM]
Nice trade by Pittsburgh to obtain Marian Hossa (TSN.ca)?
The Atlanta Thrashers have traded sniper Marian Hossa and winger Pascal Dupuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect Angelo Esposito, forwards Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen and a first-round pick.That said, Pittsburgh is getting themselves a heckuva player in Hossa without sacrificing too much from their current lineup. Dupuis and Armstrong, I think, cancel each other out and Erik Christensen isn't exactly irreplaceable. To me, Hossa's rental for this postseason - and by all accounts, this is just a rental - costs the Penguins Esposito and a low first-round pick.
Not bad.
[added: 02/26/2008, 11:40 AM]
The only big name out there is Marian Hossa. Sportsnet was reporting that he could be on his way to Pittsburgh; TSN is saying it's not done and that a Hossa/Hedberg deal may be on the table with Montreal. With Matt Pettinger the only name coming to the Canucks, should Dave Nonis make a pitch for him?
Unlike Richards and Jokinen, Hossa is an unrestricted free agent after this season. He's purely a rental player and Nonis has been adamant that he won't throw many assets after that. The only other big UFA to be traded so far is Brian Campbell. He went for Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick. Does that change the market for Hossa? Will a prospect and a 1st round draft pick do it? And if that's the case, should Nonis offer Bourdon or Schneider and a draft pick to Atlanta?
[added: 02/26/2008, 10:45 AM]
Those of you who've followed my blog for a while know I'm a big Matt Cooke fan. Don't get me wrong. Matt Pettinger is decent. What I don't understand is the need to replace to Cookie with a Cookie-like player.
Here's Pettinger's scouting report (from Sportsnet.ca):
Assets: Works very hard and never takes a shift off. Loves to play a crash-and-bang style and is very effective in the corners. Can play either wing position.Listening to the Sportsnet panel, it sounds like Pettinger has a bit more scoring upside so maybe the move is intended to upgrade our bottom-six. For what it's worth, he's on pace to score 10 points this season.
Flaws: Isn't blessed with supreme skills, so he must always play his heart out in order to get on the score sheet. His hard-nosed style leads to injuries.
Career Potential: Third line winger.
[added: 02/26/2008, 10:39 AM]
And the first Canuck to be traded is... Matt Cooke.
Coming back is Matt Pettinger from the Washington Capitals.
More in a minute.
[added: 02/26/2008, 10:00 AM]
Report: Patrick Roy and Ray Bourque sign with the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of the season.
Okay, maybe not those two but after getting Peter Forsberg to re-sign with the team yesterday, they've also now re-acquired Adam Foote. And word has it that Rob Blake might be on his way too. Shit, maybe we can send them Aaron Miller.
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:48 AM]
With a few deals already done, here are some reactions from the blogosphere.
The Battle of California on the Brian Campbell and Brad Richards deals:
Brian Campbell for Steve Bernier/1st rounder? Holy crap, that's a steal. I'm assuming there's a conditional pick involved should Campbell sign. For the first time in, well, ever, the Sharks have a legit #1 defenseman in his prime. Maybe the power play will finally score now AND the Sharks keep Patrick Marleau. Not too shabby, eh?Five For Fighting on the Brad Richards deal:
As for Dallas getting Brad Richards (it's official), fuck you Dallas.
I have mixed feelings about the Brad Richards deal, just based solely on getting to know these guys in the locker room. I'll especially miss Mike Smith. He had such a great attitude and sense of humor in that locker room, and I don't doubt that he helped keep Marty Turco loose. Those two had such a great friendship.The Shootout on Jeff Halpern and Jussi Jokinen going to Tampa Bay:
It is with a sad and heavy heart to report that HullJack have traded Jeff Halpern, Jussi Jokinen and Mike Smith for center Brad Richards and goalie Johan Holmqvist from Tampa Bay.Puckhead's Thoughts on acquiring Cristobal Huet:
I will not lie that I am not pleased about this trade, at all. I lost my Jew and Juicy in one felt swoop.
So with this sadness, I think it is now time to say goodbye to 2 of my favorite players.
The Washington Capitals made a trade to bolster a position that I felt they had needed some help with. Cristobal Huet was traded to the Capitals for a 2nd round pick. Almost for nothing.
