Great Pitb Article Regarding "the Trade"

[ice orca]

Then just dress him for the second power play! I know Kass will be a star, but he isn't really NHL ready right now, and if we wanted a big body we'd just call up Bitz...

[Captain Aerosex]

So your'e saying we got Pahlsson aka his replacement for only draft pics and still lost Coho in the process??? The thing with Coho...he's got vision, skill, hockey smarts and he's clutch. You cant teach that. You either have it or you don't, and unfortunately not too many people do. He's showing more skill as a rookie then Sedins, Kesler, hence, candidate for rookie of the year..is Kassian in that mix? Imagine the potential when he's fully developed training under Sedins and Kesler, the next generation. Why would anyone trade a difference maker to the team...what team would do that, especially someone that's clutch going into the playoffs. Especially someone who wins MVP titles or should have won the MVP title in league tournaments. He thrives in that environment. How can he be useful to us in the playoffs? When our offense or pp is stale...you need goals to win which we had trouble doing in our last playoff run. That's what I'd be addressing and looking at. He and Kesler can interchange centre with Booth in the wing...you got gritty, shooters and a playmaker. Heck they can all potentially score...how do you check that...and that's the 2nd line! With the first line as two Art Ross recipients as line mates. What coach would love that line up! And you still have your checking line. I still think we could have kept him granted he'll be longterm...anyone who says he wanted out, I doubt...otherwise why would he be calling Rogers Arena/Vancouver home. Still not happy, especially knowing that we could have gotten the much needed checking line without losing talent...in terms of toughness and size anyone can fit in the Sedin line and still produce...think Gino and Pavel...Pavel turned him into a goal scorer not just a tough guy and in turn protected Pavel.

[Canuck Surfer]

Lets start here: Calling Hodgson a defensive liability is absolute BULL COOKIES. He is sound positionally, patrols the passing lanes (remember him stealing the puck to create the game winning goal in Detroit) and has a knack for positive puck possession. Teams dont score when you have the puck. In junior, including at the WJC's, Hodgson (not Tavares, not Stamkos) was the guy who took defensive draws, killed penalties & played the two way role. And he won that role, they gave him a crack because Tavares was going to be the lead offensive center. From that role, he outplayed other teams top lines, and still led the WJC's in scoring! He was also the OHL player voted by coaches as the best penalty killer. Name calling, and justification needs to be removed from the argument because its not true.

Hodgson with his speed & physique, does require a speedy puck winner on his line. But AV gives the Twins Burrows for the same reason. It's not a mismatch problem as long as complimented / deployed correctly. And its fair to say, where he is not a liability, he's also not a guy to send in to attack, abuse, and get in the face of a Malkin, Crosby, Getzlaf or 225 lb David Backes (who is in the Canucks immediate path). Enter Pahlsson.

So, Pahlsson has been a god send. He is worth having replaced Hodgson temporarily considering his development & our teams needs. Now we have stingy, physical, in your face defence. But we gave up very little to get Pahlsson. And it would have been worthwhile to have CoHo when Danny was injured, and to succeed Henrik over time.

Kassian was brought in to offer our team the team control over physical match up's. Had he been able to live up to that now, I would accept the trade. But his talent has yet to be up to the task. We've just called up Bitz, and we did not have to give up anyone to have this match up in our line up in the here and now.Hodgson was an awful lot to give up for a guy that has not worked out so far.

So the trade at this point has to be considered an abject failure..

A blip in the otherwise superb steering of the team by MG.

So in light of the Kassian vs Foligno topic, and the continued ZOMGZ Y HODGSON!??!? sentiment around here, I thought some of you might want to read this recent PITB article that might help you rethink what happened on trade deadline day. They really explain it better than I do, so I encourage you to read it. Might also bring some optimism to your view on the Canucks' post-season.

(Full article is here)

Basically, what I think you should all take from that article is to look at the trades from that day in a different perspective. A lot of people have been fuming about the Kassian trade, the primary reason (other than CoHo fandom) being that we've thrown away a currently contributing player for a future project that might not even work out! I know, I had similar feelings immediately after the trade.

But, as has been stated time and time again, Pahlsson is Hodgson's replacement. Not Kassian. I'll run that by you one more time. Pahlsson...is Hodgson's replacement. And though Hodgson might turn out to be a star, the Canucks as an organization are focussed on the now. And Pahlsson is a vast improvement; he's been a godsend for this team. Hodgson does have 8 points with Buffalo compared to Pahlsson's 5 with Vancouver. However, Cody is a massive defensive liability and would be a liability in the playoffs. Some evidence from PITB illustrates it:

"Since arriving in Buffalo 18 games ago, Hodgson has been on the ice for 15 Buffalo goals. However, he’s been on the ice for 18 of the Sabres’ 44 goals against. That’s 41% of them. Worse, the Sabres have been outscored 13 to 7 at even-strength with Hodgson on the ice...the Sabres control 44.6% of Fenwick events when he’s on the ice, which is a fancy way of saying the opposition has the puck a lot."

