Ughhh.....not beating a dead horse but do a lil research before running you're mouth. Hamhuis and Sekera had exactly the same point totals last season....and hammer played like 15 less games... And what differance would sekeras age make? You're point was no player would garner that return....which of course clearly happened. One playoff run for all the marbles I'd be willing to bet every team would rather run with hamhuis then sekera....so I say again...why couldn't he garner that kind of return?
- Bullfrog77

Because a) Sekera is younger, b) had a smaller cap hit (at the time), c) Is a puck moving defenseman. Hamhuis isn't a PMD, and defensive all-around D-men do not garner as much in a trade especially at 34 years of age. Again, the age matters because Sekera is IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS PRIME. I'd take Sekera over Hamhuis in a trade 9 times out of 10 because I'm getting him while he's peaking, whereas with Hamhuis while still having value is declining an nowhere near the player he was in his prime. If you think about it which do you think gets you more? Tanev or Hamhuis? The answer would be Tanev, because he's younger, just entering his prime, durable and with greater upside.

Now that I've enlightened you, you're welcome.

Getting in late on this, but enjoyed a nice afternoon in Montreal. The question on PR management or mismanagement. I would say the biggest problem are Vancouver fans, bloggers and writers. Pretty hard to have a comms strategy when the recipients are insane. Linden's comment about last year you thought I was too nice and this year I'm attacked for making tough decisions is apt. This group brought the team back from falling off the cliff. The team could slip this year, but help appears to be on its way. The fact that Benning has to explain every time he goes to the bathroom is nuts.

Because a) Sekera is younger, b) had a smaller cap hit (at the time), c) Is a puck moving defenseman. Hamhuis isn't a PMD, and defensive all-around D-men do not garner as much in a trade especially at 34 years of age. Again, the age matters because Sekera is IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS PRIME. I'd take Sekera over Hamhuis in a trade 9 times out of 10 because I'm getting him while he's peaking, whereas with Hamhuis while still having value is declining an nowhere near the player he was in his prime. If you think about it which do you think gets you more? Tanev or Hamhuis? The answer would be Tanev, because he's younger, just entering his prime, durable and with greater upside.

Now that I've enlightened you, you're welcome.
- DariusKnight

youre still missing the point of the topic. Return at trade deadline for a team making a run at a cup. Not which defenseman is the better choice for long term planning. The only reason I mentioned sekera is because of you're stupid comment that a ufa would never get a number one pic and prospect. If were going to discuss every other defenseman in the leagues worth in comparison to dan hamhuis then we best put on another pot of coffee cause were still gonna be doing this till training camp. Stay on topic , you're educating no one.

youre still missing the point of the topic. Return at trade deadline for a team making a run at a cup. Not which defenseman is the better choice for long term planning. The only reason I mentioned sekera is because of you're stupid comment that a ufa would never get a number one pic and prospect. If were going to discuss every other defenseman in the leagues worth in comparison to dan hamhuis then we best put on another pot of coffee cause were still gonna be doing this till training camp. Stay on topic , you're educating no one.
- Bullfrog77

Ok, ONE last time... Dan Hamhuis is NOT in his prime, is NOT a PMD, and has an NTC and is UFA at the end of the year. No team is going to overpay with a 1st round draft choice for an over 30 all-around defensive D-man who can control where he goes and is likely only going to sign a 1 or 2 year deal in the off-season with whatever team he signs with. There is a reason teams overpay, and it's not for Cup runs, it's because they expect to sign the player long term and make them part of their future and the player they would get with the draft pick is not going to significantly improve their team in the short-term. If you can't get that into your head, then nothing that I say will change your mind and you're welcome to your fantasy world.

Linden and the organization, in fact, can be criticized for some of their decisions, but they can’t be criticized for betraying their plan or, for that matter, shying away from difficult decisions. The pillars of their reconstruction project remain drafting and player development and, on this front, few can argue the Canucks are further ahead than they’ve been in a decade.

That’s also interesting because, during a lengthy phone conversation, Linden’s tone is measured and reasoned as he talks about the offseason. But it changes when the subject of serving two masters — the popular characterization of trying to stay competitive while turning over the roster — is raised.

“The notion of getting rid of everybody isn’t realistic,” he says. “A, it’s impossible. B, we don’t want to. We’ve got quality people in that locker room and we want to integrate young players into that environment. We feel Bo Horvat is a better player because he played in a winning environment last season.”

