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With the deadline only five days a way, Mike Gillis has some decisions to make. Will he add players to the team? Will he subtract a few UFAs that may walk at seasons end? Or will he stand pat and hope that Booth and Kesler are ready to go once the playoffs start?


Buy candidates

Ales Hemsky- I took some heat for wanting this guy yesterday and I get why people don’t want him. Yes he is injury plagued. And yes he does go for portions of games where he looks like he could care less.

The first reason, I can’t argue with anything other than every NHL player is somewhat of an injury risk. The second reason I look squarely at a player like Jeff Carter as a prime example as to what Hemsky could be in Vancouver if he was on a good team.

Hemsky has been stuck on a crap team for far too long. That is bound to drain any player and make them have those types of shifts that you just shake your head at. I think if Hemsky was brought into Vancouver and lined up along side of Kesler or the Sedins you would see a much more motivated player. And if you can get Hemsky motivated, look out.

Jerred Smithson- A gritty, physical fourth-line player that can win faceoffs and kill penalties. He;s the perfect rental and will likely go for a 4th rd pick.

Scott Hartnell- I can see the Flyers wanting to move him for the right offer because with the cap dropping, they should move a forward for a D to have a more balanced team next year.

As far as what it would take, I’m thinking a 1st , Joe Labate and Ballard gets the conversation started.



Ryan O’Byrne- the perfect rental D, who might be able to stick. I’m hoping that he is brought in next year to play 5/6 minutes.

Tyler Bozak- At the start of the season I thought he was an ideal player for the Canucks to add, but after this season, he may have priced himself out of the canucks range as a UFA. I’d offer a 2nd for him, but honestly, if I’m the Leafs, I find a sucker to take Grabo and sign Bozak.

Derek Roy- Roy is the guy who is a nice fit. He can kill penalties and score a little. My only concerns are his size and that he would give Vancouver more of the “diving” image if that is possible.

Tom Poti- He’s big, he’s always played well in the playoffs and he’s a rental. I’m think he could be had for a late pick given that he’s been in and out of the lineup all year.

Ryane Clowe- Right now he is number one on the list and I don’t blame people for wanting this guy. My main concern is what the price is on a rental?

Adam Pardy- He’s a big D, who I’ve always felt has some upside. The price on him is likely very low but you can never have too many D.

Andy McDonald- He’s a character guy, who can score and he has a ring. I have this guy high on my list on deadline day.

David Clarkson- you have to inquire about this guy, but I bet he’s re-signed by the Devils before the deadline.

Eric Nystrom- He has had a bit of a tough season, but the guy is an excellent bottom-six guy who can kill penalties.

Boyd Gordon- He’s a faceoff winning machine, who is a good penalty killer. I think he is the perfect replacement to Manny.

Drew Miller- He’s one of those players that does a little bit of everything and is a solid rental.

Stephane Robidas- He’s a solid, right-handed D. I’m not sure what the price on him is, but if the Stars will move Morrow they will move Robidas for the right player.

Marcus Johansson- He’s been in and out of the doghouse all year (although he is out right now). I think he is the kind of guy that Gillis targets for the top 9. I would not be at all shocked to see Gillis offer sheet him next season if he can’t trade for him.

Nino Niederreiter- He’s asked for a trade and the Islanders need a goalie. Luongo for Nino anyone?


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Sell candidates

Andrew Alberts- If you can get something for him on deadline day I do it and call up Vandermeer. Hopefully there is a team looking for a seventh D and willing to move a late pick.

Max Lapierre- Of all the UFAs, he is the guy that I would push the hardest to re-sign. I know he hasn’t been as good this season as last, but four years, six-million seems like a good deal for him.

But if he is not signed by deadline day I do listen to offers.

Chris Higgins- I like Higgins a lot, but unless I can clear cap space for next year, I know it’s just a matter of time until he walks. If I get an offer, I seriously consider it on deadline day.

Mason Raymond- Raymond might be Gillis’ number one chip at the deadline. He is playing as well as he ever has and his value is about as high as it’s going to get. If Gillis wants an impact player at the deadline, don’t be surprised if Gillis has to part with MayRay.


What do you do if you’re Gillis?


Make “Haunt You” the goal song

Honestly, this is the song that the Canucks have been looking for to jack up the Vancouver crowd and drive the opposition nuts. And what could be better than having two good Vancouver girls singing after every Canucks goal? Nothing! And it is easy for the crowd to sing along.

Tweet up DJ Dave at @CanucksDJDave and @VanCanucks and make it happen Canucks fans. We wanna hear it!


Here’s a preview, with a couple of other ideas for the intro and goal song…




Thoughts?



That's a wrap

Ian


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