In Case I Have Been Missed...Not

My apologies first to Scotty and the rest of the Hockeybums crew as well as the several readers. Due to a rather busy personal schedule I have been unable to contribute much to the site so far this season. With that said I have followed the Canucks quite closely and will hopefully be able to contribute a 20-game report in the coming days. So far this season the Canucks have been impressive at moments while being rather mind-boggling at others.


Needless to say the season has gone better than many had originally thought (including yours truly) as evidence of tonights' 6-3 defeat of the Eastern Conference leading Rangers coming on the eve of Thursdays tilt against the Minnesota Wild. A battle that will determine the division lead at the quarter pull.

Not bad for a team that many had written off not only 8 weeks ago.

Talk to you soon...

The Vancouver Model

Months of uncertainty and speculation are likely to come to an end in the next week when Brian Burke and his associates meet with Richard Peddie and the MLSE. The groups have already spoken albeit lawyer to lawyer last weekend to confirm the Anaheim Ducks had signed papers allowing their former GM to talk with other teams and if reports are to be believed, groundwork was laid on the forthcoming negotiations.

With conjecture and rumor placing Burke in a potential cavalcade of locales in the week after his resignation, the reality is that, foregoing disastrous contractual talks, the Toronto Maple Leafs will name Brian Burke the organizations 13th general manager in its storied history with few other suitors looking to materialize at the eleventh hour. The move will be seen as a particular success for Peddie and sports lawyer Gord Kirke who have courted Burke from the moment they drew up a bullet point list of candidates and criteria early this year.

For Burke it will offer a chance to return to a hockey hotbed after three years in the sunbelt and an opportunity to combine his differing experiences in Vancouver and Anaheim with a side perennially teetering between media expectation and failure. Whilst Cliff Fletcher has done the best he could under the moniker of interim GM, development has been stunted and the popular veteran knew that he was merely laying a Schenn shaped biscuit base unto which the blue and white cheesecake would be built.

Burke will herald a much needed change of pace and common logic dictates that the incoming GM will be looking to put an early and indelible stamp on the Leafs be it waiving a high salary star such as the recently scratched Jason Blake, or trading big to secure a high level draft pick as he did in Hartford for Pronger. Whatever it may be, Burke could be seen as an accelerant to the rebuilding process the Leafs are undeniably facing after the era of stagnation seen under John Ferguson and with a modus operandi for rapid transition Burke is unlikely to wait it out in the Air Canada executive boxes.

 

With Burke’s arrival seen as an inevitability; many have decided to take the pre-incumbents period of grace as a chance to autopsy his past accomplishments to see what acumen the executive will bring to Toronto. Unavoidably most have chosen to draw comparisons between his most recent position in California and the dynamics of the Leafs organization he is about to inherit. Taking over the reigns of a Bryan Murray team steered for one season by Al Coates, Burke acquired control of Anaheim in 2005 fresh from the board room fallout in Vancouver. Securing a Stanley cup in just two seasons, Burke adopted a side that had drafted well under Murray and had built under its previous executives. Burke merely anchored the potential with Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer making minimal changes to an already winning formula.

 

Obviously the 2008 Maple Leafs are a different proposition to the 2005 Ducks. Half gutted in a stage of pre-rebuild and a roster so thin it would snap in the breeze, the Leafs don’t share the kind of prospects ladder Anaheim took into the lockout and don’t possess the brother of a blue chip defensemen, unless you consider Frantisek Kaberle a franchise blueliner.

