Hey all,
Hope your summer is going well. It's 40 degrees celcius from where I'm posting and so I thought I'd post some random thoughts:
A) If Sundin isn't destined to come here then do you think it would be a wise move on Gillis' part to HELP a team (that's actually in the running for Sundin) to clear cap space to accomodate Sundin? In other words - If a team like the Rangers want Sundin (but need to clear cap space), perhaps the Canucks can deal with them and help them out? (and land a guy like Drury or Gomez in the process). Just a thought:
B) I was originally disappointed at the idea of Gillis going after Parish. However - if the price is right, then I guess wouldn't mind. Parish might be useless in most areas, but I could tolerate him if he consistently produced on the power play (with a low salary).
C) I had a good chuckle at the THN (or whoever it was?) rankings the other day. The Canucks were pegged at #11 while a team like the Wild was at #3. I'm not so sure why the Wild are ranked that high (unless they're confusing Owen Nolan with Alex Ovechkin?). As far as MY prediction goes - I think this current Canuck team is an 8th place team (which will lose in 6-7 games in the 1st round). Demitra is an upgrade on Morrison in my opinion, while Bernier should be a better fit with the twins than Naslund. I don't expect our defense to be decimated with injuries as they were last year either. Furthermore - I think both Bieksa (better health) and Luongo (no off-ice distractions.....knock on wood) will have bounce back seasons.
If the Canucks land Sundin, I think we'll be 4th in the conference (3rd round playoff appearance). Having said that - I don't think the Canucks will land Sundin (if he was interested, he would have signed here already I believe), while this CURRENT Canuck team will NOT be the team the Canucks head into the season with.
D) What would YOU rather have? A superstar goalie (i.e. Luongo, Kipper, Brodeur) that plays spectacularly ALL season long (salary would be about 7 million+ per season) OR a goalie, with average/above average ability, that plays exceptionally well when it matters most (salary for this type of goalie would be 3-4 mill per season). Case in point - Dwayne Roloson a few years ago. Between 1995 and 2004 (in a non salary cap era), having a superstar goalie was almost an absolute necessity. In today's NHL however, with a salary cap, is there a risk involved in signing/trading for a "top 3 goalie in the NHL?"
Can a valid argument be made that teams should NOT go after a top 3 superstar goalie, UNLESS they have young prospects/kids waiting in the wings that can substantially overachieve?
E) No way I pay the Sedin twins 7 million a piece. 6 million tops. If they don't accept, I say move em' (unless they actually show an ability to "step up" when it matters most). What's the point in getting 80 points a season if only 4-6 of those are in "important" games when the team needs you the most? I'm still disgusted at how the twins disappeared during the final stretch last year.
F) I am NOT a fan of Veenyo. I think his Jack Adams award from 2 seasons ago was a fluke....as he basically won that due to riding the coattails of a scorching Luongo. Last season - Veenyo (retardadly) publicly outed Mitchell (riddled with injuries) and Luongo (wife pregnancy complications). Despite Linden proving himself to be a clutch player in the 06/07 playoffs, Veenyo did NOT give Linden a fair chance during the final stretch. Why Veenyo played Luongo in the FINAL game of the season is beyond me.
I think Veenyo's presence and style of play will potentiall scare away offensive stars from signing here. If you ask me? Fire Veenyo - hire Pat Quinn. Quinn is loved and respected around the league.
G) A few nicknames I thought of (just incase some our beloved Canucks...or potential future Canucks....start to underachieve).
-Darcy Hordischmuck
-Kyle Deadwood
-Mark Perish
-Roberto Luongone (I'm assuming next season...if the Canucks suck...and Luongo is destined to sign elsewhere as a UFA, this name might catch on).
-Messier II (If Sundin comes here and underachieves).
-Demi(tra) Moore (Ok...this was one was kind of lame....but what else can I do on such a hot freakin' day?).
H) IF the Canucks are destined to move a blue-liner for offensive help, I wonder what Mattias Ohlund (our best defenseman) could fetch us?....especially as part of a package. This all of course, is if Ohlund was willing to waive his NTC.
I) If the Canucks can't get Sundin, then what about Patrick Marleau? Marleau is in the final year of his contract, and will probably leave SJ anyways. It might not take too much to get him.
J) Are Brendan Shanahan and Teemu Selanne still available? If so - would a 1 year 5 million dollar offer to each guy be ludicrous? Shanahan might be 40 years old, but you can't put a price tag on the leadership that he would provide.
K) Jason Alexander (a.k.a. George Kastanza) should be Penguin in the next Batman movie. (kidding
