Off-Season Trade Thread - Needs/Wants

[Island Nucklehead]

Where does Kassian fit in that line-up SKYO? I would hope he's higher on the depth chart than Bitz come the fall. I think Armstrong is washed up, his style of play has destroyed his body.

Also, the Canucks went to great lengths to ensure Gragnani didn't become a UFA, I think they have plans for him next season.

I'd like to see a crease-clearing, hard-hitting guy too. The Canucks "D" is soft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxXyncOop1k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khu-OyOqB4w&feature=related

I'd resign Pahlsson if Schroeder isn't ready, and I'd try to package Ballard and the rights to Raymond for someone that can score. Maybe tack on that 5th overall for a BC boy (and RFA) like Jamie Benn

Sedin-Sedin-Benn
Higgins-Kesler-Booth
Burrows-Schroeder (Pahlsson)-Hansen
Lappy-Manny-Kassian

Hamjuice
Schedler
Talo
Gagberts

[SKYO]

Weiss plays for FLA. We dont have him....yet!

Lappy should be the third line center IMO. Manny to patrol the fourth line defensive FO's.

Luongo isn't a cap dump, and I dont think we need to take back a crappy contract at all. Plus, unless all this hubbub about Cory signing for $4+/yr it remains to be seen if he can even handle the 65-68 games a yr. Cory could still easily be shipped off for an equal young prospect who has been groomed appropriately.

ha good call on "Weise".

Lappy for the 3rd line center is a horrible move imo, we need scoring from all our top 3 lines, if not 4 to win Lord Stanley.

Unless some crazy team offers us P Kane for Luongo, MG needs to address our defense which is pretty horrible.

Where does Kassian fit in that line-up SKYO? I would hope he's higher on the depth chart than Bitz come the fall. I think Armstrong is washed up, his style of play has destroyed his body.

Also, the Canucks went to great lengths to ensure Gragnani didn't become a UFA, I think they have plans for him next season.

I'd like to see a crease-clearing, hard-hitting guy too. The Canucks "D" is soft.

I'd resign Pahlsson if Schroeder isn't ready, and I'd try to package Ballard and the rights to Raymond for someone that can score. Maybe tack on that 5th overall for a BC boy (and RFA) like Jamie Benn

Sedin-Sedin-Benn
Higgins-Kesler-Booth
Burrows-Schroeder (Pahlsson)-Hansen
Lappy-Manny-Kassian

Hamjuice
Schedler
Talo
Gagberts

Kassian if he doesn't put on 10 lbs of muscle and work hard on his skating fitness this offseason, he needs to be in Chicago for half a season, to put in work, pay his dues and learn how to become a pure power forward, rushing his development could be detrimental to his psyche.

Another reason why AV is not coming back, why didn't he use Gragnani??????
He had a awesome post season for Buffalo last year!!!

Nope to Pahlsson, as we are already on the hook for Manny's $2.5M per year faceoff contributions, we need more scoring abilities for the 3rd line, and he does not provide that.

Getting someone via trade for Ballard makes the most sense.

Chris Kelly is going to get Leino money unfortunately, he'd be perfect for our 3rd line, IF he cares for winning maybe we can snag him, if not ballard for a decent 3rd line center makes the most sense.

[Hockey Widow]

If Manny can continue to recover we will see him as our third line centre and Lappy back on the 4th line. One thing that is obvious to me is that the teams doing the best in the playoffs can all roll 4 lines with effectiveness. With the loss of Dank and with Raymond having a piss poor year we could not effectivley roll 3 lines let alone 4.

As for AV, he does this every year, shorten the bench. Why he stuck with our third line when we needed scoring, he should have re-united the Amex sooner. But bottom line is LA is a lot better balanced than we are. Still would not have mattered what AV did I think.

AV had a lot of pressure on him when it came to line ups. He had to use MAG for reasons we know but it was easy to tell he was just not an AV type of player. Hell if Ballard had problems staying in the line up you could tell MAG was press box bound for the playoffs. In the playoffs he lost a lot of autonomy as to the line up and the lines. He lost autonomy as to who he started in net. You know this didn't sit well and is a big reason he has gone silent.

