Normally, the time leading up to the NHL trade deadline is a very, very quiet one for GM Mike Gillis and the Vancouver Canucks. Not this time.
First off, as I tweeted earlier: Zach Kassian and Andrew Gordon have both been sent down to the AHL Chicago Wolves. Assistant GM Laurence Gilman hinted that it was due to off ice behaviour. Their replacements were Niklas Jensen and Bill Sweatt. Sweatt is a career AHL'er, who sees minimal ice time with the Canucks. Jensen, on the other hand, is a prospect, who played his first NHL game last night against San Jose. Coach Vigneault placed him on a line with the Sedin twins.
Moving on, the Canucks have purchased the Peoria Rivermen, which are the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues. Perfect timing, as the Canucks contract with the Wolves expires at the end of this season. Nothing has been said (yet), but it is believed that this is the first step into bringing the Canucks farm team to Abbotsford, BC. Problem is, the Heat (Calgary Flames farm team, currently occupying Abbotsford) are locked in to a 10 year deal with the city of Abbotsford.
Onto trade news: Gillis made official a deal with the Dallas Stars. The Canucks obtained centreman Derek Roy in exchange for Canucks defenseman Kevin Connauton and a 2nd round pick in next years draft. Connauton has been struggling this year, and was a team worst -12 when he was traded. I don't mind trading him for Roy. Roy is a small guy, measuring 5'9 and only 183 pounds, basically the same size as Schroeder. Thing is, Roy has had plenty of experience in the league, and his experience will be critical until Kesler comes back. Roy's best season was a 32 goal / 81 point season in 07-08, and he's managed 50-60 point seasons since. Regardless, I anticipate him fitting well between Higgins and Hansen. As a result of the Canucks acquiring Roy, Schroeder was sent down to the Wolves.
On the topic of centreman, Kesler should be returning soon. A recent press conference revealed that he should be skating within a week or so, but the rest is unknown.
Last little piece of info. Higgins re-signed with the Canucks this afternoon. A 4 year, $10 million dollar contract ($2.5 per year).
Showing posts with label Kesler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kesler. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Raining on the Canucks Parade
So this post is gonna rain on the Canucks parade. As if the Canucks actually have a parade to rain on.
Kesler is out for an undetermined amount of time with a fractured right foot. According to the media scrum today, Kesler was experiencing discomfort on the road trip, but 2 x rays showed nothing. Still in some pain, he went for a CT scan after the road trip, which revealed some hairline fracturing.
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't damage the team all that much. Kesler hadn't been playing anywhere near his full potential since he got back from his 1st injury, and the team got along fairly well without him. As for a replacement, Vigneault said that Ebbett is a very likely candidate. Well, it's between him and Steve Pinizzotto. Malhotra isn't a candidate because he was removed for his own protection, so he didn't injure himself further. Gillis and AV both confirmed he wasn't coming back.
Regardless, Vancouver's lineup will most likely return to what it was before Kesler, but plus Booth. Probably a little like this:
Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Raymond-Schroeder-Booth
Higgins-Lappiere-Hansen
Weise-______-Kassian
Ebbett is the most likely winner of the job, mainly because of his experience playing 4th for Vancouver and his maturity, but also because of the state Pinizzotto is in. Pinizzotto has never played an NHL game, despite being called up several times. He struggled with a rash of injuries, and missed to play when Kesler was out earlier this year. If he's healthy, this could be his chance.
In other sad news, Aaron Volpatti was put on waivers this morning. as of yet, no one has claimed him. Volpatti was injured last season, and played 16 games this year. Vigneault said he wanted him to get more minutes and improve his game, and that just wasn't going to happen in Vancouver. If no one claims him, he can get another crack at the Canucks lineup a little down the road. His main game is fighting and the Canucks just don't have a spot in their roster for a full time fighter.
Kesler is out for an undetermined amount of time with a fractured right foot. According to the media scrum today, Kesler was experiencing discomfort on the road trip, but 2 x rays showed nothing. Still in some pain, he went for a CT scan after the road trip, which revealed some hairline fracturing.
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't damage the team all that much. Kesler hadn't been playing anywhere near his full potential since he got back from his 1st injury, and the team got along fairly well without him. As for a replacement, Vigneault said that Ebbett is a very likely candidate. Well, it's between him and Steve Pinizzotto. Malhotra isn't a candidate because he was removed for his own protection, so he didn't injure himself further. Gillis and AV both confirmed he wasn't coming back.
Regardless, Vancouver's lineup will most likely return to what it was before Kesler, but plus Booth. Probably a little like this:
Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Raymond-Schroeder-Booth
Higgins-Lappiere-Hansen
Weise-______-Kassian
Ebbett is the most likely winner of the job, mainly because of his experience playing 4th for Vancouver and his maturity, but also because of the state Pinizzotto is in. Pinizzotto has never played an NHL game, despite being called up several times. He struggled with a rash of injuries, and missed to play when Kesler was out earlier this year. If he's healthy, this could be his chance.
In other sad news, Aaron Volpatti was put on waivers this morning. as of yet, no one has claimed him. Volpatti was injured last season, and played 16 games this year. Vigneault said he wanted him to get more minutes and improve his game, and that just wasn't going to happen in Vancouver. If no one claims him, he can get another crack at the Canucks lineup a little down the road. His main game is fighting and the Canucks just don't have a spot in their roster for a full time fighter.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Malhotra, Kesler and what the next month brings.
