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Really, the only silver lining about last night is that we'll still be in a good position to get back here next season.
Guys we have to sign:
Jannik Hansen.
Guys we should probably sign:
Kevin Bieksa
Chris Higgins
Either Torres or Lapierre
Guys we might sign but will probably let go:
Alberts
Ehrhoff
Either Torres or Lapierre
Guys that will more than likely be gone:
Glass
Tambellini
Salo
Alberts
Practical upshot of all of this:
Other than Hansen it's not really that crucial that we keep everyone. We will probably keep one of Bieksa and Ehrhoff, not both, and it will come down to who's the better deal, but both staying is very possible. I think Bieksa wants to stay more than Ehrhoff does but he probably will command a higher price tag, too. Either way, if the cap goes up, I can see us just using that extra room to keep one or even both of them, given that Salo is likely done, and that's an extra 3.5 mil in cap room right there. I think everyone was disappointed with Keith Ballard's year, including Keith Ballard; I expect him to be better (he kind of has nowhere to go but up). Tanev will only improve with experience. So the top 6 could very well be Bieksa, Hamhuis, Ehrhoff, Edler, Tanev and Ballard... and that ain't half bad, really.
Most of the UFA/RFA list is disposable. Higgins and Torres will come back for cheap if they come back at all, I would think. Cody Hodgson is now ready to play at the NHL level and will likely play the full season next year, hoepfully on the 2nd line, meaning Sammy, Malhotra and someone else make a very solid 3rd line. Additionally, Cory Schneider's trade value is basically at its peak - if Philly can't sign Bryz, we'd be happy to take Scott Hartnell or JVR off your hands. Or, hell, maybe we just trade him for a high draft pick or an equally good prospect in a position we don't have locked down until the rapture comes.
Given the landscape, there is not much chance that the Canucks will be significantly worse next season, and they might actually be better. It's just too bad we made that Grabner trade.
No, he won't take Kesler's spot at 2C, but he could play wing opposite Raymond - I'm assuming Raymond recovers from his broken back.
Malhotra is the 3rd line centre and has that spot locked up as surely as Kesler has 2nd line centre locked up. Hodgson could be 4C but isn't really suited to that role, which is why he didn't play it much in the playoffs.
The team might win a cup but I'm pretty discouraged after this effort, it's not like you'll get a better chance and they just couldn't sack up and do it. The quality of the players isn't the problem it's the ambition.
many valid points but ur still a leafs fan the joke of the league
WINNIPEG JETS!
