D. Sedin - H. Sedin - A. Burrows
D. Booth - J. Van Reimsdyk - M. Raymond
C. Higgins - M. Lapierre - J. Hansen
M. Frattin - M. Malhotra - Z. Kassian
A. Edler - J. Garrison
D. Hamhuis - K. Bieksa
K. Ballard - C. Tanev
C. Schneider
E. Lack/UFA back up.
Not sure if the cap works. It would require trading Luongo (maybe a small +) for JVR + Frattin. JVR is not an ideal or experienced choice at center, but he is a big body, and has been practicing the position already. Could be interesting.
I'm basing this around Luongo and Schroeder to Florida in return for Versteeg, Ellerby +, don't know who else we would get back but it depends on how much Florida values Ellerby.
While I realize I've argued for Kassian on the 2nd line as the proper fit, with Kesler gone and Schroeder already being a playmaker, it'd just be redundant. In addition, it's probably not a great idea stacking two prospects on the 2nd line, and Kassian should afford the Sedins some much needed protection.
Booth-Schroeder-Burrows
This gives Schroeder two wingers who can score and skate, and Burrows can help pick up some defensive responsibilities for that line.
Higgins-Lapierre-Hansen
All three players have proven chemistry with one another. This is as solid of a third line as you can get with what we have.
Raymond-Malhotra-Weise
If Malhotra and Raymond can return to form, and Weise carries over some of his Dutch hockey flash, this could be a pretty potent 4th line that should hand bottom six forwards well enough.
I'm not going to even bother touching defense because that's all but given.
probably going after Weiss is the better choice.........I believe Booth and him has some chemistry while in Florida no?
Higgins and Schroeder are the only choices unless a trade is made
Booth Kesler Weiss?? when all healthy
I'd like to have Weiss, but at the expense of Luongo? Maybe not. We'd have to re-sign Edler and Weiss, and I'm not sure how we'd be able to do that under a 64.3M cap next year. Weiss could very well walk from us too. Trading Luongo for essentially a rental player is not what anyone wants.
While I realize I've argued for Kassian on the 2nd line as the proper fit, with Kesler gone and Schroeder already being a playmaker, it'd just be redundant. In addition, it's probably not a great idea stacking two prospects on the 2nd line, and Kassian should afford the Sedins some much needed protection.
Booth-Schroeder-Burrows
This gives Schroeder two wingers who can score and skate, and Burrows can help pick up some defensive responsibilities for that line.
Higgins-Lapierre-Hansen
All three players have proven chemistry with one another. This is as solid of a third line as you can get with what we have.
Raymond-Malhotra-Weise
If Malhotra and Raymond can return to form, and Weise carries over some of his Dutch hockey flash, this could be a pretty potent 4th line that should hand bottom six forwards well enough.
I'm not going to even bother touching defense because that's all but given.
Kassian with the twins is a lot like Bertuzzi with the twins. It didn't work then. It probably won't work well this time either.
Characteristics of an ideal third Sedin:
1) fast skater
2) effective forechecker
3) has a knack for floating into dead areas
4) soft hands to finish in tight
A right handed Parise is in my mind the perfect Sedin linemate. Someone with a motor who does the things that the twins don't do and is smart enough to facilitate when needed.
Kassian is a playmaking powerforward with hands. I suspect he and a puck protecting triggerman like Jensen will do some damage when they hit their prime.
Kassian with the twins is a lot like Bertuzzi with the twins. It didn't work then. It probably won't work well this time either.
Characteristics of an ideal third Sedin:
1) fast skater
2) effective forechecker
3) has a knack for floating into dead areas
4) soft hands to finish in tight
A right handed Parise is in my mind the perfect Sedin linemate. Someone with a motor who does the things that the twins don't do and is smart enough to facilitate when needed.
Kassian is a playmaking powerforward with hands. I suspect he and a puck protecting triggerman like Jensen will do some damage when they hit their prime.
I don't think Kassian works well with the Sedins either. Jensen would be very interesting though.
In the shortened season you should go with what you know works. Sedins and burrows. On the other hand I want Kassian to get a look with the twins. He can take some physical abuse for the twins.
Also Puting burrows with Schroeder may be a decent idea. He can be the defensive guy.
Actually was going to ask that .... when does Jensen fulfill his SEL commitments ... i know he won't likely be here for opening day, but I thought I heard somewhere that he could be back by the end of Jan. It makes decent sense for him to play in the SEL rather than the AHL, so the only question is does he make the Canucks if he comes back. And how does his salary compare SEL to AHL?
Actually was going to ask that .... when does Jensen fulfill his SEL commitments ... i know he won't likely be here for opening day, but I thought I heard somewhere that he could be back by the end of Jan. It makes decent sense for him to play in the SEL rather than the AHL, so the only question is does he make the Canucks if he comes back. And how does his salary compare SEL to AHL?
I'm pretty sure he can't come to van or Chicago until march.
