I'm sure Doan would do well with the Sedins, but IMO, it's more important to get the 2nd line going to spread out the scoring.

I also don't think the Sedins need someone on their line to stick up for them. Apart from the Keith cheapshot, they've been fine throughout their careers. The Canucks need someone tough on the 4th line who can be a menace to the other team's stars.

A Burrows/Lappy/Hansen line would be good, but so would a Higgins/Lappy/Hansen.
- Fosco

Going to be a bidding war for Carkner Prust type players.

Volpatti isn't horrible .I am hoping he stays healthy.

Frankly I think Brad Boyes sucks but this is an interesting looking team.
- AlexF

I think a one year deal hovering the 2 million mark is a low risk/high reward move. He has the pieces to score a good number of goals. I think playing some games with the sedins/2nd power play unit would be good for him. I'm good with Burrows staying with the Sedins but I'm starting to get the feeling they are becoming a bit too predictable and Burrows is falling back into his old ways of pulling crap after the whistle.

I would love to see Ray Whitney on this team if Doan is a no go... he is exactly what that 2nd line needs... a calming presence with great vision. I know he is pushing 40... but the guy was still top 10 in assists last year and can still play.

Wideman would also be a great option... depending on the dollar amount... I wouldn't pay anything over 5 million but I think he will end up with something around 5.5. Garrison will be asking for way too much for being a little bit of a question mark. And I think Schultz is going to either Toronto or Edmonton.

Zanon would be a great #6 guy.. blocks a ton of shots... but I think its time to at least give a younger guy a good look this year.

I really hope Gillis makes some big moves this year to really shake things up for this team... I woud be okay with Lu, Ballard (only because AV doesn't utilize him properly), Manny and some picks/prospects all gone if it means bigger things.

People are saying the UFA crop is thin... but it has some guys who fill the needs of this team.. some solid 2nd/3rd liners... as well as some toughness on the backend and 4th line. Parros, Asham, Moen and Tootoo are all 3rd/4th line guys who add an element that we desperately need.. and would be happy with any of them.

Going to be a bidding war for Carkner Prust type players.

Volpatti isn't horrible .I am hoping he stays healthy.
- VANTEL

You're probably right but I'm convinced we do need at least one of those types on our team next year. I'd also have a look at Konopka (a C who can face off, PK, and fight with the best of them) with a view to Malhotra playing with the Wolves next season.

CAPGEEK.COM USER GENERATED ROSTER
My Custom Lineup
FORWARDS
Daniel Sedin ($6.100m) / Henrik Sedin ($6.100m) / Brad Boyes ($2.500m)
David Booth ($4.250m) / Ryan Kesler ($5.000m) / Shane Doan ($4.900m)
Chris Higgins ($1.900m) / Maxim Lapierre ($1.000m) / Alexandre Burrows ($2.000m)
Brandon Prust ($0.950m) / Manny Malhotra ($2.500m) / Jannik Hansen ($1.350m)
Zack Kassian ($0.870m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Kevin Bieksa ($4.600m) / Dan Hamhuis ($4.500m)
Bryan Allen ($3.250m) / Alexander Edler ($3.250m)
Keith Ballard ($4.200m) / Chris Tanev ($0.900m)
Matt Carkner ($0.900m)
GOALTENDERS
Cory Schneider ($3.750m)
Martin Biron ($0.975m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $68,000,000; CAP PAYROLL: $65,745,000; BONUSES: $0
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $2,255,000
- kneughter

Just don't see any benefit of Boyes with the Sedins over Burrows. The guy rarely shows any effort, and isn't exactly as good a forechecker or defensive forward as Burrows, the qualities that make Burrows such a good fit with the Sedins.

Unless Boyes was coming for under $2 million a season, I wouldn't want the Canucks to touch him. Even then, I don't see much of a role for him.

I think a one year deal hovering the 2 million mark is a low risk/high reward move. He has the pieces to score a good number of goals. I think playing some games with the sedins/2nd power play unit would be good for him. I'm good with Burrows staying with the Sedins but I'm starting to get the feeling they are becoming a bit too predictable and Burrows is falling back into his old ways of pulling crap after the whistle.

I would love to see Ray Whitney on this team if Doan is a no go... he is exactly what that 2nd line needs... a calming presence with great vision. I know he is pushing 40... but the guy was still top 10 in assists last year and can still play.

Wideman would also be a great option... depending on the dollar amount... I wouldn't pay anything over 5 million but I think he will end up with something around 5.5. Garrison will be asking for way too much for being a little bit of a question mark. And I think Schultz is going to either Toronto or Edmonton.