This tells me one of two things, Olie Kolzig doesn't look like he will get a contract extension after he is done, and Brent Johnson's days are numbered. The Canadiens obviously are going with Carey Price, and McPhee pulled a goaltender from out of nowhere. He would have been crazy not to take this opportunity.
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:39 AM]
PS. Dave Nonis - You still there?
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:27 AM]
I'm talking to John via Skype regarding the Cristobal Huet trade to the Washington Capitals (TSN.ca). Neither of us expected that trade at all.
The obvious next question is, which other goaltender is on his way to the Habs? Montreal is in a dogfight with Ottawa for the Northeast Division championship. Carey Price is good, but I doubt they go into the stretch run and the playoffs with a Price/Halak combo in net.
Good trade for the Caps. Kolzig's had an inconsistent season and Washington wants to take the next step. At the very least, Kolzig and Huet can push each other.
[added: 02/26/2008, 9:16 AM]
Tuomo Ruutu is now a Carolina Hurricane and Andrew Ladd is a Chicago Blackhawk (Sportsnet.ca).
Ruutu is a nice pick-up, though due to injuries or for some other reason, just never found his stride in Chicago.
I do like this trade for the Blackhawks. I'm surprised Carolina gave up on Ladd, a good Maple Ridge kid, who, after winning the Cup back in 2006, brought it to the Stone Temple. He's a big winger with some decent hands and should look good on a line with any one of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marty Havlat or Patrick Sharp. He's also only 22 years old.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:42 AM]
Apparently, Brad Richards is now a Dallas Star (TSN.ca).
The Stars get Richards and goaltender Johan Holmqvist.
The Lightning get Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern.
No draft picks, no bluechip prospect on defense exchanged.
Here's hoping for a Marty Turco first-round flop.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:37 AM]
Bob McKenzie just mentioned that Brad Richards has officially been asked to waive his no-trade clause. It sounds like he's headed to the Dallas Stars.
That sucks.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:28 AM]
The first of today's big fish, Brian Campbell, has just been traded to the San Jose Sharks (TSN.ca).
In one, swift move, the Sharks addressed one of their biggest needs. Campbell is a heckuva defenseman and he can move the puck. Now they have someone who can actually get the puck to the likes of Thornton, Marleau (if he's still a Shark by the end of the day) and Michalek.
[added: 02/26/2008, 8:18 AM]
Wade Belak has just been traded to the Florida Panthers for a 5th round draft pick (TSN.ca).
I don't know if I'm more surprised that some team actually wanted Belak or that that team actually gave up something to get him. Belak, incidentally, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:55 AM]
I know, I know. As Alanah said last night, I'm quite emotionally invested in the possibility of Brad Richards in a Canucks jersey. This morning, RJ from the Vancouver Viewpoint mentioned he would actually prefer to see Olli Jokinen come over.
RJ is right.
Truth be told, I prefer Olli Jokinen as well. On episode 60 of The Crazy Canucks, I spelled out why too. He's the big center the Canucks have always needed plus his contract is much more manageable. I even argued that I would give up Ryan Kesler if it meant upgrading the top-six to include Jokinen.
Both will cost the Canucks prospects and cap space for sure. The difference is that Richards will cost the Canucks more cap space, and for the reasons RJ mentioned, Jokinen will cost the Canucks more prospects. Bourdon, Schneider and draft picks won't be enough to land Olli Jokinen. To get OJ in a Canucks jersey, start with that package for Richards and then add Kesler or Edler.
Also, I focused on Brad Richards because I know Nonis is hot on his heels and I don't blame him. Again, money issue aside, giving up a package with Bourdon and Schneider ain't bad. Regardless of what high-end player the Canucks acquire and regardless of whether they acquire him through trade or free agency, it's going to cost them significant money (see: Boyle, Dan). Jokinen probably isn't much of a target, perhaps because of how many young players it's gonna cost to get him or perhaps because the Panthers don't want to give us any more of their All-Stars.
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:33 AM]
Woo-hoo! Finally, a trade!
The New Jersey Devils have acquired Bryce Salvador from the St. Louis Blues for Cam Janssen.(TSN.ca).
Solid deal for the Devils. Salvador provides the Devils with some defensive depth. He was playing mostly between 17 and 20 minutes a game for the Blues. Cam Janssen, well, he's been injured all season.
