saintpakoFiled under: Rumors
It’s been a while since my last blog, reason mainly due to lack of news to comment on. But since officially we are just one day away from August 1st, which the media reportedly took Sundin’s comment as an indication for a definite deadline on his decision.
So yesterday, J.P. Barry came out and explained that there are now six teams interested in Sundin, and that his client never said anything about Aug 1st, Sundin only meant sometime within August. The “Aug 1st deadline” is merely a “Soft Deadline”. (What does soft deadline means, anyway?)
Somehow my wild-guesses ar becomimg reality lately. I posted a reply on CDC regarding Naslund signing with NY two weeks before it became official, and last week, out of frustration, I predicted that Sundin won’t sign here but with the Avs with Sakic retiring. Of course, none of what I wrote had any legitimate sources or evidence behind it, I simply thought it would make sense. Hopefully this time around, it won’t all come true.
But at least for now, the Avs are suddenly in the race for Sundin as well. But honestly speaking…
WHO CARES???!!!!
Well, a lot of people, apparently. But as for me, I am losing interest on the entire Sundin deal, for reasons I don’t want to repeat here again.
I mean if Sundin doesn’t sign with the Canucks, it’s not really the end of the world. Unlike someone posted on CDC today, NO we don’t need to rebuild the enitre team because a 37-yr old forward doesn’t sign a 2-yr 20M deal with us. I think we are better off. I’m not just saying that now, I’ve never been a big supporter for this deal since the beginning.
Ok, shall we move on?
Now on the other hand, Antoine Vermette is a totally different case. I know recently there’s been a lot of talk about the Sens wanting to avoid arbitration, and are thinking of trading Vermette to Vancouver for rugged defenceman Kevin Bieska. Reports suggest that Mike Gillis laughed at the offer, and are only considering Salo instead.
I like Bieska a lot, and think he has very good potential to step-up further, but seeing how the Canucks needing a forward more than a defenceman. I think this trade will be good for us, especially if we can get more than just Vermette from the deal, since IMO Bieska is a bit more valuable then Vermette.
So let’s take a closer look at Vermette’s numbers:
- Drafted in the second round, 55th overall, decent – not great.
- Played with the big club since 03-04, 14 points in 57 games, decent – not great.
- In his first full season 05-06, 33 point in 82 games, 21 goals and 12 assists, 6 shorthanded goals – very good.
- This past season was his best, putting up 53 points in 81 games – 24 goals 29 points – 5th in team scoring for a talented Senator squad – very good indeed.
Of course, he’s playing in the softer Eastern Conference, but at the age of 26, he is just entering his prime and with his speed and PK ability, he has the potential to become a first-line centerman.
But a quote from Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun may be a better description of Vermette:
“When they needed a penalty killed, he was one of the first players tapped on the back. When they needed to win an important faceoff, he was usually their go-to guy. And when they needed a goal in a shootout, well, No. 20 was called upon more than any of his teammates. Yet when it came to talking turkey, it appears the Senators virtually ignored him. Now, they can look away no longer. “
Vermette is of course a Restricted Free Agent this year, and this goes back to his two-year contract signed in 2005. He made 1.075M last season. The Ottawa Sun suggest that he is looking for a long term deal in the 3-million/season range through arbitration. So if we do trade Bieska (3.75 million/season Cap Hit) for Vermette, we actually created a bit more Cap room!
But like I mentioned above, I don’t think a straight-up trade is sensible for Vancouver, since the market value for Bieska is still slightly higher than Vermette, and knowing Ottawa’s urgency to trade him before Arbitration – July 31st – that is the end of today, we should be able to get more from this deal.
What happens if no deal is struck, and they are forced into arbitration? Then both sides will have to go to Toronto and stand in front of a judge, while Bryan Murray shows evidence and testimonial on why Vermette is not really that good of a player, and why he’s not worth what he’s seeking. Of course then Vermette’s camp will present his case on why he’s worth 3+ million per year. Not the friendliest atmosphere one can imagine. If the terms awarded is accepted by the Sens, then the two sides will have to work out a way to re-motivate Vermette for next season, or the Sens will have to trade him (Not sure if you can do it immediately though…) If the Sens reject the ruling, they can walk away, and Vermette will instantly becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent, and he can sign anywhere he wants to.
Either way, seriously, I don’t see Vermette playing for the Sens next season. But there’s still some time left before they arrive in Toronto, let’s hope something will be announced soon!!!
