Canucks should really try hard to OS or trade for a player like Kane Benn or trade for Clowe Backes I would feel a whole lot better with a power forward on the second line . It would change the whole outlook of the Canucks.
- VANTEL

St. Louis isn't trading Backes. Why would they? What would Vancouver give up to get him even if he was available?

Luongo is way, way better than Niemi. SJ is screwed if they are depending on him again. They were a fringe playoff team this last season. Goaltending is their weakest position.

No saying I like that trade, but if SJ is serious about competing anytime soon, they need a new goalie.
- micah555

San Jose doesn't at all need a goalie. How you place their lack of playoff success on Niemi is beyond me.

Regular season so far with the Sharks
60 GP, 2.38, .920
68 GP, 2.42, .915

He performs more then admirable in the regular season. Those are starter caliber numbers any day of the week.

Playoffs so far with the Sharks

18GP, 3.22, .896
5GP, 2.45, .914

Niemi's stats from last years playoffs run are somewhat skewed, but good teams find a way to win in the playoffs, bottom line. The Sharks couldn't get it done with Nabokov either, who while much older is a higher caliber goaltender then Niemi.

Look at the Blackhawks. When Niemi won it with the Hawks, his numbers in the finals were almost as bad as Michael Leightons. Up until that point though? He was money. Not really sure why the Sharks need an upgrade when they already have a cup winning goalie. Even if Niemi is an only sub-par playoff starting goaltender, he has proven he can perform if he has enough talent in front of him.

The Sharks have more then enough talent to win with Niemi. They don't have the right group of players and it couldn't be more obvious. They need big time changes up front and it starts by moving Big Joe and Marleau and letting Pavelski and Couture lead the team up front.

San Jose doesn't at all need a goalie. How you place their lack of playoff success on Niemi is beyond me.

Regular season so far with the Sharks
60 GP, 2.38, .920
68 GP, 2.42, .915

He performs more then admirable in the regular season. Those are starter caliber numbers any day of the week.

Playoffs so far with the Sharks

18GP, 3.22, .896
5GP, 2.45, .914

Niemi's stats from last years playoffs run are somewhat skewed, but good teams find a way to win in the playoffs, bottom line. The Sharks couldn't get it done with Nabokov either, who while much older is a higher caliber goaltender then Niemi.

Look at the Blackhawks. When Niemi won it with the Hawks, his numbers in the finals were almost as bad as Michael Leightons. Up until that point though? He was money. Not really sure why the Sharks need an upgrade when they already have a cup winning goalie. Even if Niemi is an only sub-par playoff starting goaltender, he has proven he can perform if he has enough talent in front of him.

The Sharks have more then enough talent to win with Niemi. They don't have the right group of players and it couldn't be more obvious. They need big time changes up front and it starts by moving Big Joe and Marleau and letting Pavelski and Couture lead the team up front.
- mochoson

Well said, sir.

That would be like Vancouver blaming Luongo for not winning the Cup yet.

I got nothin! Just trade Luongo and sign Doan already!

St. Louis isn't trading Backes. Why would they? What would Vancouver give up to get him even if he was available?
- Kent44

Kesler would be have to be involved for them to listen. A healthy Kesler.

Well said, sir.

That would be like Vancouver blaming Luongo for not winning the Cup yet.
- Kent44

Actually, we blame Dan Cloutier.

Someone's a little pissy this morning. Did I run down either player? Did I make comparisons between rosters? I pointed out that just about every proposal coming from the Vancouver fanbase that doesn't involve Luongo just about always involves a combination of Raymond. Ballard, and a pick. Tell me I'm wrong.

And I'm fully aware of the bad contracts on Montreal, Id be happy to trade you Gomez, Kaberle and a pick for Jenson (See what I did there?)
- qwijibo

I wrote that before I had my coffee. I am ok now.

Seriously everyone sh!ts on those two guys and they really are very decent players.

Canucks do not need a number 5 Dman making 4.2 mil . He has many problems with the coach but in honesty he is a reliable good puck moving D that has the best hip check in the League.

