Anything big happen with the Vancouver Canucks this week? I heard something about a trade in these parts. Something about a punishing, physical defender entering the prime of his career, right? But they paid how much? 

Oh well, onto the next item. Or several items, I suppose. You’ve got questions and I’ve got something that might qualify as answers. Let’s get to it, on the other side of the jump.

Well, for a number of reasons. Firstly, much of what they relied upon to either show his value or explain his shortcomings has been proven more or less useless. Quality metrics, and particularly those based on competition aren’t really of much use in the grand scheme of things. The same can be said of zone start metrics.

Both these statistics are more indicative of how the coach views the player than it is a display of the difficulty of their environment. 

Well, based on the Philadelphia Flyers, one could reasonably argue it won’t take very long at all. Then again, this is all under the assumption that the next general manager will be any better. Sometimes it seems like things can’t get any worse, but you have to remember that Dave Nonis was once a general manager in this league.

I don’t think those two players are necessarily related to one another in way shape or form. Even in the Canucks view. I would say, however, that the addition of Troy Stetcher might make Jordan Subban expendable. 

Sure, why not?

I absolutely think that Matthew Tkachuk could project as a first line winger. In fact, I’d say he’s as good a chance as any outside the top three of this draft.

The idea of loyalty in sports just doesn’t seem to exist. Not sure it should, either. These are businesses we’re talking about after all. That said, the Sedins are a special case and this city genuinely should be grateful for all they’ve done.

That said, the best chance the Sedins have at a cup is for a tear-it-down rebuild to begin now. The Canucks could, with a little luck, return to contention in four years. Who knows. I’ve seen crazier things happen. They’re never going to get anywhere near the Stanley Cup on this path, though. Just year after lost year finishing between 8th and 11th overall in the Western Conference. What a joy.