upcoming free agent Canucks

[trackstar]

come on BJ Hunter...

the only reason you and I feel this way is we have never met him several times...

the only thing players fear with the enforcers you mention is getting beat up...

how one dimensional...

you're right, all Cooke was in his last few years here was a gutless agitator...

Rather than let this be the exact post that turns this from a great hockey debate into your personal little flame war, I will refrain from returning your lame little tactics

To address the Sedins comment, why the big hate on for them? Remember, that they were never supposed to be our first line (Maybe that was the hope when drafted, but they developed into amazing second line players). When we had the West Coast Express line, these two were a great supporting role. The powers that be traded away our first line when they began to crap out (Should've pulled the trigger 2 yeas earlier imo) and were left with the Sedins as our first line. The Sedins represent two thirds of a solid forward line. If we didn't have them after the WCE was traded off, we would've had 3 players on a second line that wouldn't click like these two do and would've been left with what?

It would be great to have a better first line, but the management blew that.

 

[cantthinkofname]

i hate being an arm chair coach but...

-1st off, enough with the sundin talk. there's a reason he was in anaheim awhile back. he's going to land in toronto. it will be brian burke's first order of business when he steps in as GM.

-ohlund will re-sign. after all, they can't get rid of the guy who modeled their 3rd jersey. he also has a no trade clause.

-i say fuck the sedins. mike gillis wont though. he'll drop a u-haul truck full of money in front of their lockers at the end of the season, and we can all watch them cycle the puck and make sexy passes that some dipshit linemate of the week won't be able to put in the back of the net. the crowd oooo's and ahhh's tom larcshied, or however the fuck you spell his last name, says something stupid and i die a little more inside.

-alex burrows replaced matt cooke. he does the same role, cheaper, more effectively and is the best bargain in the NHL right now. i cant wait to see what he signs for when free agency comes calling.

-how bout that wellwood kid? people think the canucks signed him in hopes of being able to contribute offensively, but the real truth behind his signing is that he's gone 121 games without taking a penalty. its true. look it up.

-last, but not least. Luongo? he's the face of the franchise now. they'll pass him a blank cheque he'll put some stupid number on it, and it'll be front page news for the province the day after the canucks go out in the first round.

Sundin is not wanted in Toronto. Its looking like Vancouver, Dallas or NYR.

 

[trackstar]

Sundin is not wanted in Toronto. Its looking like Vancouver, Dallas or NYR.

Did Sundin commit to coming back? It's starting to look like the Canucks are the training ground for Toronto GM's

 

[BJhunter]

You don't watch or read hockey news much, do you? I'm not guessing here. Many players have stated this about Matt Cooke. It's not about fighting my friend, it's about the hits. He throws body checks like a fucking bull and lots of them.

5'8"? Dude, where do you get your info from? I have met Matt several times. I am just shy of 5'11" and he was looking me eye to eye. Chris Simon? Are you fucking kidding me??? People feared two things from him; fighting and getting their throats slashed. They sure as hell didn't fear his hits, which happened maybe once per game

Ok, me bad on his height, he sure looks like a shrimp on the ice.

but you have to admit, most of his hits are borderline dirty; he jumps a few inches off the ice, he literally charges extra strides to make up for his strides.

Hey dude, he got traded, there's a reason for it, he couldn't been that good. I give him credit for his energy, but that's about it!

Look at the way he got out of here as soon as he got traded; no media scrum, just took off back door. Then this little weasel talked down Crawford when he arrived in Washington! Such a chicken twerp, that's how brave he is.

I take Bertuzzi's hits over Cooke any day, and believe me trackstar, most guys would too...

My refernce to Simon, is like mcsorley, brashear, these were the good old fashioned guys that players were genuinely in fear of hits or fights!

With Cooke, the only way to hurt other guys w/ hits were of the cheap shot variety; not many can agree that he was a 'fair' hitter, aka Bob Gainey, Detroit's Lidstrom, etc.

