Official 2008/2009 Canucks Thread

[quasi]

Originally Posted by jigga250

How do you think San Jose got Thornton? They traded him for Sturm, Primeau, and Stuart. Thornton is a steak, the others, not so much.

Teams have a need to bolster their 2nd/3rd lines as well as their defense, so trades for top-2 line players arent always one for one deals. And its not like Bieksa/Pyatt/Pettinger are chopped liver, and Savard is certainly no Thornton.

That's a bad example, Joe Thornton was the exception not the rule. After that deal was done a lot of GM's around the league were pissed because they had no idea he was on the block and would have offered a lot more then San Jose.

[stuff99]

Rangers still working on roster moves

By Sam Weinman
The Journal News • October 9, 2008

GREENBURGH - If the start of the regular season marks a new beginning for NHL teams, it often represents a finish line for those players who survived the competition and uncertainty of training camp to crack an opening-day roster.

Not so on the Rangers, where for some players it feels like the trials of training camp are ongoing. Because even with the team 2-0 and eagerly anticipating tomorrow night's Garden opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, general manager Glen Sather still faces a number of vexing roster questions, some of which could be addressed as early as today.
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With three extra forwards, no extra defensemen, and a future Hall of Fame forward still waiting in the wings for a contract offer from Sather, there is a strong chance that the team adjusts its personnel by the time the puck drops tomorrow. A move could be as subtle as trying to push an extra forward through waivers to create some needed space under the salary cap. Or it could be as significant as a trade that would create the roster and salary-cap space to bring back Brendan Shanahan for a third season in New York.

While a report out of Toronto yesterday said that Shanahan's re-signing with the Rangers was imminent, both the team and the player's agent said the team's current situation made such a move impossible. But neither side would deny that steps could be taken - or even are being taken - to bring Shanahan back.

"Suffice to say we've had conversations, as we've had all summer," said Rick Curran, Shanahan's agent. "We know what the problems are, and unfortunately, there's nothing that we can do to solve them. We've been told to be patient, which is what we've been."

If the Rangers are indeed serious about bringing back the 39-year-old Shanahan, who has been skating and working out on his own since the start of training camp, they would have to dispose of at least one player and most likely two via either a trade or a demotion to AHL Hartford. With the team carrying a maximum 23 players and its payroll just $250,000 under the salary cap, there is no way Shanahan could even be signed to the league minimum salary without such a move.

Throw in the fact that the team is already needlessly carrying three extra forwards without a single spare defenseman, and the question probably isn't whether the team makes a move, but when. Sather wasn't available for comment on the situation yesterday, and coach Tom Renney would only allow that moves are being considered.

"But I'm more concerned about what we're doing Friday with the 23 people in front of me," Renney said.

Certain players on the Rangers' roster seem more likely to be shipped out than others. Forward Petr Prucha is making $1.6 million this season but may have only played in the first two games because they were in his native Czech Republic; while forwards Patrick Rissmiller, Dan Fritsche and Fred Sjostrom didn't play at all in Prague. All of those players took part in a spirited practice yesterday at the MSG Training Center, the team's first since returning from Prague. But they would still be excused for peeking over their shoulders.

"I want to be here, but it's out of my control," Sjostrom said. "It's a business decision. I'm just worried about playing here and trying to win. But yes, I want to stay."

[stuff99]

I wonder who we can pluck off NYR's roster

[7seven]

Originally Posted by quasi

That's a bad example, Joe Thornton was the exception not the rule. After that deal was done a lot of GM's around the league were pissed because they had no idea he was on the block and would have offered a lot more then San Jose.

Yea that was a really weird situation. Mike O'Connell & Doug Wilson are really close friends and former teammates, O'Connell basically just called Wilson and said you want Thornton? He didn't even bother to shop him around the league to see what else he could get. It wasn't even like Thornton wanted out of Boston, he just signed a new contract that summer with them and was shocked when told of the trade. It's no wonder O'Connell was fired a few months after that.

[punkwax]

I heard (but am too lazy to double check) that as of today the Sedin's are equal in points total for regular season and playoffs over their carreer.

That's crazy.

Go Nucks. I've been waiting for this day for a loooong time.

[murd0c]

Yep I heard that yesterday on tsn

[stuff99]

Night to celebrate life of Luc Bourdon
GM Place will pay tribute to departed teammate

Jason Botchford
The Province

Thursday, October 09, 2008

If the world were fair, Luc Bourdon would be on the ice tonight.

He would be in the starting lineup, paired with Sami Salo, a combination that would have had so much potential.

