Yes they really are. A lot of teams are heading into next year and the canucks are one of them.
- Ihatebrianburke

If the Amnesty buyouts hadn't been included in the new CBA, I'd reckon they'd be in trouble.

The teams that are in trouble are the ones who have to re-up their important RFA's in the next two years. The RFA's who are seeking contracts that resemble the ones signed by some of the young stars in this league.

Wow you guys have got so bitter about Kesler over the last year.
- Ihatebrianburke

No, I just hate him in his current role. As a RW he'd score 40+, hopefully stay healthy, make use of his speed a hell of a lot more than he currently does, & create matchup problems for the opposition's 2nd pairing (the Sedins need legit support). As-is, he plays a one man show offensive game, goes too hard defensively leaving him injured when we really need him, and his wingers are just out there to work on cardio.

He will be making far less after next season. He is playing well in the Worlds when he has better line mates than David Jones and Aaron Pulashaj or a beat down Milan Hejduk who just doesnt have it anymore.

Thats the thing he is bumped down to 3rd line center bc of Duchene and O'Reilly in front of him and doesnt get the minutes or line mates that those 2 get. He has skill, just has been over thrown on the depth chart.
- DDM-Coga

I will say that I thought he looked great during the Olympics and he's certainly better than Derek Roy who we picked up mid-season. It's just we'll be hard pressed with the cap this year and taking on added salary ($1m more than Edler) would be unlikely.

If the Amnesty buyouts hadn't been included in the new CBA, I'd reckon they'd be in trouble.

The teams that are in trouble are the ones who have to re-up their important RFA's in the next two years. The RFA's who are seeking contracts that resemble the ones signed by some of the young stars in this league.
- Gullzy

If amnesty buyouts were not included, half the teams in the league would not be able to handle the cap droping to 64 mil.

I think it will be an interesting summer for UFA's. There could be some half decent players who are overpaid that will be bought out available for a decent price. There could be a few surprises.

No, I just hate him in his current role. As a RW he'd score 40+, hopefully stay healthy, make use of his speed a hell of a lot more than he currently does, & create matchup problems for the opposition's 2nd pairing (the Sedins need legit support). As-is, he plays a one man show offensive game, goes too hard defensively leaving him injured when we really need him, and his wingers are just out there to work on cardio.
- DrChristianTroy

Hopefully a new coach can teach him how to distribute the puck, or plop him on the wing of a guy who can.

All these guys really need is a change of scenery in terms of their system. If they can get a coach who can play a uptempo style, make the right personal decisions, and motivate players to learn new tricks; they can get back to the SCF.

If amnesty buyouts were not included, half the teams in the league would not be able to handle the cap droping to 64 mil.

I think it will be an interesting summer for UFA's. There could be some half decent players who are overpaid that will be bought out available for a decent price. There could be a few surprises.
- fiveandagame

Agreed. The only Canucks buyout that I would put money down on at this point is Ballard.

Do those buy-outs expire at the end of this summer?

Agreed. The only Canucks buyout that I would put money down on at this point is Ballard.

Do those buy-outs expire at the end of this summer?
- AlexF

They last two summers I think.

Agreed. The only Canucks buyout that I would put money down on at this point is Ballard.

Do those buy-outs expire at the end of this summer?
- AlexF

The amnesty buyouts expire this summer (buyouts that dont count agaisnt cap space.)

Even a guy like Ballard. You would have to think there would be bunch of teams that would take a chance on depth defenceman with his skill set for 1-2 mil a year.

What are your thoughts on bringing in Dubinsky?
- AlexF

Judging by the fact that the Canucks have similar forward needs as the Oilers and the oilers would love Dubinsky, I think a guy like Dubinsky or Hanzal would be a great fit for you guys.

The amnesty buyouts expire this summer (buyouts that dont count agaisnt cap space.)

Even a guy like Ballard. You would have to think there would be bunch of teams that would take a chance on depth defenceman with his skill set for 1-2 mil a year.
- fiveandagame

He'd be signed first hour of free agency imo. It's a real weak UFA d class, and at that price Ballard is a steal.

The amnesty buyouts expire this summer (buyouts that dont count agaisnt cap space.)