As for the environment the Canucks will be playing in next season, Linden also has some thoughts.

“We can’t control that Edmonton drafted Connor McDavid and Calgary got Dougie Hamilton and L.A. got Milan (Lucic),” he says. “We have to stick to the plan of drafting and developing and we have to be patient. That’s going to be difficult in this market but that’s our plan, and we’re going to stick to it.”

Which, for the faithful, might be the one bit of good news to come out of this summer.

http://www.theprovince.co...thful/11204759/story.html

Article about Linden's plan.

Linden and the organization, in fact, can be criticized for some of their decisions, but they can’t be criticized for betraying their plan or, for that matter, shying away from difficult decisions. The pillars of their reconstruction project remain drafting and player development and, on this front, few can argue the Canucks are further ahead than they’ve been in a decade.

That’s also interesting because, during a lengthy phone conversation, Linden’s tone is measured and reasoned as he talks about the offseason. But it changes when the subject of serving two masters — the popular characterization of trying to stay competitive while turning over the roster — is raised.

“The notion of getting rid of everybody isn’t realistic,” he says. “A, it’s impossible. B, we don’t want to. We’ve got quality people in that locker room and we want to integrate young players into that environment. We feel Bo Horvat is a better player because he played in a winning environment last season.”

As for the environment the Canucks will be playing in next season, Linden also has some thoughts.

“We can’t control that Edmonton drafted Connor McDavid and Calgary got Dougie Hamilton and L.A. got Milan (Lucic),” he says. “We have to stick to the plan of drafting and developing and we have to be patient. That’s going to be difficult in this market but that’s our plan, and we’re going to stick to it.”

Which, for the faithful, might be the one bit of good news to come out of this summer.

http://www.theprovince.co...thful/11204759/story.html

Article about Linden's plan.
- LeftCoaster

Thanks for sharing, good read. I also agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments.

I'm a big fan of how Benning and Linden are communicating and have no doubts they have a plan in place even if i don't like some of the moves.

Linden and the organization, in fact, can be criticized for some of their decisions, but they can’t be criticized for betraying their plan or, for that matter, shying away from difficult decisions. The pillars of their reconstruction project remain drafting and player development and, on this front, few can argue the Canucks are further ahead than they’ve been in a decade.

That’s also interesting because, during a lengthy phone conversation, Linden’s tone is measured and reasoned as he talks about the offseason. But it changes when the subject of serving two masters — the popular characterization of trying to stay competitive while turning over the roster — is raised.

“The notion of getting rid of everybody isn’t realistic,” he says. “A, it’s impossible. B, we don’t want to. We’ve got quality people in that locker room and we want to integrate young players into that environment. We feel Bo Horvat is a better player because he played in a winning environment last season.”

As for the environment the Canucks will be playing in next season, Linden also has some thoughts.

“We can’t control that Edmonton drafted Connor McDavid and Calgary got Dougie Hamilton and L.A. got Milan (Lucic),” he says. “We have to stick to the plan of drafting and developing and we have to be patient. That’s going to be difficult in this market but that’s our plan, and we’re going to stick to it.”

Which, for the faithful, might be the one bit of good news to come out of this summer.

http://www.theprovince.co...thful/11204759/story.html

Article about Linden's plan.
- LeftCoaster

This I like and am not worried about the PR considering the hysterical reaction of a aeent of the fan base and writers following the team. Here's an example. We're more than a week after this signing and we're still getting this:

@ryanbiech: Bartkowski has 0 NHL goals and signed for $1.75M by the #Canucks

Irwin had 8 last year and just signed with Boston for $800,000

Go enjoy your summer, Biech and check back in in December or January on this signing.

Ok, ONE last time... Dan Hamhuis is NOT in his prime, is NOT a PMD, and has an NTC and is UFA at the end of the year. No team is going to overpay with a 1st round draft choice for an over 30 all-around defensive D-man who can control where he goes and is likely only going to sign a 1 or 2 year deal in the off-season with whatever team he signs with. There is a reason teams overpay, and it's not for Cup runs, it's because they expect to sign the player long term and make them part of their future and the player they would get with the draft pick is not going to significantly improve their team in the short-term. If you can't get that into your head, then nothing that I say will change your mind and you're welcome to your fantasy world.
- DariusKnight

Sooo LA......in severe cap trouble....gave up exactly that price for a player that they wanted for there core? A team that had to beg the league to get them off the hook for voyonovs contract....a team that had to bury mike Richards contract in the minors....a team that played how many games where they couldn't even dress a full roster of players....or did they in fact make that trade to try and get in the playoffs? You sir have a lot of smoke an mirrors in you're posts. I think they have clearly kept you from seeing clearly. But sure I'll go back to my fact based fantasyland and you can keep convincing yourself what a hockey genius you are....good luck with that

Ahh NO.

