Thursday, January 17, 2008
If The Price Is Right
The 'net is abound with many suggestions on how to fix the Canucks' offensive woes. Okay, mostly Markus Naslund's offensive woes.
I don't doubt that Peter Forsberg will look good on a line with Nazzy (Barry Macdonald, 24 Hours):
Sundin and Hossa are this year's Forsberg and Smyth. Both are impending UFA's and both will cost an arm, a leg and both nuts to get. The Predators and Islanders had to give up a couple of top prospects and a couple of high-round draft picks to get them, and no doubt, Sundin and Hossa will cost the same. Think Ryan Kesler or Alex Edler plus Luc Bourdon or Mason Raymond plus a first-round draft pick and perhaps another draft pick.
In a cap system where teams need young players to step up and make significant contributions for cheap, I could live with trading one Moose prospect and the draft picks for either (Sundin preferably), but not with having to give up a core part of the team or the team's future. And that's assuming that the next in lines - i.e. Michael Grabner, Jannik Hansen and Nathan Maciver - can step in and play the same role that Raymond and Edler are playing this season and that guys like Juraj Simek and Shaun Heshka can progress further. As we know from this year, you never want to keep the prospects cupboard bare in case the team goes through a rough patch of injuries.
Which brings me to Peter Forsberg. He's trying to make another comeback (TSN.ca), and if he's successful, it will cost the Canucks nothing more than $$$ to get him in the new Free Willy jersey. This is key - they won't have to give up a Kesler or an Edler; they just have to sign him.
Admittedly, there's a risk involved in signing Forsberg. He has had his share of injuries and there's not guarantee that, even with whatever procedure he has to go through with his ankle, that he won't get hurt again. Chances are, he will, but likewise, there is no guarantee that a Sundin or a Hossa won't get hurt either. The only hope is that he remains healthy enough to re-invigorate Naslund and help get the Canucks deeper into the playoffs.
With Roberto Luongo, the Canucks are as good as most teams in the league. With a Peter Forsberg or a Mats Sundin, they could even be like tonight's opponent, the Detroit Red Wings. It would be nice, but only if the price is right.
______________
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
I don't doubt that Peter Forsberg will look good on a line with Nazzy (Barry Macdonald, 24 Hours):
Adding Forsberg to the mix? Imagine the possibilities. Like Markus Naslund finding his form, and the net with a little more regularity. Like the Canucks having another line that they can count on offensively. Like a parade.Ditto Mats Sundin (Ken Campbell, The Hockey News via Metro Vancouver):
Vancouver needs a second-line centre in a big way, especially with the uncertain status of Brendan Morrison. Sundin has proven this season that his offensive skills and instincts are as sharp as they have ever been and that he can be counted upon to score in all situations. I’m sure Jason Jaffray is a nice young man and all, but don’t you think Sundin would be a great fit between Markus Naslund and Taylor Pyatt?What about Marian Hossa (Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Sun)?
A league executive indicated if Waddell decides to deal Hossa, the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings will all be in the hunt.If Dave Nonis wants to upgrade his forward group, he definitely has options. The question is, how much would it cost the team?
Sundin and Hossa are this year's Forsberg and Smyth. Both are impending UFA's and both will cost an arm, a leg and both nuts to get. The Predators and Islanders had to give up a couple of top prospects and a couple of high-round draft picks to get them, and no doubt, Sundin and Hossa will cost the same. Think Ryan Kesler or Alex Edler plus Luc Bourdon or Mason Raymond plus a first-round draft pick and perhaps another draft pick.
In a cap system where teams need young players to step up and make significant contributions for cheap, I could live with trading one Moose prospect and the draft picks for either (Sundin preferably), but not with having to give up a core part of the team or the team's future. And that's assuming that the next in lines - i.e. Michael Grabner, Jannik Hansen and Nathan Maciver - can step in and play the same role that Raymond and Edler are playing this season and that guys like Juraj Simek and Shaun Heshka can progress further. As we know from this year, you never want to keep the prospects cupboard bare in case the team goes through a rough patch of injuries.
Which brings me to Peter Forsberg. He's trying to make another comeback (TSN.ca), and if he's successful, it will cost the Canucks nothing more than $$$ to get him in the new Free Willy jersey. This is key - they won't have to give up a Kesler or an Edler; they just have to sign him.
