Assuming this is true, at this point I think this team is now better than the one that was iced last season. It's nice knowing that any other additions will just improve the team's chances of competing.
I definitely think they're a better team than the one that finished last season. Bernier adds some much needed size to the top 6 and will throw his weight around(150+ hits last season). I would be disappointed if he didn't score at least 20 goals on the Sedins wing and won't be surprised if he hit 30.
In Demitra the Canucks have added a very versatile player that has shown he can play all three forward positions. Defensively he leaves a lot to be desired, but defensive play is not something that is needed. He's a great skater, smart offensively and had great vision. The biggest concern with Demitra is his health.
It's not really official IMO until TSN reports it, but the Slovakian website that is reporting it looks legit. Good signing for the Canucks, although two years would've been preferred IMO.
Given Morrison signing in Anaheim, this was a necessity to have any hope of making the playoffs. Just one or two more transactions and Gillis is done for now.....wonder who that could be
For what it's worth, the team also just took another semi-Canuck killer off the market. Demitra has 49 points in 42 games against the Canucks which, after a cursory glance, looks to be his best PPG average on a per team basis.
For what it's worth, the team also just took another semi-Canuck killer off the market. Demitra has 49 points in 42 games against the Canucks which, after a cursory glance, looks to be his best PPG average on a per team basis.
I remember last year every slap shot he took on Luongo seemed to find it's way past Luongo or give him a lot of trouble. His shot seemed to frighten and confuse Luongo, and it didn't help that he knucklepucked like 3 of his slap shots last year!
A good start to the second line. Demitra's biggest asset is obviously his skill - he's been at or around a point-per-game for a decade. But he also gives you versatility. He can play all three forward positions.
He can play with the Twins if we get into a pinch, but I think he's better suited to second line duty. That way, he won't be facing the opposition's best players, and hopefully that will help his durability. He hopefully won't be counted on to log big minutes.
$4 million per for three years is a pretty good deal. Outside of Sundin, Demitra's the best offensive player left on the market. He'll get us 70-75 points per year, if he's healthy (the biggest "if" for Demitra), he'll give us some secondary scoring at both even strength and the PP, and if Bernier falters, hopefully he can be a short-term fix for the Twins.
I think Wellwood-Demitra could be two-thirds of a very good second line, if we get someone who can play a crash-and-bang role to round out that line.
Worst kept secret this offseason! Anyway, the numbers are reasonable and exactly what I expected. Not a steal, but by no means an overpayment either. Now, if we can only land that final big fish our top 6 will be set.
Interesting that the article makes it sound as though it's not done, but at the same time it's nice to have some confirmation that it should be done even if it's not at this point.'
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smapti7
Good signing but i still would've rather had Rolston sign here for an extra mill
I was a big proponent of bringing in Rolston, but he signed a 4 year deal as a 35 year old, meaning his cap hit is basically set in stone. So even if he has to retire before the contract is up he will still count towards New Jersey's cap.
