Hank wrote:Mëds, I agree with you. Perhaps I didn't word it well...
Higgins & Hansen are FORCED into top-6 scoring roles, they are having to play minutes and perform where they are not suited for.
If the forwards that are slotted/paid to be top-6 were playing up to snuff (ie. Booth, Burrows, Dank and maybe Kassian), then role players wouldn't have to fill positions they are not good at... like the onus of generating consistent offence and finishing chances.
Edler absolutely needs to be traded for a scoring forward (however, I hear he is unwilling to waive the NTC that he just got), Booth needs to be bought out and hopefully the rumors are true... NYR might want Burrows to replace some of the things that Callahan did.
...and yes, Henrik & Daniel needs to play much better.
Just had lunch with some friends. Nothing I say here comes directly from the players involved, but allegedly, from other players on the team. So third hand rumour.
Someone on Canucks management, not MG cause he would never ask a player to waive a NTC
, approached several players with NTC to see if they would contemplate waiving their NTC at the deadline if the Canucks got a deal they liked. Bieksa and Hamhuis said no. Burrows said no, maybe for Montreal but not mid season. Kesler and Edler said yes, but not an absolute yes. They said yes, they would contemplate waiving if they were asked. None of the players were asked to submit a list of teams. None of the players were asked to waive. The sense I got was the Canucks were simply exploring the possibility of seeing if any of these guys would waive. None of the players asked to be traded. Kesler was more vocal about his willingness to move but would not consider a non playoff team. Never ruled out a Canadian team. Never said no to NYR, as he wasn't asked for a list. Was concerned about going to a hated rival and the potential impact that may have on his endorsements he has here, but never ruled anyone out. Was vocal about loving to play with high calibre players at an elite level, I take that to mean he love his line mates at the Olympics.
This allowed MG to explore trade possibilities and he knew who among his players would contemplate a move. No one was approached on deadline day about waiving which certainly supports that MG never got an offer he was contemplating accepting.
Kesler was very relieved at the end of the day but he is concerned, after watching what Luongo went through, that this will take on a life of its own. He has not ruled out an extension when the time is right. His one and only focus is being on a winning team. But he will not stand in the way of a trade if that is the direction the team wants to go in. He will exercise his right to go to a destination of his choice if it comes to that. Has not been told what the Canucks intentions are after the season.
From what I gather, MG was telling the truth, he never asked any players to waive. Very Clintonish of him. Someone on the Canucks broached the subject. Kesler being brash and out spoken probably had a lot to say off the record out drinking with the guys. Perhaps he started having visions of playing with Kane or Crosby and began to like the thought. Who knows.
From what I gather the dressing room is deflated but not fractured. The players themselves are at a complete loss to try and explain this season. But they also see they they need change. So far they all want to be part of that change but we know some would waive under the right circumstances.
I think in the absence of a great offer MG did the right thing in not moving players out yesterday. But I think we will see at least one of the core moved this summer.