Weber would have to take a home-towner (say 6M). There's no way we have cap space for a 7.5M defensemen unless it's Pronger in his prime. That said, for that deal to go down VAN would have to be given permission to speak with Weber and agree to a contract before hand. Same would go the other way with Edler.
- AlexF

Ballard Raymond and Manny off the books. 8 mil. Plus Edlers 3.2

Scneids signs 4 year /4 mil per savings 1.5

Sammy P at 1.5 savings 1
Salo 1.5 mil

Bring in Schroeder maybe even Jensen if ready

It is very doable.Any team thinking they are getting Weber for 6 mil will be gaurding against his shot the following year.

This is horribl
- VANTEL

Hahaha, that's what I mean. How do you fix the holes in this defensive unit?

Depends what's out there on the UFA market and for what price, else they'd have to go trade. Focusing on UFA defensemen for now that will likely be leaving their current teams (abbreviated list):

Suter, Ryan
Wideman, Dennis
Kuba, Filip
Carle, Matt
Stuart, Brad
Jackman, Barret
Oduya, Johnny
Souray, Sheldon
Hannan, Scott
Aucoin, Adrian
Salvador, Bryce
Kubina, Pavel
O'Brien, Shane
Allen, Bryan
Colaiacovo, Carlo
Corvo, Joe
Clark, Brett
Zanon, Greg
Campoli, Chris
Carkner, Matt

Apart from Suter and Wideman I'm not sure who fits in a top 4 role. Aucoin and Salvador are having good playoffs but are old. Allen could be a decent top 6. I'd like Brad Stuart but it sounds like he's off to California. Carle will get more than he's worth on the silly market.
- AlexF

I like Wideman, Allen, Carle and Souray on that list. I feel a power play quarterback has been lacking since Ehrhoff left.

You can add Joe Corvo to that list.

I'm not sure if any would come out this far West.

Thanks for the info and I for one have trust in your source.It sounds believable and I give you credit. I did notice the other day when you insulted DCT and I too thought it was a little harsh. You are starting go get some respect on here so I too think no need for name calling. Keep up the good work.
- VANTEL

Ya I did go a bit overboard there. I was just emotional at the time and I dont like how Gillis has been perceived over the last few months. He's the best GM this organization has ever had and with him at the helm, the future will always be bright. Obviously this past season has made the fans, orgainzation and players extremely disappointed but when you have an entire team not playing up to their potential and health they wont go far. I feel next season will be a lot better. Gillis has a lot of his plate this offseason and we just have to trust he'll make the right moves.

I honesetly don't understand the whole "trade Kesler" talk. For as bad as he was this year; he was returning off an injured offseason and apparently playing since February. Trading Kesler should be the last thing on their minds.
- bcoop

In Playoff hockey, determination often trumps talent. Kesler has a real knack for making whatever team you are playing against more determined to beat you.
Also, you really can't "spread your awesomeness" over your opponent when one of your marquee players is held in widespread derison for being a whining cheating diving wussy. Can I say wussy on hockeybuzz? Again, not trolling or busting balls, just telling you why I would deal the guy while his value is high. I'd try to swap him straight up for Jordan Staal, for example.

Hahaha, that's what I mean. How do you fix the holes in this defensive unit?
- bcoop

First of all go hard after Justin Shultz . Second look at a decent trade .Rangers have a good supply of D. Luongo for Gardiner has been reported by some hockey insiders.Even Luke Schenn would not be horrible.I think on a better team he would shine more.

Salo should be our 6/7 th D
Go after a hard ass like Gil or Allen as a 4/5
Many options .

Ya I did go a bit overboard there. I was just emotional at the time and I dont like how Gillis has been perceived over the last few months. He's the best GM this organization has ever had and with him at the helm, the future will always be bright. Obviously this past season has made the fans, orgainzation and players extremely disappointed but when you have an entire team not playing up to their potential and health they wont go far. I feel next season will be a lot better. Gillis has a lot of his plate this offseason and we just have to trust he'll make the right moves.
- Boinker

Agreed keep it up .

