I can see TT, Leddy and the Hawks 1st for Kesler and a prospect or a later pick. And i don't see any other teams out there offering better. You're talking 2 likely top 6/top 4 players. I mean Leddy is a top 4 guy on a lot of teams right now, even with his mental/maturity deficiencies. And maybe very good top 6/top 4 players.
- John Jaeckel

Could be a 3 way deal that will keep everyone happy, still thinking Reinhart is in play somehow.

The fun part of this Kesler situation is that it could turn into a game of "chicken" between Kesler and Benning.

Kesler NTC basically gives him the decision power on where he lands...

Benning has some leverage because Kesler has two years left on his contract. With Vancouver seemingly not going to be in contention for some time, Benning can hold onto him for the right offer, and doesn't have trade him immediately - until the trade deadline in early 2016. That could influence Kesler to bend on which team he goes too.

Who flinches first?
- EKolb13

the new regime does not want a repeat of the Luongo saga which dragged on through the almost 2 seasons and had very bad ending.

certainly not identical situations by any means but to have kesler trade him/trade him not hanging over that team into the season will not be a good thing...

so one would expect this is resolved before free agent hunting season open...

but for StanBow to make this happen seems awfully remote and a huge risk: who he gives up, how he handles the cap headaches, and which "core" salary is subtracted to make it work...plus the issues with NMCs and NTCs.

next year with kane/toews extensions kicking in along with leddy, saad and kruger becoming RFA's..you are talking about at least an extra $14 mil kicking in 2015-2016....GOOD LUCK making that work....a couple of well luved core will be gone to accommodate that reality

Leddy will not be on this team after next season and possibly this season.

The Hawks simply will not pay him what he's asking for especially seeing they have defenseman in their system who they believe will be as good/better than Leddy at significantly less money.

The Hawks WILL figure out a way to get Dalbeck, Johns, Clendening etc. into the lineup here... soon.
- CaptainBlackhawk

We will see
Respect your thoughts just hope your wrong

99% certain, Brandon Saad will not be dealt for Ryan Kesler.

So you can speculate, but the reason the teams are talking today is probably because VAN has backed off on Saad.
- John Jaeckel

If there are only two teams on Keslers list and the Canucks don't get what, he won't get moved, and start the season with a #2 center.

If there are only two teams on Keslers list and the Canucks don't get what, he won't get moved, and start the season with a #2 center.
- VanHockeyGuy

Interesting. This is the same exact thought process we heard in regards to Luongo/Schneider.

I like reading their stuff....And he seems like a nice guy...but I thought that comment was nuts....Claiming the Hawks D pipeline is full of players isn't a good enough reason to trade Seabrook...And he mentioned Johns...Right now, Johns is exactly what TT is....A prospect....could turn out to be a decent NHLer...could turn out to be the next Kyle Beach, Jack Skille, alexandre daigle etc....
- captainserious

Again, Greg is a nice guy but he needs to put the pipe down here.

Some people think Johns is at best a third pairing guy. Some people are higher on him. But there is also the possibility that he never does crap in the NHL.

We're talking defensemen here, by far the hardest position in hockey to develop and project. So any comment about the quality of any team's D pipeline, unless you're talking serious blue-chippers, is just kind of stupid.

Clendening has some serious deficiencies.

The only guy sort of close to a sure thing, as I hear it, is Dahlbeck, who appears to be a projectable Hjalmarsson type. But let's be clear, Hjalmarsson's greatest assets are between his ears and in his chest cavity. Hard to say any prospect can be that kind of player.

Sharp and Leddy for Kesler. Oz has spoken.

Interesting. This is the same exact thought process we heard in regards to Luongo/Schneider.
- CaptainBlackhawk

Nope way different, Luongo had a unmovable contract which the Canucks are still paying for. Look at Keslers sweet deal!

the new regime does not want a repeat of the Luongo saga which dragged on through the almost 2 seasons and had very bad ending.

certainly not identical situations by any means but to have kesler trade him/trade him not hanging over that team into the season will not be a good thing...

so one would expect this is resolved before free agent hunting season open...

but for StanBow to make this happen seems awfully remote and a huge risk: who he gives up, how he handles the cap headaches, and which "core" salary is subtracted to make it work...plus the issues with NMCs and NTCs.

next year with kane/toews extensions kicking in along with leddy, saad and kruger becoming RFA's..you are talking about at least an extra $14 mil kicking in 2015-2016....GOOD LUCK making that work....a couple of well luved core will be gone to accommodate that reality
- bogiedoc

The difference between what happened with Luongo and now is:

1) The Canucks were still a playoff/cup contending team, and are not now. It won't hurt Benning to hold onto Kesler. If Kesler wants to be a locker room problem because of it, it may make the team worse, and thus help them move up in the draft for 2015.

2) It's easier to move a top end forward or defenseman than it is a top end goaltender.

3) Luongo's contract was a long, cap-circumventing contract. Kesler's is not.

If there are only two teams on Keslers list and the Canucks don't get what, he won't get moved, and start the season with a #2 center.
- VanHockeyGuy

Oh could be.

But they also aren't getting Crosby or Toews or Stamkos for Kesler. Point is, at some point, like the Gillis Fiasco with Lu, you have to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Are the Canucks winning a Cup next year with or without Kesler? No. Are they trending up or down over the last couple of seasons. Down.

You want to win Cups. If you have an asset who wants out, you make the best deal you can to help rebuild—sooner rather than later, not stay in a holding pattern of mediocrity.

Sharp and Leddy for Kesler. Oz has spoken.
- Q...argh

So you must think Chicago is in the driver seat in a deal. Nucks will keep throwing a high return at any team until draft day and then take the best deal. No way that will ever include Sharp.