 

[Rolls Royce]

What Gillis Needs to Do:

Ohlund- great stay at home dman, but that's just it, he's a stay at home dman only! Don't get me wrong he is a consistent dman in terms of overall performance (year to year avg goals and assists are virtually the same). Either keep him or Willie Mitchell but you don't need 2 stay at home dmen. It would be nice to have a guy like Ohlund start his career in Vancouver and end it here, but what needs to be done is for the good of the team.

2 Way Dman- Biggest and worst mistake ever made was letting go of Ed Jovanovski. It is really hard looking around the league right now to see which teams have a solid 2way dguy, available now or at season's end, that can make plays, help the blueline on powerplays, and get back fast. Burke realized this and in Anaheim got 2 guys in Neidermeyer and Pronger.

Sundin- Forget about Sundin, go after Kovalchuk or Brendan Shanahan. These guys are definite play makers! Shanahan would welcome the opportunity to finally play in Canada.

Luongo- Make sure he's happy NO MATTER what! Give his wife Spa Utopia or Pink Lime Gift Certificates or something but make SURE she's happy being in Vancouver. Otherwise first chance he gets to be in Montreal he'll take it! (Damn Theodore, Florida was even considering doing a direct swap!! Oh well). You have one of, or may very well have, one of the best goalies available in the free world! He is the new Linden (the team's ambassador and the most admired Canuck right now. He draws fans to games and sells merchandise) Keep him...if you can.

Wellwood- Certainly didn't fit in Toronto, but then again the Leafs sorta have an old New York Rangers of the 1990s and early 2000s syndrome. (Oversaturated their team getting the "who's hot" player from the previous year). The Leafs had one of the most expensive paid defensive cores in the NHL last year, only to not make the playoffs and experience severe mismanagement. Wellwood really is more of a "flavour of the month" sorry to say but remember Jeff Cowan? Got him off waivers and he started scoring like crazy for a month or two and that was that. Wellwood would really have to stay consistent throughout the whole season before an offer is considered at all. Either trade him now for somebody more consistent while he is hot or gamble and see how he fares throughout the season.

The Sedins- Very underrated in Vancouver. I really feel bad for these guys they have been consistent goal scorers for many many seasons and the City of Vancouver still gives them no respect. Markus Naslund was NEVER a playmaker! He just clicked with Bertuzzi (think Andreychuk and Gilmour!) The Sedins have consistently helped to perform even in the playoffs even when Naslund and Bertuzzi went soft.

Demitra- waste of money plain and simple. Overpriced for the performance he displays.

Offensive Style Hockey- This Defensive hockey system REALLY REALLY SUCKS! It is sooooo boring to watch as a fan. I don't know why coaches believe this is the style of hockey to play? Vancouver won games when Vancouver played offensive style hockey under The Crow.

 

[trackstar]

Awesome Post!

Okay, I REALLY liked this post!

Ohlund- great stay at home dman, but that's just it, he's a stay at home dman only! Don't get me wrong he is a consistent dman in terms of overall performance (year to year avg goals and assists are virtually the same). Either keep him or Willie Mitchell but you don't need 2 stay at home dmen. It would be nice to have a guy like Ohlund start his career in Vancouver and end it here, but what needs to be done is for the good of the team.

I would definitely say stay with Willie. He is one of the very best at his job. Ohlund turned over the puck in the defensive end 3 TIMES in the same shift! I still don't get what people s in him. I still say dump him and his over-inflated salary for an offensive defenseman or trade him and Pylon Pyatt for a good power forward.

2 Way Dman- Biggest and worst mistake ever made was letting go of Ed Jovanovski. It is really hard looking around the league right now to see which teams have a solid 2way dguy, available now or at season's end, that can make plays, help the blueline on powerplays, and get back fast. Burke realized this and in Anaheim got 2 guys in Neidermeyer and Pronger.

Do you really see him as a two-way d-man? I always saw him as totally offensive (and often too much so) d-man with a poor +/- to reflect that. What he definitely was, was an exciting player to watch and a fan favourite!

Sundin- Forget about Sundin, go after Kovalchuk or Brendan Shanahan. These guys are definite play makers! Shanahan would welcome the opportunity to finally play in Canada.