Word of advice no more Manny on 4 th line Joking.

Some thoughts to share with disappointed Nuckers...

@CoHo...
Go right ahead and slander the kid. You guys are going to spend the next 15 years regretting that trade. MG threw the kid under the bus to try to save his job... I should know better than this, but I had still hoped the majority of Canucks fans would have the wit to see this. Whose word are you going to take about character, Mike Gillis, or every other hockey person who has dealt with Hodgson
- thefullnelson

I don't feel we will. Schroeder has just as much upside as Hodgson. He may not have the pure offensive instincts as him but he's way faster and better defensively. He's got a fantastic shot, hands and passing ability. Gillis was not trying to save his job. Give me a break. The owners have full trust in him and he was never at the point to were his job was in jeopardy. Cody Hodgson does have a lot of leadership but a lot of it is smoke and mirrors. When a player goes through three agents, trade requests, ice time concerns and a hands on father brings up red flags. He had played 8 nhl games before requesting a trade two days after the losing in the stanley cup final. This is a player that wants his stats and money. He was in a great organization and all he had to do was keep his mouth shut and earn his keep. He couldn't do that and Gillis had to trade him. Hodgson has his disadvantages and AV and Gillis decided to pamper his minutes. He was only taking offensive zone faceoffs and got a lot of pp time. He was not and I repeat was not going to get much ice time in the playoffs, therefor his value would drop and the Kassian trade maybe wouldn't be on the table. gillis pulled the trigger and it was a gutsy move. The Hodgson problem was just going to get larger.

First of all go hard after Justin Shultz . Second look at a decent trade .Rangers have a good supply of D. Luongo for Gardiner has been reported by some hockey insiders.Even Luke Schenn would not be horrible.I think on a better team he would shine more.

Salo should be our 6/7 th D
Go oafter a hard ass like Gil or Allen as a 4/5
Many options .
- VANTEL

I like your approach =. I think a lot of teams will be after Schultz so he may be tough. I don't think Toronto makes the Gardiner deal but maybe the Schenn deal. I feel that Luongo is more likely to be Tampa bound...my own opinion.
It doesn't look like a championship caliber defense but the following would be an improvement.

Bieksa-Hamhuis
Tanev-Edler
Allen-Salo
Alberts

Kesler is a stud. You guys are lucky to have him. Does not shock me at all that he wanted to play through it.
- Return of the Roar

This is coming from a Hawks fan so for him to say it...

Yeah unfortunately a lot of Vancouver fans take him for granted and it's what have you done for me lately and they don't care they he plays hurt because the team needs him.

In Playoff hockey, determination often trumps talent. Kesler has a real knack for making whatever team you are playing against more determined to beat you.
Also, you really can't "spread your awesomeness" over your opponent when one of your marquee players is held in widespread derison for being a whining cheating diving wussy. Can I say wussy on hockeybuzz? Again, not trolling or busting balls, just telling you why I would deal the guy while his value is high. I'd try to swap him straight up for Jordan Staal, for example.
- thefullnelson

I don't know how much more determination is really needed for most playoff teams. By this model, a team of "nice guys" would waltz their way into the finals. You can't be worried about how your actions motivate your opponents; the focus should be on how you actions motivate your teammates.

This is coming from a Hawks fan so for him to say it...

Yeah unfortunately a lot of Vancouver fans take him for granted and it's what have you done for me lately and they don't care they he plays hurt because the team needs him.
- CanUSA17

Everybody loves Kesler when he's healthy and feeling good. He's just so hard on his body that is this kind of thing going to persist? Is he going to continue to have surgeries? What's next his knee? I agree the what have you done for me lately is a state of mind that all Canucks fans have. I try to stay as level headed as I can. But I will admit I have pondered the idea of trading him. If he comes back next season full of health and puts together a great year I'll be extremely happy.

I like your approach =. I think a lot of teams will be after Schultz so he may be tough. I don't think Toronto makes the Gardiner deal but maybe the Schenn deal. I feel that Luongo is more likely to be Tampa bound...my own opinion.
It doesn't look like a championship caliber defense but the following would be an improvement.

