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With word coming out over the last day and a half that the new frontrunners in the Luongo sweepstakes may be the Florida Panthers, Today I thought I'd take a look the players on the Panthers that may interest the Vancouver Canucks.
But first, I'd like to go over a few theories as to why the Panthers have any interest at all in Luongo.
Theory 1- Too many young studs
Now this may not seem like a problem to most people, but Tallon knows firsthand what it is like to have an entire team full of young stud players. He knows that in a few years all these players will be ending their entry level deals and fitting them all in will be hell. We all saw how he pretty much was forced into give players away after their entry level deals expired. By trading a few of his good young players now, he may be able to get a better return on them. I don't care what anyone say, when you look at what the Hawks got for Ladd, Buffy, Neimi, and Versteeg, I think we can all agree Lu is a better return. Right now Tallon gets to decide who he trades and that gives him some power. A few years from now he will be forced to deal some of his young players and that doesn't give him much power.
Theory 2- Upgrade/mentor in goal
This one is pretty simple, I'm not sure there is anyone out there that won't agree that Lu is an upgrade on Theo, so upgrading there makes sense. But people also need to look at how Lu mentored Schneider and think that he may be better in that role than Theo. Panthers get better in net and get a guy has a bit of a history in helping young goalies become stars.
Theory 3- Tallon and Gillis get along
With the wars that their teams fought, one thing that stood out to me during those Hawks/Canucks series was that Gillis and Tallon seem to respect and like each other. Maybe that respect and like goes further than people think. If they are good friends, maybe Tallon is just helping Gillis drive the price up in return for Gillis helping him do the same at a later time.
Theory 4- The big name
Lastly, adding Lu before July 1st would show the whole free agent market that the Panthers are serious about winning. Suter's (just an example) is rumoured to be wanting to test the waters because he's not sure how serious the Preds are about winning. By adding a big name like Lu, the Panthers would send a strong message to every free agent out there that they want to win. It would make the statement that we will go get players that will make us better and the cheap, penny pinching ways are gone in Florida. Grabbing Lu would be the equivalent to what Gillis did on day one in Vancouver. Gillis made a crazy offer the Sundin, and offer sheeted Backes. While neither really paid off for Vancouver in terms of production by the players, those two moves shook the hockey world and showed every player in the league that Vancouver was serious. Bringing Lu in today will make negotiating with UFA's a lot easier on July 1st.
Players Of Interest
Dream List- Players from Florida that the reality is we are dreaming if we think they will trade them. Still, I have to mention them because every now and then dreams come true.
Gudbranson- He's a rock on D and I believe that he is the Panthers building block on D. Tallon is relying on him to be his "Seabrook" in Florida and I would say it is highly unlikely he moves him for Lu unless there is something else too good to pass on coming with Lu. Nonetheless, Gudbranson is exactly what Vancouver needs to add to their team. He's a tough, stay-at-home type, who can also get involved in the offence.
Huberdeau- I thought he was the best player in the draft last year and I have feeling he may just prove it next year. Tallon likely considers him the "Toews" on the Panthers. Not going to happen. The kid is too good to part with unless there is some sort of friction between him and the Panthers.
Kulikov- A high-end, skilled D, who I would consider to be an untouchable player. I think he is their best D and they would be nuts to move him. The only way he is moved is if they feel he may bolt to Russia and it that was a possibility, why would a team want him? I think he's their best player and if they want to move him and I know he's not bolting, I'd take him in a second.
The Reality List- These are the players that I can see the Panthers parting with for Luongo. In the ebd, If we were to add a few of these guys for Lu I would be happy.
Bjugstad- A big, young, power forward. He is what Vancouver needs and I would be ecstatic to bring him aboard.
Upshall- He's a bit overpaid, but he can hit, score, skate, and piss people off. Upshall is a player I've always liked but I'm not really sure where he'd fit because Vancouver only really has openings on the fourth line and third line centre. If he was brought in, maybe that frees up moving Hansen, Booth, or Higgins.
Versteeg- Like Upshall, he's a player that I like, who would be a good fit. I think he has a bit more skill than Upshall, so I think he could play on the second line. I'm not really sure why he would be on the market because Tallon seems to like him a lot as well. The only thing I can think of is that contract negotiations aren't going well. Gillis has been rumoured to be after him in the past, It wouldn't surprise me if Versteeg is who Gillis asks for in a Lu deal.
Howden- A big, physical, power forward type prospect, who is the type of player Vancouver needs to add to the system. Someone brought up the fact Vancouver didn't take him at the draft as reason that Gillis may have no interest. I disagree, I think there was interest there, but there was more interest in Ballard at the time.
McFarland- He's a player, that when he is on, he can be dynamic. The problem with him is he is very streaky and at times looks unmotivated. I believe in him and he reminds me a lot of Jarome Iginla in terms of his skill set. He is a player that I go hard after if I'm Gillis. Big risk, but the rewards could be huge.
Petrovic- Another player that fits what I'm hoping Gillis drafts. Petrovic is never going to wow people, but he gets around the ice ok, is tough to play against, and he can score a bit. He's what Vancouver needs on their team (but likely not ready) and in their system; a big, nasty, right-handed D.
Theodore- Any deal with Lu heading in, likely means Jose is heading out. Theo is still a good goalie, that would give Vancouver a bit of a plan B if Schneider struggles. He'll make Schneider earn his starts and do it for only 1.5 million.
Bradley- A big, tough, character winger, who Vancouver should have signed last year. He can fight when he needs to fight, and is the perfect fit for the fourth line. I'd love to see him in Vancouver.
The Trade
To Vancouver- Theodore, Bradley, McFarland, and Petrovic
For
Luongo, and a 1st round pick
This would give Florida some room to add more contracts, upgrade in goal, and space out their young players a bit. Vancouver would get two young players with upside, and fill two needs they have for next year.
That’s a wrap
Ian
Five Hole For Food
Five Hole For Food is coming to a town near you this summer. For those of you that don't know, the concept was brought forward by some friends in Vancouver, who decided they would travel the country setting up street hockey games. The price to play in the game is a can of food or donation to the local food bank.
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2012 Tour Dates
St. John’s – July 3rd
Halifax – July 5th
Charlottetown – July 6th
Saint John – July 7th
Montreal – July 9th
Ottawa – July 10th
Toronto – July 12th
Winnipeg – July 14th
Regina – July 15th
Calgary – July 17th
Edmonton – July 18th
Victoria – July 20th
Vancouver – July 21st
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