Have you heard any rumours about Shanny that I haven't (PLEASE say yes!)? Even though he is well past his prime, Shanny is THE quintessential CANADIAN hockey player. Tough, gritty, talented and plays with a ton of heart! I would LOVE to see Shanny in a 'Nucks uniform! Not to mention his leadership skills and the instant crowd pleaser element he would bring to the team!

Luongo- Make sure he's happy NO MATTER what! Give his wife Spa Utopia or Pink Lime Gift Certificates or something but make SURE she's happy being in Vancouver. Otherwise first chance he gets to be in Montreal he'll take it! (Damn Theodore, Florida was even considering doing a direct swap!! Oh well). You have one of, or may very well have, one of the best goalies available in the free world! He is the new Linden (the team's ambassador and the most admired Canuck right now. He draws fans to games and sells merchandise) Keep him...if you can.

If Luongo can play like this for 3 more years, he will b in the hockey hall of fame. He reminds me of a street hockey goalie: He gets so excited to play the game, never wants to stop playing and throws his body around like a kid who fears no pain!

Wellwood- Certainly didn't fit in Toronto, but then again the Leafs sorta have an old New York Rangers of the 1990s and early 2000s syndrome. (Oversaturated their team getting the "who's hot" player from the previous year). The Leafs had one of the most expensive paid defensive cores in the NHL last year, only to not make the playoffs and experience severe mismanagement. Wellwood really is more of a "flavour of the month" sorry to say but remember Jeff Cowan? Got him off waivers and he started scoring like crazy for a month or two and that was that. Wellwood would really have to stay consistent throughout the whole season before an offer is considered at all. Either trade him now for somebody more consistent while he is hot or gamble and see how he fares throughout the season.

I wouldn't take that gamble. If he stays hot for a couple more months, I say trade him while he still has value.

The Sedins- Very underrated in Vancouver. I really feel bad for these guys they have been consistent goal scorers for many many seasons and the City of Vancouver still gives them no respect. Markus Naslund was NEVER a playmaker! He just clicked with Bertuzzi (think Andreychuk and Gilmour!) The Sedins have consistently helped to perform even in the playoffs even when Naslund and Bertuzzi went soft.

I agree 100%

Demitra- waste of money plain and simple. Overpriced for the performance he displays.

I'm kind of pissed at how he is playing. He is capable of SO much more! Demitra is So talented, but is going the way of Alexander Daigle and Pat Falloon

Offensive Style Hockey- This Defensive hockey system REALLY REALLY SUCKS! It is sooooo boring to watch as a fan. I don't know why coaches believe this is the style of hockey to play? Vancouver won games when Vancouver played offensive style hockey under The Crow.

What REALLY sucks, is that Alain V. isn't supposed to be focusing on a defensive team. Nobody wants it and it takes so much away from the game. We have seen a couple of end to end games this year and they were so exciting to watch. Too many of the other games have been absolute sleepers.

 

[Voyeur]

Ok some points.

1 - Shanny will not sign here. he wants to play in an eastern division. Expect Chicago, Ottawa or Philly to end up with Shanny in the next 2 weeks. (Nylander could change that if Chicago finds the cap space).

2 - Sundin will not sign here. Our travel schedule is brutal. Sundin will land in one of the teams that misses out on Shanny and needs scoring. Depending on when he decides to sign, ie after christmas, his pro-rated salary would be affordable to more teams. Again, I expect Ottawa to be in play for Sundin, if the don't get Shanny.

3 - wellwood is one of those ... hard to motivate ... players. Right now, he is playing great hockey, because he had a sniff of the end of his career. He is supremely talented, and, if he has a decent year, will end up fleecing a team for a 2-3 year contract in the 3 million dollar range. I pray it isn't the canucks.

4 - twins. they are NOT a 1st line pair, period. they are, however, one of the NHLs best 2nd line, provided they get the right fit on the off wing. I'm hoping Gillis gets them signed, in the neighborhood of 6.5 - 7 million per year...but no more than a 4-5 year contract. Include a 'no splitting clause' but omit a NTC / NMC, thanks.

5 - A playmate for the twins - no, not Hugh. I honestly thought bernier would be a good fit. he has size, decent hands...but for whatever reason, it doesn't work. if memory serves, Dubinski in NYR is a RFA after this year, he'd be a nice fit. offersheet.

