Gajordan

Let's face it, Arizona really can't re-sign Hall, they don't really have the pieces to contend, and there's something to be said when their current salary expenditure is 59 M at a cap hit of 78 M. They must be rebuilding and in the business of real money savings and looking to be a floor team when 2021 ends. A buyout makes sense to save some money for the franchise during the short term / COVID-19 world. I think the Grabner buyout was the most obvious, and it also makes the most sense as it pertains to a potential trade involving OEL (for the record, I'm only comfortable if the OEL Cap Hit is 6.5M or less). From Arizona's perspective... Grabner's 20/21 RS or Remaining Salary (3.775 M) was untradeable and Arizona needed space to sign players to roster. It was not going to be absorbed by Vancouver or any other team. Vancouver may need a forward, but not at this RS or cap hit (3.35 M). Both Arizona and Vancouver have cap issues, and I see Arizona taking more short term cap if the trade were to go down. Small price to pay for unloading the OEL term. I think Arizona will likely receive a net of +1 or +2 roster players in the transaction to make the trade possible. Arizona had no cap space to fill out their roster so they needed to buyout someone. The are going to get a prospect or 2, but they will receive a bad contract or two from Vancouver. Grabner's 20/21 RS was higher than Stepan (2 M), Raanta (2 M), Hjarlmarsson (2 M) or Demers (2.6 M). It was also higher than Sutter (3.5 M) or Baertschi (2.4 M) should they be traded to Arizona. BO Grabner saves the most money for this coming season. Goligoski's 20/21 RS (4 M) is slightly higher than Grabner, but Goligoski has some trade value. So this is a reasonable sacrifice considering there's a chance to trade him off the books (more savings) and end up with an asset (picks, cheaper contract). Eriksson's 20/21/22 RS (1 M + 1 M + 3 M) is essentially the same as Goligoski because the 1 M bonus doesn't factor into the buyout savings. If Arizona were forced to acquire Eriksson, it's true that he is untradeable in the short term, so Arizona is essentially holding onto his contract until next year at a measly cost of 1 M in base salary this year. Worst case scenario, Arizona is stuck with Eriksson, and end up with the same scenario as not buying out Goligoski. However, there's a slim chance that Eriksson is traded before the 2021 bonus (4 M savings) or right after the 2021 bonus (3 M savings). The fallback option is to buy him out next year (1 M savings) provided there are no other BO candidates left in Arizona (Kuemper comes to mind but I think he is tradeable). As for signing Grabner. I think he'd be a good pick-up for the Canucks at the right price, pending what free agency brings.

Burrows signed his 2 M/yr contract when he was on a career high 12 goals. He did not have the resume of a 3-time 20 goal scorer.

That's epic if he's on CDC while doing the business...haha

Burrows is versatile and can play 1st through 3rd very well. He hasn't been great this year, but he's been decent. Can't expect too much from him...he's no Ryan Kesler. Seriously though, I don't understand how Burrows got a 1st place vote for Selke last year. There's something seriously wrong with the person who cast that vote.

Burrows is one of the best forecheckers on the Canucks. I admit he's looked a little awkward with the puck the past couple games, but he's still a defensive specialist. The Detroit game was full of tips, deflections , giveaways and takeaways. I don't see Burrows looking for the pass as much as early in the season. He seems to be keeping it simple. As long as the Canucks are winning, it really doesn't matter that the HBK line isn't finishing offensively.

Great season Kes! You definitely showed your skill, energy and heart this year. You are a true leader in the making and I have no doubt it has to do with the mentorship #16 has given to you over the years. Congratulations with the new baby (you gonna work on a future Canuck soon? haha) and have a great of season. I look forward to watching you play for the Canucks again next season...and I'll be sure to pick you in my hockey pool for a second straight season to defend my 07/08 hockey pool championship at work