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Congrats Vancouver & Offer Sheet Targets

July 22, 2012, 12:38 PM ET [166 Comments]
Ian Esplen
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter for random hockey talk, question and answer sessions, and the odd witty tweet



Congrats Vancouver

Congratulations Vancouver on setting a new single event record yesterday at Five Hole For Food Vancouver. The total has yet to be finalized, but as of last night, the total was over a 43,000 pounds of food with more counting to be done. People of Vancouver, give yourself a huge pat on the back this morning for stepping up and helping make this record possible.

To Richard, Vic, Dixon, Jon, Tierney, and the entire Five Hole For Food team, great job and get some much deserved rest.

To anyone who was down there yesterday, post your best story about your Five Hole For Food experience in the comments section or tweet it to me and I’ll send the best ones a prize.


Offer Sheet Targets

Today, I’d like to continue to take a look at the RFA’s that are out there that may be a good fit for the Canucks.

Compensation

$1,034,249 and below = No compensation
$1,034,250 to $1,567,043 = 3rd round pick
$1,567,044 to $3,134,088 = 2nd round pick
$3,134,089 to $4,701,131 = 1st and 3rd round pick
$4,701,132 to $6,268,175 = 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick
$6,268,176 to $7,835,219 = Two 1st round picks, a 2nd and a 3rd round pick
$7,835,220 and above = Four 1st round picks

Dmitry Kulikov
In the 2009 draft, I felt Kulikov was one of the best players in it. He has great passing ability and the poise that he plays with is unreal for a player of his age. While he isn’t an overly physical player, he does mix it up and is good in his own end. I consider him to be a very good defenceman in the NHL and believe there is a ton of upside with him. I would be willing to offer him 5 years at 5- 5.5 million per and front load the deal will signing bonuses in order to get him out of Florida. While that number may seem high to people, I’ve always believed this guy is going to be a star and that is why I would take the risk.

PK Subban
After Carlson, Subban is the player that I think best suits Vancouver’s needs. He’s a right-handed D that plays with attitude, and that is exactly what Vancouver needs. When you add to the fact that his skill set would thrive in Vancouver’s system (I could see him getting 70 points with the Canucks) he is a player that just makes sense to go after. Getting him out of Montreal will take a big overpayment, and that is why he is a little lower on my list then some. I think if you were to offer 7 million per over 5 years you may have a shot at him. I’m not sure I would do that, but that’s the kind of offer that the Habs would at least have to think about before matching.

Ryan O'Reilly
I’m not really sure there is a huge need at the present time for O'Reilly, but he is a hell of a hockey player and snagging him off of a rival’s roster would make for some interesting storylines when the teams play. O'Reilly is coming off his first 50+ point year and 50 point players generally make anywhere from 2.75-5 million depending on the player and who is handing the contracts out. My guess is the Avs are trying to get him for about 3.25ish per based on the other signings that they have made this offseason. If Vancouver wants him, I think they will have to pay for the potential he has. 5 years at 4.5 per is a number that may make the Avs think about not matching but they do have the cap space, so I really doubt O'Reilly is going anywhere.

Michael Del Zotto
The best offensive D on the rangers, Del Zotto has really developed his all-around game as well. He had 41 points in a conservative system, so I could see him getting 50-60 in a more attacking system like Vancouver’s. Del Zotto finishes his checks and like all Rangers, he blocks shots pretty well. The Rangers pay Staal just under 4 million per and I think if you go over that number they may at least think about not matching. Still a team with money and cap room like the Rangers is likely not going to let Del Zotto get poached unless the deal is outrageous. I wouldn’t pay Del Zotto outrageously but 5 years at 4.7 may sneak him out of New York.

Colin Wilson
Maybe a slight step behind O'Reilly in development, Wilson is another centre that is close to having a breakout year. His size and skill is an intriguing package to me, and I can see him breaking out next year and becoming a 50-60 point player. On Vancouver he would be a great 3rd line centre with upside, who would give the bottom 6 some size and scoring. If they match Weber and Kostitsyn gets a raise, maybe Wilson becomes very poachable. Maybe a front-loaded, 3.25-3.5 million per over 4 years could get him out of Nashville.

Spencer Machacek
The last player I’m going to look at today is likely the most shocking. Vancouver fans should be familiar with Machacek because of his three years spent in Vancouver with the Giants. Machacek is what Vancouver needs in their bottom 6 and could also slide up and play in the top 6 in a pinch. He has size and he does actually use it. His stat line, in limited action is an impressive one, 13 games, 9 points, +8, 24 hits, 1 giveaway, and 4 takeaways. Machacek is a player that Gillis should be calling to trade for, If they Jets won’t listen, make them listen by sending an offer sheet his way. First I offer Raymond straight up for Machacek and sign him to a Hansen type deal. If that doesn’t work I sent him 2.75 per over 4 years. I know that number seems high now, but I doubt it will seem high in a few years and yes, I do think that highly of Machacek.

That’s a wrap for today. Tomorrow I’ll be back to look at eight more offer sheet targets.

Ian


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