If the world were right, Bourdon would have just sent back a bundle of preseason newspaper clippings to his loving, doting mother Suzanne Boucher in Shippagan, N.B.

They would have been filled with themes like "This is Luc's year" and "Bourdon ready to take big step." They would have had praise from Canucks coaches Rick Bowness, Alain Vigneault and GM Mike Gillis, all gushing over Bourdon's tools, his graceful skating, his booming shot and a renewed focus on becoming one of the best in the game.

If the world were just, Alex Burrows would be ribbing Bourdon, right about now. The two would be best friends, inseparable at times. And, in that Quebecois French, Burrows would be needling Bourdon for getting engaged this offseason by singing a "Will you marry me?" song on one knee, with his guitar.

Bourdon would be taking the verbal shots, smiling that sweet, goofy smile of his, thinking up a comeback for Burr and picturing the love of his life, Charlene Ward, all at the same time.

"[Tonight] is going to be really tough for me," says Burrows. "Luc was one of my best friends on the team. Our friendship was only growing. He was a great friend and a great teammate. I will try to do my best to play my game and to play hard, even though it's going to be really, really tough.

"I'm sure Luc will be watching. I'm sure he's going to help me out."

This world isn't fair, it is filled with heartbreak. Vancouver fans will remember that when the Canucks honour Bourdon's life in a pregame ceremony, featuring a lengthy video tribute. There will be a moment of silence and, as fans arrive, they will be presented with a commemorative pin as Bourdon's spirit, his passion and his memory flood GM Place.

Bourdon died in a motorcycle accident near his hometown of Shippagan in May. He was 21.

At least 12 of Bourdon's loved ones from Shippagan have made the long trek across the country -- most paid their own way to get here, a huge expense. Tonight their hearts will bleed, none more than Bourdon's mom and Ward, his high-school sweetheart who witnessed the fatal accident. She was following Bourdon in a car when it happened.

"It will be very emotional for Suzanne and Charlene," says Bourdon's uncle Robert Boucher, who is arriving today with a group from Shippagan.

"It will mean a lot to them, and to us. It won't be easy, and it won't be fun. But it will be important. It will show that Luc will always be a Canuck, that he was accepted in the Canucks family. It's something we are all very, very proud of.

"We had to be here for this. Luc pretty much grew up in my house. We were very close, we can't miss it."

The Canucks covered the costs for both Ward and Suzanne. They arrived Tuesday. They have come to Vancouver a handful of times. They saw Bourdon drafted here in 2006. They saw him at his best here during the world juniors later that same year. And they saw him play as a Canuck.

"For them, Vancouver brings out a lot of memories of Luc," Burrows says.

"Right now is a tough time for them but they will be all right. They are happy to be here to celebrate Luc's life. That's how we're looking at this -- a celebration of the things he did, of the things he accomplished, of the person he was."

[Vansterdam]

wish i could attend tonights game.

[winson604]

Originally Posted by Nodnarb

I heard (but am too lazy to double check) that as of today the Sedin's are equal in points total for regular season and playoffs over their carreer.

That's crazy.

Go Nucks. I've been waiting for this day for a loooong time.

Yes they showed that on the TSN NHL Preview yesterday. They are both sitting at 398 points each

On a side note mang I couldn't sleep last night cause I was too hyped going to tonights game. Luc RIP!

[AzNightmare]

Originally Posted by Ronin

If Boston is willing to make that trade, I'd be on board. Most people thought that he was riding Kovalchuk's coat tails but he's proven himself by playing with dick all in Boston and still being in the tops for assists. He was third in assists for the last two seasons in Boston playing with scrubs like Marco Sturm and Chuck Kobasew. He's just barely behind Thornton and Datsyuk last year. Therefore, we can only conclude that he's a player that makes those around him better and doesn't need first line guys to put up first line stats.

My only knock is that he's 31 and not exactly the biggest dude around at 5-10, 195-ish pounds.

Get him here and we could move Demitra back to wing on our second line. A line of Demitra/Savard/Raymond would destroy.

Well you've explained how good Savard is, but that's exactly what's puzzling me. Is Boston desparate for a defenseman like Bieksa? Seems like a lopsided trade unless Bieksa develops into a superstar defensemen or something. I would think Boston would want more.

Originally Posted by redliine

Oh yea forgot about Ohlund. He was on the RS trading block last page.

Bieksa is probably worth some value cuz he is a valuable asset to the Canucks. So why trade him? He is young and has a lot of potential.