I would rather trade Bickel than Leddy but I realize I stand alone on this
Young Defencemen are sacred for me
- PEIHawkFan

You don't stand alone Bickel sucks, but Who would take him with that salary?

So this must think Chicago is in the driver seat in a deal. Nucks will keep throwing a high return at any team until draft day and then take the best deal. No way that will ever include Sharp.
- WhatTheNuck

You may be right (because you might know something I don't I guess) but why do you say that.

There are probably at least a few hockey people who would deal Kesler straight up for Sharp, actually.

And you guys sit there salivating over Emerson Etem?! Just saying.

The other thing is, does anyone know if Anaheim is actually on Kesler's list? The FACT is, any team on Kesler's list of teams he will accept a trade to has some leverage.

It is so nice to be able to talk hockey on here. Just transfered to Jacksonville, FL from Minnesota. If one more person asks me if I am a Redskins fan after seeing the Hawks tow hitch cover, plate frame, hat, or shirt, I am going to flip! []
- ikeane

I take it you're not too happy with this transfer?
- EKolb13

I enjoy messing with the locals when they ask if I'm a Blackhawk fan when they see my hat. I always ask 'em how do they know it's not a Winterhawk hawk....stops most of 'em in their tracks.

Oh could be.

But they also aren't getting Crosby or Toews or Stamkos for Kesler. Point is, at some point, like the Gillis Fiasco with Lu, you have to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Are the Canucks winning a Cup next year with or without Kesler? No. Are they trending up or down over the last couple of seasons. Down.

You want to win Cups. If you have an asset who wants out, you make the best deal you can to help rebuild—sooner rather than later, not stay in a holding pattern of mediocrity.
- John Jaeckel

I agree with everything your saying except Sharp just does not work for Vancouver. They want young assets and picks. They are trying to close a deal with Anaheim. Hawks have to figure out a package that Sharp is not included.

Vancouver does not have a goalie. They are full bore committed to the McDavid sweeps. Sharp is the last player they want or need.

You don't stand alone Bickel sucks, but Who would take him with that salary?
- Q...argh

Couldn't agree more. If Nucks plan to improve in 2-3 years, he won't be part of a deal.

I think Shaw, Leddy and a 1st is a good starting point if Saad is completely off the table.

So you must think Chicago is in the driver seat in a deal. Nucks will keep throwing a high return at any team until draft day and then take the best deal. No way that will ever include Sharp.
- WhatTheNuck

I just want to see that overrated albatross off our team to make room for TT on a wing. one can dream. ...

I just want to see that overrated albatross off our team to make room for TT on a wing. one can dream. ...
- Q...argh

Well, if we are dreaming I'll take Saad.

StL and Ana have the biggest need for Kesler ,Chicago it is a luxury trade, Pitt I don't know why trade.
- VANTEL

Because Pittsburgh is in on every big deal cap or no cap.

I agree with everything your saying except Sharp just does not work for Vancouver. They want young assets and picks. They are trying to close a deal with Anaheim. Hawks have to figure out a package that Sharp is not included.

Vancouver does not have a goalie. They are full bore committed to the McDavid sweeps. Sharp is the last player they want or need.
- spatso

No argument except Sharp brings some dressing room props that NO ONE on the market today does. NO ONE. Tell me one player that Van can get back for Kesler who has the skins Sharp does on the wall. And then tell me who the leaders are, at present, in the Vancouver dressing room? The Twins? Bieksa? OK . . .

My feeling has been (for years) that player leadership has been a huge problem for Van.

But I hear you, they are much better off going young. But proven young (like Saad, who I hear they are very hot for) is better than draft picks or less proven young (like Etem).

Leddy, TT and a late first? Who's offering as good or better? Tell me.

Could be a 3 way deal that will keep everyone happy, still thinking Reinhart is in play somehow.
- VanHockeyGuy

I think Benning really like Reinhart and I have a feeling you're right. I also think Benning has a few different directions to go which involves a few different plans. I think draft day will be a good one no matter what.

Couldn't agree more. If Nucks plan to improve in 2-3 years, he won't be part of a deal.

I think Shaw, Leddy and a 1st is a good starting point if Saad is completely off the table.
- WhatTheNuck

Shaw and Leddy and a later pick I could see. You guys seem to think Leddy is just a bag of crap. Granted, he makes some bonehead plays but there is a LOT of upside there and he ain't terrible now.

No argument except Sharp brings some dressing room props that NO ONE on the market today does. NO ONE. Tell me one player that Van can get back for keeler who has the skins Sharp does on the wall. And then tell me who the leaders are, at present, in the vancouver dressing room? The Twins? Bieksa?

My feeling has been (for years) that player leadership has been a huge problem for Van.

But I hear you, they are much better off going young. But proven young (like Saad, who I hear they are very hot for) is better than draft picks or less proven young (like Etem).

Leddy, TT and a late first? Who's offering as good or better? Tell me.
- John Jaeckel

If that is indeed and offer I agree it's the best deal but with just under a week until Draft Day, I feel I would hold out until the end and play it up like there is something better out there.

No argument except Sharp brings some dressing room props that NO ONE on the market today does. NO ONE. Tell me one player that Van can get back for keeler who has the skins Sharp does on the wall. And then tell me who the leaders are, at present, in the vancouver dressing room? The Twins? Bieksa?

My feeling has been (for years) that player leadership has been a huge problem for Van.

But I hear you, they are much better off going young. But proven young (like Saad, who I hear they are very hot for) is better than draft picks or less proven young (like Etem).

Leddy, TT and a late first? Who's offering as good or better? Tell me.
- John Jaeckel

Leddy, TT and a late first is reasonable..

Could be a 3 way deal that will keep everyone happy, still thinking Reinhart is in play somehow.
- VanHockeyGuy

I actually think a 3-way deal is quite possible too