[added: 02/26/2008, 7:09 AM]
Always one of the funniest liveblogs on trade deadline day is Jay Onrait's (TSN). Check it out. He even has some Baby Spice rumors.
[added: 02/26/2008, 6:56 AM]
I actually forgot that TSN has John Ferguson Jr. on its deadline day show. But then again, is there any other ex-GM out there that's more astute than JFJ? I mean, he is the guy that brought luminaries like Brian Leetch, Ron Francis and Luke Richardson to the Leafs on past trade deadline days. Nevermind that he paid primo assets for them in the twilight of their careers.
If I'm not mistaken, Sportsnet has Doug MacLean on. His claim to fame is acquiring guys like Sergei Fedorov and Adam Foote to lead the Blue Jackets.
JFJ vs. Dougie Mac. Who can give the better analysis on today's trades?
[added: 02/26/2008, 6:47 AM]
James Mirtle brings up a good point. Brian Campbell's people should send Dan Boyle's people a thank you card.
[added: 02/26/2008, 6:18 AM]
Jay Feaster is apparently a slow learner (Erik Erlendsson, Tampa Tribune)?
Defenseman Dan Boyle agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $40 million, with a salary cap hit of $6.67 million a season, while left wing Vinny Prospal was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for 22-year-old defensemen Alexandre Picard and a conditional 2009 draft pick.Ladies and gentlemen, that $6.67 million cap hit ranks fourth among all NHL defensemen. The three d-men with higher cap hits? Zdeno Chara, Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Niedermayer.
Don't get me wrong. I love Dan Boyle as much as the next guy. I'm just not sure I love him more than, say, Dion Phaneuf and Sergei Zubov. Especially when Boyle is 38, which is when this contract ends, I don't know if I'd still love $6.67 million ways.
[added: 02/26/2008, 5:49 AM]
Okay, so I had time to drive up to Tim Horton's and still no trades?
[added: 02/26/2008, 5:13 AM]
Nothing confirmed on the Brad Richards front, though Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province) and the TSN panel are reporting the rumored proposals from the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets and our Vancouver Canucks:
- From Dallas - Mike Smith (G), Jussi Jokinen (LW), Jeff Halpern (C) and Mark Fistric (D)
- From Columbus - Dan Fritsche (C), Gilbert Brule (C), Ron Hainsey (D), Ole-Kristian Tollesfsen (D)
- From Vancouver - Luc Bourdon (D), Corey Schneider (G), draft picks
[added: 02/26/2008, 4:52 AM]
The first big name to move yesterday wasn't because of a trade. It was the Colorado Avalanche signing Peter Forsberg (TSN.ca)
As a Canucks fan, I hope the Avs miss the playoffs.
[added: 02/26/2008, 4:45 AM]
Oh crap. Maybe not Brad Richards (link via Canucks and Beyond)?
[added: 02/26/2008, 4:36 AM]
G'morning boys and girls. I see Paul, James, Lyle and Mike are working the web already. Any West Coasters up yet?
Should hopefully be a good day. I'm looking forward to seeing Brad Richards and Mark Recchi in Canucks jerseys by the end of the day.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Labels: trade talk
22 Comments:
Hiya.... Having fun, J.J.?!
Having a blast!
Would be better if I rolled up my Tim Horton's coffee cup rim and won.
Hey where's our back channel? :p
A bit over two hours left and almost all the big prizes are gone, except for Hossa (and Jokinen is probably not going to be traded). I guess the team won't be able to count on outside help. If Morrison comes back on time or early, I think the team still has a good chance to secure a playoff berth.
Someone should send Nonis a wakeup call????! He forgot to send the alarm? :(
I don't like Hossa as a rental because of the cost.
I like Jokinen as long as we don't part with our entire farm team.
I have a feeling we'll end up with Mark Recchi and Yannic Perrault. Just a feeling.
Cooke is gone.
re: Cooke for Pettinger
Agreed, not exactly a big splash...but comparing their numbers, I can see why Nonis would give it a try. Pettinger's a little bigger, two years younger, $525,000 cheaper (and signed for next year at that price). With Burrows blossoming in the agitator/hitter/penalty killing role, Cooke seemed dispensable.