6 - Luongo - the reason I became a canuck fan. (I'm from Ontario, only lived here for 4.5 years, hated Cloutier, Bertuzzi and Naslund). The canucks will absolutely work towards icing a competative team. The change in approach to a more up-tempo game was the first step. getting younger is the second. third will be to swap some defensive assets for scoring, which leades to:

7 - Ohlund - I expect him to get delt after Bieksa is healthy again. While the canucks are in a great position to move an asset like Ohlund, they can reap a decent reward from teams in need of defensive help. Ottawa and Philly both come to mind...though with the injuries to Neil and Fisher, Ottawa is going to be hardpressed in trading Vermette for a while. Expect some scoring return, or decent prospect for him.

just my thoughts.

 

[trackstar]

Ok some points.

1 - Shanny will not sign here. he wants to play in an eastern division. Expect Chicago, Ottawa or Philly to end up with Shanny in the next 2 weeks. (Nylander could change that if Chicago finds the cap space).

2 - Sundin will not sign here. Our travel schedule is brutal. Sundin will land in one of the teams that misses out on Shanny and needs scoring. Depending on when he decides to sign, ie after christmas, his pro-rated salary would be affordable to more teams. Again, I expect Ottawa to be in play for Sundin, if the don't get Shanny.

3 - wellwood is one of those ... hard to motivate ... players. Right now, he is playing great hockey, because he had a sniff of the end of his career. He is supremely talented, and, if he has a decent year, will end up fleecing a team for a 2-3 year contract in the 3 million dollar range. I pray it isn't the canucks.

4 - twins. they are NOT a 1st line pair, period. they are, however, one of the NHLs best 2nd line, provided they get the right fit on the off wing. I'm hoping Gillis gets them signed, in the neighborhood of 6.5 - 7 million per year...but no more than a 4-5 year contract. Include a 'no splitting clause' but omit a NTC / NMC, thanks.

5 - A playmate for the twins - no, not Hugh. I honestly thought bernier would be a good fit. he has size, decent hands...but for whatever reason, it doesn't work. if memory serves, Dubinski in NYR is a RFA after this year, he'd be a nice fit. offersheet.

6 - Luongo - the reason I became a canuck fan. (I'm from Ontario, only lived here for 4.5 years, hated Cloutier, Bertuzzi and Naslund). The canucks will absolutely work towards icing a competative team. The change in approach to a more up-tempo game was the first step. getting younger is the second. third will be to swap some defensive assets for scoring, which leades to:

7 - Ohlund - I expect him to get delt after Bieksa is healthy again. While the canucks are in a great position to move an asset like Ohlund, they can reap a decent reward from teams in need of defensive help. Ottawa and Philly both come to mind...though with the injuries to Neil and Fisher, Ottawa is going to be hardpressed in trading Vermette for a while. Expect some scoring return, or decent prospect for him.

just my thoughts.

Great thoughts! Except the Shanahan one. I know it'll never happen, but it sucks seeing you write that

 

[Yman]

Looks like a Vermette - Ohhhhlund trade might be in the works

 

[trackstar]

Looks like a Vermette - Ohhhhlund trade might be in the works

Really??? Where did you hear that??? He's at -6, 2 goals, 2 assists. Drafted 55th overall. I can't picture that being a straight trade.

 

[Mr Blonde]

good thoughts dood

Ok some points.

1 - Shanny will not sign here. he wants to play in an eastern division. Expect Chicago, Ottawa or Philly to end up with Shanny in the next 2 weeks. (Nylander could change that if Chicago finds the cap space).

2 - Sundin will not sign here. Our travel schedule is brutal. Sundin will land in one of the teams that misses out on Shanny and needs scoring. Depending on when he decides to sign, ie after christmas, his pro-rated salary would be affordable to more teams. Again, I expect Ottawa to be in play for Sundin, if the don't get Shanny.

3 - wellwood is one of those ... hard to motivate ... players. Right now, he is playing great hockey, because he had a sniff of the end of his career. He is supremely talented, and, if he has a decent year, will end up fleecing a team for a 2-3 year contract in the 3 million dollar range. I pray it isn't the canucks.

