Quote:
Originally Posted by BonMorrison
While I agree that Hansen has greater value to the Canucks then Bozak - I think that Bozak's defensive game is criminally underrated by everyone (including Leaf fans). It's hard to question if he can play shutdown when he's never played shutdown. All I know is that he is awesome on the PK (yet doesn't get the premium PK time he should get) and when given third line minutes, has excelled.
Bozak's played his majority of his professional career on a line with Kessel, who isn't Mr. Defensive (albeit has been improving) and Lupul, who is arguably one of the poorest defensive forwards in the NHL. Give him some linemates that are more defensive and he'd be great. Hence why Kulemin - Bozak always seemed to click together (Leaf fans will remember the Kulemin - Bozak - Kessel line of two years ago being awesome).
Getting back to the point, if Bozak was to play third line eventually, I'd be more interested in acquiring Hansen for someone that's not Bozak so they can play together. Unlikely though.
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This. It is not like Vancouver fans don't want Bozak. We just don't want to give up Hansen for him. We would be taking the best piece of our third line away to fill a gap? It just makes another gap.
I personally would love to have Bozak on the Canucks, as long as it means we do not lose an important, irreplaceable (at the moment at least) piece. I think a third line of Higgins-Bozak-Hansen would be great. Problem is it is tough to imagine a deal with Bozak coming this way. Maybe as part of a Luongo trade? maybe for Raymond (similar to Hansen, more offense less defense/physicality) and a pick? I don't know.