And so is Pyatt. Why don't you give them more time to develop.

Canucks already have a strong defensive core, and with Luongo in net, I think sacrificing a valuable defensemen like Bieksa is worth it to get someone good in offense, since Canucks are still lacking offensive talent. (it seems to be better than last year though, but still not great yet).

Originally Posted by Nodnarb

I heard (but am too lazy to double check) that as of today the Sedin's are equal in points total for regular season and playoffs over their carreer.

That's crazy.

Go Nucks. I've been waiting for this day for a loooong time.

GP - G - A - Pts.

Daniel
560 148 232 380
43 5 13 18

Henrik
564 87 291 378
43 10 10 20

398 pts each.

I didn't even realize they have played 43 playoff games already.

[goo3]

Originally Posted by jigga250

How do you think San Jose got Thornton? They traded him for Sturm, Primeau, and Stuart. Thornton is a steak, the others, not so much.

Teams have a need to bolster their 2nd/3rd lines as well as their defense, so trades for top-2 line players arent always one for one deals. And its not like Bieksa/Pyatt/Pettinger are chopped liver, and Savard is certainly no Thornton.

If the Bruins trade Savard for Bieksa and some pluggers, then they turn into the 07/08 Canucks without Luongo.

Rotten cabbage is still rotten cabbage. The guy without the steak is gonna go hungry.

[stuff99]

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Thursday » October 9 » 2008

It's the same song, but different conductor
The team is nearly the same, but Mike Gillis looks to make his mark

Ed Willes
The Province

Thursday, October 09, 2008

The hiring of Mike Gillis signals a new era for the Vancouver Canucks and, as you look through the lineup, you can already see the many changes he's brought about.

OK, Roberto Luongo's still in goal, but his hair is shorter. And the defence will again be built around the top four of Mattias Ohlund, Sami Salo, Willie Mitchell and Kevin Bieksa, although Bieksa's Achilles tendon is intact this season. So there's another change.

Up front, the Canucks' offence will be led by Daniel and Henrik Sedin for the third straight season. There's also hope an enigmatic European will be the centrepiece of a second scoring line. But, while that too might sound familiar, last year

it was Markus Naslund, who's Swedish. This year, it's Pavol Demitra, and he's a Slovak.

See the difference?

So let's see. The goalie is the same, the top four on defence are the same, the offensive linchpins are the same, Ryan Kesler and Alex

Burrows are the same and even the hope that a couple of young players enjoy breakout seasons is the same.

If you just dropped in from Mars, in fact, you'd wonder what all the fuss is around the Canucks. But, as much as the principal characters in the drama are the same, there's a new artistic director in town and that means everything has changed for this franchise.

Gillis, you may recall, was handed the keys to the big office by owner Francesco Aquilini last April when a late-season Canucks' collapse conspired to send the club from a battle for first place in the Northwest Division to a fifth-place finish in the division and 11th in the conference. GM Dave Nonis, whose fingerprints remain all over this organization, was summarily fired. Gillis, a former player agent with zero front-office experience, was hired. Now the team, and its fans, are preparing for a journey into the unknown.

The initial returns, of course, have been encouraging. The Canucks went a gaudy 6-0-1 in the preseason. They played with an energy and competitiveness which disappeared in their death march over last season's final two weeks. Hell, they even scored goals at an unprecedented pace.

So does changing the GM change all that for a team? If it did, the practice would be more popular in the NHL. But, as the puck is about to be dropped for this Canucks season, Gillis's influence can be seen in a number of areas.

For starters, he's handed returning coach Alain Vigneault several new players who fit with Vigneault's vision for the team. While most of those players -- Darcy Hordichuk, Ryan Johnson, Rob Davison and the newly acquired Shane O'Brien -- reside in the bottom third of the Canucks' lineup, they've given the team a different look and a different feel.

For this agent, the enduring image from last season came in a crucial late loss to Colorado when Luongo was driven from the net after allowing four goals in the second period. Each of those goals, it seemed, came with three Avalanche forwards whacking at the puck around Luongo's crease, unconcerned over any retribution from the visiting team's defence.

The Canucks will be tougher to play against this season. Then again, they have to be.

Vigneault's team also played with a newly found offensive confidence in the preseason. Much of that can be attributed to the return to health of their blueline. But Gillis also promised a more uptempo game, and if the Canucks, who finished 10th and 12th in the West in goals scored in their first two years under Vigneault, can finish in the top half of the conference, they can book their tickets to the playoffs.