I have heard that he is still assessing his options, he still doesn't know what ownership wants to do but it was much publicized last year that had we lost to Chicago he was gone. I think the writing is on the wall, I doubt he gets an extension, and Montreal is waiting for permission to speak to him.

I would be shocked if he got an extension but not surprised if MG advocates for him to work out his contract. BUT MG may do so at his own peril. From what I have heard ownership wanted AV gone with Nonis and left the decision up to MG. It was not a popular decision at the time. My bet is he is allowed to speak to Montreal and if he gets an offer he will be gone. That would be the cheapest route for Vancouver rather than firing him.

AS to off season needs, well we definitely need to get bigger and harder to play against on the back end. Up front I am just as confused as most people as to what we need. Its hard to argue that shut down hockey doesn't work when you see what Phoenix has done and watch the Caps and NYR series. But we do need to score.

[Orcasfan]

Groan! Just what we need...owners micro-managing! Having that much interference during the playoffs would really be shi**y! If they get rid of AV, just who will replace him? The Province thinks McClellan (San Jose) could be available. I don't know...I haven't been overly impressed with him. How about Quenville, if he's available? This could be a real mess!

[Island Nucklehead]

Groan! Just what we need...owners micro-managing! Having that much interference during the playoffs would really be shi**y! If they get rid of AV, just who will replace him? The Province thinks McClellan (San Jose) could be available. I don't know...I haven't been overly impressed with him. How about Quenville, if he's available? This could be a real mess!

Given the only results that matter (playoffs), it shouldn't surprize anyone if AV gets fired.

Won't be shocked if he's back, but if there's plenty of reasons for him to be canned.

[Diehard1]

I'm really not all that worried about what happens with AV, I like what he's done for the most part but he's got his weaknesses as well. If he's back then great, if not then it might be time to see what another coach can do. We all know the personnel is there to have a very good team so either way the Nucks will be very good.

I agree with HW, bigger and meaner on the D is badly needed. Whether that's a new partner for Edler or moving one of the guys back there to change the mix Im not sure, but I do see at least one new top 4 guy back there. A guy like Jackman, if he's available, would be good. If he's not available then somebody in that mould is what is needed. Bieksa's the only guy back there with any toughness at the moment. I do see Hamhuis, Bieksa and Tanev as givens, Edler a very likely unless he's traded for very good value, and a couple of back end #6 types here if Rome and Alberts aren't. Salo I don't think will be back unless it's in a reduced role as he really slowed down over the season. Ballard is iffy, depends on what happens with other guys. I'd assume Gillis will try to trade him. The D is where I believe the most work is needed, and a guy like Weber is a pipe dream so we don't need to go there.

In goal it's been talked to death - Lu is likely gone and there's not a lot to add.

Up front, a guy who I'd love to see is Kris Versteeg, he's got grit and is good for 50 points. He's also a decent playmaker which is needed. With Booth and Kes size isn't necessary on that line. Again, it doesn't have to be Versteeg but somebody like him. I also think that Manny will probably be given the 3 rd line center spot as long as he's healthy enough, which he definitely wasn't this year. The 4 th line will be Lappy and whoever else makes the team, there will be new bodies brought in here too. It wasn't good enough this year.

All in all not a ton is needed, just an injection of energy and some more heart and this team will be good to go.

[Island Nucklehead]

Not sure where all this faith in Malhotra is coming from. The guy sustained a career-threatening eye injury. Odds are he will never be the player he once was. If he's back playing hockey, that's probably as "recovered" as he's going to get. When a guy is capable of taking body checks and blows to the head/face area, it probably means his eye is "healthy".

I think his days as a 3rd line C are done. He's still got value (faceoffs), but he's overpaid and I can't see him taking on a 3rd line roll next year.

IMO, a capable third line centre is a serious priority. It would be nice if Schroeder could step up to that role. Because we have Malhotra and Lapierre, we can have various D-zone looks on the draw, and give Schroeder the chance to play some offensive minutes.

[CFP!]

and give Schroeder the chance to play some offensive minutes.

Are we making him a "moveable" asset too?

