Is It Panic Time?
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 4:55 PM PDT
in Free Agency
55 comments
So let's recap where we stand after this weekend's festivities:
1. Vancouver had nothing positive on the Sedins. In fact, it's looking quite strong that they may hit July 1st as independent contractors available to the highest bidder. And, if they do, they will leave two deep holes in the forward ranks and fundamentally change Vancouver's offensive strategy for the first time in about five or six seasons. Gillis is playing hardball and now runs the risk of damaging any goodwill between the two sides. Part of me honestly still feels he'll cave. But if Gillis lets them walk, it'll be a fierce debate as to if he did the right thing or not. And, if they do leave, how Gillis replaces them is an entirely separate debate.
2. Seeing Luongo up on stage with management is definitely a positive sign. Gillis has been consistent since he took the job that this is Luongo's team. For better or worse. I suspect the extension coming perhaps sometime this week or whenever Gillis is done with his free agency targets. If the extension comes early, then kiss Cory Schneider goodbye as he's the best possible asset to entice other teams to send some NHL caliber our way.
3. We may never know if Gillis had a strong shot at Bouwmeester but the Flames gave up a decent chunk to get a shot at making him sign on a dotted line before Wednesday. If he does sign with Calgary, he's going to give Vancouver headaches for years. If he doesn't sign, does Vancouver take a run at him come Wednesday or do they look elsewhere?
4. If Vancouver is about to lose a trio of Swedes (Ohlund and the twins), we know some their long term replacements: Patrick White's current teammate Jordan Schroeder for starters. A smallish Patrick Kane will look just fine next to Hodgson in a few years. Perhaps on the other side could be RW Anton Rodin, the highest ranked Swede taked by the Canucks since the Sedins. On the blueline (where Vancouver's clearly the weakest at the prospect level) there's hope that Peter Andersson, Kevin Connauton and Jeremy Price can join Yann Sauve as the future defensive core.
Clearly, Vancouver is at a crossroads in every capacity: does Luongo re-up or not? Who replaces Ohlund? Who potentially replaces the Sedins and Sundin? A lot is going to be determined this week (and you bet we'll have every second covered here starting Wednesday) but how much of it is going to be positive or negative?
So, as we wait, let's check the panic level of the Canucks nation.
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I really don’t want to worry about ice other than the one in my drink at the moment. I’m also going to say the following:
- JP Barry is part of the problem.
- Unfortunately he for some reason seems involved in the solution.
- Gillis seems to have a plan, and in particular a plan that thinks in terms of the cap. That, right there, is probably the main reason why I’ll give him a pass, with scrutiny, on most of what he pulls this summer. I might not be personally thrilled about the decisions, but he’s not shooting in the dark and at imaginary targets like some GMs seem to like doing.
- I like the Sedins, I want them back, and I think they are a big part of the Canucks’ culture in some ways. But signing them cannot come at the price of being able to ice a fully competitive team.
In Gillis I DO trust. I’m also at the point where I would lock up the Sedins, but if we don’t I know Gillis has a plan B. The free agent crop is pretty big, especially with forwards.
Welcome back by the way! This is gonna suck. I leave for holidays right at the peak time of the offseason. Damn!
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 28, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with RSM for the most part. Agents tend to suck, that’s their job. But Gillis has to have a plan. He did too much this past year to make Vancouver a second rate team that wouldn’t be able to make the playoffs and make some noise. I’m intensely curious what his plan B is if the Sedins leave, but I’m hoping something kicks in during the next 48 hours.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
So then Gillis should sign them longer term for a smaller cap hit, right?
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 28, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions
The Sedins? I think that’s his stance…it seems he’s not Snow or Sather and not willing to roll out any deal longer than five years (that affects both the twins and Lui for that matter). I mean the Sedins will still make bank at 33 right? Hell wait until they’re 37 and pull a Sundin.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I mean the Sedins will still make bank at 33 right?
Oh yeah!
At 37 they want to return to Sweden to play there. They’ve already said that.
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 28, 2009 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions
So the bet is either the Sedins think someone like Burke or Snow or maybe even the Wild or LA will pony up money for two superstar players (assuming they need two). Or they’ll see the caliber of the offers from the teams out there and realize that Vancouver is a better deal.
On the flip side, if they leave, it destroys the first line entirely as Burrows made his name on that line. Now he’ll have to do it with two other guys, likely not named Kesler. Think about the enormous dent in the offense that creates. Pretty scary.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions
True That!
But I do think the second option is the more likely one, frankly. Other teams, one hopes, aren’t desperate enough to plant the long-term deal the Sedins (apparently) want – or those that are desperate enough aren’t going to be in the most, ah, playoff ready position.