Admittedly, there's a risk involved in signing Forsberg. He has had his share of injuries and there's not guarantee that, even with whatever procedure he has to go through with his ankle, that he won't get hurt again. Chances are, he will, but likewise, there is no guarantee that a Sundin or a Hossa won't get hurt either. The only hope is that he remains healthy enough to re-invigorate Naslund and help get the Canucks deeper into the playoffs.
With Roberto Luongo, the Canucks are as good as most teams in the league. With a Peter Forsberg or a Mats Sundin, they could even be like tonight's opponent, the Detroit Red Wings. It would be nice, but only if the price is right.
______________
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
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Trade Deadline Post-Mortem
First of all, I want to thank everyone who swung by the liveblog today. The stats are enough to tell me that I will most probably do this again in the near future.
It's almost impossible to pick winners and losers after a day like today. Almost all the playoff-bound teams did something to improve for this season's playoffs, and those that sold off players got very good returns for their respective futures.
It just happens that the biggest trade of the day involved a team that is probably sacrificing the rest of the season. The Edmonton Oilers are an okay team with Ryan Smyth in the lineup; I don't know what they'll be like without their heart and soul guy. That said, much like with the Chris Pronger trade, Kevin Lowe did a good job getting something back for Smyth - two top prospects plus a first-round draft pick is pretty good considering the circumstances.
The Sharks' acquisition of Bill Guerin immediately gives San Jose three very good scoring lines and allows them to keep pace with Nashville's earlier acquisition of Peter Forsberg. Ditto Detroit and getting Todd Bertuzzi.
Dallas didn't get a lot of air time today, but I thought they strengthened their defense immensely by trading for Mattias Norstrom. Norstrom will join a group that already includes Sergei Zubov, Philippe Boucher and Daryl Sydor and up-and-comer Trevor Daley.
Buffalo patched up their depleted forward corps by acquiring Danius Zubrus. Even Pittsburgh strengthened their lineup - literally - by adding Gary Roberts and George Laraques.
I mostly watched the TSN telecast as their coverage was far superior to that of Sportsnet. TSN was professional and broke many of the trades. Their panel was able to provide good, instant analysis and their reporters were usually first to interview the players involved.
Sportsnet's telecast was a gong show. For all their pomp and circumstance, I couldn't watch their show for more than 20 seconds at a time. I realize that some folks like the rumor and gossip thing (much like some still subscribe to the National Enquirer), but personally, eight hours of it was a tad too much.
It was excruciatingly painful to hear Sportsnet insist that there was still a chance that Gary Roberts was going to be traded to Toronto after Roberts' agent already confirmed that he had been traded to the Penguins. Likewise when Sportsnet kept reporting that Marty Biron was most likely headed to Florida while TSN was interviewing him because he had already been traded to Philadelphia. And when Sportsnet kept saying that Ryan Smyth had re-signed with the Oilers - contrary to what Bob Mackenzie was saying - only to retract and correct their report after Smyth was, in fact, traded to the Islanders.
If Sportsnet's mandate for the show was to fuel rumors and speculation, they certainly succeeded. Their show was as embarassing and unprofessional a performance as I've seen from a mainstream sports media network. But hey, they had hot chicks, right?
The good thing is, the rumors can end for a while and the postseason is on the horizon. 20 more games then the real fun starts.
______________
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
It's almost impossible to pick winners and losers after a day like today. Almost all the playoff-bound teams did something to improve for this season's playoffs, and those that sold off players got very good returns for their respective futures.
It just happens that the biggest trade of the day involved a team that is probably sacrificing the rest of the season. The Edmonton Oilers are an okay team with Ryan Smyth in the lineup; I don't know what they'll be like without their heart and soul guy. That said, much like with the Chris Pronger trade, Kevin Lowe did a good job getting something back for Smyth - two top prospects plus a first-round draft pick is pretty good considering the circumstances.
The Sharks' acquisition of Bill Guerin immediately gives San Jose three very good scoring lines and allows them to keep pace with Nashville's earlier acquisition of Peter Forsberg. Ditto Detroit and getting Todd Bertuzzi.
Dallas didn't get a lot of air time today, but I thought they strengthened their defense immensely by trading for Mattias Norstrom. Norstrom will join a group that already includes Sergei Zubov, Philippe Boucher and Daryl Sydor and up-and-comer Trevor Daley.
Buffalo patched up their depleted forward corps by acquiring Danius Zubrus. Even Pittsburgh strengthened their lineup - literally - by adding Gary Roberts and George Laraques.
