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Rd 2 Predictions

After going 6-2 in the first round, here are my round two guesses

Kings in 6
Wings in 7
Rangers in 6
Senators in 6

Who you got?



Edler

This may ruffle some feathers in Lotusland, but Vancouver is currently paying more to their third best left-handed defenceman than they are to any of their other rearguards. Combine that with the need to shake things up a bit and get below the cap next season, and Alex Edler becomes a player that could help with that.

Now I’m no Edler hater, but I have been rather disappointment with his lack of production over the past 13 months. It’s not that Edler has been terrible or anything, but a few years back Gillis hinted to fans that Vancouver brass felt Edler would one day be that franchise defenceman that has eluded them for years.

So with that in mind, let’s have a bit of fun and look at my top-10 targets for Alex Edler.


10-Adam Lowry, Mark Stuart and a 2nd rd pick

The Jets had the worst power-play in the NHL this past season and need to find a blueliner or two before next season. I’m not sure they would be willing to move any of their blue-chippers or stars, but I do think there is a package deal there. Lowry is young, big and physical. He may need some seasoning in the AHL but he is the kind of player that Gillis is looking for. Stuart fills the third LH D spot and Vancouver gets a second round pick back.

9-Charlie Coyle, Clayton Stoner and a 2nd rd pick

I know they aren’t going to be in the division going forward, but I’m still asking for a lot if I deal with them. While Coyle is awfully tough to deal, the Wild have a decent group of young players, Adding Edler to the Wild would help with the power-play and give them another good defence.

8-Scott Hartnell

The official third Sedin looked good on the wing with the twins at the all-star game and he is the type of player the Canucks. He doesn’t make the Canucks younger, but he would toughen that roster up a lot.

7-Alex Chiasson and Troy Vance

One of the lower teams in goals against could use a top-pairing guy. Edler would help the power-play and the defence. Chiasson is a big, powerful player that is in the mold that Gillis wants. Six goals in seven games is impressive. Vance is a 6”6 200lbs D who has some upside.

6-Wayne Simmonds

The Flyers seem to be on a quest for a D and they have a few extra forwards. Simmonds is the type of bruising forward who can score. Vancouver needs to find player like that and this is a marriage that could work.

5-Patrice Bergeron

This one is a long shot, but if Boston bows out in the next round the Bruins may start to think about some same changes. Bergeron is only signed for one more year and with a lot of money tied up in Marchand, Lucic and Seguin, maybe they shop Bergeron. Bergeron makes Vancouver better on the dot and him and Kesler could shut anyone down.

4-Jeff Skinner

Like the Jets, the Canes PP was terrible and they need some defence as well. There have been suggestions that if the Canes could land a good defenceman that they would consider moving Skinner. While he isn’t big, Skinner would be able to give Vancouver some secondary scoring and look good alongside Kesler.

3-Magnus Paajarvi and a 1st rd pick

Mac T wants to make a big move and Gillis wants to hit the reset button. The Oilers get a top pairing guy and the Canucks get younger while making cap room. Enough said.

2-Martin Hanzal and a 2nd rd pick

He has a good contract and is the type of guy that Vancouver needs. He is big, physical and he can score a little. Phoenix needs help on the back-end and Edler would round out that D nicely. If they could sign Smith, Edler, Yandle and OEL along with some of the kids is a good D.

1-Ryan Strome

The Islanders look just a few players away from taking that step to elite. Strome is a steep price, but Edler would make that power-play so much better and they are going to need a D or two in the offseason to keep their momentum. Strome would become Vancouver’s top prospect and provide secondary scoring next season.


Would dealing Edler be the change Vancouver needs?

Who’s your target in an Edler deal?


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Well that's a wrap.

Ian


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