Sharp has said in interviews that he was willing to move back to center if that's what the team wants. The fact is hasn't leads me to believe that Q doesn't want him there for some reason.
- NewToHockey

Too fast?

Fair enough. I just want nothing to do with the Ryan Kesler that I've seen over the last 3 years
- reeder16

Kesler has been fine the past 3 years, he's easily been the best Canuck forward (overall) during that time. Kesler plays both special teams units, he's always above 50% on faceoffs, and on a decent team he's good for at least 60-70 points.

People complain that Kane's production could be better if he had better line mates. Kesler has the exact situation in Vancouver only it's likely many times worse. If Kane isn't playing on the top line he still has the likes of Saad, Shaw, Bickell, and Sharp to play with at times. Take a look at who Kesler has to work with, the Canucks top line is the Sedins with Burrows, that leaves Kassian, Hansen, Higgins and Schroeder for the second line.

Plus, it's not like we'd be married to Kesler forever, we could cut bait after only 2 seasons if needed.

He was part of the deal to get Vermette.
- Elbows15

And the rest of the deal?

Option 3: Toews, Vermette, Shaw, Danault.
- Elbows15

Danault isn't ready and I would t part with Kruger, I'd keep him over Shaw.

And the rest of the deal?
- reeder16

Leddy. and Versteeg. Hey. It worked for KLinkhammer.

Danault isn't ready and I would t part with Kruger, I'd keep him over Shaw.
- DarthKane

Yeah, but you think Rundblad is. So there is that. Shaw is better than Kruger.

Kesler has been fine the past 3 years, he's easily been the best Canuck forward (overall) during that time. Kesler plays both special teams units, he's always above 50% on faceoffs, and on a decent team he's good for at least 60-70 points.

People complain that Kane's production could be better if he had better line mates. Kesler has the exact situation in Vancouver only it's likely many times worse. If Kane isn't playing on the top line he still has the likes of Saad, Shaw, Bickell, and Sharp to play with at times. Take a look at who Kesler has to work with, the Canucks top line is the Sedins with Burrows, that leaves Kassian, Hansen, Higgins and Schroeder for the second line.

Plus, it's not like we'd be married to Kesler forever, we could cut bait after only 2 seasons if needed.
- DarthKane

In the year the new deals come into effect for 19 and 88 what are you paying Kesler? He'll need a new contract after next year too, no? Also you've had to move Sharp to create room and our top prospect, plus to get him

Leddy. and Versteeg. Hey. It worked for KLinkhammer.
- Elbows15

Done. Somehow I think were stuck with both 23 and 8 for a couple seasons though

Option 3: Toews, Vermette, Shaw, Danault.
- Elbows15

You've liked Danault since we saw him in March: is he ready?

You've liked Danault since we saw him in March: is he ready?
- StLBravesFan

I have liked Danault for quite some time, Sage. If anyone makes a leap, he strikes me as one who would. He is defensively responsible.

In the year the new deals come into effect for 19 and 88 what are you paying Kesler? He'll need a new contract after next year too, no? Also you've had to move Sharp to create room and our top prospect, plus to get him
- reeder16

You have to move Sharp but you're getting assets in return, they will help offset the assets you have to give up to get Kesler. It would take 2 deals but essentially it's Sharp, Leddy + picks/prospects for Kesler + picks/prospects. Assuming the deal to get Kesler would be Leddy, TT and a 1st.

When Kesler's deal is up he likely walks. Cap space will be needed for Saad (assuming he'll sign a bridge deal), Kruger, Shaw, and Seabrook.

I'm not saying Kesler is the only way to go, guys like Nielsen are still viable options. Nor am I saying that the future should be completely mortgaged for Kesler. But if there's a fair deal to be had acquiring Kesler drastically increases our chances of winning another Cup or two in the next 2 years.

Done. Somehow I think were stuck with both 23 and 8 for a couple seasons though
- reeder16

Nick the Stick is only signed for one more season. There is no way they will extend him. He has done nothing to earn that. I shudder to think of him making 3.5 to 4 mil a year. Move him for a 2nd next year. Please. Make him go away.

Yeah, but you think Rundblad is. So there is that. Shaw is better than Kruger.
- Elbows15

Shaw is better now and maybe will be next season. But in the long run we'll need Kruger more that Shaw. Plus, the way Shaw plays he'll start slowing down first. Ideally we get to keep them, I think both guys are awesome.

You have to move Sharp but you're getting assets in return, they will help offset the assets you have to give up to get Kesler. It would take 2 deals but essentially it's Sharp, Leddy + picks/prospects for Kesler + picks/prospects. Assuming the deal to get Kesler would be Leddy, TT and a 1st.

