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Forwards

Tim Sestito- We already have one Sestito, so two has to be better right? He only played 6 games last season, but he was a decent 14-for-26 on faceoffs (53.8%). He's also a pretty tough customer that will work hard and kill penalties. He's a decent option if you can get him for around 600k.

Joel Broda-I got to see a ton of Joel Broda here in Calgary and I'm a bit surprised he hasn't found his way into the NHL yet. He's one of those kids that are as tough as they come and he can score a little. At 6-feet, 205 he's a decent option for the fourth-line and he can play all three forward positions. I'd be okay with paying him the minimum for a couple years to see if he pans out.

T.J. Hensick- I remember the raving coming out of Avs camp a few seasons back that Hensick was going to be a very good player. Now at the age of 27 he appears to be heading overseas to play. If he has an out in his contract, I think he's a guy that could fill that 13th forward type role and slide up and down the lineup. I'd pay him 750k to be an in and out type guy.

Brett Sonne- Sonne is more of a two-way type deal. He's a Vancouver guy, who played well for Canada at the WJHC and lit up the WHL in his final season. Things haven't worked out for him as a pro, but he is only 23. I'd give him a two-way deal and see if he's up for battling for the fourth line job; if not he'd be a solid guy to have in Utica.

Craig Adams- At 36 he's a bit long in the tooth, but he is the kind of guy that good teams have on their fourth-line. He hits, he fights, he blocks shots and he kills penalties. If he'll sign for somewhere in that 900k range I'd sign him.

Kyle Chipchura- He's the player who might be the best fit for the Canucks that is on this list. He's a decent centre, who has size and hits. I wouldn't pay more than a million bucks for him, but I think someone else will. I offer him 3 years, 1 million per.

Tim Brent- I've always like the way that Tim Brent plays. He has good speed and he can score a bit. He won nearly 52% of his faceoffs last season and he is a pretty good penalty killer. I'm not sure what kind of a contract he is looking for, but two years at 850k per sounds good to me.

Jerred Smithson- At the trade deadline he was a guy that I was hoping Vancouver would add. He is a very good faceoff guy, who will hit, block shots and is a beast along the boards. His 6'3, 215 pound frame would be a nice addition to the team. Two years, 1 million per.

Stefan Della Rovere- This is a guy that I've like since his junior days. Back then he reminded me a little of Matt Cooke because of his speed and on the edge play. I think his edginess and speed would mess well with the fourth-line and force opponents to be aware of when he is on the ice. I'd lock him up to a three year, 750k type deal.

Akim Aliu- Another guy that I really liked in junior. I don't think Aliu has really gotten a fair shake in any NHL city he's played in. He what you would call a pure athlete: big, strong and fast. I also believe Dave Gagner knows the kid fairly well and like him a lot, so don't be shocked if he lands in Vancouver. Gillis wants to get younger and bigger, two years, 700k seems fair for him and would accomplish that. .

Matt Halischuk- Of all the guys that weren't qualified, Halischuk might be the biggest puzzler to me. The guy is a hell of a hockey player, who brings a tireless work ethic and some skill with him every night. I'm not really sure where he fits in yet with the Canucks, but he's a player I'd make room for. I'd lock him up to a three year, 1.25 million per deal.


Who do you go after tomorrow?


Well that's a wrap.

Ian


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