I know this probably wont happen but someone has to talk about it. If Burrows doesnt get going by the end of the year we have another 4.5 mil albatross hanging around our necks and as much as i like the guy he should be looked at as a buyout. 3 more years after this one of that is no good. Also what kinda money is kesler going to want next year

This season is a window for the future of this team going forward. Gillis will make bold moves this off season. He has no choice "IF" it is not a successful one. At this point I don't think it has been a good one in the eyes of management and players. Injuries aside of course. I don't think Gillis will use the injuries as an excuse every team goes through the bug probably not to the extreme we have this year but still should not be an excuse to write off a season. It has to go deeper than just injuries.

We have part of feb and all of march to turn it around. We aren't a bad team we just aren't good right now. Many of you would like to see them tank but I still want to see wins to make the playoffs. If players are all healthy come the playoffs and team chemistry peaks I still believe they could surprise.

Well at least Torts is back. Sullivan calls a timeout and doesn't even talk to the guys?
Also, what's with the stupid travel schedule. Travel today and practice tomorrow FFS so your head coach can run the practice.

I agree with this. Lefty, this prospect pool isn't very strong compared to other teams..we're not like TB who actually has to worry about potentially letting guy like Purcell go because they have young kids playing very well in the AHL and racking up points knocking on the door. The Canucks would trade Hansen and then hope one of their "projects" breaks through....which team should really be opening up roster spots for kids? I'd say teams like TB, the Canucks just don't have that young depth that's ready yet.
- Nucker101

You can only keep guys like Connelly in the AHL for so long. Other teams are in the same position with there youth. We are not so I agree.

That went well last night.

I agree with this. Lefty, this prospect pool isn't very strong compared to other teams..we're not like TB who actually has to worry about potentially letting guy like Purcell go because they have young kids playing very well in the AHL and racking up points knocking on the door. The Canucks would trade Hansen and then hope one of their "projects" breaks through....which team should really be opening up roster spots for kids? I'd say teams like TB, the Canucks just don't have that young depth that's ready yet.
- Nucker101

What you guys aren't taking into consideration is the fact that they're going to get young players in return if they trade a couple guys like Kesler or Bieksa.

So, which contending teams are in a position to trade for Kesler and how much would they give up for him?
- golfingsince

I think it's more likely that teams like Columbus or the NYI would take a run at him; they're trying to make the post season in the worst way.

I think it's more likely that teams like Columbus or the NYI would take a run at him; they're trying to make the post season in the worst way.
- LeftCoaster

Exactly, I think teams that are a little more desperate to appease fans and management will over pay a little. If we can sell off some of our contracts for picks prospects younger players mg has to be about that. I would like to see one d and one fw core player moved this year. What ever will fetch us the best return. If that is Kesler and edler, so be it.

I think it's more likely that teams like Columbus or the NYI would take a run at him; they're trying to make the post season in the worst way.
- LeftCoaster

I wish the NYI would. Strome.

I wish the NYI would. Strome.
- golfingsince

Yes exactly - what if they wanted both Edler and Kesler, the return would be substantial. Guys like Strome, Brock Nelson or Griffin Reinhart plus a 2015 first round pick would be in play I'd assume?

Yes exactly - what if they wanted both Edler and Kesler, the return would be substantial. Guys like Strome, Brock Nelson or Griffin Reinhart plus a 2015 first round pick would be in play I'd assume?
- LeftCoaster

I don't think Reinhart would be, but if they landed Kesler I could see them moving Strome. They are so thin at D they'll keep Reinhart IMO.

Yes exactly - what if they wanted both Edler and Kesler, the return would be substantial. Guys like Strome, Brock Nelson or Griffin Reinhart plus a 2015 first round pick would be in play I'd assume?
- LeftCoaster

Wouldn't they be better to deal this yrs 1st rounder and get full value for it? Then with these guys next yrs won't be as high. Edler and Hansen for Reinhart and Nelson

Higgins and Hamhuis to anaheim for Etem and both 1st rounders

Wouldn't they be better to deal this yrs 1st rounder and get full value for it? Then with these guys next yrs won't be as high. Edler and Hansen for Reinhart and Nelson

Higgins and Hamhuis to anaheim for Etem and both 1st rounders
- Bieksa#3

They gave Buffalo their 1st this year….just an example on my part.

So, which contending teams are in a position to trade for Kesler and how much would they give up for him?
- golfingsince

Wonder if st Louis would be interested

I don't think Reinhart would be, but if they landed Kesler I could see them moving Strome. They are so thin at D they'll keep Reinhart IMO.
- golfingsince

I don't think Kesler is going to waive his NTC for the Island. My guess is he will give them a list 5 - 8 teams that are playoff teams that he would waive to.

Boston, Philly, Pitt, Tbay, Det are some teams I could see him wanting to go to.

Wonder if st Louis would be interested
- The_Kuze

Would we trade kesler for tarasenko and a 2nd/1st?

Some of you guys expecting a total fire sale are gonna be crushed on TDL day.

Some of you guys expecting a total fire sale are gonna be crushed on TDL day.
- Nucker101

Yup.

a) Gillis is not that kind of guy
b) Gillis would have to convince the Aquillinis of a ground zero rebuild, and they want to protect their business interests, so no go
c) cap sapce is so tight this season it'd be tough for most clubs to take on any salary (ie so no vets)
c) Even if a, b and c were the opposite, Gillis would likely get screwed by other GMs on most trades
d) 2014 Draft is considered to be fairly weak, so loading up on draft picks in a weak draft is...weak
e) Full fire sale rebuilds suck and are excruciating to watch trying to come good
f) Full rebuilds bring no guarantee of success down the road.

Some of you guys expecting a total fire sale are gonna be crushed on TDL day.
- Nucker101

I don't think we do anything deadline day unless we win massively.

Not enough cap for any team really

I can see this summer being very interesting though. I believe that finally the kids will get a chance. If we can Get a decent top six for edler and a decent ufa siging say Callahan. were looking mighty good if boho can slot in at third line center I guess if not santo can. I think kassian will be third line/second line next year.

Some of you guys expecting a total fire sale are gonna be crushed on TDL day.
- Nucker101

No sh!t.

They gave Buffalo their 1st this year….just an example on my part.
- LeftCoaster

Nope, they have the option of deferring the pick to next yr if and when its in the top 10

Would we trade kesler for tarasenko and a 2nd/1st?
- Bluechip23

seiously?

Wonder if st Louis would be interested
- The_Kuze

The only way kesler goes is for a package similar to what Philly got for richards

I don't think we do anything deadline day unless we win massively.

Not enough cap for any team really

I can see this summer being very interesting though. I believe that finally the kids will get a chance. If we can Get a decent top six for edler and a decent ufa siging say Callahan. were looking mighty good if boho can slot in at third line center I guess if not santo can. I think kassian will be third line/second line next year.
- The_Kuze

Doubtful.

Callahan is on the trade block because his salary demands are exorbitant for a 28 year old bringing what he brings. If you thought Clarkson's contract was bad, try 7 years at 6m+ for Callahan.

Gillis had chances last summer to improve the team but did little, only shoring up some depth. Tyler Seguin was on the market. Brad Boyes could have been had for $1m. Smith, Tatar, Sheehan was reportedly on the table for Edler and MG refused. Jussi Jokinen was available with CAR willing to pick up some salary and MG slept on that. I could go on.

Gillis clearly had no idea where this team was and thought Torts would magically turn the entire roster into the players they were circa 2010-11.

The only way kesler goes is for a package similar to what Philly got for richards
- Bieksa#3

Agreed. Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds was a good haul for Richards.