When Kesler's deal is up he likely walks. Cap space will be needed for Saad (assuming he'll sign a bridge deal), Kruger, Shaw, and Seabrook.

I'm not saying Kesler is the only way to go, guys like Nielsen are still viable options. Nor am I saying that the future should be completely mortgaged for Kesler. But if there's a fair deal to be had acquiring Kesler drastically increases our chances of winning another Cup or two in the next 2 years.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't move 3 assets for Kesler. He isn't worth it.

Shaw is better now and maybe will be next season. But in the long run we'll need Kruger more that Shaw. Plus, the way Shaw plays he'll start slowing down first. Ideally we get to keep them, I think both guys are awesome.
- DarthKane

I don't see Kruger ever being more than a 3-4C guy. I like him. He is exactly the kind of guy someone will overpay for.

starting at 2C next season and wearing #12 will be





























Kevin Hayes. You saw it here first.

I wouldn't move 3 assets for Kesler. He isn't worth it.
- Elbows15

Maybe.

If you don't like Shaw and Kesler as options for the 2C role whom do you like? You suggested Vermette, while I think that is a great choice I don't see Phoenix giving him up. They'd like want a king's ransom from us. So aside from Shaw, Kesler and Vermette who do you think should centre Kane?

I don't see Kruger ever being more than a 3-4C guy. I like him. He is exactly the kind of guy someone will overpay for.
- Elbows15

I agree, Kruger is likely best suited for the bottom 6, but so is Shaw. Like I said, I'd prefer to keep both of them if possible.

starting at 2C next season and wearing #12 will be





























Kevin Hayes. You saw it here first.
- Elbows15

Probably.

starting at 2C next season and wearing #12 will be





























Kevin Hayes. You saw it here first.
- Elbows15

Not NHL ready. Skating is not good enough? Bowman would not rush a prospect..

Other:Giordano I believe is their captain and an important piece that the new GM would least likely trade. But being up in Canada maybe Rick has some additional thoughts which I have no clue whether Giodano could be moved.

And the post who said Kesler is not worth three assets......I concur

Not NHL ready. Skating is not good enough? Bowman would not rush a prospect..

Other:Giordano I believe is their captain and an important piece that the new GM would least likely trade. But being up in Canada maybe Rick has some additional thoughts which I have no clue whether Giodano could be moved.

And the post who said Kesler is not worth three assets......I concur
- jhawk59

My choices for a new 2C next season, factoring in what it costs to acquire them:

1. Nielsen
2. Kesler
3. Backlund

My choices for a new 2C next season, factoring in what it costs to acquire them:

1. Nielsen
2. Kesler
3. Backlund
- DarthKane

I made a pitch for Backlund on a couple of occasions. I do not want to quote Wiz and am uncertain exactly what he said months ago about Backlund. But the gist was that he did not believe that Backlund was an ideal fit. Maybe not strong on puck pursuit? Whom can attest to Backlund ability and worthiness? I do know that he has disappointed in offensive contributions, is speedy, a former #1, this past season he had a break out season with about 20:00 TOI. Used on PK. Why would a rebuilding team launch Backlund?

Edit: my take back then was to offer Morin for Backlund. Flames need a scorer on the cheap and a Morin is feisty, a player Brian Burke might take a flyer on. But on the hockeybuzz Flames board I posted this idea and it was shot down. Backlund has promising future and is worth more than Morin, a couple replies giving this explanation.

Maybe.

If you don't like Shaw and Kesler as options for the 2C role whom do you like? You suggested Vermette, while I think that is a great choice I don't see Phoenix giving him up. They'd like want a king's ransom from us. So aside from Shaw, Kesler and Vermette who do you think should centre Kane?
- DarthKane

I like Shaw there and think he could do it. He plays the perfect style to play with Kane. He would have to improve his FOs.

Eller would work.

Not NHL ready. Skating is not good enough? Bowman would not rush a prospect..

Other:Giordano I believe is their captain and an important piece that the new GM would least likely trade. But being up in Canada maybe Rick has some additional thoughts which I have no clue whether Giodano could be moved.

And the post who said Kesler is not worth three assets......I concur
- jhawk59

Giordano isn't going anywhere. He is the perfect veteran for a team in a rebuild. The only way the Flames move him is if they get a haul. And that haul would have to include top 10 draft picks.
Hayes was a joke.

I like Shaw there and think he could do it. He plays the perfect style to play with Kane. He would have to improve his FOs.

Eller would work.
- Elbows15

Shaw's FO% was at something like 43% this season. That's nowhere near good enough to center a 2nd line all season.