Last year we had Bitz Weise and Kassian.I would take Staubitz/Janssen over those guys any day.It would have been nict to have someone step in last year when Keith hit Daniel.
- VANTEL

Over Weise and Bitz sure, Kassian still did a great job of wearing down d-men along the boards. I already have my July 1st Christmas List filled out for this year, but I'll wait until after the SCF when it's closer to free agency to share with all of you.

As for our pending FA's, I'd let Raymond, Salo, Bitz, Ebbett, Mancari, Weise all walk. Rome, I'd only sign for a cheap one year deal as a 7th/8th d-man. I'm not a big MAG fan either.

I'd re-sign Pahlsson(depending on $ and term), and bring back Pinizzotto and Duco on 2 way deals. Pahlsson is a proven playoff performer and a better defensive forward and more physical than Manny. I'd buyout/trade Malhotra and let Kassian start the year in the AHL. I like Ballard a lot, but if AV is back, you have to look at moving him because a 4.25 cap hit is too much for a 3rd pairing d-man.

Is your 4th line supposed to be 50 goal scorers? No. They are your hitters, shot blockers, forecheckers.
- manvanfan

Looks at Boston last year and LA this year, they have 4th line players that have the ability to score 5-10 goals a year and play the PK. Glass will be lucky to ever score more than 5+ goals. It's not that hard to find some cheap 4th line players that can do that for you. Who says your 4th line can't be like your 3rd line? It would be nice to be able to actually roll 4 lines in the playoffs, that's something we have never been able to do.

Looks at Boston last year and LA this year, they have 4th line players that have the ability to score 5-10 goals a year and play the PK. Glass will be lucky to ever score more than 5+ goals. It's not that hard to find some cheap 4th line players that can do that for you. Who says your 4th line can't be like your 3rd line? It would be nice to be able to actually roll 4 lines in the playoffs, that's something we have never been able to do.
- Nucker101

Well, to be fair, without Savard, they had no choice but to spread their offense out over 4 lines in order to compete. I don't think they would have done that if Thomas/Rask weren't as good as they are, and Chara wasn't back on defense. Boston rolls 4 lines because they don't have the skill in their top 6.

Btw, for those who want the Canucks to sign Jason Garrison this summer, apparently he played the right side with Brian Campbell for most of the year. Matt Carle from Philly who is also a UFA but a lefty, also played the right side at times this year.

Looks at Boston last year and LA this year, they have 4th line players that have the ability to score 5-10 goals a year and play the PK. Glass will be lucky to ever score more than 5+ goals. It's not that hard to find some cheap 4th line players that can do that for you. Who says your 4th line can't be like your 3rd line? It would be nice to be able to actually roll 4 lines in the playoffs, that's something we have never been able to do.
- Nucker101

I think a nice pick up for about 1 mil could be Brad Wichester. I know he got one shotted by Volpatti last year but Winchester Lapierre Kasian 4 th line would keep teams heds up.We could also re-sign Volpatti as a 4 th line insurance.

Btw, for those who want the Canucks to sign Jason Garrison this summer, apparently he played the right side with Brian Campbell for most of the year. Matt Carle from Philly who is also a UFA but a lefty, also played the right side at times this year.
- Nucker101

Both would be nice.

Well, to be fair, without Savard, they had no choice but to spread their offense out over 4 lines in order to compete. I don't think they would have done that if Thomas/Rask weren't as good as they are, and Chara wasn't back on defense. Boston rolls 4 lines because they don't have the skill in their top 6.
- DariusKnight

Fair points. But I think we've seen that relying on our top 6 to score most of our goals and having a weak 4th line and an OK 3rd line isn't a great approach. With the cap likely going up to around 69 mil I don't see why we can't put together a solid 4th line. Hopefully Gillis dumps the "sign a bunch of AHL players to compete for 4th line jobs" approach.