Raymond is very similar to Grabner. Very speedy wingers one had 25 goal high 35 goal high (with a lot more on ice time than Raymond). Both went down in production last year and Raymond came off a huge injury. I thought when Grabner Kesler and Raymond played together for the short time that they were one of the most explosive lines in the league.

So story being , because they don't fit on a very deep talented team does not mean they are not servicable good players. I think the teams that pick them up will be very happy. There is just no room on the Canucks.

St. Louis isn't trading Backes. Why would they? What would Vancouver give up to get him even if he was available?
- Kent44

St. Louis isn't trading Backes. Why would they? What would Vancouver give up to get him even if he was available?
- Kent44

Really ?

Tor makes offers like Bobby Ryan for Frattin Grabovskiand Kadri but Vancouver doesn't have enough talent on their team to offer for Backes?


Silly Leaf fans.

Actually, we blame Dan Cloutier.
- Marwood

Now that Cloutier is back with the Canucks we can start blaming him again!

Now that Cloutier is back with the Canucks we can start blaming him again!
- doggman1

He is?

Now that Cloutier is back with the Canucks we can start blaming him again!
- doggman1

WTF????

Really ?

Tor makes offers like Bobby Ryan for Frattin Grabovskiand Kadri but Vancouver doesn't have enough talent on their team to offer for Backes?


Silly Leaf fans.
- VANTEL

Did I say something to hurt your feelings?

No.

Vancouver has plenty of talent. Just none that they would part with in order to acquire Backes. St. Louis would want someone Vancouver wouldn't want to trade is the point I was trying to make.

Silly Canuck fan.

Did I say something to hurt your feelings?

No.

Vancouver has plenty of talent. Just none that they would part with in order to acquire Backes. St. Louis would want someone Vancouver wouldn't want to trade is the point I was trying to make.

Silly Canuck fan.
- Kent44

You don't think if Backes was available Gillis would not think hard and long at Kesler?

Actually, we blame Dan Cloutier.
- Marwood

lolol...the gift that keeps giving.

poor Cloutier, always the brunt of jokes..and I mean Richard Cloutier

You don't think if Backes was available Gillis would not think hard and long at Kesler?
- VANTEL

Why would St. Louis trade a guy they like and are very happy with for Kesler? Backes is a huge part of that team.

He is?
- VANTEL

Assistant goalie coach? He was working with our prospects.

Twinks20

To Philly- Sekera
For
Ben Holmstrom and a 5th rd pick

My Thoughts- I don’t know much about Holmstrom, but I’m pretty sure that Sekera is a much better player. I’m not sure why Sabres fans want to dump Sekera. I think he’s a pretty good player.
- Ian Esplen

I would trade Raymond for Holmstrom and a 5th...

You don't think if Backes was available Gillis would not think hard and long at Kesler?
- VANTEL

Ian Esplen: Offer Friday on Saturday
Offer Friday on Saturday
- IanEsplen

I dont think any of those deals are equitable. Every one of them is lopsided one way or the other.

Why would St. Louis trade a guy they like and are very happy with for Kesler? Backes is a huge part of that team.
- Kent44

2009-10 VAN 82 25 50 75 1 104 95 73 12 14 1 2 5 214 .117
2010-11 VAN 82 41 32 73 24 66 124 80 15 15 3 1 7 260 .158
2011-12 VAN 77 22 27 49 11 56 108 59 8 11 1 1 1 222 .099


Selke Trophy winner
Helped lead his team to the SCF.

Are you really that dense or nothing better to do than Troll this morning?

Assistant goalie coach? He was working with our prospects.
- doggman1

I think he was more of a guest speaker (skater). He is not listed on the Canucks site as a coach, and others recently hired are (Baumgartner).

Assistant goalie coach? He was working with our prospects.
- doggman1

http://video.search.yahoo...t=A+smiley+Face+CRYING%21

[quote=VANTEL]

Don't panic, he is not a coach.

Don't panic, he is not a coach.
- 1970vintage

I got on my knees and said halleahluj brother