4 - twins. they are NOT a 1st line pair, period. they are, however, one of the NHLs best 2nd line, provided they get the right fit on the off wing. I'm hoping Gillis gets them signed, in the neighborhood of 6.5 - 7 million per year...but no more than a 4-5 year contract. Include a 'no splitting clause' but omit a NTC / NMC, thanks.

5 - A playmate for the twins - no, not Hugh. I honestly thought bernier would be a good fit. he has size, decent hands...but for whatever reason, it doesn't work. if memory serves, Dubinski in NYR is a RFA after this year, he'd be a nice fit. offersheet.

6 - Luongo - the reason I became a canuck fan. (I'm from Ontario, only lived here for 4.5 years, hated Cloutier, Bertuzzi and Naslund). The canucks will absolutely work towards icing a competative team. The change in approach to a more up-tempo game was the first step. getting younger is the second. third will be to swap some defensive assets for scoring, which leades to:

7 - Ohlund - I expect him to get delt after Bieksa is healthy again. While the canucks are in a great position to move an asset like Ohlund, they can reap a decent reward from teams in need of defensive help. Ottawa and Philly both come to mind...though with the injuries to Neil and Fisher, Ottawa is going to be hardpressed in trading Vermette for a while. Expect some scoring return, or decent prospect for him.

just my thoughts.

wasn't shanahan part of a deal here back in the 90's? i remember something about him refusing to report to vancouver.

despite ohlund trade rumours...and i may have said otherwise before, but after tonights game. i dont see him going anywhere. oddly enough, ohlund and edler are the only REAL reliable Defenceman the canucks have. Salo and Bieksa are made of glass. salo has missed 60 odd games over the last two seasons, and bieksa has been hurt twice since this season started.

 

[trackstar]

wasn't shanahan part of a deal here back in the 90's? i remember something about him refusing to report to vancouver.

despite ohlund trade rumours...and i may have said otherwise before, but after tonights game. i dont see him going anywhere. oddly enough, ohlund and edler are the only REAL reliable Defenceman the canucks have. Salo and Bieksa are made of glass. salo has missed 60 odd games over the last two seasons, and bieksa has been hurt twice since this season started.

Did he really??? I totally have no memory of that. I remember Richter saying that when we got him to protect McLean and Whitmore (Best one two punch in the NHL at the time) from the expansion draft, but nothing about Shanahan. Wow does that ever suck!

No kidding about Salo, eh? You don't see Mitchell as a reliable defenseman? Really? I think Edler is getting there, but still makes the expected mistakes of someone his age. I really like his potential though.

As for Ohlund, he may have done ok tonight, but look at the last game, he was way beyond brutal. He's definitely not someone the Canucks are just going to give away though. I think they will get a good quality player IF they do let him go, which I'm not sure they are in a hurry to do.

lol, you guys are bumming me out with your Shanahan news!

 

[BJhunter]

Did he really??? I totally have no memory of that. I remember Richter saying that when we got him to protect McLean and Whitmore (Best one two punch in the NHL at the time) from the expansion draft, but nothing about Shanahan. Wow does that ever suck!

No kidding about Salo, eh? You don't see Mitchell as a reliable defenseman? Really? I think Edler is getting there, but still makes the expected mistakes of someone his age. I really like his potential though.

As for Ohlund, he may have done ok tonight, but look at the last game, he was way beyond brutal. He's definitely not someone the Canucks are just going to give away though. I think they will get a good quality player IF they do let him go, which I'm not sure they are in a hurry to do.

lol, you guys are bumming me out with your Shanahan news!

Trackster, I respect you as a pooner, but your Canuckle head is really obscuring your 'vision' of these perenial losers.

Look, Shanahan ain't going to do squat on this team; on detroit, he played w/ GREAT players. Name one GREAT player he can play with here? please don't say Luongo b/c he stays in his crease, can't go up and down the ice LOL.

