Picking Up The Pieces (Part II: The Forwards)
by Yankee Canuck on May 21, 2009 6:00 AM PDT
in Nation-Building
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PrintI had to take about about a week off from hockey (amazing, it's only been that long since Vancouver coughed up that last game). I needed to put the game out of my mind for a bit and yet, still, it keeps reeling me back in. I'm curious what Gillis is going to do, especially if he is watching these final four teams (which I have not save for the end of game one in the Chicago/Detroit series).
Anyone else get the feeling that if Vancouver had outlasted Chicago, Detroit would have killed them? Sure feels that way.
Nevertheless, let's boldly continue on picking up the pieces of the team of destiny (snicker). Last time we looked at the five big questions facing Gillis right off the bat (Ohlund, D. Sedin, H. Sedin, Luongo and Sundin).
Now let's consider the rest of the Canucks nation, starting with the forwards. Who stays, who goes, who was awesome and who flat out sucked.
Starting from the first line on down:
Status: Signed through 2013, UFA afterwards
You can't say much more about Mr. Everything's year. By earning the right to play with the Sedins, Burrows added 20 points to his previous career high of 31, finishing with 51 points (fifth highest on the team). He had no points on the power play but lead the team with four shorties. His even strength shooting percentage jumped from 6.7% to 15.2% and he tacked on the third highest shots on the team (175) and was the second in takeaways (63) too. Pretty amazing what happens when you take one of the hardest workers on the team and pretend he's a Swedish twin, huh?
Gillis rewarded Burrows (and the team really) with an extension of four years at two million a pop. A more cap-friendly contract you'd be hard pressed to find unless, that is, Burrows crashes back to Earth next year.
And therein lies the big question. If the Sedins go, Burrows will almost certainly see his production take a hit. But for now he remains a crucial part of the next year's team.
Status: Signed through 2010, RFA afterwards
From one rock star to another. KesLORD had his coming out party this year too; the Selke nominee finished with a career-high 59 points, which included career highs in goals, assists, plus/minus, PPG, PPA and tied his career high in shorties. After six seasons (picked 23rd in 2003...and son of a bitch we have the 23rd pick this year), the organization's patience with Kesler finally paid off.
As we're discussed before, we don't know how much of this can be attributed to Sundin's influence on Kes as part of the RPM line. We'll find out next season as he moves into his contract year. Considering all the flak he got about taking less money to stick around, it's easy to see (re: hope) KesLORD signing a deal that keeps him around Vancouver for a long time.
Status: Signed through 2010, UFA afterwards
Did anyone else laugh to themselves when some Hawks fans were psyched that Demitra went down? I had no idea Demo was a Hawk killer. After one year of being a Canuck I'm more apt to say the poor guy kills himself and little else.
Perhaps I'm not being fair. Demo did finish fourth on the team with 53 points but that represents his worst year since the 1997-98 campaign. He played in just 69 games, similar average to his two years in Minnesota. His shooting percentage remains curiously high at 14%, his second best total in five years.
And, though he wasn't supposed to replace Naslund, in a side by side comparison, Demo had more assists, more points, more multi-point games and a better points per game pace (Nazzy, for what it's worth, played in all 82 games, had more goals, PP goals, hits and takeaways). So yeah, cue the "strength of his linemates" argument right about here.
There's no reason to suspect Demitra's numbers won't take another hit next year. He'll be 35, recouping from offseason shoulder surgery and won't be skating alongside Sundin to draw the attention of the defensemen away again. He's still valuable at times, but his lack of durability will continue to be vexing, especially if the Canucks continue to play an up-tempo type of game.
See more on Demo in Zanstorm's piece.
Status: RFA
Ah Pudge. The man some of us liked, then hated, then liked, we went mildly indifferent and finally back to happy again. So much drama for a waiver wire pirate.
His 27 points this year are a bit of a far cry from his fantastic sophomore outing with the Leafs back in 2005-06 but, then again, he did fall to the third line (after being waived again in early October). On the plus side his 18 goals this year (10 of which were PP goals, tying him for the team lead) were both career highs. So too were three game winners. His shooting percentage of 19.1% was another career best.
Pudge did embrace his checking role (cue laughter) and didn't turn out too bad in the process. His game one face against the Hawks showed the guy, contrary to popular belief, can actually be a hockey player.
Now, all of that said, do you want him back? Did he earn a raise on his $1,000,000 and, if so, how much? Personally I'm torn. He deserves a modest raise but I'd like to see him work more on his conditioning if he's going to be a more crucial piece of this team's strategy and not like he was this past season ("well, shit, we have him so stick him somewhere").
