AriGold Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Alex Edler isn’t going anywhere. The Detroit Red Wings have renewed interest in the Vancouver Canucks defenceman. The Florida Panthers, who own the first 2014 draft pick, may also covet Edler. However, despite a willingness by general manager Jim Benning to approach players with no-trade clauses, the Canucks aren’t planning to have that conversation with Edler, according to hockey operations president Trevor Linden. “He’s got all the tools to be a dominant No. 1 defenceman,” Linden said Tuesday from Ottawa where he addressed a Canadian Men’s Health Foundation national launch of a fitness initiative. “He’d be the first to admit he didn’t have a good year, and part of our job is to recapture the Alex Edler that we all know he can be. He has the skill-set that every team wants and we just have to get him back where he should be. “There isn’t a team in the league that wouldn’t have its hand up for the opportunity to have an Alex Edler. It’s not in our consideration. We want to work with Alex; we have to get his game back, and I know he’s committed to doing that.” Edler, 28, is viewed as a reclamation project who maybe wouldn’t command what the Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks were willing to part with at the draft before the Swede’s six-year, $30-million-US contract extension kicked in, along with his NTC. The Wings have never replaced Nicklas Lidstrom or Brian Rafalski, and the Panthers can dangle their top pick to try and allow first-round 2010 pick Erik Gudbranson to develop methodically. But the Canucks hold the No. 6 pick and seem poised to make it. In a sour season in which Edler had seven goals, just 22 points and a league-worst minus-39 rating — often looking lost in a zone-defence system that put a premium on positioning — he was also suspended for three games for the Tomas Hertl hit Oct. 10 and missed 16 games with a knee strain suffered Dec. 3. But he did average 23:17 of ice time per game and has a good power-play point shot, though it could stand to be a bit more accurate. “I’m at my best when I don’t think too much and just react out there and trust my instincts,” said Edler. “That’s something I have to get back to next year. There were a lot of changes this year and a lot of new things to get used to. I didn’t have the year that I should have had, but I know I’m a good player. I’m going to have to come back next year and do a better job at being better every game and being more consistent.” All this could mean the Canucks are considering trading Jason Garrison — back to Florida? — or are considering him as a compliance buyout option later this month because Frank Corrado should become more of a roster mainstay. Garrison, 29, is a $4.6-million cap hit that pays $5 million next season plus a $1.5 million bonus before the contract trickles down to $2.5 million in its final year. Garrison had a goal in each of his first two games this season but would score just five more. He led team defencemen in points (33) and shots (181) but was second to Ryan Kesler in missed shots (79). Only four teammates had a lower shooting percentage (3.9), and like his peers, Garrison never developed a true comfort factor in any zone and has been bothered by groin concerns. David Booth, 29, is another buyout possibility, but with one year left on his deal at $4.75 million, ($4.25m cap hit) the winger has extra contract incentive. Then again, trading Garrison and buying out Booth are the type of significant changes the team has been talking about. “We’re going to have some very difficult decisions this summer and do everything we can to make the team better now and in the near future,” said Linden. “We have to make some adjustments and changes for sure.” Kesler is of obvious concern. Willing to waive his NTC at the trade deadline, the centre will be a hot commodity at the draft which has become the annual hotbed of wheeling and dealing. Kesler, 29, is more concerned about the skill level on the Canucks than who’s coaching, and at $5 million annually the next two years, he’s coveted by Pittsburgh and Anaheim. “We go back many years and unfortunately I was his first centre,” joked Linden. “I have a good relationship with Ryan and that will serve us well.” As for coaches to replace John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan, Los Angeles Kings assistant John Stevens is in the Stanley Cup final and Texas Stars coach Willie Desjardins is in the AHL playoffs. Unless there’s a wild-card consideration — Jeff Blashill of the Grand Rapid Griffins is out because he’s close to a contract extension — there might not be a bench boss in place by the draft. “We’ve got a real vision of what we want our coaching staff to look like and it would be great to have it taken care of by the draft,” said Linden. “I think it’s doable but not imperative.” http://www.theprovince.com/sports/hockey/canucks-hockey/Kuzma+Linden+gives+embattled+Edler+vote/9904383/story.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trebreh Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 If were trading a defenceman away, its either Garrison, Tanev or both. Edler is still young on a great contract considering what UFA defencemen are getting these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrChill Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 I don't get why u would compliance buy out Garrison. That seems really weird.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRussianRocket. Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 No surprise really. Linden is the one that first saw the potential in Edler and always loved him. Plus with his value being at an all-time low, wouldn't make sense to trade him for dirt cheap and see him get back to his former self and get laughed at by other teams for a horrible trade. Though I have a short leash for Eddie. If he can't pick it up this year then I'd throw in the white towel and give him up for the team offering the most. As of now excited to see what comes of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrChill Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Wonder if Garrison would waive? And if so to where? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karlsson`s Flo Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 I don't get why u would compliance buy out Garrison. That seems really weird.... Kuzma must be stealing Botch's notes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warhippy Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Buyout Garrison? Loses all credibility with that simple sentence. Linden et co. Can say all they want. I am sure we have all heard GMs say the exact same thing a dozen times. Remember Schneider? Luongo? Hodgson? Linden? Rochards, Carter, Bryzgalov and so many more. If there is a deal that makes the team that much better it gets made provided Eddy waives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gstank29 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 FYI theres a second page to the article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outsiders Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 What does Linden see in Edler we all don't? I don't get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeltaSwede Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 To me buying out Garrison would be a huge waste. Ask for a list of teams from him if you feel like you have to move him. Edler, he's been my favorite player every since he was drafted by the Canucks because he comes from my small boring hometown in Sweden and my grandma somehow knows his grandma. He has the potential to be a very good player again but he needs that support beside him that Ehrhoff and Salo were able to give him. That needs to be adressed and I see this as both an indication that Garrison will be on the market and attempts to move him will be made. I can also see this being a similar situation to Kesler unless he wants to leave Vancouver. Give them the supporting cast they need and the Canucks would be right back in it IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoneypuckOverlord Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 No question about it. I already mentioned this in the (Red Wings have interest in Edler thread). We have to look at what brings to the team. 6'3 220 offensive dman who can skate it up. No many of those actually, i'm not kidding. one that is 6'3 220. Ok, you guys can say he's turn over machine, I won't argue against, that, that said I think what he brings is extremely important. It's now up to Alex to fix his own defensive game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamHomer Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Why would Garrison waive considering he signed here for a "hometown discount" and how would buying Garrison out really help the team? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motzaburger Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 2nd Page Garrison had a goal in each of his first two games this season but would score just five more. He led team defencemen in points (33) and shots (181) but was second to Ryan Kesler in missed shots (79). Only four teammates had a lower shooting percentage (3.9), and like his peers, Garrison never developed a true comfort factor in any zone and has been bothered by groin concerns. David Booth, 29, is another buyout possibility, but with one year left on his deal at $4.75 million, ($4.25m cap hit) the winger has extra contract incentive. Then again, trading Garrison and buying out Booth are the type of significant changes the team has been talking about. “We’re going to have some very difficult decisions this summer and do everything we can to make the team better now and in the near future,” said Linden. “We have to make some adjustments and changes for sure.” Kesler is of obvious concern. Willing to waive his NTC at the trade deadline, the centre will be a hot commodity at the draft which has become the annual hotbed of wheeling and dealing. Kesler, 29, is more concerned about the skill level on the Canucks than who’s coaching, and at $5 million annually the next two years, he’s coveted by Pittsburgh and Anaheim. “We go back many years and unfortunately I was his first centre,” joked Linden. “I have a good relationship with Ryan and that will serve us well.” As for coaches to replace John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan, Los Angeles Kings assistant John Stevens is in the Stanley Cup final and Texas Stars coach Willie Desjardins is in the AHL playoffs. Unless there’s a wild-card consideration — Jeff Blashill of the Grand Rapid Griffins is out because he’s close to a contract extension — there might not be a bench boss in place by the draft. “We’ve got a real vision of what we want our coaching staff to look like and it would be great to have it taken care of by the draft,” said Linden. “I think it’s doable but not imperative.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrChill Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Second page Garrison had a goal in each of his first two games this season but would score just five more. He led team defencemen in points (33) and shots (181) but was second to Ryan Kesler in missed shots (79). Only four teammates had a lower shooting percentage (3.9), and like his peers, Garrison never developed a true comfort factor in any zone and has been bothered by groin concerns. David Booth, 29, is another buyout possibility, but with one year left on his deal at $4.75 million, ($4.25m cap hit) the winger has extra contract incentive. Then again, trading Garrison and buying out Booth are the type of significant changes the team has been talking about. “We’re going to have some very difficult decisions this summer and do everything we can to make the team better now and in the near future,” said Linden. “We have to make some adjustments and changes for sure.” Kesler is of obvious concern. Willing to waive his NTC at the trade deadline, the centre will be a hot commodity at the draft which has become the annual hotbed of wheeling and dealing. Kesler, 29, is more concerned about the skill level on the Canucks than who’s coaching, and at $5 million annually the next two years, he’s coveted by Pittsburgh and Anaheim. “We go back many years and unfortunately I was his first centre,” joked Linden. “I have a good relationship with Ryan and that will serve us well.” As for coaches to replace John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan, Los Angeles Kings assistant John Stevens is in the Stanley Cup final and Texas Stars coach Willie Desjardins is in the AHL playoffs. Unless there’s a wild-card consideration — Jeff Blashill of the Grand Rapid Griffins is out because he’s close to a contract extension — there might not be a bench boss in place by the draft. “We’ve got a real vision of what we want our coaching staff to look like and it would be great to have it taken care of by the draft,” said Linden. “I think it’s doable but not imperative.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Absent Canuck Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 He will change his tune. Maybe not today or even this summer but he will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrChill Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Weird question, my value scale here is way off I think But would anyone, oilers included do Garrison 6th For Eberle ? If he would waive of course Or Garrison 10th Eberle.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gstank29 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 as much as i want to see elder succeed somewhere else, he is still young enough to be a considered an asset rather than a liability. Also if you look at some of the goals that were scored against him they are just flukey goals. IE they hit him and go in. Finally i also heard from someone that he lead Canuck Defenceman in hits and block shots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Absent Canuck Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Nylander / Ehlers >>>> Eberle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmployeeoftheMonth Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Somewhere King Heffys head exploded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kryten Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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