I think a nice pick up for about 1 mil could be Brad Wichester. I know he got one shotted by Volpatti last year but Winchester Lapierre Kasian 4 th line would keep teams heds up.We could also re-sign Volpatti as a 4 th line insurance.
- VANTEL

He'd be an OK option, but I have about 10 other UFA's I'd like over him for our 4th line.

We're not going to get Nash, it would take Schneider, Kesler, Jansen and possibly another prospect and our pick to get him. CBJ is not going to trade down in the draft unless they get a player like Weber, Malkin, Crosby, Stamkos, and the like back.
- DariusKnight

I see others have already given you a bit of grief about this, but...

If that is the type of trade CLB is looking for, Nash is staying there.

No team will give up a player who is better than Nash, a potential top5 goalie, and likely top6 prospect and pick for an overrated, underachieving, one-dimensional forward, with a ridiculous contract.

A healthy Kesler is a better player than Nash. Wouldn't even do it straight up considering Nash's salary.

He'd be an OK option, but I have about 10 other UFA's I'd like over him for our 4th line.
- Nucker101

They need size and be able to bang and I am fine too.No more Byron Bitz Weise Oreo experiments we need bona fide 4 th liners.

Fair points. But I think we've seen that relying on our top 6 to score most of our goals and having a weak 4th line and an OK 3rd line isn't a great approach. With the cap likely going up to around 69 mil I don't see why we can't put together a solid 4th line. Hopefully Gillis dumps the "sign a bunch of AHL players to compete for 4th line jobs" approach.
- Nucker101

True, but I think if our 2nd line was more cohesive and could be relied upon I think our 3rd/4th lines would have been fine. We're top heavy no matter what, if we can improve our D, at least enough that they can be relied on being able to avoid running around in our own zone then maybe we can spread things out more.

I see others have already given you a bit of grief about this, but...

If that is the type of trade CLB is looking for, Nash is staying there.

No team will give up a player who is better than Nash, a potential top5 goalie, and likely top6 prospect and pick for an overrated, underachieving, one-dimensional forward, with a ridiculous contract.

A healthy Kesler is a better player than Nash. Wouldn't even do it straight up considering Nash's salary.
- Fosco

I'm just saying, that is what CBJ would be looking for (based upon what all the hockey insiders said at the TDL), not that we'd do it, hell, I don't think Nash is even worth Jansen because of his lack of defense. Plus I was getting grief for saying that CBJ would never trade down in this draft since they won't be getting a superstar forward/D/Goalie back for Nash. But I'm used to getting grief for my opinions, so that's nothing new.

True, but I think if our 2nd line was more cohesive and could be relied upon I think our 3rd/4th lines would have been fine. We're top heavy no matter what, if we can improve our D, at least enough that they can be relied on being able to avoid running around in our own zone then maybe we can spread things out more.
- DariusKnight

We are not sure if this is true becuase we have not had a true second line in years.

In fact under AV we have never had one set line.

We are not sure if this is true becuase we have not had a true second line in years.

In fact under AV we have never had one set line.
- VANTEL

Fair point, I'll conceed that our lineup (save for the Sedin line) is usually a mishmash of forwards being promoted and dropped almost at random as if he takes a bingo ball roller and pulls players out of them and slots them in.

I'm just saying, that is what CBJ would be looking for (based upon what all the hockey insiders said at the TDL), not that we'd do it, hell, I don't think Nash is even worth Jansen because of his lack of defense. Plus I was getting grief for saying that CBJ would never trade down in this draft since they won't be getting a superstar forward/D/Goalie back for Nash. But I'm used to getting grief for my opinions, so that's nothing new.
- DariusKnight

If you are CB owner and you had one of the highest payrolls and finished dead last you would want to burn the team and its managers.


Nash and 2 nd overall will not get the BJs into the playoffs where as getting Kesler Schneider Raymond would sure give them a fighting chance.