Bieksa-Hamhuis
Tanev-Edler
Allen-Salo
Alberts
- bcoop

Schultz is a BC boy and we do have the inside track same as the wings have Suters track.

Here is an example but 20 other teams have trades availble that you can test the waters.

Del Zotto, Prust(UFA ), Boyle , for Edler ,Raymond ,(RFA)Booth,
Allen, Sarich, UFAs

Del Zotto Bieksa
Hamhuis Schultz
Allen Sarich

Tanev /Salo

Schultz is a BC boy and we do have the inside track same as the wings have Suters track.

Here is an example but 20 other teams have trades availble that you can test the waters.

Del Zotto, Prust(UFA ), Boyle , for Edler ,Raymond ,(RFA)Booth,
Allen, Sarich, UFAs

Del Zotto Bieksa
Hamhuis Schultz
Allen Sarich

Tanev /Salo
- VANTEL

Where do you figure you have the inside track?

Ian Esplen: Kesler Has Surgery
Kesler Has Surgery
- IanEsplen

Is it surgery to repair his thoughts to dive all the time and then cry like a baby....

Where do you figure you have the inside track?
- TheTaoOfSemenko

He's from B.C and his parents and him grew up Canucks fans. The Canucks also have holes opening up on the defensive right side. Also, the Canucks play an uptempo system which defenseman love. They get activated and it's no secret that Canucks defenseman put up a lot of points. Every year they're near the top. Which also increases your salary if you wanna go to UFA.

Is it surgery to repair his thoughts to dive all the time and then cry like a baby....
- BodyCheckRadio

Hilarious....

Is it surgery to repair his thoughts to dive all the time and then cry like a baby....
- BodyCheckRadio

Yes. He's having surgery to "repair his thoughts." You're a genius, are you in med school?

I don't feel we will. Schroeder has just as much upside as Hodgson. He may not have the pure offensive instincts as him but he's way faster and better defensively. He's got a fantastic shot, hands and passing ability. Gillis was not trying to save his job. Give me a break. The owners have full trust in him and he was never at the point to were his job was in jeopardy. Cody Hodgson does have a lot of leadership but a lot of it is smoke and mirrors. When a player goes through three agents, trade requests, ice time concerns and a hands on father brings up red flags. He had played 8 nhl games before requesting a trade two days after the losing in the stanley cup final. This is a player that wants his stats and money. He was in a great organization and all he had to do was keep his mouth shut and earn his keep. He couldn't do that and Gillis had to trade him. Hodgson has his disadvantages and AV and Gillis decided to pamper his minutes. He was only taking offensive zone faceoffs and got a lot of pp time. He was not and I repeat was not going to get much ice time in the playoffs, therefor his value would drop and the Kassian trade maybe wouldn't be on the table. gillis pulled the trigger and it was a gutsy move. The Hodgson problem was just going to get larger.
- Boinker

You may be right to some extent... time will tell. However...

"He was in a great organization and all he had to do was keep his mouth shut and earn his keep. "

Come on. Hodgson wouldn't say **** if his mouth was full of it. AV slandered his work ethic and personal maturity for having the utter gall to take responsibility for his own health (and, he was completely correct to do so. He was injured in a team-supervised workout and the team doctors misdiagnosed his injury). Hodgson didn't publicly respond, nor has he retaliated for MG's slander. Now MG is claiming Hodgson was his biggest problem... sorry, lads. 29 other teams would love to have that "problem". I think we can all agree that if it had been Hodgson saying things like that about his team, we would all be jumping all over him for being unprofessional.

Also, Gillis for sure did not "have to" trade him. Cody did not request a trade publicly and IMO CH and MG probably had an understanding the he would be dealt "eventually" because there was no future in Vancouver for him... I really think Hodgson thought it would be after this playoffs.

And you seem really sure he would not have gotten much ice time in the playoffs... why? You guys lost because you couldn't score and because, as a team, you were outcompeted - CoHo could have helped you in both areas. Remember losing 1-0? Game 3's are important.

