Canucks make Pyatt an offer

From TSN:

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, the Canucks have offered Pyatt a two-year deal with Pyatt's agent saying it's a "legitimate offer".

That 'legitimate offer' was in the $1.2 million per season range when they talked earlier in the season, about doubling his former deal. At that time it was reported that Pyatt and his agent were targeting $1.5 million for 3 seasons. That really isn't all that far off. Pyatt had 23 goals and 14 assists in 76 games this season. He had 2 goals and 6 points in 12 playoff games.

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Is Andrei Markov worth $5.75 million per year?

''We consider Andrei an elite player in the NHL,'' said general manager Bob Gainey. ''His experience, his statistics. . . he's an important part of our team and he's an important part of the Russian national team, which is always an indication of an elite player.''

Markov is an anchor back there and did put up 43 points this season. But doesn't this make you think that the Canucks got a steal signing Sammi Salo at 4 years for $14 million?
Bob Gainey has his hands full. The signing of Markov at that price nearly guarantees one way ticket out of Montreal for Sheldon Sourray (26 goals and 63 points), who will probably get $7 million elsewhere. From what I am seeing, Gainey still has to sign Chris Higgins, Michael Ryder, Radek Bonk, Mike Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Alex Perezhogin, Aaron Downey, Thomas Plekanec and perhaps even David Aebischer. So bye-bye to Janne Niinimaa as well.

T Tags: Canucks Taylor+Pyatt Contract+Offer Canadiens Andrei+Markov Sheldon+Sourray