Not with you on this one... Guys like Bieksa & Kesler are an on-ice extension of what Torts brings to this team. We need them to bridge the gap.
- DrChristianTroy

I'll hold my opinion of Kesler and Bieksa until I hear from Booner.

I'll hold my opinion of Kesler and Bieksa until I hear from Booner.
- A_SteamingLombardi

We all know what he thinks about Bieksa... Not sure where he currently stands on Kesler though.

Not with you on this one... Guys like Bieksa & Kesler are an on-ice extension of what Torts brings to this team. We need them to bridge the gap.
- DrChristianTroy

That's fine, we're all entitled to our opinions. Here's my point, the guys who have been charged with leading this team (The 'C' and 'A's') have not been able to get the job done, and some have created more controversy than they've dispelled. Every player on every team is replaceable at some point (just as every employee is), and these two guys (along with Luongo) likely have some league wide appeal on the trade front. Both signed at least two more years at reasonable salary numbers. Trading the twins is not likely an option, so here's the next best thing IMO. Where does the future come from if not from moving current players that other teams would be willing to give up a little future for, surely not from moving Luongo?

as much as I dislike Kesler's diving antics and Bieksa's habit of throwing down with nonfighters, I would think moving either or both would seriously impact the toughness and grit on the Canucks in a negative way.
- Isles_since_6

That all depends on what you get in return.

If we don't win the Stanley Cup I'm never fine with our playoffs. Only losers are fine with losing.
- KB3Point0

point is don't throw stones when you live in a glass house

That all depends on what you get in return.
- 1970vintage

absolutely true, but no team is going to switch similar players and dollars, it'll either be younger and cheaper coming back or picks etc. I think the value of those two players at their age and current impact of the team makes it difficult to immediately replace them with equal value. In time as younger players or picks mature but right now those two guys are pretty key components of the team.

That all depends on what you get in return.
- 1970vintage

I thought kesler was way less of a diver this year

That's fine, we're all entitled to our opinions. Here's my point, the guys who have been charged with leading this team (The 'C' and 'A's') have not been able to get the job done, and some have created more controversy than they've dispelled. Every player on every team is replaceable at some point (just as every employee is), and these two guys (along with Luongo) likely have some league wide appeal on the trade front. Both signed at least two more years at reasonable salary numbers. Trading the twins is not likely an option, so here's the next best thing IMO. Where does the future come from if not from moving current players that other teams would be willing to give up a little future for, surely not from moving Luongo?
- 1970vintage

As you say, it's not likely... But I'd trade the twins before I'd trade a Tortorella coached Kesler. I honestly don't think the Sedins will love life under Torts.

As you say, it's not likely... But I'd trade the twins before I'd trade a Tortorella coached Kesler. I honestly don't think the Sedins will love life under Torts.
- DrChristianTroy

neither do I, I don't see those two flourishing in a stifling defensive system. I also don't see the Canucks fan base happy with a boring defensive system. If Torts could find a way to have them play a style between the tampa team he coached and the rangers, then it would likely be somewhat successful, but I'll just stop watching them if he puts the rangers style back in play in Vancouver. That was so boring to watch in NY.

neither do I, I don't see those two flourishing in a stifling defensive system. I also don't see the Canucks fan base happy with a boring defensive system. If Torts could find a way to have them play a style between the tampa team he coached and the rangers, then it would likely be somewhat successful, but I'll just stop watching them if he puts the rangers style back in play in Vancouver. That was so boring to watch in NY.
- Isles_since_6

I actually think he'll install a system that works for everyone. Just not sure if the twins can handle being called out/asked to play with "bite"/block shots/provide Torts style leadership. They only have 1yr left on their current deal... There's already been rumblings that they'll play the rest of their career by ear... See how they feel... Short term deals... Not sure if that's something we can count on moving forward, especially if it's not a philosophical "fit".

I thought kesler was way less of a diver this year
- clark_griswold

Probably because he missed 3/4 of the season.

I thought kesler was way less of a diver this year
- clark_griswold

His doctor said every time he gave him a needle he went down like he'd been shot.