He is the nucks only defenseman that would get a first at the deadline.
- classic321

Ahh NO.

Edler and Tanev would get firsts as well at the deadline... if they were to be moved...

Sooo LA......in severe cap trouble....gave up exactly that price for a player that they wanted for there core? A team that had to beg the league to get them off the hook for voyonovs contract....a team that had to bury mike Richards contract in the minors....a team that played how many games where they couldn't even dress a full roster of players....or did they in fact make that trade to try and get in the playoffs? You sir have a lot of smoke an mirrors in you're posts. I think they have clearly kept you from seeing clearly. But sure I'll go back to my fact based fantasyland and you can keep convincing yourself what a hockey genius you are....good luck with that
- Bullfrog77

I give up... the argument was, will Hamhuis fetch a 1st rounder+ at the TDL. The answer is no, here is why, he is 34 years old UFA at the end of the year, a decent-to-good all-round defensive defenseman with an NTC. Those types of players do not fetch 1st rounders ever, especially not in a year where teams are all up against the cap and the expectation is that next summer is going to go down. If you are going to get a 1st rounder for him, you would have to add to the deal to get it. Hamhuis straight up as it stands won't get you one. If it was this years trade deadline or even the draft, then yes, he probably gets you one straight up because you have a year to resign him and hence, more time to intergrate him with your team.

Ahh NO.

Edler and Tanev would get firsts as well at the deadline... if they were to be moved...
- kaptaan

Tanev would net you a mid first plus a decent to good prospect, Edler gets you a late first, or more likely a very early second.

Olympic gold medal winning team canada defenseman....so arguably one of the best 8-10 defenseman in the country. For a second round pick at the deadline? Ummm shake you're head. I'd say two firsts are very possible. Certainly a 1st and a top end prospect.
- Bullfrog77

We will see....I'd say we take a first and run. Awesome Canuck but overrated.

Olympic gold medal winning team canada defenseman....so arguably one of the best 8-10 defenseman in the country. For a second round pick at the deadline? Ummm shake you're head. I'd say two firsts are very possible. Certainly a 1st and a top end prospect.
- Bullfrog77

We will see....I'd say we take a first and run. Awesome Canuck but overrated.

Defense is the premier position in professional hockey today...nobody feels they have enough of it, he'll most teams are barely able to dress more then 1-2 dependable players. Hamhuis is one of those players. On this team yes he isn't an offense first guy. But he plays his position perfectly. If the other four skaters on the ice could play with that kind of discipline then we would have something. Defense wins championships ...and someone will drop a fortune to acquire him. And that team won't give a dam if he gets no points with them.
- Bullfrog77

Homerism

Couldn't trade Edler fast enough...total bust of a player. Get rid of him while the league still believes he has upside.
- Bullfrog77

Your posts are awful

two 1sts for a UFA
- A_SteamingLombardi

He is a clever troll?

He is a clever troll?
- CanuckDon

well you're half right anyway.

For those of you who feel that Dallas won that trade outright, give your heads a shake.

First of all, Patrick Sharp - WAS a great player but he is now 33. The chances are he'll have a decent year next year but after that, who knows. He's been fairly injury prone due to his robust style and it can only get worse. So in effect, when you say Dallas got the best player, yes, perhaps, but how long will he be servicable? (and his contract of $6.5 is very unfriendly)

I don't know too much about the prospect, but that's what he is at this point in time. We have no idea how things are going to pan out. I'd take a quality player over a prospect every day of the week.

Daley is still a quality defenseman with a very good cap hit ($3.3 million - half of what Sharp makes). He had 16 - yes 16! goals which has to be near the top of the league. He can also play in all situations, skates well, makes a good first pass and is all around a decent defender.

Ryan Garbutt - basically Burrows 2.0. He plays a spirited game and also threw in some decent production (8 goals and 25 points in 67 games). He has a very good contract at $1.6 million and is still only 29. He is a shift disturber and puts the opposition on notice when he's out there.