It could trigger a blow-up if they don’t sign, which would be interesting. Assume Luongo gets traded away (he’s long talked about his status depending on the Sedins) for some jump up front, which in this case would be Heatley plus perhaps Fisher and Lee if we can get him (taking Heatley and that contract is going to cost Murray, and everyone in the league knows it); Gaborik comes on to fill a first line; ad perhaps a bit of pressure on Sundin to return for one season, but only if he starts the season with everyone else.
Up come Hodgson and Schneider with their entry-level contracts; aim for LaBarbera with a promise of more games, or perhaps Anderson if he doesn’t bite. Even Khabibulin, if you want to be dramatic for one year (though he’ll want at least two). Maybe see if Grabner can handle the grind, and that will be an interesting line-up. Right tight to the cap, unless we can keep the goalies young, but it would be interesting to watch.
Would we be better? Tough to say, of course; but there would be one hell of a lot of goals coming!
I know it’s hard to let Sundin go…he meant so much.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I eagerly await his retirement
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Your mancrush needs a cold shower
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Naa…we’ve always had opposing swedish viewpoints. i hate sundin, he hates naslund, etc etc. One day we may agree on something fundamental such as, you know, hating Calgary…
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I have an irrational hate of onions and Portugal myself.
Oh, and the Red Wings, but that’s rational hate.
I dislike the Portuguese soccer team but that’s a hangover from the last world cup where they flipped and flopped their way past the Netherlands.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 29, 2009 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
No but I used to live in the Netherlands and I dig the orange jerseys.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 29, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
wow. i’m dutch and i’ve never been there.
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 29, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Sign the twins or brace yourself for plan B
Gillis has yet to earn my trust. The Burke/Nonis team (Luongo, Sedins, Burrows, Kesler) is the one that earned the post season. I’d prefer he continued to pay them than try his hand again at RFAs, UFAs, and trades. Last year’s acquisitions (Bernier, Wellwood, Sundin, O’Brien, LaBarbera) underwhelmed. Moreover, to lose Ohlund and the Sedins without compensation is criminal.
MG
I can handle losing Ohlund for nothing; teams lose those types of players all the time and he’s been a warrior for 11 years so no harm there. You’re right about the Sedins though. I suspect if nothing is hammered out in short order Gillis is better off trading their rights with one day to go.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 29, 2009 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions
On point #3: all the Flames gave up was a 3rd round pick because Leopold was becoming a UFA anyways.
Right, but that was the asking price all along for his rights. Maybe Florida wanted nothing to do with Ohlund (assuming that could have been a similar option).
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 29, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Darren Dreger on TSN just posted...
http://tsn.ca/columnists/darren_dreger/?id=283179
Sometimes I think the media people like Darren Dreger ruin GMs’ plans… who knows?
Maybe Gillis is wanting to bring in his own type of guys now (eg Gaborik, Cammalleri, etc). Sedins are second liners at best.
We are all Canucks.
by Chinese Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 10:34 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah that’s been up for a while. It’s not over yet! All Gillis has to do is pick up the phone, call Sweden and say “FINE I’LL DO IT!” or….“FUCK OFF!” Or, he can wait for them to call him and accept or deny. Good times. I’d love to be a GM.
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 28, 2009 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the 12 yr deal is too long… 6 yr at 32mil would be nice (5yr of 6mil each and 2mil in the 6th yr, with annual cap hit of 5mil+). Agreed with the making them sweat part, especially now we know that Luongod probably signed for 6yrs or something…
Gaborik – Cammalleri – Demitra/Kesler
Sedin – Sedin – Burrows
Jansen – Wellwood – Bernier
Hordy – Johnson – Rypien
Looks good to me!
We are all Canucks.
by Chinese Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions
There is no way Gaborik/Cammaleri come even close to bein the top line here if the Sedins are still around.
I am starting to believe that there is no way in hell that Gaborik is signing here. As in “Gillis won’t take him” He’d be nuts to sign that glass idiot.
You guys gotta read Ian McIntyre’s piece that he just posted. It makes logical sense. He says that Gillis would have some explaining to do if he didn’t re-sign the Sedins because by god, Luongo and Acquilini want them here. He also said that Gaborik should be signed at a $3 million deal tacked with incentives to prove he can stay healthy.
He also states that signing Cammalleri makes more sense even though there will be a bidding war.
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 28, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, and he says that the Sun peeps cannot find any records that Gaborik actually bought a house in Van.