I mostly watched the TSN telecast as their coverage was far superior to that of Sportsnet. TSN was professional and broke many of the trades. Their panel was able to provide good, instant analysis and their reporters were usually first to interview the players involved.
Sportsnet's telecast was a gong show. For all their pomp and circumstance, I couldn't watch their show for more than 20 seconds at a time. I realize that some folks like the rumor and gossip thing (much like some still subscribe to the National Enquirer), but personally, eight hours of it was a tad too much.
It was excruciatingly painful to hear Sportsnet insist that there was still a chance that Gary Roberts was going to be traded to Toronto after Roberts' agent already confirmed that he had been traded to the Penguins. Likewise when Sportsnet kept reporting that Marty Biron was most likely headed to Florida while TSN was interviewing him because he had already been traded to Philadelphia. And when Sportsnet kept saying that Ryan Smyth had re-signed with the Oilers - contrary to what Bob Mackenzie was saying - only to retract and correct their report after Smyth was, in fact, traded to the Islanders.
If Sportsnet's mandate for the show was to fuel rumors and speculation, they certainly succeeded. Their show was as embarassing and unprofessional a performance as I've seen from a mainstream sports media network. But hey, they had hot chicks, right?
The good thing is, the rumors can end for a while and the postseason is on the horizon. 20 more games then the real fun starts.
______________
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
Liveblogging on Trade Deadline Day
[update: 02/27/07, 1:00 PM]
Well, that was a crazy few hours. I don't know how Alanah does this on a regularly basis.
Anyway, I'll be back in a couple of hours to wrap-up, guys and gals. I just have to run an errand. Please feel free to post your comments below.
[update: 02/27/07, 12:34 AM]
In all honesty, I feel for Oilers fans. They're honoring someone from their past tonight, and the face of their current franchise gets traded.
TSN is reporting that the Islanders are giving up Robert Nillson, Ryan O'Marra and a 1st round draft pick.
That's not a bad return for someone they could lose for nothing this off-season. For Oilers fans, that's got to be a tough pill to swallow, but I have to give credit to Kevin Lowe for not letting his heart get in the way of making a decision that's good for the franchise.
[update: 02/27/07, 12:22 PM]
Abel to Yzerman has some quick analysis of the Bertuzzi deal from a Red Wings perspective.
I tend to agree. It's a medium-risk, high-reward kinda thing. That's why, as a Canucks fan, I hate it.
[update: 02/27/07, 12:18 PM]
There are more trades trickling in. Norstrom has been traded somewhere and Scott Parker is going back to Colorado.
Speaking of Colorado, what does it say for Jose Theodore that the Avs felt the need to trade for yet another goaltender?
[update: 02/27/07, 12:01 PM]
Is that it? Is Bulis still with us?
[update: 02/27/07, 11:45 AM]
15 minutes left and trades are coming in left, right and center: Brad May goes to the Ducks (TSN.ca); Yannic Perrault returns to the Leafs for the millionth time (via TSN, no link yet); Danius Zubrus goes to the Buffalo Sabres (TSN.ca); Pascal Dupuis goes to the Thrashers (via TSN, no link yet); and the Senators acquire Oleg Saprykin (TSN.ca).
[update: 02/27/07, 11:30 AM]
Are you freakin' kidding me? Bertuzzi to the Wings? Did Kenny Holland okay this with Chris Chelios? (TSN.ca)
[update: 02/27/07, 11:12 AM]
I won't say "I told you so"; I'll let William Houston (Globe and Mail) do that (link via Kukla's Corner).
[update: 02/27/07, 10:59 AM]
Not a lot of big names left in play. Heck, TSN and The Score have been talking 'bout Todd Bertuzzi for the last 10 minutes. And he hasn't played since October.
Where's Smyth? Where's Souray? Where's Bulis? Where's my coffee?
[update: 02/27/07, 10:46 AM]
I know Brian Burke talks a lot of lawyer-speak, but God bless him, I miss his quotes.
Good point on having 30 GM's fighting for players and only one parade in the end.
I want the one in Vancouver to go down Georgia Street. (Was that asking too much?)
[update: 02/27/07, 10:32 AM]
Mike, ask and ye shall receive.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:19 AM]
Funny Marty Biron quote already: "I wasn't thinking about the trade deadline, I was just thinking about surviving the fight with Ray Emery."
