No Trade Clauses? No Problem.

[RonMexico]

There's a difference between asking, ignoring, and demanding. Linden can't ignore the contracts' terms, can't demand someone reject them, but he can ask. Your last line is true and why Gillis wasn't very keen on asking people to waive.

Use whatever word you like, all 3 phrasings would have a similar result and that is a mistrust of management. Not exactly the best way for a new management team to start their tenure.

[Provost]

Use whatever word you like, all 3 phrasings would have a similar result and that is a mistrust of management. Not exactly the best way for a new management team to start their tenure.

That isn't really true, No Trade Clauses are just a way for a player to control where he goes. It protects them against signing for a cheaper contract on a contender for a chance to win the cup and then getting traded to the Islanders.

Players with NTC's get moved all the time.

[Me_]

Use whatever word you like, all 3 phrasings would have a similar result and that is a mistrust of management. Not exactly the best way for a new management team to start their tenure.

You make it sound as if an NTC is a cement wall against dialogue.

Those discussions, like any other review period in any business, are discussed at length with everyone involved.

What approach Linden takes is irrelevant. They are discussed nonetheless.

I personally like that Linden said it's the players' right in their contract. I also like how he opened the door for discussion by not categorically refusing to talk about it with the media and the players themselves.

[BI3KSA-]

It isn't better but it's more realistic to follow. They haven't missed the playoffs since 2006-07 yet still built a contender. The Chicago model involves failure of epic proportions for many years and Scotty Bowman being hired as a consultant.

There is a heck of a lot more to Chicago then just their high draft picks. Kane and Toews don't = an automatic cup. Chicago's style and the pieces they add is something worth emulating imo. I'd rather see that style than the Bruins style. Not to say the Bruins style isn't also good, I just prefer Chicago's.

[elvis15]

Yes, it's a differing of opinions for sure. But it's like a snowball rolling downhill. The more you read the same opinion, the more momentum it gains and everyone starts believing it to be true. Just look at the next comment after yours. People on CDC, and probably other boards, are believing that clauses in contracts can be ignored with snap of a finger. What message does it send to potential FAs that the new GM ignores the fact that you have a NTC and is demanding you accept a trade to somewhere you don't want to? Sure sounds like an inviting place to play.

You're reading a lot into those posts, I think.

No one (at least no one reasonable) is saying Linden will demand players waive their NTCs or risk being sent to the minors as punishment. Linden would obviously ask respectfully, and if any players are agreeable to a trade considering the situation the Canucks are in and the potential for return then it's hardly going to be looked on as a slight to the new management.

[NUCKS4CUP 28]

Please post link to Kesler quote of "wanting out". I still havn't seen one... purely speculation.

Right? I really hate how people keep saying Kesler wants out, when there wasn't a single quote where he even hinted at wanting out.

Same deal with Luongo, but that's a little different because yes, at one point he DID want out, but you could argue that after Schneider got traded he (Luongo) would have changed his mind.

Either way, I'll be incredibly shocked to see Kesler getting traded; I don't know if I'd be more sad or shocked. If he does get traded, that will be the final straw for me. Obviously Canucks would still be my #1, but then I'd know for a fact, 100% the team isn't going anywhere anytime soon if they trade Kesler, and think even regardless of our piss-poor season we just had, I still think we're 2-3 players away from making a strong push again. I don't think it's time to hit the rebuild button just yet.

[nuck nit]

Any players that did not have respect for Tootsie's demeanour may now wish to remain a Canuck.

[RonMexico]

You make it sound as if an NTC is a cement wall against dialogue.

Those discussions, like any other review period in any business, are discussed at length with everyone involved.

What approach Linden takes is irrelevant. They are discussed nonetheless.

Why have an open dialogue when there is nothing to discuss? No one from Canucks management or players have said a peep about waiving their NTCs or even discussing them for that matter. The media and fans seem to be the ones distorting or twisting stories to fuel the fire.

[AboardTheWCE]

I think Edler could possibly be used as a winger (maybe with the twins). His defensive skills are showing and it doesn't look too promising. Maybe he could be a Brent Burns type power forward; he's big, physical, and has a pretty good shot (if it doesn't get blocked). I know Burns played forward in juniors, but I would think to learn forward after being a defenseman is easier since you have a more defensive mind (or know the positioning for a winger defensively). He could be the winger the Sedins need on the top line to intimidate (at least until Kass is ready).

Although, $5 mil is a lot for a winger that may not work out.

[BureisBest]

I really like how much effort was put into this post. Good read.

Thanks. And your username is unreal, btw. Elite taste.

[BureisBest]

NTC do hinder us. Edler isn't playing like a 5mil dollar defenseman. You can't compare this to other teams D as that's a bit silly.

You can't say Edler is a bargain at 5 compared to Phaneuf at 7. It isn't about other teams D it's about ours and at present Edler isn't playing like a 5 mil D.

Same with Hansen. He isn't playing like a 2.5 mil player. Hopefully that was because of a Torts and he'll get back to what he can be like.

With the cap going up you can look at that both ways. One is great we can afford Edler at 5mil no worries and number 2 is hopefully ask him to waive that NTC and spend that 5mil + cap space somewhere else. (Cough Stasny cough)

Personally I'd trade them both.