So there you have it. Two quality players (even I was surprised that Daley scored 16 goals last year) for an aging and injury prone player (who has a significant cap hit) who is approaching his mid-thirties. And please note, just for disclaimer purposes, I'm a huge fan of Sharp (again, I think he'll have a decent year unless the injury bug hits again, but he's a stop gap at best.

The only x-factor in this whole deal is the prospect. But like I said earlier, I'lll take a proven quality player in favour of the usual 'potential' factor.
- Zogg

"Give your head a shake."

Research all the players involved in a transaction before you make bold statements. That is something you generally fail to do

@ryanbiech: Bartkowski has 0 NHL goals and signed for $1.75M by the #Canucks




Proof that you should believe everything that you read in blogs or twitter. Bart actually has 1 NHL goal. Anyone telling you otherwise needs to go back and check his career stats. Ryan Biech gets a

"Give your head a shake."

Research all the players involved in a transaction before you make bold statements. That is something you generally fail to do
- CanuckDon

Why don't you state which of the specifics is not correct instead of making a troll comment, no? good concept or?.

As far as "something you generally fail to do' - why I'm flattered *blinking eyelashes*, I didn't know I had a stalker

@ryanbiech: Bartkowski has 0 NHL goals and signed for $1.75M by the #Canucks




Proof that you should believe everything that you read in blogs or twitter. Bart actually has 1 NHL goal. Anyone telling you otherwise needs to go back and check his career stats. Ryan Biech gets a
- Lostinarink

Playoff goals don't count. Unless there is a Presidents Cup up for grabs, it doesn't matter.

Hi Carol, Thanks for your blog. Always a good read. I see the Canucks as a bubble team this year. If I was a betting man, my nickel would say the Nucks miss the playoffs. I also think Calgary will be for real this year. Not a power house but a playoff team. I see Vancouver as a transition team that will move forward in 2016 as a young team with an eye on the future. With the cap space Jim has from trading off vets for picks, he goes hot and heavy with a huge offer sheet for Seth Jones. Nashville can`t afford two big salaries on the backend. The Canucks finally get their number one defenceman. I must also say my crystal ball really sucks and most people don`t pay attention to it.

Hi Carol, Thanks for your blog. Always a good read. I see the Canucks as a bubble team this year. If I was a betting man, my nickel would say the Nucks miss the playoffs. I also think Calgary will be for real this year. Not a power house but a playoff team. I see Vancouver as a transition team that will move forward in 2016 as a young team with an eye on the future. With the cap space Jim has from trading off vets for picks, he goes hot and heavy with a huge offer sheet for Seth Jones. Nashville can`t afford two big salaries on the backend. The Canucks finally get their number one defenceman. I must also say my crystal ball really sucks and most people don`t pay attention to it.
- FiveForFighting

I like the sound of that.... Nashville likely matches though. And moves webber instead. Keep the young guy and drop that huge contract philly forced on em.

Hi Carol, Thanks for your blog. Always a good read. I see the Canucks as a bubble team this year. If I was a betting man, my nickel would say the Nucks miss the playoffs. I also think Calgary will be for real this year. Not a power house but a playoff team. I see Vancouver as a transition team that will move forward in 2016 as a young team with an eye on the future. With the cap space Jim has from trading off vets for picks, he goes hot and heavy with a huge offer sheet for Seth Jones. Nashville can`t afford two big salaries on the backend. The Canucks finally get their number one defenceman. I must also say my crystal ball really sucks and most people don`t pay attention to it.
- FiveForFighting

I like your strategy. Jones is going to be a beast and all that time spent with Weber is going to pay huge dividends when his next contract comes up. As such, I don't think Nashville could afford keeping the two, as you noted. It would be quite the coup in landing him, though - another great player graduating from the Western Hockey League. I love that Jones feels he has to prove himself that much more - in light of not being the number one pick in his draft year. He's showing it big time.

Why don't you state which of the specifics is not correct instead of making a troll comment, no? good concept or?.

As far as "something you generally fail to do' - why I'm flattered *blinking eyelashes*, I didn't know I had a stalker
- Zogg

A stalker? No...i just find your stance on the Sharp trade comical. But, agree to disagree this is a forum so everyone can voice their opinions. Cheers