[update: 02/27/07, 8:10 AM]
From Kukla's Corner: Marty Biron to the Philadelphia Flyers for a high draft pick
TSN is also reporting that Buffalo has acquired Ty Conklin from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
UFA to be or not, the way the market was going, I thought the Sabres would get more for Biron. Mind you, the Flyers' first-round pick would be in the top five; the second round or third round would be higher in those rounds as well.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:08 AM]
A special request from Mike the Yankee Canuck - and seconded by me, of course - if anyone has those cool screen capture things and send a screen shot of the Deal or No Deal girls, that would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:05 AM]
While we're waiting - and we're doing a lot of waiting - don't forget that the Canucks play the St. Louis Blues tonight. (Vancouver Province)
[update: 02/27/07, 7:53 AM]
Do we finally have a trade? TSN is reporting that Marty Biron isn't on the ice for Buffalo's game day skate and has been told that he was traded.
[update: 02/27/07, 7:44 AM]
I know it may be asking Dave Nonis for too much considering his moves yesterday, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of Martin Gelinas in a Canucks uniform. His 147 playoff games will immediately make him the Canucks' most experienced playoff performer (Linden has played in 112 playoff games; Smolinski has played in 99) and has been to the Stanley Cup Finals four times with four different teams.
[update: 02/27/07, 7:25 AM]
Thank God for the Deal or No Deal girls. I wouldn't otherwise have thought to tune into Sportsnet.
(PS. Tracy is getting annoyed with all the channel surfing. Time to make a pitch for a new picture-in-picture TV.)
[update: 02/27/07, 7:22 AM]
Samsonov anyone?
[update: 02/27/07, 7:11 AM]
I'm sure a lot of Canucks know this already, but it's Mark Messier day today. Actually it's been Mark Messier day since yesterday. (Edmonton Journal)
Will Oilers fans be celebrating Mess' legacy or be crying over Ryan Smyth being traded? (Globe and Mail)
[update: 02/27/07, 7:02 AM]
Five hours to go. TSN and Sportsnet just kicked off their trade deadline shows.
TSN has Mike Keenan on their show. I can never get enough of the guysrazzing asking him about some of his more "memorable" trades. Come on, someone ask him about the Luongo trade again.
[update: 02/27/07, 6:58 AM]
Will Todd Bertuzzi get traded today? (Globe and Mail)
[update: 02/27/07, 6:39 AM]
With Peter Forsberg and Keith Tkachuk having been traded already, and other would have been UFAs Eric Brewer and Freddy Modin re-upping with their respective teams, Bill Guerin is the biggest name left in today's market. Or is he? (St. Louis Dispatch via Spector's)
[first post: 02/27/07, 6:18 AM]
Good morning, boys and girls, and welcome to trade deadline day. It's about T-minus-a little less than six hours right now.
I haven't done any liveblogging since last season's trade deadline day so come by, come often, feel free to chime in and enjoy the day that might, for better or for worse, change your team's fortunes.
First things first: I have to get coffee. Lots of it.
In the meantime, here is the first big news of the day - Gary Roberts has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to play next to Sidney Crosby (TSN.ca). Was it really that hard to make that decision, Gary?
______________
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
Well, that was a crazy few hours. I don't know how Alanah does this on a regularly basis.
Anyway, I'll be back in a couple of hours to wrap-up, guys and gals. I just have to run an errand. Please feel free to post your comments below.
[update: 02/27/07, 12:34 AM]
In all honesty, I feel for Oilers fans. They're honoring someone from their past tonight, and the face of their current franchise gets traded.
TSN is reporting that the Islanders are giving up Robert Nillson, Ryan O'Marra and a 1st round draft pick.
That's not a bad return for someone they could lose for nothing this off-season. For Oilers fans, that's got to be a tough pill to swallow, but I have to give credit to Kevin Lowe for not letting his heart get in the way of making a decision that's good for the franchise.
[update: 02/27/07, 12:22 PM]
Abel to Yzerman has some quick analysis of the Bertuzzi deal from a Red Wings perspective.
I tend to agree. It's a medium-risk, high-reward kinda thing. That's why, as a Canucks fan, I hate it.
[update: 02/27/07, 12:18 PM]
There are more trades trickling in. Norstrom has been traded somewhere and Scott Parker is going back to Colorado.
Speaking of Colorado, what does it say for Jose Theodore that the Avs felt the need to trade for yet another goaltender?