With many subsequently looking to the successes and failures of the Anaheim franchise he left behind as a barometer for his suitability, it seems more likely that Burke will draw upon his four years in Vancouver as a starting point with the Maple Leafs physically small, short in depth and overtly European roster. Obtaining a Canucks side that had peaked and troughed under a decade of Pat Quinn, Brian Burke took charge of a Vancouver side that had finished dead last in the Pacific Division in '97-'98. With top scorer Pavel Bure refusing to play in Vancouver, Burke shipped the Russian megastar to Florida for franchise D-man Ed Jovanovski. With next to no offense Vancouver finished with the second worse record in the league but also the second overall draft pick. With twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin expected to be split for the first time in their careers on draft day, Burke rolled the dice to secure the third overall selection and both twins with a trade that saw Bryan McCabe and Vancouver's 2000 first round draft pick go to Chicago. With the Sedin's still gaining experience in the Swedish senior leagues in '99-'00 Vancouver punched above low expectations to just miss out on a playoff berth. Regardless with Burke getting the puzzle pieces in place early, the next three seasons saw Vancouver up their points tally from 83-90-94-104 before slipping to a still princely 101 points in Burke’s final year in charge.

 

Relying on unfashionable players to put up career points year in year out, Burke built on an early draft move to push the Canucks from bottom feeders to an elite unit that just lacked the quality required come the post season. Where he was shackled by the off ice salesmanship required to fill the General Motors Place, the guaranteed Air Canada sellouts will grant Burke the opportunity to tune the hockey formula that served so well in Vancouver. Furthermore with a fondness for physically strong and aggressive forwards Burke will find common ground in the west coast playing system currently favored by head coach Ron Wilson geared into a squad that currently lacks the prototypical Burke style players that could take the Leafs run and gun methodology to another level.

 

Subsequently when you take the Vancouver model into the context of the contemporary Leafs, the recruitment of Burke makes a lot of sense albeit with the idiosyncrasies common only to Toronto. Currently wavering in and about the fringes of a playoff place, Burke will be aware that finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference will only harm Toronto’s future on draft day. Expect Burke to fire sell players who do not fit into his long term plans early, fundamentally weakening the team for 2008-’09 with the goal of attaining a top two pick in the Tavares-Hedman draft. Don’t be surprised if Burke attempts to ship a big name for a first round draft pick, even if the trade bait is somewhat more scant in the 2008 Leafs than it was in the 1999 Canucks. Finally expect Burke to trade for west coast board runners and grinders and a full time enforcer in the George Parros mould, Mayers and Hollweg will not suffice on a Burke team that with little trade leverage are going to have to build from youth and development.

 

Burke’s era is upon us and, despite the naysayers, is a man with experience in rapid and successful rebuilds, you just have to look past Anaheim to see that he has succeeded before. Many may argue that the clash of personalities and the obstructive hand of Peddie could be a powder-keg in the years to come; but here and now Burke is the best man for the job.               

Canucks/Flames Round 2

With the Canucks coming off an opening night dousing of the Flames one would have to imagine that things aren't going to be the same this evening. Vancouver heads to Calgary with a boat load of confidence coming off the 6-0-1 pre-season and Thursday's 6-0 pummelling.

For starters this is a fiece rivalry in the NHL and one where you must surely respect your opponent. The Flames have been riding the success of thier 2004 playoff run and created an image around the NHL that indicates that they are a force to be reckond with. With that said it seems the Flames top-end were the downfall in Thursday's loss.

Miika Kiprusoff did have some rather suspect rebound control last time out but if you review some of the goals, defensive zone coverage may be something that should carry some fault. Dion Phaneuf has been awful in both the pre-season and the season opener; Cory Sarich simply seems to be unable to skate with some of the quicker Vancouver forwards; Craig Conroy was a minus -3 (as was Bertuzzi); and Jerome Iginla needs to stick to playing hockey.

The Canucks played a text book game against the Flames last time out. Yes, the Flames took control in the first period but Roberto Luongo did what he is expected to do and held the fort while the Calgary attack was on.

After weathering the storm the Canucks managed to exit the first period with a 1-0 lead on a text book goal by Henrik Sedin. I say text book because of Henrik's pressence of mind to find a passing lane allowing Daniel to feed him the puck in a beautiful shooting lane. Review the goal and you will understand where I am coming from.

