malHOEtra

As the season goes on, it becomes easier to distinguish who will be looking to sell come deadline, and who will want to spend come deadline. While some people think we need that one piece to "put us over the top", its unlikely Mike Gillis makes much more of a splash than he did last year. A couple 3rd round picks, and some contract moves and we end up with Chris Higgins and Maxim Lapierre. The bulk of Canucks fans were left scratching their heads, and searching Hockeydb to get an idea of what they brought to the team. I don't think I need to explain how these moves worked out *cough* pretty damn good *cough* So coming into this trade deadline, the pieces we need shouldn't cost us the farm by any means. A 4th line winger who can move up in the lineup if needed, and a guy who can play on the 3rd pair, but move into the top 4 if needed. Mike Gillis is a very patient GM, and the team he has built has allowed him to do this. He is not going to enter bidding wars, or overpay for rental players, but instead maximize the value on his return. He's unlikely to outbid GM's and offer a first for Gleason, or move our better prospects. For Argument sake lets say a rental defenseman is going to cost us a 3rd round pick (2013) or this years 4th from the Islanders (close to a 3rd) and maybe a mid-low end prospect. Guys who may fall into that price range Hall Gill Milan Jurcina Greg Zanon Matt Carkner Adrian Aucoin With the exception of Carkner I would consider all of them top 4 d-men who could play well on the 3rd pairing. Carkner may have trouble beating out Alberts and Rome for a spot on the 3rd pairing, but could very well play 3rd pairing when we have injuries. We all know injured defensemen are inevitable on this team, so having as many guys who can eat up minutes is a major benefit. As for the 4th line, its identity has been built as a shutdown line, handling the tough minutes, and getting the least amount of starts in the offensive zone. The player brought in will have to have a strong 2-way game, and be very competent defensively while adding some grit to the 4th line. Lets apply similar value to these players as the d-men listed above. (3rd/4th round, lower prospect) Guys who may fall into that price range Trent Hunter Adam Burish Travis Moen (likely a bit more) Patrick Dwyer Adam Hall Jim Slater Chris Thorburn So come deadline, don't be surprised when you have to hockeydb the acquisitions MG makes. Don't be surprised if you look at their stats on the NHL website to get a better idea of what they bring to the table. Just know Mike Gillis isn't going to overpay for deadline players, and hes going to bring in guys who (like Chris Higgins and Max Lapierre) are able to give us depth and play in all situations.

Welcome to Vancouver! You are a very welcome part of the team, and the city welcomes you with open arms! Always nice to have a solid guy like you in the lineup, and what you bring to this team really puts us over the top! Best of luck, and have a great season!