[update: 02/27/07, 12:01 PM]
Is that it? Is Bulis still with us?
[update: 02/27/07, 11:45 AM]
15 minutes left and trades are coming in left, right and center: Brad May goes to the Ducks (TSN.ca); Yannic Perrault returns to the Leafs for the millionth time (via TSN, no link yet); Danius Zubrus goes to the Buffalo Sabres (TSN.ca); Pascal Dupuis goes to the Thrashers (via TSN, no link yet); and the Senators acquire Oleg Saprykin (TSN.ca).
[update: 02/27/07, 11:30 AM]
Are you freakin' kidding me? Bertuzzi to the Wings? Did Kenny Holland okay this with Chris Chelios? (TSN.ca)
[update: 02/27/07, 11:12 AM]
I won't say "I told you so"; I'll let William Houston (Globe and Mail) do that (link via Kukla's Corner).
[update: 02/27/07, 10:59 AM]
Not a lot of big names left in play. Heck, TSN and The Score have been talking 'bout Todd Bertuzzi for the last 10 minutes. And he hasn't played since October.
Where's Smyth? Where's Souray? Where's Bulis? Where's my coffee?
[update: 02/27/07, 10:46 AM]
I know Brian Burke talks a lot of lawyer-speak, but God bless him, I miss his quotes.
Good point on having 30 GM's fighting for players and only one parade in the end.
I want the one in Vancouver to go down Georgia Street. (Was that asking too much?)
[update: 02/27/07, 10:32 AM]
Mike, ask and ye shall receive.
Check the not-so-subliminal message at the bottom of the pic.
Thanks to the Chamberlands for sending it in.
[update: 02/27/07, 10:10 AM]
Following this New York Daily News article, the Rangers have traded Aaron Ward to the Boston Bruins.
Coincidence?
[update: 02/27/07, 9:56 AM]
You know, the only thing I've found out from Sportsnet's trade deadline show so far is just how much I'm craving pizza right now.
[update: 02/27/07, 9:44 AM]
Oh great, the Canucks get to face another Moore eight times a season. (Kukla's Corner)
[update: 02/27/07, 9:38 AM]
I'm sure this isn't much of a surprise but Marc Chouinard has cleared waivers (HF Boards).
Everyone else was claimed. Okay, not everyone, but most of them did: Michael Leighton went to the Habs; Niko Kapanen went to the Phoenix Coyotes; the Columbus Blue Jackets replaced Ty Conklin with Brian Boucher; Denis Hamel went to the Philadelphia Flyers (the Flyers kinda feel like an expansion right now, don't you think?); and the Atlanta Thrashers grabbed Jason Krog.
[update: 02/27/07, 9:20 AM]
Freakin' Sharks. (TSN.ca)
Thornton, Marleau, Cheechoo, Guerin.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:56 AM]
Darren Dreger (TSN) is reporting that Bill Guerin has been traded. Who are we gonna talk about now?
[update: 02/27/07, 8:45 AM]
Feel like trying to anticipate some trades? James Mirtle (Globe and Mail) has a list of pending unrestricted free agents.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:39 AM]
Per TSN: Laraque to the Penguins.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:36 AM]
More from the Phoenix Coyotes camp courtesy of The Fourth Period.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:31 AM]
And there you have it, the first "What the heck were you thinking when you traded Roberto Luongo" volley from the TSN panel to Mike Keenan. Good times.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:29 AM]
How not to ask for a trade (Arizona Republic):
Center Jeremy Roenick made it clear he wants out.I'll bet teams are lining up now.
"I would like to go to another team to try to get back into the playoffs and feel that energy again," Roenick said. "But I question whether someone's going to take a chance on someone who has been buried on the fourth line for half the year and is a 10-minute (per game) player. I don't know if that's going to pan out. It's unfortunate."
Roenick made harsher comments in a television interview."(I've been) swept through the mud, so to say," Roenick told TSN. He also said the Coyotes had "driven (him) down to the basement." Roenick's comments enraged members of Phoenix's management team.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:19 AM]
Funny Marty Biron quote already: "I wasn't thinking about the trade deadline, I was just thinking about surviving the fight with Ray Emery."