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 28, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions
“Sedins are second liners at best”. Second liners at best with first line numbers and consistent ability to outscore there matchups. Hockeys a 2 way game, and scoring 5 goals but givin up 6 is negative. Sedins are great at puttin up positive numbers while keepin the negative ones low.
They are in the top 20 players in the league, and I bet you can’t name 20 better.
Hate to disagree with you, since I did witness Brian Burke selecting them 2nd and 3rd overall during that draft. However, wouldn’t you think the West Coast Express line was a legit first line? While the Sedins + Burrows just don’t give you the goosebumps?
In terms of the point totals, yes, they produce points ‘together’. Not necessarily a bad thing, but when they are in a slump, they both are in a slump.
We are all Canucks.
by Chinese Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions
WCE was a great line, the best in the league for a few years. Obviously if we could pick up Crosby/Malkin/Ovechkin as our first, I would drive the Sedins to the airport myself. My big problem is that after watchin the Sedins fade and struggle down the stretch for years, this year they didnt. They said they were motivated to carry the team and they did. And they were far and away the most dangerous forwards during the playoffs. They are gonna pop 90 pts each next year, and it bugs me that it might be happenin every Sat night in TO. Or Minny (pukes in mouth a little). They aren’t gonna get you out of your seat like Bure did, or the WCE did. They will however outplay there competition and give you a TON of even strength points. The stats don’t lie…
The Sedins
Are a first line, no matter who plays with them. They have excellent puck control – which, by the way, they will continue to have even as their scoring declines – to go with the positive numbers and 80 points a season.
The Naslund/Bertuzzi/Morrow line was great for two years. And that was it.
Even if Gillis caves and goes for the long deal, AND if the Sedins play in the NHL for the entire length of it, the money will taper off later in that contract, and then ask yourself what a fantastic 3rd line costs eight years from now? Does two million a season sound reasonable for a line that simply refuses to let opponents touch the puck and pots 40 points for each player on it? I’ll take that; especially if it’s the same line that got us 80 points each player for five or six years preceeding that!
I hate TSN and disregard all the tools who work there. Sportsnet is still in a learning curve, but at least they hire ex players who know the game. Watchin Duthie and Dreger pains me…
And yes, I have to agree with you on this 100%!!!
McKenzie at least was a nice guy (I think), but Dreger + Duthie + McGuire were just annoying…
Same as Nick Kypreos (he always talked about winning the Cup against the Nucks back in 94) on 22, but rest of the guys were ok.
We are all Canucks.
by Chinese Canuck on Jun 28, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Sedins are second liners at best.
I agree completely. Wait, we are talking about an all-star team, right?
Not as useful as Rated-R Superstar, but, hey!, I stick my Grease watching to once a weekend.
by rollonubears on Jun 28, 2009 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions
The Most Important Canucks Contract in Years? (cue thunder and lightning):
The Sedins have to go for a home-town discount if the team is going
to compete long-term and so we can add a fancy pants UFA defenceman
in the off-season. Detroit pulled it off, Marty B. did it for the Devils, it can be done.
Sedins for 6 years? Swell.
Sedins for 13 years? Harglebargle and balderdash, I say.
If they do sign, get Burrows back with Saint Kesler and hope Hodgson or Grabner jell
with the Sedins.
Sundin:
Also, I require a favour from one of you riff-raff due to my not living in VanCity any more.
If Gillis is still keen on signing Sundin again after last year’s results, threaten
to hit him in the nuts with mallet and see if that will dissuade him.
At the time, great idea.
Now, not so much.
Shush! Can it! STFU! Sundin is god! :)
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 29, 2009 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions
I think what Spector says is spot on as well. If they want to stay, then reduce the years. It’s the contract length which is the sticking point. Few GM’s out there are going to open the wallet at two 12-year, $62 million deals. Unless that is they accept a reduced package elsewhere at which point we’ll know they didn’t want to return all along.
Maybe it’s a Swedish conspiracy for all of them to leave simultaneously. Except Edler. He ain’t going anywhere.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jun 29, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I still think Gillis is going to win this war and the Twins will take a shorter deal. Or do I? I don’t know shit anymore. Leaning towards the Twins caving.
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 29, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions
i just want everything to hurry up and be dealt with. i want the off-season to end, and i want to watch some canucks hockey, for fuck’s sake.
GO CANUCKS GO!
you have a terrific way with words, missy!
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 29, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Can’t agree more LOL!!!
We are all Canucks.
by Chinese Canuck on Jun 29, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
NO!!!!!!! I’m lookin forward to a summer of golfin and fishin. Hockey can wait, this years heartbreak is still to fresh.
really? not me. I’m a 24/7 hockey freak
by Sean Zandberg on Jun 29, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
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