That in turn, would make Gillis a hero in these parts. But there are still a number of other things that have to happen before the Canucks can return to respectability. Luongo has to bounce back to all-star form. The defence has to stay healthy. Demitra has to produce consistently. Mason Raymond and Steve Bernier have to score like legitimate top-six forwards. Jannik Hansen has to prove he belongs.

That's a lot of things that have to go right for the Canucks. Come to think of it, that's another thing that hasn't changed about this year.

Neither is the desperate hope among the faithful that this time the new guy has it right.

ewilles@theprovince.com

[stuff99]

again I dont see why they fired Nonis when the team is still the same...essentially. all these big moves promised by gillis but the situation is still the same

[AzNightmare]

The only thing that we can directly tell if Nonis' fire was a good or bad move is to see how Fabian Bruunstrom does.

[punkwax]

^ Wow, that was insanely dumb.

[Harvey Specter]

New season starts in under 1 hour!! Heading to the game tonight, can't wait!!!!!

[the_rickster]

Originally Posted by AzNightmare

The only thing that we can directly tell if Nonis' fire was a good or bad move is to see how Fabian Bruunstrom does.

i wouldn't go that far.


if the canucks make the playoffs this year and the players that gillis brought in post the kind of numbers we needed to propel us into the post season, gillis will have done his job and that's what really counts.

bruunstrom may have a fantastic season or he may tank. it hardly has to do with a GMs decision to sign him or not. chemistry has more to do with a player's fate than the contract he signs, especially at nhl level. the prime example is anson carter. was doug mclean heralded as a genius for picking him up? no. he was a dumbass and eventually fired.

you can't judge a general manager's potential on one player's success with another team. even if you look at each column of stats each and every chance you get from tonight until april and if it looks better this time as opposed to last , how do you measure improvement? certainly not by checking the dallas stats to see how the guy we never signed is doing.

we got 88 points last year. what if we get 90 and still miss the playoffs? what if our goals for are way up be we still finish 10th? what if we go the entire season injury free and aren't in the post season? did we see improvement? did gillis make the right moves? should we have kept nonis and stayed the course? who cares?

let's just sit back and watch this season unfold. the team you see tonight will likely look much different before the end of the season, so i say enjoy the show and leave your nhl calibre management skills for ea '09.

[SumAznGuy]

Originally Posted by the_rickster

let's just sit back and watch this season unfold. the team you see tonight will likely look much different before the end of the season, so i say enjoy the show and leave your nhl calibre management skills for ea '09.

I agree with what he said 100%.
Even if Brunnstrom has a great year and gets 80+ points, it doesn't mean he would have had those same points playing in Vancouver.
Same goes for Naslund and Morrison. I can imagine Naslund getting 80+ points in NYR playing with Gomez. If he does, does it mean it was the wrong move not to resign him? Perhaps, but we always knew Vancouver put too much pressure on him to score without giving talented players to play with.

Morrison, well I personally don't think he was THAT talented so I don't see it as that big of a loss without him, but what do I know.

I still don't like Pyatt, and I wish Wellwood would work on his cardio, loose a bit of fat and get a little stronger.

Looking at Nonis' descisions on players last year, I don't think him or his scouts were doing their jobs. Look at Pettinger, and Isbister.

As long as everyone stays healthy, expect the team to do well.

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by AzNightmare

Well you've explained how good Savard is, but that's exactly what's puzzling me. Is Boston desparate for a defenseman like Bieksa? Seems like a lopsided trade unless Bieksa develops into a superstar defensemen or something. I would think Boston would want more.

If anything, Boston would want a forward. They have Zdeno Chara on the blueline. Dennis Wideman is rather decent too. After that, they get pretty thin but either way, Boston isn't going to be making the playoffs this year. Bieksa would be a good piece to the ongoing rebuild.

However, I don't see Boston making that trade. They'd be retarded to do it. Then again, they did trade Joe fuckin' Thornton for a bunch of scrubs.

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by AzNightmare

The only thing that we can directly tell if Nonis' fire was a good or bad move is to see how Fabian Bruunstrom does.

That's just stupid.

[Renthal]

Allright, time to put in bets. Who scores the first goal of the season? You only get 1 attempt.


Taylor Pyatt

[caronimo]

Originally Posted by Renthal

Allright, time to put in bets. Who scores the first goal of the season? You only get 1 attempt.


Taylor Pyatt

Steve Bernier

[mako]

Mason Raymond!

[quasi]

I'm taking Hank and Dan because they are like one entity.

[nsmb]

hansen ////