Second, as long as the Sedins remain on this team, the Canucks will SUCK. Why? Look at their playoff stats. They disappear during the rough times. Is this what playoff teams are made of? EVERY YEAR in the playoffs, Sedins are known NOT TO PLAY WELL. Their stupid cycle game is so predictable, so easy to hit them in the playoffs when it's a real Canadian game

Third, Luongo may be great in this city simply b/c we've had above average goaltending, at best. Cloutier? Essena? Irbe? Burke? Potvin? get the picture?
though i'm not sure if you're getting it since you 'think' McLean/Whitmore was the 'best one two punch at that time' in your words...funny, I never heard them winning any major goaltending awards...

guess when you're up against the Patrick Roys, Martin Brodeurs, Dominic Haseks in that era == honestly, can you pls get your canuckle head out of you, and do you REALLY think McLean is in the same breath as those other great goalies? And Luongo too?

 

[BJhunter]

The Sedins- Very underrated in Vancouver. I really feel bad for these guys they have been consistent goal scorers for many many seasons and the City of Vancouver still gives them no respect. Markus Naslund was NEVER a playmaker! He just clicked with Bertuzzi (think Andreychuk and Gilmour!) The Sedins have consistently helped to perform even in the playoffs even when Naslund and Bertuzzi went soft.

Dude, you're as delusional as Trackstar! haha...

Sedins, "very underrated in Vancouver?" "You feel bad for them?"

They've been here 7 yrs or so...what have they accomplished in the playoffs? I know they put up points here, right up there w/ the rest of the NHL. but these sisters would be on the 3rd line on teams like Detroit, Montreal, San Jose, Anaheim...get the picture?

Gillis should let them go...get some Canadian players that will really play when it counts!

 

[trackstar]

Look, Shanahan ain't going to do squat on this team; on detroit, he played w/ GREAT players. Name one GREAT player he can play with here?

Understand, this is more of a, "I'd love to see my favourite player in the NHL play in Vancouver" than anything else.

i'm not sure if you're getting it since you 'think' McLean/Whitmore was the 'best one two punch at that time' in your words...funny, I never heard them winning any major goaltending awards...

At that time their gaa and sp were the lowest in the NHL, which is why the management wanted to keep them both.

honestly, can you pls get your canuckle head out of you

NEVER! How dare you?

 

[Inamorato]

wasn't shanahan part of a deal here back in the 90's? i remember something about him refusing to report to vancouver.

You're thinking of Craig Janney.
He was given to the Canucks as compensation for St Louis signing Petr Nedved.
Janney refused to report, so the Canucks traded him back to St Louis for Jeff Brown, Brett Hedican and Nathan Lafayette in 93.

Shanahan was with the Blues at the time but was never dealt to Vancouver.

 

[Rolls Royce]

Dude, you're as delusional as Trackstar! haha...

Sedins, "very underrated in Vancouver?" "You feel bad for them?"

They've been here 7 yrs or so...what have they accomplished in the playoffs? I know they put up points here, right up there w/ the rest of the NHL. but these sisters would be on the 3rd line on teams like Detroit, Montreal, San Jose, Anaheim...get the picture?

Gillis should let them go...get some Canadian players that will really play when it counts!

BJhunter you know I love you bro and your hilarious posts, but I gotta disagree with you on this. In ANY NHL team you reward those that score and are consistent by keeping them on your team! unless you are doing a TOTAL reshuffle and rebuilding from scratch which is what Toronto and Boston did respectfully, by letting Thornton and McCabe go. Otherwise trading the Sedins is like going to one of your best employees at work and saying "thank you for your exceptional work over the years but we are firing you because you have done well." What kind of logic is that? Similarly if you are going to trade anyone, you trade those that you are paying an arm and a leg for and who are producing nothing by way of results.

Vancouver fans and media have a weird problem with star players, we literally drive them away from ever wanting to play here again. Look at Bertuzzi, Naslund, Morrison, etc. once we chased them away we needed to find new targets for our hate, and hence the Sedin twins. What I respect the most about the Scandinavian players is that they are loyal to a team, it isn't all about the money to them, something our beloved Canadian boys don't seem to give a rat's @$$ for. Naslund took a pay cut when he signed to play on after his contract was up because he loved the city. Can't remember the year but the Canucks were playing the Avs for the division title and lost the last game of the reg season. Nazzy came out and apologized to the fans. How many players ever do or did that? He has a slump and we drove him out of the city (mind you his level of play was finally exposed to being an average player- take into account his somewhat minimally better performance in New York right now given their stacked lines).