Status: UFA
After posting two straight 37 point seasons, Pyatt dipped badly this year, playing in just 60 games (the shortest of his Vancouver days) and only notched 19 points, his third worst total in an right year NHL career. In truth, his season is quite similar to his final Buffalo year where he played in only 41 games and notched 12 points due to a wrist injury.
Pyatt deserves a mountain of credit for returning in the playoffs under the circumstances that he did. That said, I'm not confident at all he'll be returning next season. Don't get me wrong; if he returns I'm sure he'll be as plug and play as he's always been and damn helpful on the PK. But I think the Bernier signing may seal the deal in terms of big guys who are still projects. Second I'm curious if Gillis could use $1.5 million (Pyatt's current salary) for other needs when it comes to filling slots on the first and second lines and replace Pyatt with someone from Manitoba.
Status: Signed through 2010, RFA afterwards
Well obviously Gillis sees something in him. As we said when he resigned, he's had a career year at the same time as he struggled mightily. The organization believes in him and he'll spend a lot of time this summer (while the rest of us are at happy hour) on his conditioning and stick handling. Bank on it, he'll be better next year and we should get a bit more of this.
And may I suggest, if Pudge sticks around, he is pushed into the same camp?
Status: Signed through 2010, RFA afterwards
If I had to write about Raymond a few months ago, I would have gleefully torn the poor guy a new one. He sucked. No one can fault him on speed, but everything else seemed to be slipping away from him: no goals for two and half months, started to lose the faith of Vigneault and found himself in the press box, etc.
But watching him in the playoffs was an entirely different story. His work on the PK was extraordinary and, while he only had three points in the post season, it totally recharged my faith in him. Keep in mind he's only 23, just finished his second season (one in which he played in the Young All Stars Game) and has plenty of room to grew if the team surrounds him with the right linemates. Remember Demitra likened him in the beginning of the year to Gaborik so take that for what it's worth. Finally he can help ease the transition for any AHL'ers next year (I'm feeling Grabner or Jaffray here).
I expect big things out of him come October. Don't let me down buddy (does he have a nickname yet?)
Status: Signed through 2010, UFA afterwards
It's comical to have guys like Demitra and Salo on the same team as Johnson. Nothing like living in the extreme ends of the spectrum.
I'm not sure if I've ever seen a more unsung hero on a Vancouver team. His production is a joke (he had 18 points last season and 11 the year before that) but that's not why he's here. He's here to block shots and win key faceoffs on the PK. To that end, he finished fourth best on the team in blocked shots at 84, but he also spent almost 20 games out with a broken finger from, yes, blocking shots. He was tied with Ohlund for the team lead with 19 blocked shots in the post season. His faceoff percentage in the post season was 58.6%, good enough for third on the team, even ahead of Sundin.
For a team that spent far too much time with a man down this year, Johnson was often saving them all by sacrificing his body. You literally can't ask for much more. So rest up Balls. Perhaps see if the NHLPA medical plan covers adamantium. And if so inform Salo and Demo.
Status: Signed through 2011, UFA afterwards
Well Blackout did his job. Tied for 12th in the league in fighting majors (12) and third on the team in PIMs (109) Darcy was the effective muscle the team really hasn't had since they pitched Brashear away for Jan Hlavac back in '01. Sigh.
He made his presence felt in the playoffs, both in the box (14 PIMs in 10 games) and on the scoreboard with his first career playoff goal in game four against the Hawks. He was also named the third star of that game.
What more can you say? He's the brawn. Just stay out of the box next season. Unless it's extremely necessary. Then, by all means, blackout with extreme prejudice.
Status: RFA
Hansen still represents the best memory I have of Jan Bulis. He went from five games and no points last season to 55 games and 21 points this season. Not too shabby. He also showed himself, right out of the gate, to be a good team player. More than once.
In his first full season he also suffered a broken finger that knocked him out for 14 games and hurt the PK a bit where Hansen thrived. Hansen also was a victim of the numbers game a few times with Vigneault opting to sit him in favor of other players filling in on the third and fourth lines. To that end, he only saw two playoff games this year, both in the first round.
I would love to see Hansen back next year and be part of the continued youth movement, but I question what value Vigneault sees in him. Also his salary of $500,000 seems like an easy target for a fellow GM out there to stick it to Gillis or if they see more in Hansen then Vancouver does. We'll see, but I'd love to see the Dane back in another supporting role.