By comparison, here are Pahlsson's stats:

"Since the trade, Pahlsson has been on the ice for the same amount of goals as Hodgson at even-strength: 7. However, rather than watch the red light go on 13 times, Pahlsson has only been on the ice for 5 even-strength goals against. Furthermore, Pahlsson is boasting a Fenwick rating of exactly 50%, and this is more impressive than it sounds: consider that Pahlsson’s line has been playing against top lines and eating up defensive zone starts. Consider Cody's output the past week: with the Sabres' quest to make the playoffs currently hanging in the balance, Buffalo has lost 2 of 3 and nearly 3 of 3, surrendering 14 goals. Hodgson has been on the ice for 9 of them. You can't tell me that's helpful right now.Adjusted for these zone starts, Pahlsson’s Fenwick is actually 58%. In effect, match the Swedish centre up against the best forwards in the league and he’ll win the shift more often than not."

Basically, his scoring doesn't lag far behind, but his defence is supremely better (and we all know the old adage, don't we?) Though it isn't the postseason quite yet, the Sabres have been fighting for their playoff hopes for quite a while now, and in these games, there's an undoubtable playoff atmosphere. And this is just further evidence to illustrate that yes, Cody would be a liability in the playoffs.

"Consider Cody's output the past week: with the Sabres' quest to make the playoffs currently hanging in the balance, Buffalo has lost 2 of 3 and nearly 3 of 3, surrendering 14 goals. Hodgson has been on the ice for 9 of them. You can't tell me that's helpful right now."

Now a lot of people will begrudgingly admit that Kassian could be a good player in the future, but that Hodgson was more ready now and that we've thrown away current impact players for a power forward project because Boston is in our heads. However, if you combine the Pahlsson and Kassian trades together, you get a whole different view.

The 3 Canucks trades involved in that day were Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer to Buffalo for Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani, Taylor Ellington and two 4th round picks in 2012 to Columbus for Samuel Pahlsson, and Sebastian Erixon to Anaheim for Andrew Gordon. Essentially, regarding the more 'current impact' players, we traded Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer (who would've simply been defensive depth here) for Samuel Pahlsson. On the 'future considerations' side, we traded ECHLer Taylor Ellington and two 4th round picks for former 1st rounder Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani, who was practically a p/g player in the AHL (as a defenceman). Erixon for Gordon is negligible really, though Gordon can fill in as NHL-ready depth.

Reviewing the trades of that day from a different perspective, it becomes apparent that MG has actually improved the current Canucks a great amount. Sulzer's unlikely to slot in come spring, and Pahlsson has been a big improvement over Hodgson; this article really illustrates how much more sound Sami's been. Though CoHo has a bright future ahead of him, Taylor Ellington and two 4th rounders (basically peanuts) for two very rare talents in soft-handed power forward Kassian, and puck-moving blue liner Gragnani sounds like a fleecing. Of course only the future will tell, but I like the odds of these two developing more than Ellington and the pair of 4th rounders. Also keep in mind...does Hodgson even have a future here? He's competing with a younger Schroeder to play behind Henrik and Kesler. It was only a matter of time before he wanted out. Kassian and Gragnani will have chances here.

Anyways, just thought this was an interesting article and it's really made me sincerely look at the trade in a new way, rather than just be optimistic with conflicted feelings. Some might say Buffalo fleeced us in that trade, but if we're looking at the actual day itself, I feel that Gillis has actually improved our team both for the current Cup run, and the future. Got more appreciation for GMMG, and I feel if some of you doubters read this article and post, you might too.

[Guest Lelongooo]

Young talent that never blossomed?

[uber_pwnzor]

So then you have a dressed player sitting on the bench playing 2 minutes a game and the rest of the team playing the whole game short 1 forward. Sorry but it just doesnt work, would be a nightmare for the coatching staff to fit him in.

[TOMapleLaughs]

nm

[Gollumpus]

I still hold the opinion that the primary desired result of "the trade" was that Hodgson would no longer be a Canuck. Management wanted him gone sooner, rather than later, and this is why they were content to take what might be looked on as an underpayment (Kassian), or to hold on to Hodgson and move him after the season was over.

This is not meant as a knock on Hodgson (for all you Hodites out there). For all we know, his side of the issue might be agreeable to one and all and the team's perspective is one which we would leave us shaking our heads. I suspeect that it is not, but you never know.

regards,

G.

[Canuck Surfer]

I'll kow tow if Kassian goes toe to toe with Lucic and scores a goal in the same game. Until this, remember what we gave up;

[ice orca]

Of coarse I understand that you can't dress a player just for the PP. But, I mean, if we'd kept him and our second PP unit had scored some goals it'd been worth it. I understand that we had to get rid of him, just don't understand why it had to be done at this year's trade deadline...