Question is, do those three guys help us win the stanley cup next year? Just like to see this organization go for it while our core is not on the back side of thier careers.
Hey, I'm a season ticket holder so I would be happy with years and years of regular season success. Good drafting ensures that. But damn I would like to see a cup in my lifetime. This team is positioned to do that right now.
- bloatedmosquito

Yea, I can understand what you're saying. I just think you are probably aren't going to get a player who can contribute immediately at the 26th pick. So what are your options, you can either trade your first round pick (which I personally wouldn't do), or pick an asset that you think could help you in the future.

I think the Canucks can build for both the short term and the long term. They are obviously going to be contenders for the cup again next year, but they also have a bright future with young pieces like Schneider, Edler, Tanev, Kassian, Jensen, etc.

I think talented young D-men are like gold in the current NHL. If you have a few of them, it gives you both cap flexibility and valuable assets that can play. Plus, if you do decide to "roll the dice and go for it all", you can always move one of those young assets for a nice return during the season.

I'm just saying, that is what CBJ would be looking for (based upon what all the hockey insiders said at the TDL), not that we'd do it, hell, I don't think Nash is even worth Jansen because of his lack of defense. Plus I was getting grief for saying that CBJ would never trade down in this draft since they won't be getting a superstar forward/D/Goalie back for Nash. But I'm used to getting grief for my opinions, so that's nothing new.
- DariusKnight

Yeah, I got the sense you were just saying that is the asking price, but I have a hard time believing they would realistically think they could get that. No team will give them that caliber of a package.

I could see a younger, less established top6 forward, a couple of prospects, and a pick. It all depends on his list of teams, but I think NYI is one of the only teams with the resources to land him.

Okposo (or Grabner), De Haan, Anders Nilsson (or Montoya/Poulin), and a 1st in 2013 would be a fantastic return, even a bit of an overpayment IMO.

I don't see a lot of other teams having the resources.

If you are CB owner and you had one of the highest payrolls and finished dead last you would want to burn the team and its managers.


Nash and 2 nd overall will not get the BJs into the playoffs where as getting Kesler Schneider Raymond would sure give them a fighting chance.
- VANTEL

But trading the only player you have that sells tickets in a market that's not doing well anyways will? He's got to go, sure, but Columbus needs a player that can sell tickets there if they want to survive. Maybe I'm naive, but if I'm CBJ, I'm not giving up both Nash and the 2nd overall pick unless I'm getting a HUGE return back. Kesler, Schneider and Raymond isn't going to cut it. But again, I doubt we'd have much interest in Nash as it is with his salary.

But trading the only player you have that sells tickets in a market that's not doing well anyways will? He's got to go, sure, but Columbus needs a player that can sell tickets there if they want to survive. Maybe I'm naive, but if I'm CBJ, I'm not giving up both Nash and the 2nd overall pick unless I'm getting a HUGE return back. Kesler, Schneider and Raymond isn't going to cut it. But again, I doubt we'd have much interest in Nash as it is with his salary.
- DariusKnight

First of all the face of their ticket sales is saying "Get Me The Puck Outta Here". Since his request the fans of Ohio have lost a little of his luster.

Second if your whole franchise depends on one player as to weither they fold or break even,then maybe it is time to find a real hockey market like Seattle, Hamilton ,London Ont , or Quebec City.

Has Nash ever scored 40 goals or won any personal trophy? Is he one of the best shut down players in the league?

Finally the position CBJs need the most is someone who can stop a puck. To turn your nose up at one of the games best to take a chance on a player who has never played an NHL game in a weak pool of talent?

Yeah, I got the sense you were just saying that is the asking price, but I have a hard time believing they would realistically think they could get that. No team will give them that caliber of a package.

I could see a younger, less established top6 forward, a couple of prospects, and a pick. It all depends on his list of teams, but I think NYI is one of the only teams with the resources to land him.

Okposo (or Grabner), De Haan, Anders Nilsson (or Montoya/Poulin), and a 1st in 2013 would be a fantastic return, even a bit of an overpayment IMO.