Status: UFA (Group IV)
For love of sweet christ sign this guy before someone like the Flyers do. I say that not just because of Rypien's noted spunk when he gets his adrenaline flowing, but because I don't think we've seen all of what Ryp can do yet.
Anyone remember the first game against the Flames? How about after Ryp returned after another season of missing 70 games due to injuries and an extended absence for personal reasons? Or how about his spinorama pass to Hordichuk in game four against the Hawks? The kid has some great hockey sense and a good set of hands.
I've said before I see a lot of Burrows in Rypien if he could just stay healthy. He's more than a fighter; now he needs some good medical luck and the TOI to prove it. Let's see what he can do if he starts out on the third or fourth line again. I hope Gillis sees it too.
*******************
Next up we'll examine the Canucks defense.
But for now who do you all want to see here next year? And don't tell me the Niedermayer's because I am liable to run amok and begin punching children.
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i like seeing them listed like this
i know i’m looking through blue-and-green-tinted glasses here, but between ryp, jank, mace, berny, pyatt, butters, and, you know, kes and burr, we’ve got a pretty damn solid group of young forwards. i really hope G-spot can work some magic and keep’em all together for awhile.
But then we are hopin once again that Bernier, Raymond break out. I don’t know if that will happen or not. Gotta sign them Twins for sure!
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I think Raymond is heading for a big year next year, again assuming he has the right line mates. Ditto Edler on the blueline. Time for them to step up and help be the new young faces of this group.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
I think Edler will respond with a great year. He is a bit young still, but he always shows flashes of brilliance followed by moments of face-palming. Time for him to become consistent.
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Anyone else get the feeling that if Vancouver had outlasted Chicago, Detroit would have killed them?
Not me. We played Detroit well this year. I could be wrong, but I don’t care how lousy the Hawks are against Detroit right now. I think we would have done better.
the Hawks had the best record against the Wings of any NHL team this year…
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on May 21, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh. Well thanks for pissing on my parade, Karina :)
I’ll stand by my opinion. This is the playoffs and it’s different. If we played the Wings like we played the Blues we could have beat them.
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice post, I can’t believe its only been a week since the letdown. I’ve done a lot of “summerin” in the last 7 days I guess.
Where to begin. How bout Burrows. His 2 mil a year deal is a steal, even if he reverts to a 30 pt guy, 2 mil a year for a guy who is fast, annoying to play against and can put the puck in the net is one of Gillis’ best deals so far.
Pyatt is gonna walk almost guaranteed, and I would rather give Wellwood a year at 1.5 and plug Hansen/Jaffray into Pyatts’s role.
Rypien HAS to be resigned, he fast became one of the favorite Nucks, and watchin him play for someone else would be heartbreakin.
As for the rest, i’m fine with them. Demitra will have a good year, cause its contract time and he can score another good 2 year deal if he puts up some points. Bernier might come into camp and blow us all away, or then just blow. I’m crossin my fingers for him.
Kesler is on his way to being a star, and I expect another jump in his game next season.
30 goals and 75 points is reasonable, while playin the tough minutes.
I’m still most worried about the Sedins and the possibility of them walkin, it would be SO brutal for our team, i’m not even sure if most fans can even grasp how valuable they are to Vancouver.
And finally, if the Nucks do go shoppin, I want Gaborik or Gagne from Philly. Both guys would address our need for a top 6 scorer with wheels.
I dont like the Neidermayers, but after thinkin about it. Scott would be a nice fit on the backend for the year…
Not to sound rude but…Fuck Gaborik and FUCK Gagne. We don’t need anymore injury-prone players on our team
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
haha, can you imagine? a line of Gaborik, Gagne and Demitra. Sounds fun in theory…until we play Pronger.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on May 21, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
There wouldn’t be enough doctors in the building….
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions
WRONG AGAIN Zanstorm!!! When Gaborik is healthy, he is a gamebreaker and an absolute threat everytime he steps on the ice. Gillis could get him with a sweet incentive laden deal for a few years. As for Gagne, he’s had his bell wrung a few times, but he’s allworld talent and Philly has to shed some salary.
I’m hopin for one of ‘em, and i’ll rub it in when (and if) one comes and tears it up…
God damn I am so glad you are not the GM. You’d probably climb on the roof of GM Place and jump off!
