Hockey Widow wrote:
I think both will waive. I don't think Vrbata will be as picky as Hamhuis. Vrbata will be playing to get another NHL contract while Hamhuis is pretty much assured he will get one. I think Washington would be a perfect fit for Hamhuis. Vrbata, maybe Chicago with the Hossa injury but they will look at players like Hrudler too. Maybe they spring for Ladd.
Webber and Bartkowski could land us some late rounders. Weber I think we try to move, maybe we get a 5-7 pick, if we are lucky. Benning seems to like Bartkowski so I don't know if they move him but if someone comes knocking and offers a 2-3 I think we should take it. The only time Bartkowski gets you a 2nd would be TDD.
I think that the biggest issue with the Canucks right now is depth at D. Hammy is an asset that would be very difficult to replace, especially given that they could use a couple players of his calibre. I wouldn't have a issue with him staying unless a good D prospect came back for him or in another trade.
Weber can go. He is very replaceable, so even a 7th would be a win. I would rather see a prospect have his spot.
I like some of what Bart brings (but hate lots too), I think he has room to improve, but we have Sbisa playing that role and Bart is Sbisa light. Let him go, like Weber, even if it is as a UFA at the end of the year, that would be a bonus for the space it creates.
Speaking of the pizza man, he really is a $1M 5/6 at the level he plays today. If JB can move him, do it and don't look back.
That leaves us with Edler/Tanev, Hammy/Hutton, Beiga)/prospect. Desperately need to get someone to slot in above Edler. If they need to sell the farm, or anyone else not named Horvat or "maybe Mathews", then do it.
The O is built to depend on the D to clear the zone and move the puck. The D can move the puck but cant clear the zone, or the net for that matter. A 27 year old Chara would be outstanding. They need Pedan or Try or someone with size and skill who can be nasty back there while remaining a solid D.
The O looks like it has a future, the D looks desperate.