I don't see a lot of other teams having the resources.
- Fosco

If I'm CBJ, I'm asking for the moon, but expecting to get one of/combo of: A top 6 quality forward (maybe a 2nd liner that produces but isn't getting the ice-time he wants and needing a change of scenery), a high-level prospect (preferably a top-6 potential center (since they don't have a real #1 center) or top-4 potential D) and at least a first round pick at the next draft. I am holding onto the 2nd overall and picking Galchenyuk (since he's projected to be a #1 center someday) unless Edmonton calls and wants to swap picks and then CBJ gets Yakupov.

If I'm CBJ, I'm asking for the moon, but expecting to get one of/combo of: A top 6 quality forward (maybe a 2nd liner that produces but isn't getting the ice-time he wants and needing a change of scenery), a high-level prospect (preferably a top-6 potential center (since they don't have a real #1 center) or top-4 potential D) and at least a first round pick at the next draft. I am holding onto the 2nd overall and picking Galchenyuk (since he's projected to be a #1 center someday) unless Edmonton calls and wants to swap picks and then CBJ gets Yakupov.
- DariusKnight

Let me see who fits that bill KESLER

If I'm CBJ, I'm asking for the moon, but expecting to get one of/combo of: A top 6 quality forward (maybe a 2nd liner that produces but isn't getting the ice-time he wants and needing a change of scenery), a high-level prospect (preferably a top-6 potential center (since they don't have a real #1 center) or top-4 potential D) and at least a first round pick at the next draft. I am holding onto the 2nd overall and picking Galchenyuk (since he's projected to be a #1 center someday) unless Edmonton calls and wants to swap picks and then CBJ gets Yakupov.
- DariusKnight

Not many teams have all of that to offer.

Again, NYI-

Okposo - top6 who needs a change of scenery.
De Haan - top level D prospect who should be ready soon.
Nilsson/Montoya/Poulin - future goalie they desperately need.
2013 1st - can't see NYI parting with this year's pick.

I don't think many other teams could beat that package. Would NYI offer it? Maybe not, but Wang and Snow are probably getting desperate for some results.

Would Nash play in NYI. Probably not. So, I guess it's moot.

I just don't see anyone being able to offer what you suggest. Sucks for CLB. They need the moon for him, but they're going to have to lower the asking price, or convince him to stay.

I honestly can't see this team trading within the conference, especially if someone like Schnieder of Luongo will be getting dealt.

Nash- he is not the solution. If it isnt obvious by now, Kesler is not a play maker, and I don't think he compliments the Sedins style of play. And his cap hit is worse than Roberto's with less results.

I honestly can't see this team trading within the conference, especially if someone like Schnieder of Luongo will be getting dealt.

Nash- he is not the solution. If it isnt obvious by now, Kesler is not a play maker, and I don't think he compliments the Sedins style of play. And his cap hit is worse than Roberto's with less results.
- kent

I'd like to see a 2nd line of Booth Kesler Parenteau.

PA passes more than any winger, and he might be the key to Booth and Kesler finding some chemistry. By trading Luongo, it will free up the necessary cap space to sign PA. I'm guessing he's looking for 3.5-4.5m per season.

I'd like to see a 2nd line of Booth Kesler Parenteau.

PA passes more than any winger, and he might be the key to Booth and Kesler finding some chemistry. By trading Luongo, it will free up the necessary cap space to sign PA. I'm guessing he's looking for 3.5-4.5m per season.
- Scooby_Doo

I wouldn't mind him at all either, but I read that he's apparently asking the Isles for a long-term contract(3+ years) at a cap hit of around 4.5. So he may even get offered 5 mil per from a desperate team which is too much for a complementary player IMO.

You also have to keep in mind that the cap is going up to 69 mil so the average 3rd liner is going to make around 3 mil per and you'll see the average second liner making 4-5 mil. Similar to last season, people are going to be surprised at how much some FA's are going to get.