OK, so Gagne is starting to get luckier with injuries. But Grabaprick? I don’t think so. That softy will go for a high as hell pricetag and then go on the IR. Watch Havlat when he signs with a new team. That shitbag will do the same thing.
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, Raymond. I liked his playoffs, and I am holdin out hope that he becomes a Matthew Lombardi type still.
And for the record, I dont like Hordichuk’s game. He is way to one-dimensional.
Burrows: Man what a steal for 2mil over 4 years. Insane work ethic, good wheels and the potential to pocket 30 goals. He’s even mastered the ‘hair takedown’ which will have Duncan Keith looking like Pavel Demitra by next season, mark my words.
Demitra: I’m on the fence. It’s like when you get something really cool from the Dollar Store and you’re stoked on it, but you know at some point you get what you pay for and it’s going to break. Wait what’s that? The 4 Million Dollar Store? Sonofa bitch…
Raymond: Stoked for next year – there is some serious potential here. He’s comparable to Darren Helm on the Red Wings.
Johnson: Other than the fact that his finger looks like Ollie Jokinen after a round with Rick Rypien, he was awesome this year. If the puck was in our zone, and he was on the ice, you felt pretty damn safe that it wasn’t going in the net.
Rypien: Sign… immediately. I like all our players who can drop the gloves, but none of them could go a round with this kid (maybe Bieksa, his face is where angry lives).
I don’t know what to say…you seem to have covered it all.
Gotta have Chubby. He’s gotta come to camp in great shape and he needs to put on enough weight so he doesn’t get bumped off the puck so easily.
Can do without Hordichuk
Definitely need Balls
Raymond…lets call him RayGun…they guy has blazing speed like one. As for his off season…see Chubby.
I’m torn on Pyatt. He seems to be the odd man out in favor of Hodgson.
And then…what about Grabner…
Raygun..I like that! You are good at coming up with names!
by Sean Zandberg on May 21, 2009 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions
About Kesler
whose horrible Game 5 performance is still fresh in my mind. He had only two goals in 10 playoff games (both from Wellwood feeds, one off a luck bounce, and another a tap in), and couldn’t score on breakaways or odd-man rushes either. He doesn’t seem to have the scoring touch.
In the battle of the strong, victory goes to the brave.
On the whole he is one of our best players. During the playoffs I think teams zeroed in on him a bit after he was voted team MVP. Usually having opposing teams focus on one of your players isn’t a bad thing, as it frees up his linemates, but the problem we ran into was Sundin and Demo didn’t take advantage of this during the playoffs.
Basically that line was great for us last year during the regular season, but in the playoffs we found out who the key ingredient was. All opposing teams had to do was single out Kesler and the lines production dropped.
Kes might not be the superstar type of player like Malkin or Crosby who can be singled out by opposing teams and still score, but he’s certainly one of the best mortals out there, and definitey the future captain of this team. Hopefully next year Gillis can find him some linemates that are more consistant and that can rise to the occasion if he’s singled out. If he can do that, we win the cup.
Bring me Stanley. Alive if possible, dead... just as good.
by King Luongshanks on May 22, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions
he'll get better
That was his first real taste of the playoffs wasn’t it?
by Sean Zandberg on May 22, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Just watching Wings/Hawks game four today…yeah, the Wings would have killed Vancouver. Look at how the Wings speed and passing is taking away all of the Hawks’ edge against Vancouver that was speed and physicality. Jesus Hossa just blew by Toews I think and the latter couldn’t do anything.
I hope Gillis is watching. Just get some quality talent in front of Luongo, that’s all we ask. No fragile players, no Sundins. Get some talent that can get the job done.
…and the Wings get a five on three…incoming Detroit goal…
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
What absolute destruction in Chicago. Crazy.
I don’t fear the Wings. Where is the mighty Kane now? Havlat gets hit twice and he’s warming the bench.
I think we would have established a better forecheck and put more pressure in the Wings’ zone than Chicago is.
Just my 2 cents.
I fucking hate watching the team that dismantled us getting killed by the damned Wings. It just reminds me that we could have played a lot better against the Hawks rather than choking.
ha
good point!
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on May 24, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Bieksa or somebody should have crunched that maggot in round 2. What a useless tit he is right now.
Did you see Kronwall almost take his head off too today?
by Sean Zandberg on May 24, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Franzen taking away Kane’s pacifier in Game 4:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNj5MGCmP8Y
LOL, The Mule is great.
haha, I never saw that . Thanks for the clip link!
by Sean Zandberg on May 25, 2009 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions
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