Early in the second the Canucks combined for a few markers that spotted them a 3-0 lead and they never looked back.

The Flames fell into their old anticts trying to send messages to the Canucks. Messages that fell on deaf ears as the Darcy Hordichuck's ignorance to fight Andre Roy only add the the frustration on the Calgary bench.

This is a great rivalry and one that seems to have stood the test of time. Whether Vancouver or Calgary wins these games have edge and live up to the billing that rivalries should. Tonight's re-match should only add to the history of the rivalry.

In the friendly confines of the Saddledome the Flames, you would expect, will be more focused and tougher to play against. Can't wait til puck drop...let's get it on!

6 Things That Would Make For A Perfect Season

As the hours tick by and puck drop inches closer its time to take a look at a season of optimism that was sprung by an impressive pre-season...

#6- Jannik Hansen provides a scoring touch playing along side Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows. While Kesler and Burrows pester the opposition with their relentless fore-check, Hansen is the benefactor having a quietly productive season of 15+ goals.

#5- Sami Salo plays an injury free season and by suiting up for more than 70 games for the first time since 2003-04. Sami, along with the rest of the defensive core become the force that we all imagine when you read the Canucks game day line-up.

#4 - Kyle Wellwood realizes that the buffets are for the media and that he is actually a professional athlete who needs to stick to protein shakes and carbohydrates as well as hit the stationary bike once in awhile. He has the soft hands, he just needs to work on the soft tummy.

#3 - Mason Raymond, Pavol Demitra and Taylor Pyatt combine to form the secondary scoring that Dave Nonis nor Brian Burke were unable to find in what amounted to an embarrassing almost 8 year search. Demitra's experience proves vital both Raymond and Pyatt to take the next step in their young careers.

#2 - Steve Bernier finds his home playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Bernier, standing in at 6'2" 225lbs plays as his stature would suggest and pots 30+ goals on the Canucks top line.

#1 - Roberto Luongo, with wife and child near, carries the torch as he has in the past but this time with even more vigorous assertiveness. Luongo, returning to his old form, leads the Canucks into the playoffs with a Vezina (and even a Hart) trophy nomination in his back pocket.

This was written knowing full well that everything needs to fall into place for the Canucks to be successful this season. Its the start of the season, we all have our expectations, these are just a few of mine. Then again, reality is whole other topic on its own. Reality, is about to be discovered

Remembering Luc

Wednesday day morning brings us to one more sleep before the pucks drop. One more sleep before the games mean something. And one more sleep before hockey without Luc Bourdon begins.

Born February 16th, 1987 in Shippiagan New Brunswick Luc Bourdon grew up with one goal in mind, to play in the NHL. After spending winters playing hockey, Luc, would work summer's on his uncle's fishing boat.

Luc was drafted to the QMJHL in 2003 and left home at the age of 16. His junior hockey career included stops in Val-d'Or, Moncton and Cape Breton as well as a trip to the Memorial Cup and two tours of duty with the Canadian Junior World Championship team, bringing home the gold medal on both occasions.

Shippagan is a small town with a population under 3,000 and as you can imagine when someone from this town makes it big, they become a folk hero. After being drafted 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2005 Luc almost made the hockey club as an 18-year old.


After continuing to develop in the Q Luc eventually made it to the Canucks AHL farm team, the Manitoba Moose, in April of 2007. Just in time for the playoffs.


As a symbol of his respect and gratitude to those who helped him along his road to the pro's, Luc made and a donation to his former minor hockey program back in Shippagan.


Bourdon began the 2007-08 campaign back in Manitoba, however, with the Canucks struggling and a serious rash of injuries plaguing the defencemen, Luc was summoned on several occasions.


On his first game back with the big club Luc would record his first NHL goal on November 17th, 2007 versus the Minnesota Wild in a 8-1 Canucks romp.