It really isn't about signing a big name player, but rather signing a playmaker. The Canucks also need some finesse with respect to speed and stick handling. Adding size was great for the old NHL, but this is a faster quicker NHL, endurance and stamina now prevail.

Trackstar you have great taste bro

 

[Voyeur]

Vancouver fans and media have a weird problem with star players, we literally drive them away from ever wanting to play here again. Look at Bertuzzi, Naslund, Morrison, etc. once we chased them away we needed to find new targets for our hate, and hence the Sedin twins.

First off - Canuck fans didn't drive Bertuzzi out. Nonis fleeced Keenan for Luongo. ANY gm in the league would pull the trigger on that trade. Bert needed a change, Florida agreed to dance, here we sit.

Running players off it isn't a vancouver thing. it is a canadian hockey fan thing. We are no different from Leaf, Oiler, Flame, or Canadien fans.

Personally, I think not re-signing Naslund or Mo was the right thing to do. Mo had his time, we paid him well for it, but as all good things, it was time to end. He's not exactly lighting it up in Anaheim, which only goes to prove the right decision was made.

As far as Naslund goes, and take this with a grain of salt - good riddence. Gillis wanted to make a significant change in team direction. what better way than to start fresh with a new captain? I'll take Luo as team captain over Naslund ANY day. Luo is a competator. Naslund, meh.

The twins are in a tough spot. Like i said before, they are not a #1 line combination, period. Yet we put the pressure and expectation on them as such, because there is no one else. They are quite talented, and play very well together, but they need some protection. They need a #1 line in front of them to draw out other teams best defenders.

The canucks need a game breaker, not a setup man. Who is there to setup? where is our game breaking sniper? Where is our Heatley, Kovalchuk, Gagne, Carter, so on and so on and so on. Why spend money on a setup man without someone to finish. The canucks do not have a finisher. THAT is the #1 issue in Canuck land right now - a winger that strikes fear into the oppositiion when streaking down the lane.

Get a finisher, no, not gaborik, (unless we had a crystal ball and could see him being healthy), and the rest will play itself out. We have the goaltending and D to make a serious run at the cup. we lack that one golden scorer.

A scorer woudl then push the twins down to the 2nd line, where they belong.

Short term, Sundin would fill the roll (not as nicely as Gaborik would...)

for 2009, RFAs we should look at:

Marion Gaborik
Henrick Zetterberg

high risks but if he signs cheap:
Maxim Afinogenov

Obviously detroit wont let Zetter leave....and i'm leery about Gaboriks groin, but you get the direction i'm thinking. =)

 

[Yman]

I saw today that Sundin is now mulling a mid season return. If Gillis is going to plead his case , he better give it go now while Vancouver sits on top of our division and the Nucks looks like Sundin is the missing piece of the puzzel.

 

[BJhunter]

Can't remember the year but the Canucks were playing the Avs for the division title and lost the last game of the reg season. Nazzy came out and apologized to the fans. How many players ever do or did that?

You mean when Naslund used the word 'choked' in that speech? Yup, that's the captain of our Canucks, LOL...imagine a CEO of a company saying that!

I give you that much that these soft europeans were willing to take a paycut to play here.

but your analogy of 'best employees leaving'...well, depends what they ended up doing when it counts-- did they make the company money, etc.? similarly, the Sedins did NOTHING in the playoffs, dude...

check their playoff stats...add the fact that they're being counted on offensively, so that's what they get paid the big bucks for, right? Just like Luongo; he gets paid the big bucks to stop pucks; Sedins get paid to score goals. Sure they do a great job during the regular season, but given how boring the canucks have played, and their lack of scoring, and after 7 seasons, it's time we, you, andd every other bandwagon quit making excuses.

you don't see Detroit, Montreal, San Jose, Buffalo making excuses. And I'm using these teams to compare b/c these are PLAYOFF BUILT teams...Canucks may win a game against them every now and then in the regular season, but in a 7 game series Semi-Finals, forget it!!!