It would be cool if they took Pheonix or Florida and had them wander around North America for a couple of seasons. Maybe they spend a month in Kansas City and other potential markets to gauge interest, a month in Saskatchewan and other hockey mad markets that would never be able to support a team full time, etc.

Obviously it would never happen, most of the players, particularly the older ones, wouldn't appreciate being basically homeless for an entire season, but it would be interesting. They would make a killing in jersey sales and other merch alone.
- CubanBuffet

Exactly what I was thinking with regards to NBA's handling of New Orleans/OKC. Take a team that already exists and place them in a market for a season or two to test. Then you know if FLA/PHX really wants them back and if another market can support a team

Sven has the leverage .... Is Benning really going to trade a 2nd for a guy who bolts the next year to Europe ....I doubt it
- Redmile247

Sven = Derek Roy

I don't see much leverage

Do you believe Sven wants to play in the KHL? The kid has been gifted a tremendous opportunity in the top 6 of an NHL team that believes in him. There is zero chance he jumps to Europe unless he can't find employment in a few years. Kids playing in the Whl don't dream of playing in Europe. He came to NA because he wants to be an NHL player.
- CanuckDon

The flames traded Sven because he basically told them he was going to Europe unless they guaranteed him a spot

Sven = Derek Roy

I don't see much leverage
- A_SteamingLombardi

You mean because he's not that tall, and the length of the lever in proportion to the fulcrum would be too short to lift something heavy?

The flames traded Sven because he basically told them he was going to Europe unless they guaranteed him a spot
- Redmile247

Then I hope he enjoys Europe.

You mean because he's not that tall, and the length of the lever in proportion to the fulcrum would be too short to lift something heavy?
- 1970vintage

You are (frank)ing brilliant.

The flames traded Sven because he basically told them he was going to Europe unless they guaranteed him a spot
- Redmile247

Baertschi was traded because he wasn't fitting in that system and Calgary decided that a 2nd was more worthwhile. I don't doubt conversations about Sven's future come up but I doubt very much that you can substantiate that rumour of him threatening the team.

That said I think he does have leverage because of the way he has been sold to this fan-base. We will see what happens but I am confident that he will be signed, that number might be higher than his comparables in regards to stats but the Canucks don't have many young players to hang their hats on and that is why he is likely able to put some pressure on Benning.

Then I hope he enjoys Europe.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Don't think it would be that simple...Burke as GM for sure.

Personally I don't think JB is going to just through away that 2nd, just so Sven could help the Comets get to the final.

The flames traded Sven because he basically told them he was going to Europe unless they guaranteed him a spot
- Redmile247

ThAts half the story.....

Baertschi was traded because he wasn't fitting in that system and Calgary decided that a 2nd was more worthwhile. I don't doubt conversations about Sven's future come up but I doubt very much that you can substantiate that rumour of him threatening the team.

That said I think he does have leverage because of the way he has been sold to this fan-base. We will see what happens but I am confident that he will be signed, that number might be higher than his comparables in regards to stats but the Canucks don't have many young players to hang their hats on and that is why he is likely able to put some pressure on Benning.
- belcherbd

Which brings us back to this fan base freaking out when they perceive he is over payed and Etem got this and Bennet got that, and to tell the truth I hope JB doesn't grossly over pay like another contract...

God help this forum if Benning over pays Sven.
- bloatedmosquito

Its got to be a bridge contract no more than two years 5 mill, 2.5 per. Even that may be too much.

Its got to be a bridge contract no more than two years 5 mill, 2.5 per. Even that may be too much.
- vancity787

Its got to be a bridge contract no more than two years 5 mill, 2.5 per. Even that may be too much.
- vancity787

I think that would be too much...how about 2 years 1.25per

sven most likely signs 2yrs/3m
- SRam19

Why? What has he done to warrant that kind of money.... guy hasn't even stuck in the NHL yet. He should at max get a slight raise on what he was making.

Its got to be a bridge contract no more than two years 5 mill, 2.5 per. Even that may be too much.
- vancity787

Way too much.... guy hasn't even made the NHL yet

- A_SteamingLombardi

I wouldnt mind 2 shmill.

As long as its short term.

I think his numbers will be quite decent in blue and green next year.

Its got to be a bridge contract no more than two years 5 mill, 2.5 per. Even that may be too much.
- vancity787

He is not even worth Horvats salary yet

I wouldnt mind 2 shmill.

As long as its short term.

I think his numbers will be quite decent in blue and green next year.
- vancity787

He's played 69 games in the NHL in 4 yrs, that's 17 games a year and his last contract was 895K and 70K in the AHL. If he wants a 1 way contract it will be 600-900K.

I think that would be too much...how about 2 years 1.25per
- Makita

That is more desirable but I still think it will be higher.

Benning hasn't nickel and dimed other players on contracts and can't see him making a big deal of a few 100K with Sven especially because he is one the guys he went out an acquired.

I think Sven's agent must be looking for significantly more for Benning to be hesitating.

That is more desirable but I still think it will be higher.

Benning hasn't nickel and dimed other players on contracts and can't see him making a big deal of a few 100K with Sven especially because he is one the guys he went out an acquired.

I think Sven's agent must be looking for significantly more for Benning to be hesitating.
- belcherbd

Bo makes 900 K and Virtanen also

Vey makes 1 mil. Why does a guy with 10 goals in 70 games deserve more?

That is more desirable but I still think it will be higher.

Benning hasn't nickel and dimed other players on contracts and can't see him making a big deal of a few 100K with Sven especially because he is one the guys he went out an acquired.

I think Sven's agent must be looking for significantly more for Benning to be hesitating.
- belcherbd

As others have stated, he hasn't earned that much of a significant raise, which is why I thought a few 100K would be palatable.

Is there a minimum raise that must be offered, if so what would it be?

He's played 69 games in the NHL in 4 yrs, that's 17 games a year and his last contract was 895K and 70K in the AHL. If he wants a 1 way contract it will be 600-900K.
- A_SteamingLombardi

It should be in that range, but I'm not so sure it will be.

- A_SteamingLombardi

Great. The canucks will have their very own Justin Schultz...

As others have stated, he hasn't earned that much of a significant raise, which is why I thought a few 100K would be palatable.

Is there a minimum raise that must be offered, if so what would it be?
- Makita

He would of had to been qualified at a minimum of 873 K which was a 5% raise on what he earned last season.

I agree he hasn't earned that much of a raise but then why hasn't he been signed ?
I doubt Benning is balking at signing him for 1 - 1.5 considering the other contracts he has signed. Why try to save a few 100K here ?

I don't blame Sven or his agent trying to squeeze out an extra 100K or two. They know Benning gave up a decent pick for him and Benning isn't considered to be a string negotiator so why not try to take advantage to add a little more to their bank accounts?