Kraken70

At first, I was very skeptical about the Baertschi trade, wondering why Calgary would give up a player they were very high on. it didn't seem to make sense for them. As the season started I still had that doubt in my mind and was fully expecting a flop. However, as the season went on, I could see the real potential in this guy and found myself really routing for him. He still needs to work on his defense (as does BoHo) but I think he had a solid first season. If he and Bo can bring it together, defensively, I think there's a real chance we can have a top 2 line with these guys. As I've said in a couple other threads, I still think they need a veteran right winger to bring it all together.

I don't think it's his d partner that's the problem. He makes bad defensive decisions. His age is also becoming a factor and would, IMO, be a key point in any negotiations. An argument could be made, that at his salary, he is not living up to expectations. And here's another crazy idea. What if JB and crew make a real effort to get Datsyuk to come back for the last year of his contract and succeed? Wouldn't that be something?

I could see an opportunity here with Detroit. They want Datsyuk off their books. Edler for Datsyuk's contract and their 1st rounder. I don't know what would make it a fair trade for both sides, but it could be worth looking at. I want to see JB try to jump into the 16-20 spot to pick up Logan Stanley.

I've said this in a couple threads. I want him to stay. He had a rough year, all round, last year but still managed to come back from a pretty bad injury. I'd prefer to see Hammer re-signed and deal Edler. I could see a few teams having interest in him. I just watched a report on TSN that opened up the possibility of a team like the Rangers being willing to make a few deals to change things up. Could they use an offensive defenseman, who I believe, could use a change?

Although it sounds like WD has other ideas about Baer, I think he looked pretty good with BoHo. With the right RW, I think those two could really bring it together.

Edler is the one I'd like to see dealt at or before the draft. I think it's time for him to get a change of scenery. He's too unpredictable as to what kind of season he's going to have. One year he'll have a good season the next a bad. There are two positions where consistency are most important; goaltending and defense. I'd much rather see JB re-sign Hammer, knowing that he's getting a, consistent, dependable defender who won't make many mistakes and can play in all situations. He looks, on paper at least, to fit the type of defense JB is trying to build, better than Edler. It would be nice to see Edler's contract off the books. Perhaps teams like Washington, Philadelphia, either New York Team or Detroit would like to add him.

I was just saying the same thing to my co-workers. He should've been throwing haymakers as soon as Odor went for the push. He knew it was going to be a fight. If he didn't, the slide should've never happened. Another thing I don't like is that Bautista cost his team a chance to, at least, tie the game. If he wanted to get them back, remember that at bat. The next time he hits a home run, do the exact same bat flip again. Use it to get under their skin and get them off their game. Seems much more productive to me. Now he's going to miss a couple games and cost the Jays one of their big bats. I know there's a "code", but there are other ways to get back at them down the road. That being said, I hope they meet in the postseason again. It would be epic.

Listened to Ray Ferraro on 1040. He makes a good point about Burrows possibly staying. I think he's absolutely correct about Burrows needing to know what his role would be, should he come back. Ever since his 2 injury plagued seasons, his role has been blurred and uncertain. He lost his role as the glue on the Sedin line, constantly moving up and down the line up, rarely staying in one spot for any length of time. He's gone from the respected heart and soul player, once beloved by all Canuck fans, to an, almost forgotten, soldier. I think there is still a place in Vancouver for him, as long as they focus him on the right role. He has lost some of his offensive game but can still be an effective penalty killer and defensive specialist on the third or fourth line. He can also provide invaluable guidance for the young players that are making their way to the pro ranks. He has the character to understand, he's slowed a bit and needs to help with the future of the organization's next generation. I think a Jake Virtanen could learn a lot from Alex about how to use his tenacity and aggression in ways that provide maximum effectiveness for the team. Alex Burrows bleeds Canuck blue and would, with a little clarity, provide effective service in a supportive role. I, for one, hope to see him still in a Canucks uniform next year.

I thought it was an overall, successful debut. I do agree that he did, at times, look a little confused, but for a guy who can't communicate with his teammates yet, I thought he did a great job and will only get better as he gets more games in. Time to get my Tryamkin jersey?

Tell us how you really feel Goose.

I hope so. This kid's a hard worker. He's earned a shot. I want to see what he can do on a nightly basis.