P.S. If we do sign Vermette and not Sundin, the average age of the Canucks top two lines will be around 26. We may not be a cup-contender immediately, but we will be a much younger and faster team. Maybe AV can stop playing such a defensive game with the new roster?
Filed under: Signing
It’s been relatively quiet in the NHL the past few days, and nothing significant to report, so I thought I will write something about the newest signing of the Canucks, Jason Krog.
So who is Jason Krog? First off, he is a local B.C. boy, from Fernie. He plays center, medium built at 5’11 and 191 lbs. Jason played his junior hockey with the Chiliwack Chiefs of the BCJHL, and during his college hockey years at University of New Hampshire, he captured the 1999 Hobey Baker Award as top collegiate player, but this will be the only Hockey award he will receive for the next nine years. [Other Hobey Baker Award winners include Paul Kariya (93), Brian Holzinger (95), Brendan Morrison (97), Chris Drury (98), Ryan Miller (01)].
But for some reason, Krog was never drafted. After capturing the Baker, the Islanders signed him as a free agent on May 14, 1999 only to send him to their AHL affiliates. Then, during the next nine years he floated between AHL and NHL teams, but always showing signs of his offensive abilities. During his stay with Islander’s farm team, Brideport Sound Tigers, he finished 2nd in scoring by only playing 64 games, he follow that up with 23 point in the playoffs and winning the Calder Cup against the Chicago Wolves.
Fast forward nine years, during the time he had a decent run with the Anahiem Mighty Ducks, playing 67 games and 25 points (10g, 15a), and 21 games in the playoffs helping the team to the finals in his first year, and 18 points in 80 games during his second year with the Ducks. He played in the SEL during the lock-out and upon his return, he played 14 games with the Thrashers and 9 games with the Rangers.
But not until this year, when he finally settled down to play a full season (80 games) with the Chicago Wolves, the team which he help defeated during his time with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the Calder Cup 6 years ago, did he have a breakout year.
He scored a total of 39 goals, and 73 assists for 112 points in the regular season, capturing the John Sollenberger Trophy as the league’s top point scorer, Willie Marshall Award as the league’s top goal scorer, and the Les Cunningham Award as the league’s MVP. Krog led the wolves to a divisional title, and help them reclaim the Calder Cup during the playoffs, while leading everyone in scoring, hence also capturing the Jack Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP.
Although he individually captured almost all of the significant personal achievement awards in the AHL, Jason Krog was hardly noticed, as usual, just like nine years ago. What Jason accomplished this year, would surely be noticed by the Thrashers organization, one would think. However, he wasn’t offered to resign with the AHL club or promotion to the NHL club. No NHL team was interested in him, in fact, just prior to Canucks signing, Krog has planned to play in Russia come the following season.
I heard some people criticizing Mike Gillis on this pick-up, suggesting that Krog will only be an career-AHL player due to his past, and that Gillis has again picked up some trash another team left unwanted. (Sometimes these arrogant fans really piss me off)
On the contrary, I think Mike Gillis did a great job acquiring Krog. Yes, he was given his opportunity during his time with the Ducks, the Rangers and the Thrashers. But I see Krog as a late-bloomer, and one who has developed into a mentally-strong player through his years of failures and disappointment. He has shown that he has the offensive skills this year, and I think coming home to Vancouver, he will have the highest incentive to try to stay in the big club. Combining the above with the lack of offense with the Canucks, which should provide more opportunity and ice-time for him, I think he will have a great year in the NHL this year.
Filed under: Signing
So, it’s official. Demitra finally signs with Vancouver on a contract for 2 years $8-million. No surprise there, and like I said earlier, the reason why it took so long was basically about the length of the contract, as suggested by Mike Gillis in his press conference, video link here.
If Mike Gillis is able to sign Mats Sundin, which some believes might happen within the next 7-10 days (Dave Pratt, CKNW), then the Canucks will have a pretty decent top-six line-up next year.
Demitra – Sundin – Raymond
Sedin – Sedin – Bernier
According to Gillis, it doesn’t seem like any trades are coming soon, as he suggested that teams will need to finalize their cap-space after all the new signings, and will seriously entertain trades come mid-August earliest. Of course, if we are able to sign Sundin, then it would appear that the Canucks don’t have an urgency to make any significant trades to upgrade their top-six. Since the Sedins if used as a second-line role, can easily be considered the best out there, especially with a strong and skilled winger like Bernier.
However, as I often suggest, if a good deal comes along, Gillis would very much like to trade away the Sedins, as he never really thought they were tough or fast enough for his expectations. But who knows, maybe Gillis will be more content with keeping them here, if they are only expect to provide secondary scoring?