[update: 02/27/07, 8:10 AM]
From Kukla's Corner: Marty Biron to the Philadelphia Flyers for a high draft pick
TSN is also reporting that Buffalo has acquired Ty Conklin from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
UFA to be or not, the way the market was going, I thought the Sabres would get more for Biron. Mind you, the Flyers' first-round pick would be in the top five; the second round or third round would be higher in those rounds as well.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:08 AM]
A special request from Mike the Yankee Canuck - and seconded by me, of course - if anyone has those cool screen capture things and send a screen shot of the Deal or No Deal girls, that would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
[update: 02/27/07, 8:05 AM]
While we're waiting - and we're doing a lot of waiting - don't forget that the Canucks play the St. Louis Blues tonight. (Vancouver Province)
[update: 02/27/07, 7:53 AM]
Do we finally have a trade? TSN is reporting that Marty Biron isn't on the ice for Buffalo's game day skate and has been told that he was traded.
[update: 02/27/07, 7:44 AM]
I know it may be asking Dave Nonis for too much considering his moves yesterday, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of Martin Gelinas in a Canucks uniform. His 147 playoff games will immediately make him the Canucks' most experienced playoff performer (Linden has played in 112 playoff games; Smolinski has played in 99) and has been to the Stanley Cup Finals four times with four different teams.
[update: 02/27/07, 7:25 AM]
Thank God for the Deal or No Deal girls. I wouldn't otherwise have thought to tune into Sportsnet.
(PS. Tracy is getting annoyed with all the channel surfing. Time to make a pitch for a new picture-in-picture TV.)
[update: 02/27/07, 7:22 AM]
Samsonov anyone?
[update: 02/27/07, 7:11 AM]
I'm sure a lot of Canucks know this already, but it's Mark Messier day today. Actually it's been Mark Messier day since yesterday. (Edmonton Journal)
Will Oilers fans be celebrating Mess' legacy or be crying over Ryan Smyth being traded? (Globe and Mail)
[update: 02/27/07, 7:02 AM]
Five hours to go. TSN and Sportsnet just kicked off their trade deadline shows.
TSN has Mike Keenan on their show. I can never get enough of the guys
[update: 02/27/07, 6:58 AM]
Will Todd Bertuzzi get traded today? (Globe and Mail)
... He still isn't healthy enough to play, meaning any general manager willing to roll the dice on the ex-Vancouver Canucks’ player will have to make his decision sight unseen. Bertuzzi has not played since early October after undergoing back surgery. One GM said Bertuzzi’s ongoing health issues means that if he does move as a player rental, the cost would be minimal – and probably involve one or more conditional draft choices. That’s not to rule him out exclusively.Luongo, Krajicek and Daniel Rahimi for Auld, Allen and some conditional draft choices? Wow.
[update: 02/27/07, 6:39 AM]
With Peter Forsberg and Keith Tkachuk having been traded already, and other would have been UFAs Eric Brewer and Freddy Modin re-upping with their respective teams, Bill Guerin is the biggest name left in today's market. Or is he? (St. Louis Dispatch via Spector's)
In the first conversation, the Blues expressed "serious intent" in re-signing Guerin, who has been garnering a lot of interest leading up to the NHL trading deadline today at 2 p.m. (St. Louis time).
"We had a bit of a discussion about signing Billy," Murray said. "They were general discussions, not negotiations back and forth. We talked about parameters and we have left that with the Blues. At this point, it's in their quarters, whether they want to take the next step ... if they want to trade Billy or take a further step."
[first post: 02/27/07, 6:18 AM]
Good morning, boys and girls, and welcome to trade deadline day. It's about T-minus-a little less than six hours right now.
I haven't done any liveblogging since last season's trade deadline day so come by, come often, feel free to chime in and enjoy the day that might, for better or for worse, change your team's fortunes.
First things first: I have to get coffee. Lots of it.
In the meantime, here is the first big news of the day - Gary Roberts has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to play next to Sidney Crosby (TSN.ca). Was it really that hard to make that decision, Gary?
______________
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
Monday, February 26, 2007
Smoke and Sopes
Another centerman? Check.
Another defenseman? Check.
Playoff experience? Check again.
Some veteran help? Check too.
With a couple of shrewd moves today, Dave Nonis added some good depth to a (hopefully) playoff-bound Vancouver Canucks.
Bryan Smolinski not only gives the Canucks depth at center, he also brings them some playoff experience. "Smoke" has appeared in 99 playoff games, a total exceeded only by Trevor Linden's 112 postseason appearances. He has 45 points (20G-25A) in those games.
