If Canucks are a point or two away from a playoff spot do you see Aquillini, I mean Benning being sellers?
- VANTEL

If it's about money... wouldn't trading players and getting their salary off the books have the same affect as keeping them and having a min of 2 home playoff games?

seems more about ego than money

I am leaning towards nothing, because Benning won't ask him to waive or even think about trading him.
- Retinalz

How do you know that?

Shawn Horcoff to be disciplined by NHL for off ice event
- VANTEL

He's from the town I live in. Don't know him but his younger bro is a great guy.

If Canucks are a point or two away from a playoff spot do you see Aquillini, I mean Benning being sellers?
- VANTEL

That is the main problem. FA is an idiot. If we could end up with 2 firsts again this year that would be 7 in 4 years and would really go along way in speeding things up.

If you trade all the other UFAs and maybe Burrows and whoever else not in the future plans for picks it would be like adding a whole other draft class. This will be the most critical deadline day in recent memory. Hopefully they dont hold on to everyone for a potential 1st round exit again...

If it's about money... wouldn't trading players and getting their salary off the books have the same affect as keeping them and having a min of 2 home playoff games?

seems more about ego than money
- Mungo

Very valid point. It also slows you down from trying to get back there in the future.

Very valid point. It also slows you down from trying to get back there in the future.
- mauryballstein

yup... very short-term thinking. Would rather them stop pile picks so they can either draft more players for their system or to use in a trade like Calgary did last year when they got Hamilton for nothing but picks.

No, Ladd and Franson are not anywhere close to similar.

Ladd will get a good contract from someone this year.
- belcherbd

Im a huge Ladd fan but his best years are behind him. Whats he on pace for 20 goals 20 assists or something. No one is coughing up huge term and salary for an average older player those days are over.

yup... very short-term thinking. Would rather them stop pile picks so they can either draft more players for their system or to use in a trade like Calgary did last year when they got Hamilton for nothing but picks.
- Mungo

Exactly. I was even thinking maybe a package of a Vrbata/Hamhuis with a prospect for a D prospect. Most of the top teams (other than carolina/Flyers)seem to have good Dmen in the AHL that are near ready. Maybe one of them with a Shink can pry away a solid Dmen.

If Canucks are a point or two away from a playoff spot do you see Aquillini, I mean Benning being sellers?
- VANTEL

No, because FA is a moron when it comes to hockey. If we make the playoffs Vrbata and Hammer will not be difference makers.

How do you know that?
- Marwood

Because we will be a bubble team and FA cares more about playoffs this year,than making it next year, or the year after.

Because we will be a bubble team and FA cares more about playoffs this year,than making it next year, or the year after.
- Retinalz

Oh, ok.

Shawn Horcoff to be disciplined by NHL for off ice event
- VANTEL

MacT on Horcoff 2006...

'In my mind Horcoff is probably the best two way player in hockey'...

Enhanced?

MacT on Horcoff 2006...

'In my mind Horcoff is probably the best two way player in hockey'...

Enhanced?

- LordHumungous

Horcoff just needs to appeal and show his stats to the appeal board. No way he's using performance enhancing drugs with those numbers.

I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of effort the boys can bring to home ice before their eight days off - and to seeing long-lost Brandon Sutter!

Here's the new blog:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...-Hamhuis-Speaks/194/74316

If it's about money... wouldn't trading players and getting their salary off the books have the same affect as keeping them and having a min of 2 home playoff games?

seems more about ego than money
- Mungo

I think it is as much about the marketing and brand of the team. Half the idea that is sold on the playoffs is anything can happen in the playoffs. Maybe less can happen if we trade away some core pieces before the post season?

If we aren't in a playoff spot at tdl, it will be disappointing if we don't move Vrbata and Hamhuis. If we are in a playoff spot at tdl, I hope we move at least a couple pending ufa's.

My expectations are based on JB and TL's stated objectives which they have at times deviated from...

I think the difference in approaches is the difference between a rebuild on the fly and tanking. With the rebuild on the fly, the picks would be nice, but it is as much about the environment and development. The tank would be move any veteran of value and get picks and prospects back.

Prust and anyone that doesn't fit are gone regardless of approach.