What if Sundin doesn’t sign here? Gillis replied to a similar question during his press conference, and his answer was that he might have to bring in another experienced player. I know it’s next to impossible, but I read a proposal in the CDC forum on luring Joe Sakic to sign back with his hometown at the same offers for Sundin. Yes, I realized that Burnaby-Joe has many times said that he wishes to retire as an Avalanche and he’s no mercenary and he said that he “doesn’t need the dough anymore”, but we are talking about $10-million here, and he is near the end of his career, I don’t think he’d mind the extra cash, do you?? I don’t think Colorado will be offering half of that to him. Sakic at 39, are still considered to be physically very fit, and despite only playing 44 games last season, he still manage to get almost a point a game. He scored 36 goals and 64 assisit for 100 point in his last full season in the 2006-2007 season.
For discussion sake, what do you think about Joe Sakic in Canucks line-up?
If he would consider signing here, would you want him or Sundin?
Let’s hear your thoughts!
Don’t be misled by the title, I’m not suggesting this will be Canucks’ 1st line next season. Instead, I just thought it’s worth while to give a short update on these three players.
First off, aside from announcing on radio CKNW about his preference to sign with the Canucks, at the moment I write this post, Demitra still hasn’t signed with Vancouver yet. Despite some people posting otherwise on CDC, Gillis and Demitra’s camp is still discussing on the number of years of the contract.
Secondly, the signing of the offer sheet to Steve Bernier by the St. Louis Blues may just be the beginning of similar aggressive competition to come. It all started with Kevin Lowe and his offer sheet to Dustin Penner and we all know Burke’s reaction to that and what happened next. Seen as breaking a silent code amongst GMs, Lowe kept quiet for some time, until recently he fought back on Burke’s latest comments on blaming Lowe for overall salary rise in the league.
Gillis, who never was within the GM circle and seeing no love is lost, followed up with what Lowe did by offering this year’s first offer sheet to David Backes, 7.5-million for three years, which the Blues immediately matched. So, when the opportunity arise for acquiring Steve Bernier, Blues president John Davidson return the gesture with a one-year 2.5-million sheet to the Bernier camp. Some suggests that Davidson is merely working within the rules to improve his club, but it sure feels like payback to me.
It took Gillis two hours to matched the offer, and announced the official signing of Bernier, but no details were given on the terms. Maybe more information will be available later. But it is interesting on how this all went down, because I recall what Bernier’s agent Gilles Lupien said during my write-up for the Bernier post a few days ago.
When asked about the rumours of an offer sheet coming from elsewhere, Lupien’s comment was (excerpt from the National Post) ["I don't work like that," said Lupien who also represents Roberto Luongo and could have gone the offer-sheet route after Luongo accepted his qualifying offer from the Canucks. "I've always asked teams to be honest with my client and I'm sure he (Gillis) is going to be honest with players after being a former player himself."]
Lastly, about the Kovalchuk deal. Apparently there’s another Western Conference team involved in this trade now. My sources won’t go into details, and wouldn’t even comment on whether it’s a three-way deal or that this team is competing with the Canucks on Ilya. But reading between the lines, I’m pretty sure this team is the L.A. Kings.
In any case, I don’t want to write too much about this, since the intention of this blog is on my views and takes on trades and news of the NHL. I just don’t like to spread these rumors, especially those that I cannot disclose the sources of. I mean, during this time of the year, if we cannot be 100% on Demitra signing here, how can we be sure of anything, really? Anyways, if this deal holds any truth, you all should find out soon enough.
Filed under: Rumors
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Russian Star Winger Ilya Kovalchuk may be heading to Vancouver.
The report suggests that Atlanta GM Don Waddell is in close contact with Mike Gillis, and since both teams were unsuccessful in the signing of UFA in the past week, they are negotiating a swap with the Sedin twins going the other way.
Kovalchuk has openly criticized the lack of success of the Thrashers organization, and demanded that imminent changes be made to the line-up or else he would not consider signing back with Atlanta when his contract expires in 2010.
Ever since the departure of Marian Hossa, Kovalchuk has been voicing his displeasure with the Thrasher’s lack of committment to build for the cup. As for Gillis, he’s been mentioning about the possibility of moving the Sedins ever since he took the GM helm from Nonis. According to this report, the offer was made to Waddell on Sunday, and the two GMs are working out the details to include a defenseman swap into the deal. The guess is Bieska going to Atlanta for a young prospect.
