John Kelly mentioned on the broadcast that MacInnis and "the rest" (read: probably more like "some") of the Blues' scouting staff were in Vancouver "probably going to the game" last night. The Blues are playing in Vancouver on Wednesday, so it stands to reason they're scouting their opponent. How often do teams send multiple guys to scout for one game, especially after just playing that team the previous week?
Of course it's possible there's some other event in Vancouver or something like that. But scouting opponents is something so rarely mentioned that I wonder how likely it is that they're scouting for trade purposes moreso than strategy purposes. A trade between the Blues and Canucks seems weird to me, they're both looking at about the same thing - they both have an abundance on defense and they need another scoring forward. However, Vancouver does have some more offensive defensemen, something the Blues need.
Sami Salo is the one that comes to mind, but I believe he has a NTC, and I wouldn't guess they'd trade him after signing a long contract - but with his severe underproduction this year and injuries, who knows? With Edler and Bourdon around, they might be willing to part with Krajicek, a player I think would appeal to Andy Murray.
I'm not trying to start an unnecessary rumor, it just seemed like something interesting about which to think aloud. I think Jackman has been awful lately, yet he keeps getting played while Backman gets scratched. That could be to please him as incentive to sign just as much as it could be featuring him for a trade, but I just don't know. It'll be interesting to see who's in the lineup against Vancouver on Wednesday.
Any games with possible draftee for the up and coming NHL entry draft being played. They may be tracking a possible 1st rounder up there. Not sure if any of the kids would gardner that much attention, but you never know. But it is possible that the Blues and Nucks could make a trade. But I really do not see it.
I believe they are all in Van for their mid season scouting meetings. I don't know why they hold it in Van, but I don't think it is any indication of trade possibilities.
I believe they are all in Van for their mid season scouting meetings. I don't know why they hold it in Van, but I don't think it is any indication of trade possibilities.
I'm pretty sure you're correct about all of the brass being there for the mid-season scouting meeting.
As for why it's in Vancouver, why not? I've been to Vancouver, and it's a really nice place. Plus, there are some rather interesting draft-eligible guys in the Dub this year, and Vancouver could just be a temporary base of operations from which the scouts can spread out and check out players in Kamloops, Seattle, Everett, Kelowna, Spokane, New Westminster and Prince George for a couple of days.
That's how much hockey is in and around Vancouver... add the Canucks, and the Salmon Kings (ECHL) over in Victoria, and Vancouver is as much a real Hockeytown as you're likely to find. Just another reason -- along with the scenery and the climate -- why I wouldn't mind living there.
I'm pretty sure you're correct about all of the brass being there for the mid-season scouting meeting.
As for why it's in Vancouver, why not? I've been to Vancouver, and it's a really nice place. Plus, there are some rather interesting draft-eligible guys in the Dub this year, and Vancouver could just be a temporary base of operations from which the scouts can spread out and check out players in Kamloops, Seattle, Everett, Kelowna, Spokane, New Westminster and Prince George for a couple of days.
That's how much hockey is in and around Vancouver... add the Canucks, and the Salmon Kings (ECHL) over in Victoria, and Vancouver is as much a real Hockeytown as you're likely to find. Just another reason -- along with the scenery and the climate -- why I wouldn't mind living there.
P_B
pssssst
you missed the Chilliwack Bruins. I still wish St. Louis had taken Oscar Moller and Mark Santorelli last draft. Moller is turning out to be a pretty good pick and Santorelli has size issues but he's so damned fast.
you missed the Chilliwack Bruins. I still wish St. Louis had taken Oscar Moller and Mark Santorelli last draft. Moller is turning out to be a pretty good pick and Santorelli has size issues but he's so damned fast.
I mentioned New Westminister... I forgot that isn't where the Bruins play.
I agree about Moller; he was definitely on my radar.
I know and as a fan that goes to all the games this gets old quickly, I know they are still in a rebuild and this is part of it and if they dont make the top 8 yet so be it, I do expect some progress though. I hope they pull out of this.