The Canucks now have Henrik Sedin, Brendan Morrison and Smoke down the middle. When he comes back from hip surgery, you can add Ryan Kesler to that list. That's about as deep and versatile a group as you'll see from any of the playoff-bound teams. With all due respect to Brad Moran, how happy will Nazzy be to finally play with a proven playmaking center? With the Blackhawks, Smolinski did a fine job centering Marty Havlat at certain points this season.
When evaluating Brent Sopel's return to Vancouver, we have to remember a couple of things.
During Sopel's first go-around with the Canucks, he was paired with Mattias Ohlund as a 1A/1B kind of defensive pairing. Most nights, Marc Crawford matched Ohlund and Sopel against opposing teams' top lines. While Ohlund performed admirably against the likes of Jarome Iginla and Joe Sakic, Sopel sometimes seemed overmatched. Sopel won't be playing in this role this time around.
Most likely, Sopel will be slotted in at the bottom-half of the defense corps and will take one of Krajicek's or Fitzpatrick's spots in the team's third pairing. More importantly, he is capable of playing 20+ minutes per game, something that Krajicek and Fitzpatrick weren't capable of doing on a regular basis, and can take over some of Kevin Bieksa's minutes if he needs to. With the Kings, he was averaging 21:06 minutes of ice-time per game.
What will be interesting is to see how Sopel adapts to Alain Vigneault's system, and I've got a feeling he will adapt well. Under Crawford's run-and-gun system, Sopel was, of course, susceptible to the occassional bonehead blunder. Under AV's system, the players breakout closer together, but also, the forwards are expected to backcheck - both of these should help Sopes.
Dave Nonis is certainly proving his worth as GM. The only roster casualty to acquire Sopel and Smolinski was Marc Chouinard, who was placed on waivers to clear some cap room. He made his team deeper and better and didn't have to give up his first-round draft pick or the Grabners, Bourdons and Schneiders.
Not a bad day's work.
[update: 02/27/07, 5:28 AM]
Some reaction on the trades from the local press.
First, Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province):
The Vancouver Canucks addressed two pressing needs Monday by acquiring centre Bryan Smolinski from the Chicago Blackhawks and defenceman Brent Sopel from the Los Angeles Kings.Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) is certainly cautious:
Smolinski, 35, was acquired for a 2007 second-round pick while the Canucks surrendered a second-round pick in 2007 or 2008 and a fourth-round pick in 2008 for Sopel, 30. They'll be in the lineup tonight in St. Louis, where the Canucks face the Blues.
Considering the reasonable prices before today's noon (PST) trade deadline -- and heightened hype over Stanley Cup potential -- general manager Dave Nonis remains cautious.
Before the all-members meeting of the Stanley Cup parade committee, Vancouver chapter, is convened, a word of caution.So is Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun):
After watching 20 trade deadlines come and go, the only thing we know for certain about deadline deals is we don't know anything for certain about deadline deals.
Moves that appear to be brilliantly conceived -- Theo Fleury for Robyn Regehr and other stuff at the 1999 deadline -- blow up in a team's face. Moves that are scarcely worth an inch of six-point type -- Calgary acquired Ville Nieminen and Marcus Nilson at the '04 deadline -- help spark a deep playoff run.
So to paraphrase the immortal Joaquin Andujar, you can sum up deadline trades with three words: You never know.
Luongo and coach Alain Vigneault have raised expectations, but not enough to rationally explain the disparity between projections made for this team in September and February.As expected, the players are excited (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province):
The reality is the Canucks are an average team with exceptional goaltending and excellent special teams. In regulation time, they are 23-21-18. They are difficult to play against and were going to make the playoffs before Monday's trades, and their post-season success, as with the regular season, was going to be determined largely by Luongo and special teams.
Smolinski and Sopel might help, but the Canucks still will win or lose on Luongo, the power play and penalty killing. What Nonis has done is increase Vancouver's margin for error, but only fractionally.
"We got Sopes? No way, that's great," defenceman Kevin Bieksa said after Sami Salo read out the deals to a group of curious players.Well, almost everyone is excited (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun):
The news came as a relief to a group who, despite public proclamations to the contrary, knew they needed depth both up front and on the back end to have a legitimate shot at making a long playoff run this year.
"I think these are two pretty good moves," centre Brendan Morrison said. "It's confidence from management that this group has the potential to do something this year and that's how we feel in the room."
Marc Chouinard said he was surprised and disappointed to learn Monday he had been put on waivers by the Vancouver Canucks.______________
Those same words could also describe Canuck management's reaction to his play this season.