Even a guy like Ballard. You would have to think there would be bunch of teams that would take a chance on depth defenceman with his skill set for 1-2 mil a year.
- fiveandagame

Absolutely. It's his contract and the way AV used him that hurt his value, not the player himself. He'll easily get $2-3m as a UFA.

If we need to use them this summer then the only other buy-out candidates I can envision would be Booth or Luongo. My guess is MG makes the trade for Lu and gives Booth another shot under a new coach and hopefully a healthy season.

He'd be signed first hour of free agency imo. It's a real weak UFA d class, and at that price Ballard is a steal.
- Morris

I'm really interested to see who else will become avilable that are in the same situation as Ballard. There could be some absolute steals out there.

If the Amnesty buyouts hadn't been included in the new CBA, I'd reckon they'd be in trouble.

The teams that are in trouble are the ones who have to re-up their important RFA's in the next two years. The RFA's who are seeking contracts that resemble the ones signed by some of the young stars in this league.
- Gullzy

Are you making an argument that the canucks definitely aren't in cap trouble but the oilers definitely are?

Are you making an argument that the canucks definitely aren't in cap trouble but the oilers definitely are?
- Morris

Who mentioned the Oil?

I'm really interested to see who else will become avilable that are in the same situation as Ballard. There could be some absolute steals out there.
- fiveandagame

Don't have time to skim through every roster but I was looking at the Flyer roster earlier and Danny Briere stood out as a buy-out candidate.

Who mentioned the Oil?
- Gullzy

I took your comment referring to

"the ones who have to re-up their important RFA's in the next two years. The RFA's who are seeking contracts that resemble the ones signed by some of the young stars in this league. "

especially in the context of replying to a contrarian Oilers fan, to be a warning about impending Oilers cap troubles.

Not trying to put words in your mouth, but this is your "now that you mention it" opportunity to explain if that is how you really feel.

Don't have time to skim through every roster but I was looking at the Flyer roster earlier and Danny Briere stood out as a buy-out candidate.
- AlexF

Would you take a flyer on Dany Heatley at 2-3 per?

Side topic but what do you think the likelihood is that Gillis makes some kind of bold move with the core like we've been discussing here? I personally don't think he has the guts.
- AlexF

Do you want him to after his previous trading???????

Would you take a flyer on Dany Heatley at 2-3 per?
- Gullzy

I would, absolutely.

Would you take a flyer on Dany Heatley at 2-3 per?
- Gullzy

Possibly. I think there will be a handful of players past their prime that will be avilable. It will depend on how much gas they have in the tank.

I took your comment referring to

"the ones who have to re-up their important RFA's in the next two years. The RFA's who are seeking contracts that resemble the ones signed by some of the young stars in this league. "

especially in the context of replying to a contrarian Oilers fan, to be a warning about impending Oilers cap troubles.

Not trying to put words in your mouth, but this is your "now that you mention it" opportunity to explain if that is how you really feel.
- Morris

I haven't paid much attention to the Oilers, or their cap situation. I imagine they're pretty solid when it comes to their cap situation. Toronto/Philly/Pittsburgh are the teams I was implying.

Would you take a flyer on Dany Heatley at 2-3 per?
- Gullzy

Yup. That's pretty much Chris Higgins money (2.5).

Do you want him to after his previous trading???????
- SMP8719

If he's our GM, yes I would because we can't afford to sit still. If a GM is not supposed to even attempt to make the team better he should simply be fired and replaced with someone who is.

I haven't paid much attention to the Oilers, or their cap situation. I imagine they're pretty solid when it comes to their cap situation. Toronto/Philly/Pittsburgh are the teams I was implying.
- Gullzy

Ah, I see. yeah tough to tell what direction Philly is going to go into. That team is so up and down. Pittsburgh it just depends on whether guys like Dupuis and Kunitz will test free agency and whether Letang wins the Norris and gets into the 5-6 million range.

Yup. That's pretty much Chris Higgins money (2.5).
- AlexF

The more I think about it the more I like it. The Canucks need someone who score and if Dany Heatley is nothing else, he is a goal scorer.