Why does this coaching theory apply to Hansen, but not Edler? Alex is a young defenseman still with all of the tools. He has everything and just needs to regain his confidence and not be coached by the 1st or 2nd worst coach in our team's history.

[BureisBest]

6. the Boston Model is the top model in hockey? I'm legitimately curious where you got this from. The BIG difference between us and the Bruins is that they aren't under performing with their 10 NTCs.

I got it from our new President, Trevor Linden.

[BureisBest]

No there isn't a greater chance that more players will be asked. It's just your desire to see it happen. Guilt has nothing to do with it.

It's my opinion, not my desire. I will agree to disagree with you and none of us will ever be privy to behind-closed-doors conversations. Either way, Go Canucks and let's get this thing on track.

[BureisBest]

As far as all of the conversation on Ryan Kesler, here is my take, and why I stated that "Kesler Wants out":

As NucksCup2015 stated, where there is smoke, there is fire. Numerous credible hockey media sources reported that Kesler either wanted out, or was on the table to be dealt. Others indicated that Kesler's loose lips in Sochi spilled the vodka that he wanted out of VAN to play with Patty Kane or something else to that effect. Ryan has always seemed different than the majority of our core/talented players. He is very emotional. He is a winner. He was stripped of his "A" this year and played on one of the worst teams in our franchise's history. Furthermore, Kesler is from America, where the vast majority of NHL teams are located. Additionally, the Canucks window has not just closed, it has slammed shut. Tortorella was right about one thing during his tenure: we need to forget about 2011. It's 2014-15 in the fall and that Boston series is history, in the Bruins favour. Kesler isn't getting any younger or any healthier. He's been associated with the Nucks for 11 years of his life and seems like he wants to move on to a new challenge.

That is my honest feeling on it. I do not have anything concrete or factual to support that Kesler 100% wants out. I do not think my opinion is fact and I appreciate others disagreeing. I love Kesler as a player and think he is exactly what we need. The honeymoon has just been over for too long with RK17 and VAN.

[oldnews]

Yes. Well formulated OP.

[BurgerKing]

Couldn't agree more, it's a trust thing, we have no issue giving you a NTC because we feel you are going to be part of the winning team here, in return player feels ownership with the team, People throw out LA and their lack of NTC, their success has more to do with drafting high for so many years, and getting lucky with Doughty oppose to not giving out NTCs.

[DownUndaCanuck]

Sure those are pesky now as everyone wants to trade our core and get younger, but there's no reason we can't build around the NTCs and complement them with youth to give us a well-rounded team like we see running deep into the playoffs right now. A coaching change and a trade or signing for depth may be all we need - the Canucks really aren't that far off, I just feel as though they weren't managed well at all last season. Here's a very possible, successful and refreshed team to start next season:

Sedin - Sedin - Sniper (Fox / Jensen / Kassian)

Higgins - Kesler - Playmaker (Shinkaruk / Horvat / Cassels)

Hansen - Santorelli - Burrows

Matthias - Richardson - Booth

Edler - Tanev

Hamhuis - Bieksa

Garrison - Stanton

Corrado

Weber

Alberts

Lack

Markstrom (ideally a veteran goalie here instead)

Of course that's not even including our #6 pick of this draft who, like say Dal Colle, may be NHL ready. We could go as far refreshed as this for our forward squad next season:

Sedin - Sedin - Kassian

Higgins - Kesler - Shinkaruk

Hansen - Santorelli - Jensen

Richardson - Matthias - Horvat

[sonoman]

Sure those are pesky now as everyone wants to trade our core and get younger, but there's no reason we can't build around the NTCs and complement them with youth to give us a well-rounded team like we see running deep into the playoffs right now. A coaching change and a trade or signing for depth may be all we need - the Canucks really aren't that far off, I just feel as though they weren't managed well at all last season. Here's a very possible, successful and refreshed team to start next season:

Sedin - Sedin - Sniper (Fox / Jensen / Kassian)

Higgins - Kesler - Playmaker (Shinkaruk / Horvat / Cassels)

Hansen - Santorelli - Burrows

Matthias - Richardson - Booth

Edler - Tanev

Hamhuis - Bieksa

Garrison - Stanton

Corrado

Weber

Alberts

Lack

Markstrom (ideally a veteran goalie here instead)

Of course that's not even including our #6 pick of this draft who, like say Dal Colle, may be NHL ready. We could go as far refreshed as this for our forward squad next season:

Sedin - Sedin - Kassian

Higgins - Kesler - Shinkaruk

Hansen - Santorelli - Jensen

Richardson - Matthias - Horvat

That's a pretty expensive winger on the 4th line. Has not shown enough the last couple of seasons, equals buyout.

[Quoted]

That's a pretty expensive winger on the 4th line. Has not shown enough the last couple of seasons, equals buyout.

And I would ask the question: what is the role of this particular 4th line (Matthias - Richardson - Booth)? To me that's been a huge issue with the Canucks over the last couple years or so: having a 4th line which is essentially the left-overs of the other three rather than building a dedicated 4th line with a purpose in mind.

[aliboy]

I think in many cases, if a player is told they aren't wanted, so please give us a list of teams you would play for, the player would comply. Most players likely have other teams they'd be willing to play for. One can always ask.