[Canuck Surfer]

Kassian has never scored at the same level at the same age;

Kass at WJC's; 5 games played = 2 goals & 1 assist = 3 points

CoHo at WJC's; 6 games played = 5 goals & 11 assists = 16 points

Kass at W under 18 JC's; 6 games played = 2 goals & 3 assists = 5 points

CoHo at W under 18 JC's; 7 games played = 2 goals & 10 assists = 12 points

Kass; best year in OHL at age 20 = 77 points

CoHo; 85 points at age 18, 92 points & CHL player of the year at age 19, injured at 20

Kassian is at the same scoring pace as CoHo was at his age, but I don't hear you singing his praises. As for Hodgson on the 2ndline...he couldn't keep up with Kesler and Booth anyways, in addition to the fact he can't play wing. He was either going to be the 3rd line centre or nothing. So with Pahlsson there, he's not a factor. With Pahlsson out of the picture, he is a factor, but not necessarily in a good way. As a 3rd line centre in the playoffs, his line likely would've been perforated. CoHo was not a capable backchecker, and Kesler's play only would've suffered from having to provide both scoring but also making up for Hodgson's poor defence. Recall how Manny freed up Kesler to contribute more to offence last season, and also recall how with Manny injured, Kesler got worn down in the playoffs and was injured. Now we've got an excellent checking line coming into the spring, and two projects with a lot of potential in Kassian or Gragnani for the future (Hodgson wanted out, don't keep deceiving yourself; if he wanted to stay, he wouldn't have avoided those questions).

Also, Gino was never a goal scorer, check your memory. He had one pretty decent season, but he never reached 20 goals or 30 points in a season.

[WZRD]

Too bad the Canucks never held on to Hodgson. He could be playing 2nd line centre right now instead of the struggling Kesler.

Oh well. It was a terrible trade but I guess nothing can be done about that now.

[Vancanwincup]

Then just dress him for the second power play! I know Kass will be a star, but he isn't really NHL ready right now, and if we wanted a big body we'd just call up Bitz...

[Captain Aerosex]

Kassian has never scored at the same level at the same age;

Kass at WJC's; 5 games played = 2 goals & 1 assist = 3 points

CoHo at WJC's; 6 games played = 5 goals & 11 assists = 16 points

Kass at W under 18 JC's; 6 games played = 2 goals & 3 assists = 5 points

CoHo at W under 18 JC's; 7 games played = 2 goals & 10 assists = 12 points

Kass; best year in OHL at age 20 = 77 points

CoHo; 85 points at age 18, 92 points & CHL player of the year at age 19, injured at 20

[DownUndaCanuck]

I am happy with Pahlsson, but we didn't need to replace Hodgson with anyone.

Sedin - Sedin - Burrows

Higgins - Kesler- Booth

Hansen - Hodgson - Raymond

Malhotra - Pahlsson - Lapierre

Bitz

That is a perfectly fine lineup without this stupid trade. Kassian has done little to nothing for our team so far, he really hasn't been a top-6 forward or even a good fit on our 3rd line and Gragnani has been IMO our worst defenceman positionally and in his own zone. Some lovely passes and a great 1st goal, but he was the sole reason for 2 of the goals Luongo gave up last game and didn't get enough of the blame for a pathetic effort to block a cross-crease pass.

[Canuck250]

This is what needs to be said!

[suolucidir]

So... nobody read the article?

I'm not seeing anyone comment in defense of Cody being on the ice for 41% of the Sabres goals against. People are claiming he was good defensively without addressing this.

[Avicii]

The only problem i have with the trade is Hodgson not being traded for someone proven and ready..

Everyone is "hoping" that Kassian will be a huge help in the playoffs. What happens if he sucks? He hasn't done much since a week after the deadline. That's a time span of a month and a half.

[DooBie604]

The only problem i have with the trade is Hodgson not being traded for someone proven and ready..

Everyone is "hoping" that Kassian will be a huge help in the playoffs. What happens if he sucks? He hasn't done much since a week after the deadline. That's a time span of a month and a half.

[Deadweed]

Pahlsson for Hodgson??

never heard of that trade. Has anyone else?

[Avicii]

I think you totally missed the point of the article. Pahlsson was gotten to replace Cody. With that in mind, Cody no longer had anywhere to play in the line up. And for our sake and Cody's sake, we traded him to someone who needs him while addressing our needs for the future.

I mean Cody 1 assist in 12 playoff games last year. Not exactly money in the bank either and hasn't proved he's a playoff performer. In fact, when playoffs come around, anyone can slip and look awful even with a great regular season and anyone can have a terrible season and become invincible in the playoffs. It's a whole other beast.