Zanon would be a great #6 guy.. blocks a ton of shots... but I think its time to at least give a younger guy a good look this year.

I really hope Gillis makes some big moves this year to really shake things up for this team... I woud be okay with Lu, Ballard (only because AV doesn't utilize him properly), Manny and some picks/prospects all gone if it means bigger things.

People are saying the UFA crop is thin... but it has some guys who fill the needs of this team.. some solid 2nd/3rd liners... as well as some toughness on the backend and 4th line. Parros, Asham, Moen and Tootoo are all 3rd/4th line guys who add an element that we desperately need.. and would be happy with any of them.
- kneughter

Whitney is old but I like your thinking on the need for a playmaker on that 2nd line. I'm not sure why people continue to insist that 3 shoot first guys would ever somehow just work itself out. We saw last year (without Samuelsson) it didn't. If you're going for the old legends with vision, another option is Jagr who is a UFA (unlike Whitney).

Re Wideman, my gut tells me Gillis will not pay him more than any of our other Dmen, which means our best offer would be 4.5m. Not sure that flies with Wideman but if he wants to win...

EDIT: Whitney is a UFA. My bad. Phoenix have some work to do with both Doan and Whitney as UFAs.

Why mess with success. Plus if the 2nd line gets going (or exists) it takes pressure off of the 1st line and they produce more.
Why doesn't Lappy get any love as our 3rd line centre?
- Troutback

I think he'll end up getting it. I am all for them giving Schroeder the chance, and I think if they were patient, he may be able to fit in with some time to gel, but I can't see AV giving him that. Unless there's a trade, Lapierre will be the 3rd line centre by the end of the season.

I think a one year deal hovering the 2 million mark is a low risk/high reward move. He has the pieces to score a good number of goals. I think playing some games with the sedins/2nd power play unit would be good for him. I'm good with Burrows staying with the Sedins but I'm starting to get the feeling they are becoming a bit too predictable and Burrows is falling back into his old ways of pulling crap after the whistle.

I would love to see Ray Whitney on this team if Doan is a no go... he is exactly what that 2nd line needs... a calming presence with great vision. I know he is pushing 40... but the guy was still top 10 in assists last year and can still play.

Wideman would also be a great option... depending on the dollar amount... I wouldn't pay anything over 5 million but I think he will end up with something around 5.5. Garrison will be asking for way too much for being a little bit of a question mark. And I think Schultz is going to either Toronto or Edmonton.

Zanon would be a great #6 guy.. blocks a ton of shots... but I think its time to at least give a younger guy a good look this year.

I really hope Gillis makes some big moves this year to really shake things up for this team... I woud be okay with Lu, Ballard (only because AV doesn't utilize him properly), Manny and some picks/prospects all gone if it means bigger things.

People are saying the UFA crop is thin... but it has some guys who fill the needs of this team.. some solid 2nd/3rd liners... as well as some toughness on the backend and 4th line. Parros, Asham, Moen and Tootoo are all 3rd/4th line guys who add an element that we desperately need.. and would be happy with any of them.
- kneughter

Both great options.

I think Whitney's age could have some benefits. The team could use a bit more veteran experience, and it may bring Kesler back down to earth. Obviously only a 1 year deal, though.

Just don't see any benefit of Boyes with the Sedins over Burrows. The guy rarely shows any effort, and isn't exactly as good a forechecker or defensive forward as Burrows, the qualities that make Burrows such a good fit with the Sedins.

Unless Boyes was coming for under $2 million a season, I wouldn't want the Canucks to touch him. Even then, I don't see much of a role for him.
- Fosco

Keep in mind that line up wasn't spot for spot where I would see guys... just kind of putting the "signings" out there.

But I think having Burrows on the 3rd line and playing his natural role as a pest who can chip in may benefit him for at least a bit of the season. I just wasn't liking what I was seeing this past season with Burrows on the 1st line. The chemistry is still there... but I wouldn't be against the idea of shifting him around.

Serious hockey talk tonight boys.
If I can't use a movie reference I don't have much to add.

Whitney is old but I like your thinking on the need for a playmaker on that 2nd line. I'm not sure why people continue to insist that 3 shoot first guys would ever somehow just work itself out. We saw last year (without Samuelsson) it didn't. If you're going for the old legends with vision, another option is Jagr who is a UFA (unlike Whitney).

Re Wideman, my gut tells me Gillis will not pay him more than any of our other Dmen, which means our best offer would be 4.5m. Not sure that flies with Wideman but if he wants to win...