Cooke's a UFA after this year and the Canucks weren't going to pick him up at his current $1.525M to jump between the 3rd and 4th lines. Pettinger's $500K cheaper and under contract for one more year, and gives you similar skills - a bit more scoring touch (see his previous years, not just this year) vs. less hate boiling up in the hearts of the opposition.
On the other hand, the Caps have to start fitting Ovie's $9M under their, uh, cap next year, so I they'd be happy to take on Cooke's expiring contract.
Yeah, I see here that he's also signed for next year for $1.1 mil. With Ritchie also a UFA (or traded as apparently he wasn't on the ice), Pettinger simply replaces those spots and saves the 'Nucks some $.
I hope he's able to put up numbers more like his previous two years in WAS. He's having a tough year this year.
Cooke goes but Cowan remains? Sure, that makes sense. Excuse me while I puke.
Pettinger better put Foote through the glass tomorrow if he wants to make an adequate first impression.
And Cowan's signed till next season. :(
Really, it's ironic. Didn't Burke (or Nonis I forget) get burned for signing Cooke to a high contract for his skill level? And now we jettison him and keep Cowan, a guy who you could make the exact same argument for?
I can't believe this team is going to run for the post season again with no scoring. I'm going back to puking now.
Cowan is overpaid but can you really blame Nonis for not finding a sucker to take that contract? At least he unloaded an overpaid pending UFA for a roster player that will be at least an adequate third liner for a reasonable salary. Plus I think he may produce more if put on the Raymond Shannon line.
Okay guys... Should the parade route go through Robson or Georgia?
:banghead:
No, I don't blame him. It's a swap of non impact players, but we get a cheaper guy so that's fine. If Nonis was in pure salary dump mode, then yeah I would be annoyed Cowan is still around but maybe he's not.
Though, I don't really see Cowan producing more then Cooke on that line.
I don't really see Cowan producing more then Cooke on that line.
But the trade isn't Cooke for Cowan It's Cooke for Pettinger. Cowan is a fourth liner and you don't put him with Raymond and Shannon. Pettinger scored 20 goals two seasons ago and I suspect the arrival of the likes of Semin and Backstrom pushed him down to play with linemates with little scoring punch. Put him with Raymond and Shannon and they may click.
Now, let's hope Morrison comes back healthy and regains his form like Jovo does this season after becoming healthy again.
Plus I think he may produce more if put on the Raymond Shannon line.
Kel - I read that in the context that you were suggesting Cowan, hence my response. If the idea is to put Pettinger on that line, eh, I guess that'll do. I'm curious who his previous linemates were. I'll leave my feelings of Cowan at this: send him to Manitoba for a bit and bring anyone else up here for a bit, even if it's to warm seats in the press box.
JJ - You get the feeling the Wild have an inferiority complex of some sort? Burrows has a lot to make up for the lack of Cooke in those games now!
Um, Cowan makes half of what Cooke makes. Overpaid? Maybe, but to save $225K you have to play Mike Brown. To compare Cowan's contract with Cooke's is misguided.
I compared their contracts only in the vein that Nonis was dumping guys (which is debatable). But if dumping bodies was his goal, then based on the season so far, I would have preferred Cowan, regardless if he makes less. Belak moved, Simon moved, I'm sure if Nonis wanted to jettison Cowan he could have.
Cooke is a UFA at the end of the season anyway, so maybe this was a suitable replacement (or he's coming back, who knows).
It's a shame cooke has got to go, but I see the need to free up some cap space, and why not pick up a younger player worth less that can play a similar competing role as matt cooke did.
The move that sacres me today, Simon to Minnesota! Oh boy, as if the wild games weren't enough already, now we have to deal with simon!
Re: Simon
I'm not worried too much about the Wild acquiring him. His role is pure intimidation, but especially in light of his recent suspensions, I wonder how much exactly he can do that. I'm sure the league will have their eyes on him constantly.
Re: Morrison
I remember Vigneault once saying that he'll never have a lineup that has Morrison, Raymond and Shannon because he feels their too small. When he comes back - and I think he's supposed to be back in the next week or so - the lines might be this:
Sedin-Sedin-Naslund
Raymond-Morrison-Pyatt
Burrows-Kesler-Isbister
Pettinger-Ritchie-Linden/Cowan
Post a Comment
<< Home