Ryan Kesler On the Move?

Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler has been surrounded by many trade rumours, lately.  Earlier this week, an analyst reported that Kesler had requested a trade earlier on in the season.  Kesler is a high intensity player, and is a fan favourite in the city of Vancouver.  Kesler isn't old, but is just leaving the prime of his career, so trading him would probably spark a rebuild.  Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis didn't confirm, or deny of these rumours are true, but Kesler and his agent both say the rumours 'Are complete Bull S**t'. Kesler has a no-trade-clause, and two years left on his contract with a $5 million dollar cap-hit.  Kesler has a very cap-friendly contract, but few teams with cap need a player like Ryan Kesler.  

The rumoured asking price for Kesler is a roster player, a first round pick, and a prospect, and the teams rumored to be in the running to acquire Kesler are Detroit, Columbus, Philadelphia, and most likely to swing Kesler, the Pittsburgh "we can never have enough talent" Penguins. With Malkin, and Crosby down the middle, and a weakness at the wing, it would like like they would try to play Kesler alongside Sid, or Geno, unless they can get Malkin to play on the wing.  The rumour was, Pittsburgh offered Sutter, a first round pick in 2014, and Vancouvers choice of Depres/Dumoulin.  I think Mike Gillis could do better, and Pittsburgh could offer more. 

In other news, Alex Edler is on the block. And Philadelphia is the front-runner to get him.  Mike Gillis really messed up during the NHL draft next year, with trading Schneider for only the 9th overall pick in the draft.  And Detroit offered Tatar, Riley Sheahan, and a draft pick in exchange for Alex Edler, but Mike Gillis declined the offer, because the plan was to win a cup in the next two years.  Well, now Gillis looks stupid, because the Canucks are about to rebuild just halfway through the first season.  Obviously Canucks head coach was NOT hired for a rebuild, his fiery

temper could scare the s**t out of most rookies, and there is another 4 1/2 years on his coaching contract.  So are we going into the dark days in Canuck-Town?  Only a Kesler, and Edler trade will tell.

Trade Talk, Evander Kane

Former Vancouver Giant, Evander Kane is not getting the ice time he deserves, in Winnipeg.  The Jets haven't been shopping Kane around, however they are open to any offers.  Vancouver can't score a goal from anywhere.  Kane is a pure goal-scorer, and would be a perfect fit to play with the Sedins'.  That's what puts the Canucks in the big picture, here.

With Winnipeg now in the western conference, they may be concerned about having to see Kane again.  Even though they only play Vancouver three times a year.  Kane would be a fan-favourite here in Vancouver, as he played junior hockey in Vancouver, with the Giants, of the WHL.

Evanders' work ethic was questioned when playing with Winnipeg, and with that happening he is being yo-yoed throughout the lineup.  It's been tough for Kane, trying to crack a top-line with, Blake Wheeler, Andrew Ladd, and Bryan Little is almost impossible for anyone on the Jets roster.

Kane has made it clear that he doesn't want to be in Winnipeg, if he is not on the top line.  If he is limited to second line ice-time much longer, he will probably request a trade.

What Might He Cost?

Kane isn't a veteran of the league.  He is more of an unproven star.  He has never had a real 'Break-Out' season.  That should come in handy if Vancouver tries to pry him off the Jets roster.  The Jets may be interested in a player like Alexander Edler.  Edler is, for some reason, known as a good player.  Edler just signed a six year $30 million dollar contract, with Vancouver.  The main flaw in the contract being that there is a no-trade-clause. 

 So if Edler doesn't want to leave Van City, we are stuck with him.  Another player they may be interested in, is Jordan Schroeder.  Schroeder really broke-out with Vancouver, last season.  The 23 year old center is currently injured, but will be on the Canucks roster once healed.

With this up-coming draft being a bit weak, the Canucks may choose to trade their 1st round draft pick.  With a package of Edler, Schroeder, and the first rounder.   That trade could be what Winnipeg wants, and Kane could become a Canucks fairly soon

Canucks, Rebuild in the Future

In 2011, the Canucks came one goal away from winning their first Stanley Cup.  Three seasons later, and everyone's just getting older.  The team isn't young, like it was in those 2011 playoffs.  Sedins', Burrows, Kesler, and Kevin Bieksa are all in their thirties now.  And the window to succeed is closing, fast. With a rebuild in the future, let's take a look at what they have, and what they need.

Good Drafting

The Canucks lucked out, last draft with Bo Horvat, Hunter Shinkaruk, and Jordan Subban.  But the proven rookies are on the farm team.  With Frankie Corrado, and Niklas Jensen proving that they deserve a spot on the Canucks roster.

Missing Pieces

Eddie Lack has proven he is a worthy NHL goalie, but what happens when Luongo retires.  They will need to trade for/draft a future starting goalie.  There are no "outstanding" goalies, in the upcoming draft.  So goaltending will have to wait a year, or two.

Other Future Prospects

Even though everyone hates him, Mike Gillis has done one thing right with the Canucks team.  Drafting.  He has done exceptionally well when it comes to the draft.  But he never gives the players a chance, with good ice-time.  Cody Hodgson had top-end talent, until Gillis made an awful trade the saw the gritty tough Zack Kassian come in, and the Skillful speedy Cody Hodgson leave.  Now, don't get me wrong, Zack Kassian isn't a bust.  But Cody Hodgson would be able to help them a center, and assist with goal-scoring.

Niklas Jensen was re-called by the Canucks, from the farm team.  He was givin' 4th line time.  You can't give 4th line time to a rookie, and expect him to produce.  He was sent back down a week later, and hasn't been called up since then.

Leafs Acquire Staubitz, Holland From The Ducks

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired center Peter Holland, and right winger Brad Staubitz, from Anaheim.  In exchange, the Ducks  received defenseman  Jesse Blacker, and two draft picks. 

Toronto forward Troy Bodie had been sent down to make roster room for Peter Holland.  And Brad Staubitz will start with the Marlies.

After Nazem Kadri's suspension, and Dave Bollands injury, the Maple Leafs were looking to add good depth at center, Holland will be a good addition to help that.  Toronto will probably put Holland on the third/fourth line, once the injuries heal.  

Jesse Blacker was drafted in the second round, 58th overall in the 2009 NHL draft.  3rd line defense-pair for him, if not getting sent down to the minors, by the Ducks.

Ryan Miller And Calgary

Yakupov and picks were offered to Buffalo in exchange for Ryan Miller.  But the goaltender had a no-trade-clause in his deal.  He turned down the trade almost in an instant, and that was that.  Yet Calgary, who is in the market for a goaltender, hasn't been ruled out.  The Flames shocked everyone when they had a great start to this season. but blown lead after blown lead has been the story as of late.  They haven't been getting good goaltending, and Ryan Miller would be a good fit for the team, if he chose to except a trade to Calgary.  

With Edmonton out of the picture, their aren't many other teams in search of an elite goalie like Miller.  Toronto would be a possibility, but they have to goaltenders that are more than capable of handle 50-60 games a season.  

Miller is the one who pulls the trigger in a trade somewhere, as he had the no-trade-clause.  So Darcy Reghere doesn't gave many choices when it comes to moving Miller.  Buffalo sits last in the league with only three wins, as the team is in a re-building phase.  With three first round picks in this years NHL Draft (two if it's a top 10 pick, and it changes to next years first round draft choice) the Sabres are looking to turn things around a few years down the road.