The Canucks' struggled the rest of the season and failed to qualify for the playoffs, however, one of the encouraging bright spots was the development of Luc Bourdon as an NHL d-man.


On May 29th, 2008 fate took a turn for the worse and the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks, the city of Shippagan and society in general lost a great person.The news of Luc Bourdon fateful accident took the hockey world by shock, his desire to be the best at whatever he sought after was something that many admired about him.


As the players step on the ice tomorrow evening, everything with seem the same. With all the new faces in the Canucks locker room there will be one that is missed the most. One thing that we here in Vancouver can all take from this is that we are tremendously honoured to have had Luc Bourdon on our side. Luc Bourdon will always be a Vancouver Canuck....

Return Of Todd

As the world turns and the hours tick by towards the beginning of the NHL season we will continue to review some of the storylines that may (or may not) play out in the season opening game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames. Today’s story: The Return of Todd Bertuzzi…

Would the real Todd Bertuzzi please stand up?

Back in 1998 when then GM Mike Keenan acquired Todd Bertuzzi from the New York Islanders in a deal that involved Canucks’ legend Trevor Linden many of the the Canucks faithful did not know what to expect. Bertuzzi was an underachieving prospect in the Islanders system that carried the potential to be a dominant force in the NHL, if given the opportunity.

Upon his arrival to the struggling Canucks, Bertuzzi immediately started producing highlight reel goals and shortly thereafter became a fan favourite. With Bertuzzi’s size and abilities coming to the limelight and they chemistry between he and Markus Naslund, Todd was now becoming the focal point of the Vancouver Canucks. He along with Naslund and centre Brendan Morrison combined to form one of the most feared lines in the NHL. Each and every time the ‘West Coast Express’ stepped over the boards the opposition would crumble under the pressure. The hulking 6’3” winger created room, demanded attention and created mayhem.

As the line began to take the NHL by storm the Vancouver Canucks slowly began to climb in the NHL standings and some considered them to be amongst the NHL’s elite. And many pre-season predictions had the Canucks sipping champagne from the Stanley Cup.

In October of 2003, Bertuzzi, thriving off the success of a 46 goal (97 point) outburst in the 2002-03 season signed a four year /27.8 million dollar contract with the Canucks. The love affair was on and Bertuzzi would seemingly remain a Canuck for the remainder of his NHL career.

Bertuzzi struggled through the 2003-04 season and having scored just 17 goals, being ridiculed in the media for not performing to his contracts standards, Bertuzzi snapped. In retaliation to a hit on captain Markus Naslund not two-weeks prior, Bertuzzi, attacked Colorado winger Steve Moore. To date Moore has not returned to the NHL and Bertuzzi has yet to return to his previous NHL fourm.

In the summer of 2006, GM Dave Nonis traded Bertuzzi to the Florida Panthers. A trade that has brought on several changes to the Vancouver Canucks line-up and one that has switched the focus of the team from high-flying offence to conservative defense.

Bertuzzi returned to Vancouver for the first time last season with the Anaheim Ducks, amid the fan-fare of his return Bertuzzi was a non-factor in the game. This season, Todd will return to GM Place wearing the C-of red for the Calgary Flames. A jersey that he so loathed while part of the Canucks, he is playing for ‘the other guys’ and while you may want to wish the worst upon him, lets not forget all the good that he brought to the Canucks; the highlight reel goals and the bone-crushing body checks.

How much of a factor will Todd Bertuzzi have in his return to GM Place?

Three Steps Til Puck Drop...

With the Canucks-Flames ready to battle this coming Thursday its time to approach the next few days with some reflection on the stories that may (or may not) surround the game. Today, we begin with step one: optimism

The last time these two teams met in the regular season was back on April 5th and the Flames added salt to the wound that was known as a missed playoff berth for the Vancouver Canucks. It has been 6 months since the Flames lit up Roberto Luongo and the Canucks in an 8-1 thrashing and in that time there have been a lot of changes on both sides of the puck.

