What upsets me is that the teams that are flourishing in the playoffs are not the result of an organic change (ie players are bigger, stronger, etc) so much as it's a man made change (ie the rules change or cease to be enforced). Unfortunately the change is for the worse not the better.
- AlexF

I think it's a cycle, once attendance drops in the bigger markets due to the horrible play resulting from the way rules are enforced/interpreted now, you'll see the more skilled teams win and the bigger teams lose.

Yeah, them taking Edler is doing the Canucks a favour.

How in the world are they going to get rid of a big 26 year old D who has a .60 point/game average over the last 4 years, hits like a train, and is the team's best shot blocker... ? What a predicament...

Seriously, have you watched Edler? Are you under some strange impression that he's not a good player? He's young, talented, and signed to a good long term contract...

The Canucks have minor cap issues. Luongo is gone on waivers, Booth and Ballard are bought out—problem solved.

It's not like they want to get rid of Edler—the need for a top 6 forward is greater.

EDIT: or maybe you're just trolling, because I can't think of any other reason why you would think Philly acquiring Edler would be doing the Canucks a favour...
- Fosco

I'd be willing to bet they don't remotely consider taking on more big salary players this summer. It just won't happen. Particularly at the cost of one of their youngest guys who is contributing on an ELC.

I'd be willing to bet they don't remotely consider taking on more big salary players this summer. It just won't happen. Particularly at the cost of one of their youngest guys who is contributing on an ELC.
- Dirte

The only way they are going to be able to add any salary at all is if they are able to get rid of Briere and Bryz by whatever means necessary. Next season, Giroux, B. Schenn, Couturier and Read are all FA's.

I think it is going to be much more difficult for teams to trade away salary in this offseason than people may believe. With the cap coming down there are going to quite a few players being bought out, meaning players with over inflated contracts could be signed to more reasonable deals elsewhere. Teams like Tbay who could have been in on before next season starts will not be able to stay under the cap. That and Vancouver will not be the only team trying to trade assets in order to stay cap compliant. It should make for an interesting off season all over the league.

There is no way anyone gambles on Booth. Ballard is most likely another buyout. Lu either goes to NYI or is placed on waivers, with waivers the most likely.

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