Quote:
Originally Posted by woob
The only problem I foresee is that Hodgson may not even crack the lineup in two years despite his skill. With Hank and Kes locked down as our 1 and 2 centers for the next 5 years, and with the consistent need for a strong 3rd-line checker (Malhotra: 3 years on contract), Hodgson would continue to be wasted on the 4th line.
But that's all waaaaayyyyy down the line. Game is at 6 tomorrow!!
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Kid is still young. I think Hank and Kes retire as Canucks and Manny is...what...32? He might stick around even after his 3 year contract is up in the event that his eye injury doesn't force him to retire early.
That means either Hodgson moves to the wing until Manny retires and Hodgson is about 26-27 to move to center or we just trade the guy. I'm thinking trade is the best way to go...might net us a 2nd line shooter, a prospect and a decent draft pick if someone is convinced Hodgson is the real deal.
The Canucks are not only the deepest team in the league but they have two or three of the best trade chips in the league as well in Hodgson, Schnoo and one of Schroeder/Lack/Tanev.
Some people say that the Canucks will never have a lineup as good as this again but I think in the next year or two, we might see an even better one if we manage to hang onto Bieksa and Ehrhoff and make a Schneider trade.