EDIT: Whitney is a UFA. My bad. Phoenix have some work to do with both Doan and Whitney as UFAs.
- AlexF

Any time I bring up Whitney people respond with saying "He will never leave Phoenix"... but if you look at his career... he has been on many different teams.. and nothing about him points to Phoenix loyalty. Doan on the other hand is a little bit more of a question mark... but If I recall I believe he came out recently stating he wants to be able to decide where his family lives and with Coyotes possibly relocating he was leaning towards free agency. I bet if Canucks offered him a 5 year deal with a 4.5-5 average he would happily accept.

Keep in mind that line up wasn't spot for spot where I would see guys... just kind of putting the "signings" out there.

But I think having Burrows on the 3rd line and playing his natural role as a pest who can chip in may benefit him for at least a bit of the season. I just wasn't liking what I was seeing this past season with Burrows on the 1st line. The chemistry is still there... but I wouldn't be against the idea of shifting him around.
- kneughter

Fair enough, everyone has their opinion. I thought he was great again, and his pest-like nature actually benefits the first line. That line had a bit of a slump, and I though Burrows was actually the only one who was effective during that period.

Out of the three of them, Burrows was the only one whose numbers actually improved on the season before (albeit with a few more games). Of course, you could argue that Burrows was the reason that the Sedins' numbers dipped a bit, but I don't think that was the case.

Either way, I agree that Burrows COULD (but not should) be moved to any of the top 3 lines and still be very effective.

Any time I bring up Whitney people respond with saying "He will never leave Phoenix"... but if you look at his career... he has been on many different teams.. and nothing about him points to Phoenix loyalty. Doan on the other hand is a little bit more of a question mark... but If I recall I believe he came out recently stating he wants to be able to decide where his family lives and with Coyotes possibly relocating he was leaning towards free agency. I bet if Canucks offered him a 5 year deal with a 4.5-5 average he would happily accept.
- kneughter

Now let's not get crazy here. Doan's great but he's not going to get better over those five years. That contract would negate any positive this franchise gains by unloading Lu's deal.

But you might just have been making a point about everyone having their price...

Now let's not get crazy here. Doan's great but he's not going to get better over those five years. That contract would negate any positive this franchise gains by unloading Lu's deal.

But you might have just been making a point about everyone having their price...
- bloatedmosquito

1 billion dollars.... your move!

Fair enough, everyone has their opinion. I thought he was great again, and his pest-like nature actually benefits the first line. That line had a bit of a slump, and I though Burrows was actually the only one who was effective during that period.

Out of the three of them, Burrows was the only one whose numbers actually improved on the season before (albeit with a few more games). Of course, you could argue that Burrows was the reason that the Sedins' numbers dipped a bit, but I don't think that was the case.

Either way, I agree that Burrows COULD (but not should) be moved to any of the top 3 lines and still be very effective.
- Fosco

Its funny I don't disagree with you at all... love Burrows with the Sedins... just more open to the idea of having him on the 2nd or 3rd line if it calls for it.

1 billion dollars.... your move!
- kneughter

I perfer frickin' sharks with lasers. I'm positive THAT would get it done.

Don't make me post an image!

I 'll drop the insulting part of our conversation and ask you a hockey question .I won't insult your answe either.

Today you said Garrison is a lateral move over Ballard.Garrison had 13 goals from the point this year . In the past we have has Samuelsson Raymond Booth Kesler Burrows and countless other looking for someone who can hit a bomb with accuracy from the blueline on PP .On a team who has struggled with that shot from the blueline,how is that a lateral move with Ballard. He has a bigger reach and is bigger .His physical game was just getting started in the playoffs. He also recorded a fair amount of assists that shows me he can also move the puck. I don't see that as a lateral move at all. As you know Ballard has never won too many over in his stay here. I don't care if it because of AV or not .To have a #7 Dman at 4.2 mil is nuts. If he does find a regular spot on our team then we will be out again in round 1.
- VANTEL

You do realize Ballard has been a top 4 dman in this league with FLA and PHO also averaging 30 pts a season before Vancouver. He's mobile, fights and jumps in the rush. Given a chance to play his proper side (as DCT likes to note), I think he'd be just as capable as Garrison. This is important to note BECAUSE BALLARD HAS NO VALUE ON THE TRADE MARKET! Plain and simple. So why not try to build him back up the way they did with Bieksa....

That aside, let me analyze the team as I see it - I know it is just my opinion....but here we go....

Untouchables: Hank and Daniel

Not likely to move unless homerun offer: Kesler, Hamhuis, Burrows, Schneider, Edler, Kassian

Moveable parts: Everyone else

What we need is another top 6 guy and a stud #1 dman

Hypothetically, what Nashville would want for Weber (IMO) would be something similar to what CBJ wants for Nash - 2 roster players and 2 prospects....likely Edler and a top 6/9 forward, Jensen and a 1st would be my guess.