Malhotra hasn't attended the last few practices, and hasn't been working out with the team for some time now. It was revealed this morning that Malhotra has been placed on Injured Reserve, and will not play for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. GM Mike Gillis described it as being one of the hardest decisions of his career. Malhotra's contract expires this year, and Gillis also revealed that they are looking for a position for him within the team. So, Malhotra's playing days are over. The timing couldn't be more perfect, but his defensive draw perfection will be missed.
On a happier note, Ryan Kesler has been cleared medically to play. Coach AV had him playing with Higgins and Kassian in practice, as well as back on the first Power Play unit. Nothing official has been released, but it is believed he will play either tomorrow against Dallas or Sunday against the Blues. Either way, his minutes will be limited and he will have to ease his way back into the lineup. The combination of Higgins and Kassian on his wings will guarantee he is kept relatively safe from shenanigans and heavy hits.
With Kesler returning, Booth should be close behind. I expect he will start on the 2nd line, and catch some 2nd line Power Play time with Schroeder and Kassian.
Speaking of Schroeder, I'd like to point out that so far, I am right. With Malhotra out, Schroeder's position as 3rd line center is secure for the season. I would like to make a tiny revision to my lineup predictions, and say that Raymond will stay. With Booth and Kesler back, there's no desperate need for Volpatti. So here's what I think:
Sedins-Sedin-Burrows
Booth-Kesler-Kassian
Raymond-Schroeder-Hansen
Higgins-Lappiere-Weise
Yes, Higgins is on the 4th line. But because Schroeder is so young and the 3rd line is so young, they will only be played in situations where they're not up against the biggest players the opposition has. The 3rd and 4th will likely play equal minutes for the rest of the season. Plus, with Kesler and Booth being slowly re-integrated into the team, and the Sedins having a very typical slow start, the very capable 3rd and 4th lines will be expected to pick up the slack for the next few weeks.
Now onto the long term stuff. So far, the Canucks have played easier teams, most of whom have been divisional foes. But the upcoming games are against much tougher teams who are used to fighting tooth and nail for each point, not slicing through their division like the Canucks are. Take a look at the next few weeks:
02/15 - Canucks vs Stars
02/17 - Canucks vs Blues
02/19 - Canucks at Blackhawks
02/21 - Canucks at Stars
02/22 - Canucks at Predators
02/24 - Canucks at Red Wings
02/26 - Canucks vs Coyotes
Heck of a time to bring Kesler and Booth back. Neither will be playing very well for at least 2 weeks, and in that time they'll face the best of the Central division, and Dallas (who are playing just above .500 hockey). The Central division seems like it's going to be the dominant group in the West this year, headed by the Blackhawks, who are still unbeaten in regulation (10-0-3). Detroit, Nashville and St. Louis have all played pretty good hockey, and are with in one point of each other in the standings, and 7-8 points each behind Chicago. Wouldn't be an easy trip with Kesler, Booth and the Sedins at peak performance, never mind playing like it's an exhibition game. Unless they get their game on right off the bat, I can the Canucks coming off this road trip with seriously bruised egos.
Anyways, there's my 2 cents. Next game is tomorrow against the Stars at 7.
On a happier note, Ryan Kesler has been cleared medically to play. Coach AV had him playing with Higgins and Kassian in practice, as well as back on the first Power Play unit. Nothing official has been released, but it is believed he will play either tomorrow against Dallas or Sunday against the Blues. Either way, his minutes will be limited and he will have to ease his way back into the lineup. The combination of Higgins and Kassian on his wings will guarantee he is kept relatively safe from shenanigans and heavy hits.
With Kesler returning, Booth should be close behind. I expect he will start on the 2nd line, and catch some 2nd line Power Play time with Schroeder and Kassian.
Speaking of Schroeder, I'd like to point out that so far, I am right. With Malhotra out, Schroeder's position as 3rd line center is secure for the season. I would like to make a tiny revision to my lineup predictions, and say that Raymond will stay. With Booth and Kesler back, there's no desperate need for Volpatti. So here's what I think:
Sedins-Sedin-Burrows
Booth-Kesler-Kassian
Raymond-Schroeder-Hansen
Higgins-Lappiere-Weise
Yes, Higgins is on the 4th line. But because Schroeder is so young and the 3rd line is so young, they will only be played in situations where they're not up against the biggest players the opposition has. The 3rd and 4th will likely play equal minutes for the rest of the season. Plus, with Kesler and Booth being slowly re-integrated into the team, and the Sedins having a very typical slow start, the very capable 3rd and 4th lines will be expected to pick up the slack for the next few weeks.
Now onto the long term stuff. So far, the Canucks have played easier teams, most of whom have been divisional foes. But the upcoming games are against much tougher teams who are used to fighting tooth and nail for each point, not slicing through their division like the Canucks are. Take a look at the next few weeks:
02/15 - Canucks vs Stars
02/17 - Canucks vs Blues
02/19 - Canucks at Blackhawks
02/21 - Canucks at Stars
02/22 - Canucks at Predators
02/24 - Canucks at Red Wings
02/26 - Canucks vs Coyotes
Heck of a time to bring Kesler and Booth back. Neither will be playing very well for at least 2 weeks, and in that time they'll face the best of the Central division, and Dallas (who are playing just above .500 hockey). The Central division seems like it's going to be the dominant group in the West this year, headed by the Blackhawks, who are still unbeaten in regulation (10-0-3). Detroit, Nashville and St. Louis have all played pretty good hockey, and are with in one point of each other in the standings, and 7-8 points each behind Chicago. Wouldn't be an easy trip with Kesler, Booth and the Sedins at peak performance, never mind playing like it's an exhibition game. Unless they get their game on right off the bat, I can the Canucks coming off this road trip with seriously bruised egos.
Anyways, there's my 2 cents. Next game is tomorrow against the Stars at 7.
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