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How could anyone want to trade Bieksa?

January 6, 2011, 3:10 PM ET [ Comments]
Peter Tessier
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It was not the best outing. It was not the finest display of defense. It was not the most cohesive team effort. What last night's game was is an example of a team learning, preparing and beating inferior competition with minimal effort.

That's not a shot at the Flames it could have been any team in the bottom two of the conference. Want evidence- go read Shaune Vetter's blog. I can't say it any better.

Here's the evidence:

Need proof? How about the fact that forwards like Jeff Tambellini (14:20)and Manny Malhotra (14:18) had more 5 on 5 ice time than the Sedins? (Daniel 12:52, Henrik (13:36). The bottom line is that the Canucks obviously never felt threatened in the game and clearly used it as an opportunity to roll all four lines and keep everyone rested since the Flames unfortunately weren't that much of a threat.


Now go read the rest.


The bigger story for many is Bieksa's comments after the game while being interviewed by Dan Murphy on the ice.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/video/36673752001/40310152001/Bieksa-scores-winner

This is why Bieksa is not going anywhere this year unless something stupid happens. I know a definitive statement followed by a caveat.

Bieksa got the game winner, he's playing his best hockey in 3 years and he's doing it all amongst the pressure of trade rumours. His value has probably never been higher and that is the reason he shouldn't be traded. When Bieksa is on his game there is no one who wants him gone and his value to the team is tenfold. He scores, he'll play physical, he'll fight and he will move the puck what more do you want from a defenseman?

I like this Kevin Bieksa, as do most fans. Is there a guarantee that we will always get this Kevin night in and night out? Of course not but for the remainder of this season and the post season I will take that gamble and keep Bieksa and that is what I think Gillis will do.

Speaking of the defense, I though Ehrhoff had a decent game last night along with Dan Hamhuis. Steady and smart plays from both except Hammer failed a bit on that Jackman goal. Ehrhoff like Bieksa is a UFA and if there are contract negotiations under way I wonder where they are at now if talks broke off some time ago as reported? Is there a chance Gillis finds a way to keep both players for next year?

Here is how I see the UFA tri-fecta unfolding for the Canucks.

Salo is let free.

Gillis looks at cap space and players demands and tries to see how he can fit both players in through simple negotiation of give and take.

Or

Gillis and the Ehrhoff & Bieksa camps agree to wait until the post season plays out and agree to reconvene after. There are pros and cons to this and I think Gillis would prefer to lock at least one up before that point.

Gillis is probably of the belief that if the team does another second round and out he's got bigger changes to make than two UFA defense. If the team goes deeper but still fails in the ultimate prize, then perhaps he needs that space for some other hole. Should the Canucks win it all then he may be back to square one and have to choose.

Regardless of what the future holds and how it unfolds right now the Canucks cannot trade Bieksa, just what would they get back that improves on what we saw last night?

Edmonton on Friday, see you then.
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