Who would the forward be? I'd say not likely Burrows due to his value to the team and his cap hit. I imagine when he is set to become a UFA, Malholtras hit comes off the cap and that money goes to burrows, so he is out....who is left? Kesler? Nuh uh, Booth? Maybe? But his cap hit is probably too high for Nashville, so that leaves us with Higgins or Hansen.....Hansen being younger/cheaper and likely fits seamlessly into Nashvilles system is probably the best bet....

So, an offer of Edler, Hansen, Jensen and a 1st is likely the starting point to get a weber type dman...pretty expensive but in a win-now period like Vancouver, thats the deal they'd need to make to help push them over the top....

This is strictly my opinion and a total pipedream but I just dont see Gillis blowing up his core nor is Gillis known for selling low......

Side note:

Incarcerated Bob ‏@incarceratedbob
**BREAKING NHL NEWS**Source: Leafs & Canucks are this close 2completing deal (Med Reports Left)that would send Luongo to Leafs 98% Done WOW!

@1616tony As of now i am hearing (Nothing confirmed) a Goalie coming back from Leafs + Gardiner or Schenn +Other parts involved on both ends

So, an offer of Edler, Hansen, Jensen and a 1st is likely the starting point to get a weber type dman...pretty expensive but in a win-now period like Vancouver, thats the deal they'd need to make to help push them over the top....

This is strictly my opinion and a total pipedream but I just dont see Gillis blowing up his core nor is Gillis known for selling low......

- chompsey

I think that is too much for Weber, even as a pipedream. I don't think Nash will get a return of 2 roster players and 2 prospects. (unless one of those players is a bottom 6 type). I bet they get something in the neighbourhood of 1 real good player, a promising prospect with a high draft pick.

Howson didn't trade Nash at the draft, and maybe it was because his list of teams was too small, but I don't think there is a team that is willing to sell the farm for a player right now. Teams are either rebuilding through draft/FA or tweaking their core. Except Calgary, who knows what they're doing.

Side note:

Incarcerated Bob ‏@incarceratedbob
**BREAKING NHL NEWS**Source: Leafs & Canucks are this close 2completing deal (Med Reports Left)that would send Luongo to Leafs 98% Done WOW!

@1616tony As of now i am hearing (Nothing confirmed) a Goalie coming back from Leafs + Gardiner or Schenn +Other parts involved on both ends
- chompsey

I don't want anything to do with leaf goalies. Schenn or Gardiner is a good starting point.

I don't want anything to do with leaf goalies. Schenn or Gardiner is a good starting point.
- bloatedmosquito

I wouldn't care if "the monster" came this way... throw em in the minors... it would be a non-factor

TSN MOCK draft...Canucks select #26 spot....Malcom SUBBAN!! goalie [] ...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm highly Logical!

I don't want anything to do with leaf goalies. Schenn or Gardiner is a good starting point.
- bloatedmosquito

Amen - although I feel that Schenn is a product of Toronto's ability to self congratulate themselves on finding a player. except I'm not too sold that he has a ceiling above a bottom pairing. Kind of like Bryan Allen.

Amen - although I feel that Schenn is a product of Toronto's ability to self congratulate themselves on finding a player. except I'm not too sold that he has a ceiling above a bottom pairing. Kind of like Bryan Allen.
- Troutback

I don't mind Schenn. His skill set includes blocking shots, heavy hits, and the ability to log big minutes. That's an element missing right now on our defence core.

It is poor business to continue using a failing asset simply because you paid for it. Accept your mistake and move on. You may not have said it, but suggesting to trade Edler and keep Ballard says you think Ballard can perform in the same role as well as Edler, I don't buy it. Let's say we traded Edler, Burrows, Tanev and a 1st for Weber and then re-signed him to a 7 year $50 million contract. Our top six would be what?

Hamhuis Weber
Ballard Bieksa
AHLberts MAG

I don't know about you, but that scares the sh!t out of me.
- 1970vintage

In a good way or bad way?

So, an offer of Edler, Hansen, Jensen and a 1st is likely the starting point to get a weber type dman...pretty expensive but in a win-now period like Vancouver, thats the deal they'd need to make to help push them over the top....


- chompsey

I don't doubt that is CLOSE to what NSH would want, but I'd hope to hell Gillis wouldn't do it. Weber isn't ENOUGH of an upgrade on Edler to warrant all of the additional assets. It would be 1 step forward 2 steps back.

In a good way or bad way?
- LeftCoaster

Anything involving sh!t is usually bad.