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
Trade Talks
With just over 24 hours remaining until the trade deadline, Canucks GM Dave Nonis is keeping tight-lipped about any potential moves:
As is the norm this time of the year, there are a bunch of rumors - substantiated and unsubstantiated (by the way, make sure you read Ted Leonsis' and Dump and Chase's blog posts to get some good background on this subject) - involving our own beloved Canucks.
Some may be true and some may simply be the product of knowing, as fans, where the team needs most improvement. (Some links courtesy of Canucks and Beyond.)
We know the Canucks need some depth at center.
With the price of a rental player, as stratospherically high as Vancouver's real estate market, who knows what new players will be wearing a Canucks jersey by tomorrow. We already know what the Flyers got for Peter Forsberg, but this weekend, they just turnedthe undrafted Freddy Meyer Alexei Zhitnik into a top draft prospect and a mid-first round draft pick. The Blues got three, possibly four, draft picks and a roster player for Keith Tkachuk. The Sharks had to give up a prospect and first round draft pick to acquire some defensive depth.
Is Nonis poking around? I'm sure he is (he wouldn't be doing his job otherwise). Is he willing to pay? It depends on how much.
*****
There is no shortage of coverage on trade deadline day tomorrow, with TSN, The Score and Sportsnet all having all-day long trade deadline shows.
On my little corner of the web, I'm gonna try my hand at this liveblogging thing so come by and feel free to chime in.
As always, other sites like Spector's, Kukla's Corner and The Fourth Period will have full coverage. Make sure you check them out.
______________
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
So what's it going to be, Dave Nonis, deal or no deal?We didn't really expect specifics, did we?
Chances are we are going to have to wait until about noon Tuesday to find out.
The Canuck general manager joined his team in Dallas on the weekend after attending GM meetings in Florida and said Sunday he's not close to anything.
Of course, that can change with one call to the cell phone that Nonis spent quite a bit of time on his during the Canucks' 2-1 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars.
"I'm not close on anybody." Nonis said. "I'm having lots of conversations, but there isn't much coming out of them. That can change quickly, but right now, as we stand here, no, we're not close."
As is the norm this time of the year, there are a bunch of rumors - substantiated and unsubstantiated (by the way, make sure you read Ted Leonsis' and Dump and Chase's blog posts to get some good background on this subject) - involving our own beloved Canucks.
Some may be true and some may simply be the product of knowing, as fans, where the team needs most improvement. (Some links courtesy of Canucks and Beyond.)
We know the Canucks need some depth at center.
Both on and off the ice this weekend, the Vancouver Canucks made their trade deadline target for help up front abundantly clear -- a centreman or bust.We know they need another forward who can put the puck in the net.
Off the ice, the Canucks had no interest in trying to re-acquire winger Anson Carter, Vancouver's leading goal-scorer last season and, according to fans, the team's most exciting player.
On the ice Sunday, an awkward line featuring Markus Naslund, Jan Bulis and inexperienced centre Brad Moran was, well, awkward.
For two periods, Naslund looked like he was handcuffed to a couple of frat boys unsure of what party to attend. The line meandered around the ice unable to produce a single scoring chance or even a shot on net.
Then in the third, Naslund was set loose with the Sedin twins. He produced three scoring chances on his first two shifts.
It's believed Anaheim GM Brian Burke has turned his attention to Blues RW Bill Guerin after failing to acquire LW Keith Tkachuk from St. Louis. Ten teams are interested in Guerin -- including the Senators, Leafs, Canucks and Penguins -- and St. Louis is weighing its options.We know that Alain Vigneault would like some depth on defense. And of course, any team would love to have more toughness and depth up front.
With the price of a rental player, as stratospherically high as Vancouver's real estate market, who knows what new players will be wearing a Canucks jersey by tomorrow. We already know what the Flyers got for Peter Forsberg, but this weekend, they just turned
Is Nonis poking around? I'm sure he is (he wouldn't be doing his job otherwise). Is he willing to pay? It depends on how much.
*****
There is no shortage of coverage on trade deadline day tomorrow, with TSN, The Score and Sportsnet all having all-day long trade deadline shows.
On my little corner of the web, I'm gonna try my hand at this liveblogging thing so come by and feel free to chime in.
As always, other sites like Spector's, Kukla's Corner and The Fourth Period will have full coverage. Make sure you check them out.
______________
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: trades
