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An ode to Burkie & Connolly?

January 10, 2013, 11:16 AM ET [847 Comments]
Ian Esplen
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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An ode to Burkie

(The following is not meant to be sarcastic in any way.)


I was saddened yesterday when news broke that Brian Burke had been fired. The truth is I think Brian is a wonderful General Manager and I truly respect him for always sticking to his guns throughout his career. Brian Burke is a good guy; every media personality has been saying that over the past 24 hours. He did things his way, and if you didn't like it, he didn't care.

As a Canucks fan, I've seen a lot of Brian Burke and I am thankful he was Vancouver's GM from 1998-2004. Nearly 10 years later, his fingerprints still remain on the Vancouver Canucks roster. And while watching the news yesterday it almost seemed like déjà vu. When he was let go in Vancouver it was because the rich owners friend didn't like Burkie telling him off. And from the early reports coming out of Toronto it appeared that Bell/Rogers weren't a fan of what they are calling Burke's "style" either.

While I haven't had the opportunity to ever talk with Brian, I have talked to his son Patrick before. I'm not sure I've ever interviewed a more honest, candid, nice and respectful person than Patrick. He gave me as much time as I needed to interview him and answered every question I asked. The apple certainly doesn't fall far from the tree and the Burkes are good, honest people. (You can read the article HERE on page 22 )

While people criticize the Kessel deal – which is really the only deal that I can think of that he may want back – it really wasn't all that bad. I mean, it's not like he traded Naslund for Stojanov or anything, and so far Kessel has been the best player in the deal (although it is looking like not for long).

At the end of the day, Brian Burke knows hockey and hockey just won't be the same without him. But it wouldn't surprise me if he was to resurface somewhere in the next year. If I was a betting, I'd be looking at the Sabres, Islanders or Sharks as his next landing spot.


Highlights










Connolly?

Yesterday tossed out the name Tim Connolly as the player I expect to see coming Vancouver's way in a Luongo trade. The reason I think this is because I cannot see the Leafs wanting to depart with real useful roster players. I believe Gillis has asked for Bozak to fill the 2/3 line centre job; that just make sense. But I also can't see the Leafs wanting to give up a guy who is in their top 6. I also can't see the Leafs not wanting to send some salary back. Because of that, I think Burke was offering Lambardi and/or Komisarek in any deal.

I see Connolly being sort of middle ground for the two teams, which is why I think we will see him in the deal.

I'm also not sure we see Gardiner in the deal either because he is another guy that doesn't make any sense for the Leafs to move. If Toronto deals for Luongo they are making a move for the playoffs. If they deal Gardiner they are giving up one of their top two or three defenceman. That just doesn't make sense to do if you're trying to make the playoffs.

So in conclusion, I think you will see Connolly and a combination of two of the following players/picks: Rielly, Finn, Ashton, Franson, Riemer, Biggs, a first round pick, a second round pick, Percy, Frattin, Kadri, Scrivens, or any other prospect for that matter.

My bet- Connolly, Reilly and a 2nd rd pick for Luongo and Raymond

Who do you think Vancouver gets in a Luongo deal?

Well that’s a wrap.


Ian


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