WWYDW: Trade Up, Trade Down, Stand Pat
5 years ago
We’re just over a week out from draft day, which means speculation as to who the Canucks will target and what moves are in store will ramp up from this moment on. Before we get to the question that’s on everybody’s mind next week, let’s take a look at the possibility of moving the pick up or down.
The Canucks find themselves in an interesting spot. In my estimation there are about for or five really special players at the top of this draft, most of whom are unlikely to be available at seventh overall. As we approach the Canucks slot, the question of who should be selected becomes largely a question of personal preference. The Canucks could move down a few slots and still get a good player – as well as some extra picks, which they desperately need.
It’s clear there’s a compelling case to trade both up or down. So, if you’re the Canucks, do you move up, move down, or stand pat? I imagine this depends largely on who’s available, so feel free to draw up scenarios where you’d make a trade.
Last week I asked: If you were a player on the Stanley Cup-winning team, would you attend the White House visit? Why or why not? Should these semi-traditional visits just be scrapped altogether?
SJ:
Not a freaking chance.
I should follow this up by saying I think the whole thing should be scrapped. It’s been turned into a political decision. As much as you want to push all the “put your differences aside/take the politics out of it”; I believe it’s too late for that. We’re already there. No matter what you do/say/decide it’s going to be viewed through the political lens. And if the NHL wants to appear to stand for equal rights for everyone then nobody should go.
Defenceman Fact…:
Championship teams visiting the whitehouse is a time honoured tradition that should be continued …… as soon as Trump is no longer president.
It should be made clear this is a rejection of him as an immoral individual and not a slight to those that might share his political affiliations. Sports transcends politics but they do not transcend being a decent human being.
apr:
As much as its a team game, something like this has to be an individual decision. Ownership/management should allow players to have discretion on whether they go or not. Its stupid that the Pens made Crosby go when he clearly wanted nothing to do with it. Its more than fine if Brady wanted to go. It does no one any good when players are forced to attend.
Goon:
Yes, I’d go. It’s not about whether you agree with the politics of the person who occupies the White House, it’s about respect for the office of the president and recognition of your own achievement.
That said, I completely sympathize with NFL players who refuse to go, given Trump’s direct, personal attacks against the NFL and its players.
Forever1915:
To quote a disgruntled military guy who had a lousy commanding officer: “I’m respecting the rank, not the man.” That being said, I’d attend and if anyone asks for a soundbite, I’d say: “Your president is one of the worst ever, I’m just here to raid the deli tray.”
Riley Miner:
Personally, I would not, just as I wouldn’t visit the PM if he reflected Trump’s views. The whole ‘respect for office’ thing is frankly a little ridiculous, the Whitehouse visit is purely a political photo-op. When someone is actively parting families from their children and exiling as many of an ethnicity that he can, it’s probably okay to pass on giving the guy a pretty picture to hang.
Mindset Expert:
Frankly, I’d rather players focused on their offseason routine, getting better at hockey. Foley or Leonsis isn’t paying you to do a politics, he’s paying you to play hockey. Get back in the rink and do some wind sprints. Get in the gym and do legs. Never skip leg day. Too many athletes these days don’t have the ability to focus on the task at hand and are either kneeling for the anthem or are visiting some old guy. Play the game.
Moosekayak:
Visiting the WH (or 24 Sussex) or not doing so are equally political. I’ll admit that if I was an NHL player I’d probably be too full of a PR mindset to want to cause a stir – but also I really wouldn’t want to go. I’d make up some excuse (prior family commitments!) and justify it with not being American.
truthseeker:
I hate patriotism and propaganda. And that’s what sucking up to the president/prime minister is.
The only reason to go would be to protest directly. Call the leaders out, right on the spot. That would be something to see.
Every president has been a disgusting human being with blood on all their hands. None of them have ever been “decent”.
ARTICLE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SPORTS EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1950, Sports Excellence Corporation represents over 150 family-owned independent hockey retailers across Canada and the United States. Our highly knowledgeable hockey specialists are available to assist all your equipment needs. Find your closest Sports Excellence retailer here!
