WWYDW: Anton Rodin Exists

 

In last week’s preamble, JD spoke about how the Canucks’ elimination from playoff contention was only a matter of time. Well, wouldn’t you know it, now they’ve won four in a row! That’s not all that happened this week, though. Anton Rodin also appeared in his second game of the season, after being a healthy scratch in three straight games. 

The team looked uninspired in Rodin’s first appearance, but played well enough to win against Colorado. Rodin even finished the night with one point, an assist. He also didn’t play in the final half of the third period. 

So, with Rodin healthy, where would you like to see him play? Would you break up the red-hot Baertschi-Horvat-Burrows line? Does he play with the twins? Or do you leave him out of the lineup in favour of someone else? 

TD: It has to be time for scorched earth! I think everything should be up for consideration. Everyone on an expiring contract should be put in a position to succeed to increase their value prior to their trade. Any older players still under contract after this year should be evaluated with the thought of trading them for picks and prospects. I hate to say it, but I would include the Sedins in that consideration.

If they aren’t going to be a big part of the team in 4-5 years then they should be traded trying to find those parts. The Canucks should eat salary and cap space for the next couple of years as part of the trades to increase value.

Everyone with a no trade clause should be approached in a meeting with management where they are told of the tear down and offered the chance to be traded for another cup chance. I would love to see the Sedins win a cup. Imagine trading them to a contender where they would be the second or third line and win a cup. The Nucks could eat lots of their cap hit to give them the chance. They have enough value in that type of scenario to provide a significant return that could be a cornerstone of the future, i.e. Brandon Morrison as part of the Mogilny trade. 

Friendly Neighbourhood Canuck: I want to see nothing until around the trade deadline. By then, hopefully a market for Miller opens up. We can also look to deal a guy like Burrows or Hansen or even Granlund if he’s doing well enough to sell high. Hell if a Gudbranson suitor comes forward I say go for it. Tanev and Stecher are our top RHD. Subban has been lighting it up but even if he isn’t ready next year, it doesnt make much sense to extend a guy like Guddy for our bottom pair long term at high $. Although I doubt he’s in demand from teams, maybe something could happen? That’s my wish.

After that, we could give Jake an extended audition before the next year. Perhaps Subban as I mentioned as well as any young pieces we may pick up from a trade. 

I saw one article suggest Hansen to St. Louis for Ivan Barbashev. I would do that trade. Barbashev is a gritty, skilled player with leadership qualities that’s exempt from the expansion draft. I was high on Barbashev at the draft so it would be a real win to acquire him. It would also allow Benning to protect another younger player (e.g. Baertschi, Granlund or Rodin). 

Foximus: 2017 draft isn’t supposed to be super strong. Hope that JB can pick a winner in the 1st round. No clear cut #1 overall.

As for trading all the vets, I don’t think we get much return. The Sedins aren’t going anywhere so the rest (Burrows, Hanson, Miller) is what it is.

I think some small moves can be made but we really need our young guns to develop properly. The near future is bleak but with solid development by Virtanen (fingers crossed), Boeser, Joulevi, Subban and hopefully some other players we can move forward.

We just don’t have the parts to get much in trades. 

DJ_44: There is no way we should trade Hanson before the expansion draft since the return will be minimal (he is not a rental and would require protection). What teams would be looking a doing that (honest question — perhaps and interesting series of posts). That leaves Miller and Burrows. If they can get good return then sure; however with expansion looming, it is a buyers market from now until the trade deadline (especially for goaltenders).

If there is a trade available, I would trade Hutton for offensive forward prospects. I do not think his value would be higher than it is now, and Ben is signed to a bridge for two more years. Juolevi and Tryamkin are the future on the left side, and I doubt Edler, with his NMC, $5M contract, and injury history is a tradable commodity.

What is this nonsense about Gaunce being some hugely desired player that will be picked if exposed in the expansion draft? If only the Canucks were so fortunate.