He's from B.C and his parents and him grew up Canucks fans. The Canucks also have holes opening up on the defensive right side. Also, the Canucks play an uptempo system which defenseman love. They get activated and it's no secret that Canucks defenseman put up a lot of points. Every year they're near the top. Which also increases your salary if you wanna go to UFA.
- Boinker

Hmm. Valid points.

I'm still going with Mackenzie saying he thought Schultz will go to Edmonton. He'd get no shortage of ice time tthat's for sure. I dunno, Leafers also think theye front runners. Not sure. Guess we 'll see.

Yes. He's having surgery to "repair his thoughts." You're a genius, are you in med school?
- hankthetank

HankTheTank Buzz> Hockeybuzz

I don't know how much more determination is really needed for most playoff teams. By this model, a team of "nice guys" would waltz their way into the finals. You can't be worried about how your actions motivate your opponents; the focus should be on how you actions motivate your teammates.
- bcoop

...um... I didn't mean to say "nice guys" are gonna win the playoffs - cause they usually don't. I meant to say that people who respond to adversity by digging deep, taking responsibility, and trying harder, will produce better results than Kesler in competitive, must-win hockey games.
And you totally can and should worry about how your actions motivate your opponents. Remember how well the policy of "Don't Poke The Bear" worked for the Capitals? That's one of the ways that smart coaches take apart teams with superior talent.

Hmm. Valid points.

I'm still going with Mackenzie saying he thought Schultz will go to Edmonton. He'd get no shortage of ice time tthat's for sure. I dunno, Leafers also think theye front runners. Not sure. Guess we 'll see.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

I sure hope he comes to Edmonton, but I do find it kind of amusing that so many fans of different teams feel that he is a "sure thing" to sign with them. I guess we need something to talk about besides endless arguements over Gagner's and Hemsky's trade value...

You may be right to some extent... time will tell. However...

"He was in a great organization and all he had to do was keep his mouth shut and earn his keep. "

Come on. Hodgson wouldn't say **** if his mouth was full of it. AV slandered his work ethic and personal maturity for having the utter gall to take responsibility for his own health (and, he was completely correct to do so. He was injured in a team-supervised workout and the team doctors misdiagnosed his injury). Hodgson didn't publicly respond, nor has he retaliated for MG's slander. Now MG is claiming Hodgson was his biggest problem... sorry, lads. 29 other teams would love to have that "problem". I think we can all agree that if it had been Hodgson saying things like that about his team, we would all be jumping all over him for being unprofessional.

Also, Gillis for sure did not "have to" trade him. Cody did not request a trade publicly and IMO CH and MG probably had an understanding the he would be dealt "eventually" because there was no future in Vancouver for him... I really think Hodgson thought it would be after this playoffs.

And you seem really sure he would not have gotten much ice time in the playoffs... why? You guys lost because you couldn't score and because, as a team, you were outcompeted - CoHo could have helped you in both areas. Remember losing 1-0? Game 3's are important.
- thefullnelson

Hodgson has a lot of....."advisers" he's been taught at a young age on how to handle the media. All of his answers are all the same he beats around the bush like no one I've ever seen. There's a lot more there than meets the eye. Ya obviously Hodgson could have helped offensively. But in the playoffs defense always comes first. He would have been a matchup nightmare for AV. He would have only taken offensive zone faceoffs and pp time and he would have been dominated matching up against Kopitar and Richards. He would not have been a factor. If you look at his advanced stats he's on for almost double scoring chances against than for. Cody's camp feels he's a superstar even his agent rich winters said publicly he's going to be the best player of his draft class. His draft class had Stamkos in it. He's been told at the youngest age how great he'd be. He was an early bloomer and his development has not been as vast as the canucks would have hoped. His injury was misdiagnosed by 2 parties. The Canucks and one the Hodgson camp went to for a second opinion. He went to a back specialist in the states for a third opinion and was diagnosed properly.

Where do you figure you have the inside track?
- TheTaoOfSemenko

I know you Oiler fans think you have it .Sorry not going down that road again.