[Fred]

The Canucks were reduced to a one line team for the play-offs and I don't care how good the Sedins are they can't win like that. Why the Hell they took Burrows off that line I have no idea. Kesler was never going to come through be it injuries or what ever. So the question that need to be asked is how do they rectify the situation. There seems to be three solutions. (A) Kesler make a full recovery and they mix and match two wingers to go with him, but frankly I don't like that because thereisn't another play maker amongst them all. Kes,Booth and Higgins are all from the same tree....shooters. (B) Bring in via trade a play making centre and move Kes to the wing. (C) Give Schroeder a shot at 2nd line centre. . You can hardly blame AV for the lack of quality amongst the forwards. Higgin, Booth, Raymond, Hansen, Ebbett, are all auxiliary 3/4th line parts. Burrows and Daniel are the only 2 wingers that stand out. Booth aided and abetted by Ballard have upset the salary cap and it leaves AV sorting out the bloody mess.

If AV is punted how will it effect the players ?

A stud take charge defensman would help as well

[Diehard1]

Not sure where all this faith in Malhotra is coming from. The guy sustained a career-threatening eye injury. Odds are he will never be the player he once was. If he's back playing hockey, that's probably as "recovered" as he's going to get. When a guy is capable of taking body checks and blows to the head/face area, it probably means his eye is "healthy".

I think his days as a 3rd line C are done. He's still got value (faceoffs), but he's overpaid and I can't see him taking on a 3rd line roll next year.

IMO, a capable third line centre is a serious priority. It would be nice if Schroeder could step up to that role. Because we have Malhotra and Lapierre, we can have various D-zone looks on the draw, and give Schroeder the chance to play some offensive minutes.

I don't think anyone is assuming Manny will be back to his old self, it's just that if he is it's a huge help to the team. Manny at 100% is as good a third line center as anybody on the market this year, and he's already signed.

Hopefully Gillis will know before July 1st how Manny's offseason is going and whether or not he'll be back. If he's not I wouldn't be surprised to see Manny dumped as he's overpaid as a 4th line winger and face off specialist.

If Manny isn't healthy it's not a huge amount of cap space to sign a guy like Jay McClement or Pahlsson on a 1 year del
Al so I'm not that worried about it. The D and top 6 winger are much more important.

[Orcasfan]

Groan! Just what we need...owners micro-managing! Having that much interference during the playoffs would really be shi**y! If they get rid of AV, just who will replace him? The Province thinks McClellan (San Jose) could be available. I don't know...I haven't been overly impressed with him. How about Quenville, if he's available? This could be a real mess!

Given the only results that matter (playoffs), it shouldn't surprize anyone if AV gets fired.

Won't be shocked if he's back, but if there's plenty of reasons for him to be canned.

So, according to your rationale, it's not good enough for a coach to have the best regular season ever, and make it to game 7 of the SCF? Because the team didn't win the cup - that's grounds for dumping the coach? Do you think you might be setting the bar a little high there?

[Island Nucklehead]

I don't think anyone is assuming Manny will be back to his old self, it's just that if he is it's a huge help to the team. Manny at 100% is as good a third line center as anybody on the market this year, and he's already signed.

Hopefully Gillis will know before July 1st how Manny's offseason is going and whether or not he'll be back. If he's not I wouldn't be surprised to see Manny dumped as he's overpaid as a 4th line winger and face off specialist.

If Manny isn't healthy it's not a huge amount of cap space to sign a guy like Jay McClement or Pahlsson on a 1 year del
Al so I'm not that worried about it. The D and top 6 winger are much more important.

Gillis is lucky that Luongo is apparently waiving his NTC, allowing Gillis out of his "I won't ask players to lift NTC's" statements. I can't see him forcing Manny's hand with one year left on his deal. The guy has been a warrior and was an inspiration for the Canucks, I think he's here next season, most likely in the same roll as last year.

So, according to your rationale, it's not good enough for a coach to have the best regular season ever, and make it to game 7 of the SCF? Because the team didn't win the cup - that's grounds for dumping the coach? Do you think you might be setting the bar a little high there?

That was a whole season ago. I think there are certainly grounds for dumping the coach when his team looks lazy for 2 months heading into the playoffs, all the while saying that only the playoffs matter and then is effectively neutered by an 8-seed. Full credit to Los Angeles, but somewhere along the line the Canucks decided they had to play like LA to beat LA, and that obviously blew up in their face.

