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The Vancouver Canucks have just over 9 million dollars in cap space on the books for next season, and with the need to still sign Raymond and Schneider, that doesn't leave a whole lot of space to fill the teams needs. It's safe to say that Mike Gillis will be one of the busier GM's in the league and will be looking to move some salary out at the draft and fill some holes. If Gillis can't do that at the draft, it will be a very quiet July 1st in Vancouver.
Manny Malhotra- 2.5 mil
There are rumours out there that Manny is set to retire and his money will come off the books for free, but I'm not convinced that will happen. Manny still does what Manny was brought in to do. He wins face-offs and provides leadership in the dressing room, now whether that's worth 2.5 million, that's debatable. I personally would try and move him, but with a NTC that may be difficult. I think we will see him back centring the fourth line next season because I can't see Gillis sending him down or buying him out.
Value- not much, unless a team is looking to fill cap space and get a good, solid leader.
Mason Raymond- ? but will be qualified which means it will likely be a raise on 2.55 mil
Raymond is a very interesting player to me. If he plays like he did a few years ago and gets 25 goals he'll be a decent player and a decent cap hit. Despite what everyone says I still think he has some trade value. He still has the speed and hopefully a full off season of training will help him get stronger. If he was to add 10 pounds this off season I think he would be a different player and one we would want to keep. I think his value is about as low as it can get right now so I'd keep him and see if Gillis can "build him into a moveable asset".
Value- He's kind of a throw in to a bigger deal right now, a depth player, or mid-level prospect
Keith Ballard- 4.2 mil
I like Ballard, but that contract has to go. Every year the Canucks put of dumping his deal is another year his value drops. He hasn't done much since he's been here and unless the Canucks get a new coach there is no reason at all to keep him. His value to the Canucks is low and it's not going to get better anytime soon. Dump him now or throw him to the Wolves.
Value- I don't see any but maybe there is a GM out there who sees something in him.
Alex Edler- 3.25 mil
Maybe the most shocking member of this list, the Canucks need to decide how valuable Edler is to this team. Next July 1st (2013), Edler will be a UFA. A Ufa that some GM is going to offer 6 million a year to. The Canucks need to decide if he is worth that and if they don't think so (I wouldn't pay him that), they need to deal him. Vancouver needs that number 1 guy and if you can move Edler to free up space to get him ad bring in a player that will help you I think you do it.
Value- pretty high right now, I'm sure teams would line up to get an all star D at 3.25 mil.
Roberto Luongo- 5.33 mil
Despite what people think, I still see Lu as having value. I mean do you want to be the GM who gets fired and misses the playoffs because you didn't put a good offer in on one of the top 15 goalies in the league? Teams are interested and the offers will be good and fair. Vancouver will Deal Lu at the draft in my opinion (maybe Schneider), and free up some cap room, and get a good player or two.
Value- pretty high, the guy is better than most goalies in the league. Teams will not worry about his contract because they want to win now and Lu gives them the best shot at doing that.
Andrew Alberts- 1.225 mil
I like Alberts, but what he brings to the table you can find for less. He's a solid 6/7 D but paying him over a million just doesn't work.
Value- not much but maybe a team where he plays more would like to have him. I'm thinking a 5-7 rd pick.
Stay classy Vancouver
Ian
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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