Jump to content
The Official Site of the Vancouver Canucks
Canucks Community

[proposal] Extreme Makeover, New Big Three for Canucks


Recommended Posts

“Big Three” superstar combinations have become a trend in the NBA. The Miami Heat had set up their “Big Three” combination of superstars in LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade in 2010. The San Antonio Spurs have theirs in Tim Duncan, Manu Gibouli, and Tony Parker, as did the Boston Celtics in Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Perhaps it is time for the Canucks to assemble their own “Big Three” combination of stars in Shea Weber, Carey Price, and Ryan Nuget-Hopkins.

Pie in the sky? That’s how Chris Bosh initially reacted to the possibility of Miami’s Big Three – but after several weeks measuring and considering, I think I can envision several deals that could make it work.

  1. Deal Luongo, Bieksa, Burrows, and Sauve for Price, Gorges, Plaknec, Markov, and Gianota

I would take this deal if I were GM in Montreal, as these guys I’d be receiving would be an ideal fit for this team, especially Luongo. Despite his turmoil, he just might rebound playing in his home province. His larger-than-life personality and pedigree is certainly a better fit than Price though. Bieksa is a perfect fit for the Montreal blueline, as is Burrows on one of the top lines. And Sauve is a good young blueliner with perhaps even more upside than Gorges. Meanwhile, Montreal can afford to lose Plaknec, Markov, and Gianota, who are becoming expendable with the arrival of Subban, Galchenyuk, Gallegher, or Pietrocetty.

Meanwhile, Vancouver will land BC boys Price and Gorges, as well as several other guys who will be dealt off in further trades.
  1. Deal Schneider to Tampa Bay for their first-rounder

Tampa’s main need: goaltending. An elite netminder like Schneider should complete their team and get them contending for the Cup again. He is certainly worth a third overall pick.
  1. Deal Kesler and Markov to Detroit for Datsyuk and Gustavsson

Detroit has managed to shed age from their roster, but now is high time to deal Datsyuk, who still is going strong but isn’t getting younger. He’ll be better playing for a younger team in need of veteran leadership.

Landing Michigan-born Kesler will further change the personality of the Wings, who can shed more age and get a little grittier up front. In Markov, they will land a capable playmaking blueliner who can help make up for Lidstrom’s absence.
  1. Deal Gianota, Datsyuk, and Vancouver’s first-rounder to Buffalo for Hodgson and their first rounder (sixth overall)

I think this deal could make sense for Buffalo, who could use some veteran leadership alongside their youth. Datsyuk particularly would be a near-perfect complement to Vanek with his two-way prowess, veteran experience, and playmaking ability – certainly a lot better than Hodgson.
  1. Deal Hodgson, Tanev, Gustavsson, Tampa’s third overall to Edmonton for Nuget-Hopkins

Won’t get any trade for Nuget-Hopkins easily at any rate – this is a deal that I would probably edit, possibly add other players or picks to soften Edmonton’s hand. With this current deal, they would get Hodgson, a very underrated centre who could at best almost make up for Nuget-Hopkins, plus Tanev, a blueliner with potential, as well as a goaltender who can further bolster the back end. That may or may not be enough, so this trade is still subject to revision.
  1. Deal Sedin twins plus conditional to Phoenix for Ekman-Larsson

This deal makes sense because Phoenix already has Yandle and more blueline prospects (like Brandon Gormley), but they sorely need top-line forwards. The Sedins fit the bill – if they can acquire them and sign them long-term, things are off to a good start.
  1. Deal Plaknec, Ekman-Larsson, Ballard, and Buffalo’s sixth overall to Nashville for Weber

If I were Nashville’s GM, I actually might be intrigued at this deal, particularly as Ekman-Larsson could be the next Lidstrom – I would acquire him and if he pans out great, sign him long-term. Ballard had hit hard times, but my money is on him to rebound under Trotz. Plaknec is an elite playmaker who could provide veteran leadership. From here, I could then draft two high-potential players, and then pursue Morrow or Iginla in free agency. When all is said and done, Nashville actually might come ahead parting with Weber.

Meanwhile, Vancouver gets Weber!

Lastly, I would hire Lindy Ruff, who is much better at running an offensive game.