This is a results-based business, and another President's Trophy is fine and dandy, but this team is expected to win playoff rounds. AV has been here 6 full years and has made it out of the second round just once. I wouldn't be shocked to see him back, but there NEEDS to be accountability for the disaster that was the 2012 playoffs.

[Orcasfan]

Fair enough, Nucklehead, I don't disagree with your take on AV's overall playoff success. But according to HW, this year, it seems that important decisions about the playing roster, etc were being made by management or owners. And I don't think it was just laziness that hit the team in the past two months of the season. But whatever the situation actually was, it does look more and more like AV is gone. And, maybe Gillis too?

But, somehow, that assessment seems to be based on viewing the current team as much deeper than it really is. So, from that perspective, given the depth and talent on this team, AV should have been able to get the team much deeper into the playoffs. I don't buy it! I think this team, even at its height last year, still had weaknesses that showed up, especially during the SCF. And, this year, despite GMMG's attempts to rectify, those same weaknesses became evident again. Unless the team is able to add the necessary fixes, I don't have much faith in how much difference a new coach will make!

[RoyalDude]

Where does Kassian fit in that line-up SKYO? I would hope he's higher on the depth chart than Bitz come the fall. I think Armstrong is washed up, his style of play has destroyed his body.

Also, the Canucks went to great lengths to ensure Gragnani didn't become a UFA, I think they have plans for him next season.

I'd like to see a crease-clearing, hard-hitting guy too. The Canucks "D" is soft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxXyncOop1k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khu-OyOqB4w&feature=related

I'd resign Pahlsson if Schroeder isn't ready, and I'd try to package Ballard and the rights to Raymond for someone that can score. Maybe tack on that 5th overall for a BC boy (and RFA) like Jamie Benn

Sedin-Sedin-Benn



Higgins-Kesler-Booth
Burrows-Schroeder (Pahlsson)-Hansen
Lappy-Manny-Kassian

Hamjuice
Schedler
Talo
Gagberts

Knucklehead, Come on Dude, Jamie Benn is the cornerstone, future of the Dallas Stars. Ain't happening. But what really grosses me out with your post is the fact that you are keeping all 3 of Pahlsson, Lappy and Malhotra, with a 'if Schroeder isn't ready'. God, pray tell that Schroeder makes it, if that's the case. I can't believe you are still in love with Shut Down Hockey, which is another term for Players Who Can't Create Offense? Do you not like goals? Do you not feel that goals are a key part of winning in hockey? You still have that useless combination on the 2nd line, two puch hoggers, one that is completely hollow between the ears, when he gets the puck he has absolutely no foresight on what to do with it, and the useless consummate journeyman Higgins.

Gragnani? Are you fucking serious?

I like Kassian but the kid but he is seriously immature between the ears, would not be surprised if he spends the year in Chicago. He's still a project and certainly not ready for 3rd line status.

Dude, it's the 2nd and 3rd line that are in need of major overhauling and one more stud on D. Of those 2 lines, the only players worthy of playing on them right now are Jansen and Kesler. The rest can fucking go.

Jamie Benn? ROTFLMAO!

[RoyalDude]

The Canucks were reduced to a one line team for the play-offs and I don't care how good the Sedins are they can't win like that. Why the Hell they took Burrows off that line I have no idea. Kesler was never going to come through be it injuries or what ever. So the question that need to be asked is how do they rectify the situation. There seems to be three solutions. (A) Kesler make a full recovery and they mix and match two wingers to go with him, but frankly I don't like that because thereisn't another play maker amongst them all. Kes,Booth and Higgins are all from the same tree....shooters. (B) Bring in via trade a play making centre and move Kes to the wing. (C) Give Schroeder a shot at 2nd line centre. . You can hardly blame AV for the lack of quality amongst the forwards. Higgin, Booth, Raymond, Hansen, Ebbett, are all auxiliary 3/4th line parts. Burrows and Daniel are the only 2 wingers that stand out. Booth aided and abetted by Ballard have upset the salary cap and it leaves AV sorting out the bloody mess.

If AV is punted how will it effect the players ?

A stud take charge defensman would help as well

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