Although it’s questionable who Kovalchuk will be playing with as a Canuck, it’s suggested that the Sedins will be playing with right-winger Colby Armstrong in Atlanta. This deal, if goes through, will silent the critics in Vancouver, as it will surely fits Gillis’ promise of a big bold move.
If this rumor holds any truth, we should be hearing the annoucement really soon, let’s wait and see.
Filed under: Signing
Mike Gillis traded away the third-round pick in 2009 they got from L.A. (via the Cloutier trade), and a second round pick of 2010 for the rights to RFA right-winger Steve Bernier of the Buffalo Sabres. Bernier started his career in San Jose, drafted 16th overall in the 2003 entry-draft.
Sounds like a good deal trading a first-round pick for a second-rounder. (Thanks Nonis for the smart move in at least getting something back for Cloutier!!) But exactly how good is Steve Bernier??
Known as a power-forward, Bernier’s first season with the Sharks were above average, gathering 15 goals and 16 assists in 62 games. However his presence were not as needed in San Jose’s line-up with their strength up-front. The 6’2 Quebec native was the main assest going back to Buffalo via the Brian Campbell trade before this year’s trading deadline. Usually in these kind of trades, the asset going back to other way for a star player like Campbell must have excellent potentials, as numerous offers were given to the Sabres in a short period of time, so they must like what they are getting back for the deal to went through.
Prior to the trade to Buffalo, Bernier played 59 games, gathering 13 goals and 10 assists, then he played 17 games with the Sabres notching up 3 goals and 6 assists. Not spectacular numbers, but still decent for a new player second year into his pro game. He told reporters that he was shocked at being traded the second time within a year, thinking his stay with the Sabre would be longer.
To some, this may shake the player’s confidence a bit, especially for a young first-rounder, but according to Bernier’s agent, Gilles Lupien (who is also the agent of Canucks star-netminder Roberto Luongo) says that his client is very confident he will excel in Vancouver. (Of course, that’s what they are paid to say!!!)
So what are his chances?? Let’s take a look.
He is a power-forward who has all the skills and potential to be a star player, and as of today, he is the best right-winger the Canucks have. With Naslund signed in New York, and Morrision showing signs of not returning, the Canucks are in desperate need of top-six forwards. With the exception of the Sedin twins, and newly acquired centerman Kyle Wellwood, Bernier is perhaps the only other top six forward they have. If Gillis do not trade the Sedins away, with Wellwood natural in center, Bernier is highly likely to play winger on the top line with the Sedins.
So, I think Bernier will soon be logging up heavy minutes in Vancouver, and with an opportunity like this, it seems like he has a big chance to improve his numbers this year. If Anson Carter and Taylor Pyatt can benefit so much from play wing with the Sedins, imagine what Bernier can do.
But, with the atmosphere in Vancouver these days, and a trigger-happy GM who’s been on the frying pan for his lack of efforts during the UFA signings, don’t be surprised to see more changes coming. But first thing is first, Bernier is still a Restricted Free Agent at the time I’m writing this blog, so Gillis will have to sign him first.
(Yes, I am aware of all the rumors about an offer sheet coming his way, but no I don’t think Bernier will be wearing any other uniform besides the blue and green next year).
Filed under: News
Today we say goodbye to our longest serving captain (8 seasons) and franchise scoring leader (749Pts), Markus Naslund.
Given to us as a gift by the Hockey Gods via the most lopsided trade ever, Markus Naslund who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 16th Overall, was traded to Vancouver in 1995 for Alex Stojanov. The name Stojanov will forever be remembered due to this trade and perhaps nothing else, as he will play 45 more games with the Penguins in the span of the next two years to the point totals of 6pts. He hasn’t played a single game in the NHL since.
But for Naslund, he will go-on to have one of the most successful NHL career ever. Markus started his career playing on the right side, and although shadowed by two of the world’s best right-winger, Bure and Mogilny, played on the third line on most nights. During his first two full seasons with the Canucks, he gathered up decent points at 21G 20A 41PT and 14G 20A 34PT respectively. However, with the departure of Pavel Bure and the hold-out of Alexander Mogilny, we saw Markus Naslund dramatically stepping up his game.
Subsequent to his breakout year in 98-99 season, with 36G 30A 66PT, and capture the Cyclone Taylor Award as MVP for the Canucks, he was offered the team Captaincy in 2001, the first European captain in Canucks history. Ever since then, he has carried the entire team on his shoulder, and paved the way to his astonishing career in Vancouver, capturing many awards and break even more franchise records.