When all is said and done, Vancouver’s top line of Schroeder-NH-Jensen could be one of the best lines in the league – in my books comparable to Kane and Toews in Chicago. This line packs skating, intelligence, vision, puck skills, and even underrated two-way prowess and grit. Any one of these guys can be a 50-goal threat next season.

Providing Edler can rebound from his recent funk, he could form a dominant top pair with Weber. These guys can outdo the Keith-Seabrook pairing in Chicago with their intelligence, leadership, and all-round play and can be 30-minute guys.

Price is perhaps the most talented goaltender in the league, but he’s been in over his head in Montreal. Hopefully it would be different playing in his hometown Vancouver. Playing behind a Weber-led defense, he’ll only need to preserve leads, but if he can reach his full potential, he’ll be better than Luongo or Schneider and can steal games himself.

Overall, the BC-born Big Three should form a formidable core moving forward. Of course, it will be the second-liners (led by Gaunce, full roster to come) and role players who would make the difference between winning and falling short. But even with this cap hit, I think it can be done.

Yes, there are a lot of trades here – and many of you will automatically write off certain deals, saying it’ll never happen, or that maybe I’m too generous on other trades. All I’ll ask is that we can have a constructive discussion on how we can make these deals happen – edit these trades over if they’re too high or too low. Or if you could suggest something better or more realistic (like forgetting about going after Weber and settle for landing Ekman-Larsson), then share it by all means. But please, no pessimistic mud-slinging, no “this will never happen,” or anything like that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First off, the Heat didn't trade for their big 3. They signed 2 as free agents.

Secondly, many of those players would not be traded by their GMs. There is no reason for other teams to make those deals.

And if you were going for big 3, why would you prefer injury riddled RNH over the 3rd overall pick? And unless you have players like Crosby, it takes more than 3 big players to win a championship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First off, the Heat didn't trade for their big 3. They signed 2 as free agents.

Secondly, many of those players would not be traded by their GMs. There is no reason for other teams to make those deals.

And if you were going for big 3, why would you prefer injury riddled RNH over the 3rd overall pick? And unless you have players like Crosby, it takes more than 3 big players to win a championship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mr. VanNuck,what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not that you were being serious in this so Just for fun I thought I'd look at your trades and tell you realistcally why not a single trade would work out.

  1. Deal Luongo, Bieksa, Burrows, and Sauve for Price, Gorges, Plaknec, Markov, and Gianota

MTL in no way trades Price even after this years playoffs and especially for an aged Luongo who's got 3-5 years left.

  1. Deal Schneider to Tampa Bay for their first-rounder

TBL do not need goaltending having just aquired bishop and trading away a good rookie in Conacher. Also the have a goalie that goes by vasilevskiy who will be this teams future star goalie for years to come

  1. Deal Kesler and Markov to Detroit for Datsyuk and Gustavsson

Datsyuk has came out and said that this may be his last year in the NHL as he would like to finish his career back home in the KHL. Thus his value would not be anything near a kesler.

  1. Deal Gianota, Datsyuk, and Vancouver’s first-rounder to Buffalo for Hodgson and their first rounder (sixth overall)

Buffalo is building a strong young team why on earth would they all of the sudden change that and acquire an old vet like datsyuk who I already mentioned will most likely not even be playing in the NHL next season

  1. Deal Hodgson, Tanev, Gustavsson, Tampa’s third overall to Edmonton for Nuget-Hopkins

Overpayment much? Nuget Hopkins is good but not worth near the valued you offer.

  1. Deal Sedin twins plus conditional to Phoenix for Ekman-Larsson

Sedins have a NTC, why would the be wiling to move to a team that is not a playoff cup contender and to a franchise that has a lot of uncertainties

  1. Deal Plaknec, Ekman-Larsson, Ballard, and Buffalo’s sixth overall to Nashville for Weber

NSH just finished paying of webers signing bonus and salary of 20 million last season, now there are going to trade him away. Not likely unless we are handing over about 10 mil cash.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can always go back to Chicago - Kane fan.

If you can't think of something constructive or propose something you think is more realistic (or otherwise try and make it work), don't come here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mr. VanNuck,what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

im upset I read this series of trades... Have u ever seen in real life a series of ridiculous trades laddered like that together? EVER?

U think Datsyuk is ever going to leave detroit too? Really man, really

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...