ZING!!

buy him out. the team has to eat it's mistake and has to do what's right for the player if they hope to retain status as a desireable location. torts might make it tougher to get players so the last thing they need is to make it even harder on themselves.

buy out Lu, buy out Ballard, trade edler, keep booth on IR, send offer sheet to pietrangelo
- therealagent

I might be a fool (MIGHT) but I still think a guy like Ballard has value. I think he got hosed by AV. He's not super expensive, he's got a nice little mean streak and doesn't back down from anyone.

I would either give him one year under Torts, or try and trade him before I wasted a Compliance on him. Heck, I still think Komi can get the Leafs a low pick.

I might be a fool (MIGHT) but I still think a guy like Ballard has value. I think he got hosed by AV. He's not super expensive, he's got a nice little mean streak and doesn't back down from anyone.

I would either give him one year under Torts, or try and trade him before I wasted a Compliance on him. Heck, I still think Komi can get the Leafs a low pick.
- djamon

I hope we keep him. Return of the hip checking, shot blocking, puck rushing Keith Ballard can't be easily replaced... Plus we'll need that top-4 calibre defensive depth after Edler's traded.

Looks like the "trade Schneider" train is gaining momentum with Canuck fans.


Waive that greasy bastard and move on!

I hope we keep him. Return of the hip checking, shot blocking, puck rushing Keith Ballard can't be easily replaced... Plus we'll need that top-4 calibre defensive depth after Edler's traded.
- DrChristianTroy

If I could be guaranteed that Ballard will return to firm under Torts, I'd be much more open to trading Edler.

Looks like the "trade Schneider" train is gaining momentum with Canuck fans.


Waive that greasy bastard and move on!
- Nucker101

Ugh.

I hope we keep him. Return of the hip checking, shot blocking, puck rushing Keith Ballard can't be easily replaced... Plus we'll need that top-4 calibre defensive depth after Edler's traded.
- DrChristianTroy

(done lurking)

If Edler is moved for a good return, yes keeping Ballard under Torts would be great to see. I've never disliked his personality from what I've seen (compared to Booth) and it would be such great retribution for him to play well under a new coach. Scoob could Fire AV all over again if Ballard played like Ballard of old.

Draft day can't come soon enough.

Looks like the "trade Schneider" train is gaining momentum with Canuck fans.


Waive that greasy bastard and move on!
- Nucker101

That is sad to see, all because of the new CBA (and a few other internal reasons) with it's flawed rules punishing previously legal contracts. I'm shocked that ever went through, but hockey needed to start.

(done lurking)

If Edler is moved for a good return, yes keeping Ballard under Torts would be great to see. I've never disliked his personality from what I've seen (compared to Booth) and it would be such great retribution for him to play well under a new coach. Scoob could Fire AV all over again if Ballard played like Ballard of old.

Draft day can't come soon enough.
- Kwak250

Welcome to the fam.

That is sad to see, all because of the new CBA (and a few other internal reasons) with it's flawed rules punishing previously legal contracts. I'm shocked that ever went through, but hockey needed to start.
- Kwak250

Thank Burkie!!

Welcome to the fam.
- DrChristianTroy

Thx DCT.

As you say, it's not likely... But I'd trade the twins before I'd trade a Tortorella coached Kesler. I honestly don't think the Sedins will love life under Torts.
- DrChristianTroy

I'm not against trading any player that makes the team better, but the twins aren't likely to accept a trade unless they are both involved, which woul be rough to swing. In the end I expect that no real change will occur, other that the coach. I don't expect that any player that wasn't already out the door will be moved.

Thank Burkie!!
- djamon

hah. true. Time to battle part of the colwood crawl (must get cold beer first)! Cheers. See ya'll around.

I'm not against trading any player that makes the team better, but the twins aren't likely to accept a trade unless they are both involved, which woul be rough to swing. In the end I expect that no real change will occur, other that the coach. I don't expect that any player that wasn't already out the door will be moved.
- 1970vintage

So instead of a "reset" it's more of a "refresh"?

I think you're right...it's so tough to move players this summer.