Trade Rumors and Free Agent TalkTrade rumors, transactions, and free agent talk. Rumors must contain the word RUMOR in post title. Proposals must contain the word PROPOSAL in post title.
[VAN/BUF] VAN deals Cody Hodgson & Alex Sulzer to BUF for Zack Kassian & M-A Gragnani
This deal definitely sounds like the Naslund/Stojanov deal... Skill traded for Toughness/Grit.
Not that Kassian doesn't have skill, but when compared to Hodgson, Hodgson IMO is the more skilled player, and in terms of toughness/grit it's obviously Kassian.
For our sake, I hope it doesn't turn into the Naslund/Stojanov deal with us getting shafted this time...
I wish Cody the best in Buffalo...He's going to put up a lot of points there.
Wish people wouldn't bring up the Stojanov deal. Poor dude had he shoulder recontructed and missed the entire 1992-93 season because of that injury and was never the same player.
Before that he scored 27 goals and 55 points in 35 games and beat the hell out of Eric Lindros in Guelph.
Not some joke, the guy was robbed of his career by injury. Let's hope to hell the same thing doesn't happen to Kassian...
I don't know... I assume it was within the last couple months? But I'm just guessing...
Ya, there was only so much money to go around, but Vancouver could have afforded Ehrhoff (for what he signed for with Buffalo... and also, reportedly, $5 million+ for shorter term)...
Gillis made some comments after Ehrhoff's rights were traded...
“Playing on this team is more important than individual compensation and that's our expectation with everybody,” Gillis told the assembled media. “It will work with some and it may not work with others. If he is unwilling to accept what we think is fair and allows us to be competitive, then we'll move in a different direction.” http://www.sportsinferno.com/threads...York-Islanders
By "didn't sing the Canucks song", didn't accept what the Canucks deemed fair, while putting the team first (take a discount to field a better team)... The Canucks wanted Ehrhoff to give a discount, IMO, to continue playing with the Canucks...
Personally, I don't judge Ehrhoff for it... I think he's a great player, and from my armchair, I would have paid and kept him on the team... But Ehrhoff didn't "sing the song" the Canucks wanted to hear, so moved on... In hindsight, worked out fine for the Canucks, and I trust that Ehrhoff is happy too... So good decision all around..
This problem arises when a team gets good. They have to find ways to keep all of the improving players happy and the star players on a pay scale. Some players inevitably go to other pastures. A GM is really good when he builds a good team and is able to keep icing a good team for several seasons even when the financial picture gets complicated due to all sorts of larger contracts.
Glad to hear BZK showed his A game last night. I really like the kid and hope he succeeds in Vancouver. He could be a really frightening player to line up against -- his checks are solid and are meant to punish. Sometimes he goes over the line, but that element is big for any team, to be the imposer rather than the imposed upon. He's ridiculously heavy on his stick (part of the nickname "Tripod" from McNabb) and plays that low wall game as well as anyone I've ever seen. I've rarely seen a defenseman take the puck from him in that position -- board him, yeah, or intercept the pass he's trying to make, but very rarely strip the puck. He's going to grind it along the wood and then make a nice pass to a cutting linemate.
The "motivation" stuff... eh. He's a rookie. It usually takes three or four years of pro hockey for guys to hit their stride. People want him to be consistent NOW and that's the element of his game he needs to work on. Vancouver landed a unique talent.
And in the meantime, I am happy as hell to have Hodgson for Buffalo. It'd be great if this is a win-win for both teams.
I wish he went over the line in Buffalo, he looked so timid. Being in a winning environment will be good for the guy though. If he can get some chemistry with the Sedins...
Hmm.. Maybe a bit of a headache Vancouver didn't want.
I think it was a trade of need for both teams and a trade that may have eased some nagging concerns of both teams.
Quote:
Ritch Winter @HockeyAgentDad
Cody loved Vancouver, the vanc fans and the city. Team had different goals than Cody. The trade supports that. But it was a surprise.
I think Hodgson is a great player, but if his goals didn't align with the Canucks' (winning the cup at all costs), then I'm perfectly fine with him getting shipped out.
Frankly I find rich winters comments about the meeting cody had with AV insulting.
Why ask for more ice time right before the trade deadline? Cody's camp wanted a trade. IT's offensive and sad that Rich winter thinks he can pull this fast one on everyone.
"noo... we just wanted a bit more icetime" Yeah Ice time on another team. And rich winter knew that by requesting this, it could very well prompt a trade.
I think Hodgson is a great player, but if his goals didn't align with the Canucks' (winning the cup at all costs), then I'm perfectly fine with him getting shipped out.
Its agent speak. Which basically means "if you don't want my client, you are stupid."
To be fair, he probably does deserve top 6 minutes. Just wasn't going to get it for at least 3 years with Kesler and H. Sedin in front of him.
Sure, but ask for them in the offseason - not two days before the deadline when your team is at the top of the league standings. It's starting to look like there might be more to Hodgson burning through agents than previously thought.
This problem arises when a team gets good. They have to find ways to keep all of the improving players happy and the star players on a pay scale. Some players inevitably go to other pastures. A GM is really good when he builds a good team and is able to keep icing a good team for several seasons even when the financial picture gets complicated due to all sorts of larger contracts.
I agree... It's not my intention to say that Ehrhoff or Hodgson aren't good team players (or "team first" guys), if that came across... I think they are... Just not given the Canucks situation (so not for the Canucks)... I think they are both fantastic for Buffalo... Hodgson probably deserves more ice time, and Ehrhoff probably deserves more money than Gillis was prepared to pay... To be team first guys on the Canucks though (and if they want to continue playing on the Canucks), it can't really work...