Naslund alongside his buddy Todd Bertuzzi and Home-town Favorite Brendan Morrison, would form the most formidable line in NHL, known as the West Coast Express. With Bertuzzi’s toughness and power, Morrison’s stability and play-making ability, paired with Naslund’s finesse and speed, the trio was virtually unstoppable on most nights.
Although with the eventual ugly exit of Bertuzzi, and the change of playing style from coach Alain Vigneualt, Naslund’s numbers have dropped drastically, he remains one of the most loved and popular player in Vancouver. Today, we see him moving on, away from the spot-light to perhaps a lesser-role in New York, I sincerely wish him all the success, and thank him for bringing all the fans memorable moments throughout all these years.
It is unfortunate that we didn’t have a chance to see Naslund bring us the ultimate glory here in Vancity, and perhaps he will never wear the Canucks jersey again, I hope he can capture the Stanley Cup in his future, to top-off the already properous career he has right now.
Good luck, Markus, and Thank you, you will always be our captain in our hearts.
P.S. No particular reason why I choose this photo, I am not suggesting Wellwood will be our next Naslund.
Filed under: Uncategorized
The first day of Free Agent Frenzy is over, and the results for Canucks is zip.
Well, except for PR purposes. Mike Gillis desperately want to make Hockey Headlines, offered 37-yrs old Swedish Centerman Mats Sundin a stupendous 20 Million dollars 2 year deal for him to play in Vancouver. I guess the bigger surprise is that Sundin didn’t accept the offer which would have made him the highest payroll player in the entire NHL. Sundin’s agent J.P. Barry apparently said that Sundin has still not decided whether he will return to NHL next year.
What do I think about this offer? I think that Mike Gillis didn’t want to repeat what happened to Dave Nonis on the previous trading deadline, he didn’t want to come out and say that he’s tried to make various offers, but none make sense for the benefits of the hockey club. How would that look as a rookie GM of a hockey-crazied town. So, just to make sure that everybody knows he tried, he offered the most ridiculous offer to an aged superstar who is comtemplating retirement.
Don’t get me wrong, I think that Sundin is a great player, and he is in good shape, probably better than a lot of the younger guys out there (not pointing my finger at Kyle Wellwood, if you are asking). He can still contribute a lot to our team if he wants to play. But according to Gillis, his intention as GM is to build our team for years to come, and is Sundin really our star player to build around? I think you know the answer to that one.
Again, I seriously don’t think Sundin will end up here, but it does show one more thing, our chances to land Hossa and Demitra just got slimmer and slimmer. Pavol Demitra has made it clear today that he will not sign with any team until he knows where Hossa is signing. Does this means that he will only want to sign with the team that Hossa is signing with? Maybe, but of course it doesn’t mean that the team will have the cap-space or the willingness to sign him and Hossa. Since the Canucks have announced our interest in signing Sundin to 10M per year, which we will be waiting to hear from, do you think Mike Gillis are still in talks with the Hossa camp? I don’t think so.
So what does that leave us, at the end of the first day of free agency? Slim hope of any significant improvement in terms of starpower. We did, however, made one signing today, and it is to tough guy Darcy Hordichuk, perviously of the Nashville Predators. On top of our failed attempt in offer sheet to David Backes of the St. Louis Blues, whom they immediately matched, I’d say we made some headlines out of nothing today.
What about those we missed out on during our pursuit of Sundin and Hordichuk?? Brian Campbell signed with the Chicago Blackhawks, Wade Redden signed with the New York Rangers, Brian Rolston signed with the New Jersey Devils, Micharel Ryder to Boston Bruins, Radim Vrbata to Tampa (again!!! well done Mr. Feaster), Andrew Brunette to Minnesota Wild.
Furthermore, we missed out our chance on trades as well, as the Edmonton Oilers pulled a couple of trades landing Erik Cole from the Carolina Hurricanes and Gilbert Brule from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Two very good forwards which would’ve fit in nicely with the Canucks.
Am I disappointed? Not really, it turned out similar to what I expected. No, we won’t sign any of the big names now, not even Pavol Demitra. We probably will lose Naslund and Morrison soon as well. My guess is that we will end up with Kyle Wellwood and Darcy Hordichuk as our only additions up until next season starts. Again, hopefully this will mean more chances for players from our farm team.
That’s it here, this is Saint Pako of the Hockey News, and I will return in the next few days if something happens, if not, I will see you all again next season.