Its agent speak. Which basically means "if you don't want my client, you are stupid."
Reading anything more into that is foolish.
And how should we read into asking for more ice time two days before the deadline? And having his coach call him out while he's injured? And refusing the team's advice for medical treatment?
I'm not saying this is all on Hodgson, but his relationship with the Canucks is starting to look like it wasn't as solid as some had thought.
I think Hodgson is a great player, but if his goals didn't align with the Canucks' (winning the cup at all costs), then I'm perfectly fine with him getting shipped out.
I don't like that quote from Winters. A rookie on a first place team should be focusing on team goals, not his own goals. Unless a rookie is truly getting hosed by mgmt, keep your head down and do your job.
Now, if this is the case, then maybe vancouver vets don't have nearly the infuence that is being referecned when mentoring Kassian.
Regardless, if it is truly about more ice time, let's see what he can do.
Sure, but ask for them in the offseason - not two days before the deadline when your team is at the top of the league standings. It's starting to look like there might be more to Hodgson burning through agents than previously thought.
True. Not to pile on Hodgson, but there's a guy playing backup goalie for the Canucks who could probably be a starter on half the teams in the league. We never hear a peep out of the guy. Just goes out there does his job and puts up great numbers. Cory Schneider has far more reason to complain about icetime than Cody does.
Having said that, I think even a lot of fans were frustrated that he was only getting 12 minutes a night. The other top rookies were getting much more time. Anyways, I hope he does well in Buffalo. He's got a real great work ethic.
I wish he went over the line in Buffalo, he looked so timid. Being in a winning environment will be good for the guy though. If he can get some chemistry with the Sedins...
He doesn't need to get some chemistry with the Sedins... That's not where he's needed in this lineup. The Sedins have great chemistry with Burrows already and form one of the top lines in the league.
Where Kassian is needed is to play next to Kesler. The team has been looking for a powerforward that can keep up with Kesler's speed and provide the passing/playmaking skills lacking on that line. And with Booth/Raymond/Higgins available, they really needed a right shooting natural right winger there.
If he develops well, he could finish the Canucks top-6 for years to come. He has been the exact type of player this team has been looking for, for a long time.. Granted he can develop into that role well.... In a pefect world he'll turn into a bigger/faster/tougher right handed version of Clowe... A big playmaking powerforward!
This deal definitely sounds like the Naslund/Stojanov deal... Skill traded for Toughness/Grit.
Not that Kassian doesn't have skill, but when compared to Hodgson, Hodgson IMO is the more skilled player, and in terms of toughness/grit it's obviously Kassian.
For our sake, I hope it doesn't turn into the Naslund/Stojanov deal with us getting shafted this time...
I wish Cody the best in Buffalo...He's going to put up a lot of points there.
You could also say that this deal is a Neely/Pederson Trade.
If Cody's camp did indeed ask for a trade which I doubt all the power to them, the kid is 22 I believe playing 12 minutes a game with no where to go with the Sedins and Kesler ahead of him. He needs to think about what is best for him aswell, going to Buffalo is a great opportunity for him as he steps on the team he and Roy are the only natural centers, instantly becomes a top 6 center playing with better wingers and more ince time, this trade is a win win for all involved
you can expect this in Van consistently, in BUF he was playing with guys like Ellis,McCormick,Boyes and rarely if ever got a chance with better players, also the face that VAN has more leadership should also help him out, I dont see him as the next Lucic physically but I think he has more offense to his game, If Hodgson and Kassian reach their full potential this might a franchise defining trade.
I agree that he will not be as physically imposing as Lucic, but there is not a chance he will produce more on offense.
I highly doubt Kassian ever touches 60 points in his career.
Nucks fans went from throwing themselves off a cliff to loving this trade in one night
Some did, but some (including myself) have been excited since the deal was done. I love Hodgson, but not only did I want Kassian in 2009, I've been watching him a lot since then and have a feeling in my gut he's going to be special. This deal won't be evaluated for 5-10 years, but I have a feeling it's going to be a good one for both teams.
I agree that he will not be as physically imposing as Lucic, but there is not a chance he will produce more on offense.
I highly doubt Kassian ever touches 60 points in his career.
He's 21, he is as strong as an ox, skates well for a big man, silky hands for a guy his size. I don't see how he doesn't playing with talented players like Kesler/Sedins. He will definitely throw his body around, but I don't see him going out looking for trouble like Lucic does. Maybe he does as he matures. His game is just perfect for the WC.
As I said, this very well could be a win-win for both teams. Buffalo has needed a center with CoHo's potential for a long while now, and vancouver has needed a winger with size since...bert? Vancouver has a logjam at center, while buffalo has a logjam at winger. Very happy to see kassian look good. He'll have his hiccups for sure, as will CoHo, but that's part of the process for prospects.
He's 21, he is as strong as an ox, skates well for a big man, silky hands for a guy his size. I don't see how he doesn't playing with talented players like Kesler/Sedins. He will definitely throw his body around, but I don't see him going out looking for trouble like Lucic does. Maybe he does as he matures. His game is just perfect for the WC.
Like I said I like his offensive potentail more than Lucic
I agree that he will not be as physically imposing as Lucic, but there is not a chance he will produce more on offense.
I highly doubt Kassian ever touches 60 points in his career.
Maybe you have some in-depth scouting knowledge of Kassian, but I find myself ever skeptical of these absolute statements. People would have said the same thing about Lucic in his draft year. Hell this sort of thing was constantly said about Kesler well into his career on the Canucks.
Yeah Ice time on another team. And rich winter knew that by requesting this, it could very well prompt a trade.