The Flames have added speed and grit with the likes of Mike Camalleri, Todd Bertuzzi and Andre Roy. Meanwhile the Canucks have had a complete overhaul of their organization including new GM Mike Gillis and his staff with the likes of Scott Mellanby, Dave Gagner and Lorne Henning.

Not to mention the player movement.

Trevor Linden has retired, Markus Naslund is a Ranger, Brendan Morrison is a Duck and Brad Isbister has still not shown up in Binghamton. In are the likes of Kyle Wellwood, Steve Bernier, Pavol Demitra and Rob Davison. And without further aidue Shane O'Brien has been acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the slick and smooth skating Lukas Krajieck.

With all that said the Canucks will step to the ice on Thursday having come off a 6-0-1 pre-season that has provided optimism amoungst the fans. With all the changes throughout the organization the Canucks were expected to falter this season and many still believe that the pre-season is just that...pre-season. However, one cannot look forward to the upcoming season with an open mind. A new season brings new expectations, maybe the lack of expectations will breed success...one can only hope.

Canucks Oust Flames 6-1

Canucks lead 2-0 after 1 period

Alex Edler scored 21 seconds into the game on a spectacular pass from Pavol Demitra.

Not 5 minutes later Jannik Hansen put the Canucks up by 2 on with Ryan Kesler providing the seeing eye no-look pass.

Flames came on late in the period peppering Roberto Luongo with 12 shots.

Canucks surge ahead to 4-1 second period lead

Robyn Regher made things interesting early on in the second with a howitzer of a shot from the point that beat Roberto Luongo through David Moss' screen.

Good things came to an end early for the Flames as the youthfulness of their pre-season line-up was exposed by some veterans on the Canucks line-up.

Pavol Demitra scored on a wicked feed (yes we're talking food) from Kyle Wellwood. You know for all that is wrong with keeping Wellwood, he certainly has a knack for offence and that is something the Canucks need more than anything.

With about 5 minutes remaining in the second Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler combined to frustrate the Calgary defence and set up Lawerence Nycolat who sniped it home for the 4-1 lead.

Canucks oust Flames 6-1 Final

Someone file a missing persons report. Dion Phaneuf and Mikka Kipprusoff were no where to be found at GM Place this evening. Now I will give you the arguement that this is pre-season but the Flames were awful and Phaneuf and Kipper are only the tip of the iceberg.

Give the Canucks credit for not letting up as Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond (who danced around Phaneuf all night long) tallied third period goals to boost the Canucks pre-season record to a 'perfect' 5-0.

After an eventful Tuesday that included being injured in practice and being named captain in the after noon, Roberto Luongo will take to the ice against the Flames and is expected to play a complete game. Curtis Sanford will back up Luongo and should stay ready in case the groin flares up.

Entering the contest the Canucks carry a perfect 4-0 pre-season record that has the players brimming with confidence and coaches scratching their collective heads as they try to narrow down your 2008 Vancouver Canucks. Public perception is that this team is in for a long season and while only time will tell, there may be a lack of top-end talent however there is no shortages of grit and determination.

Tonight's featured line combination will feature Mason Raymond moving to the right wing while Pavol Demitra is at centre and Taylor Pyatt will do battle along the left wing.

Jannik Hansen continues to impress and will team up with pesky Alex Burrow and newly appointed alternate captain Ryan Kesler. This combination is surely going to cause some fits on Calgary bench.

Running out of opportunities to (really) impress is Cody Hodgson. Hodgson has looked good but nothing to the level that you can say 'he has to stay'. Maybe a game with the crafty Kyle Wellwood and gritty Matt Pettinger is just what the doctor ordered.

Don't expect too many fireworks tonight as these teams with square off next Thursday to open the season and surely that will be the evening that the rivalry will be renewed.

For those of you in Canada you can catch the game shown nationally on TSN.

Two Sided Arguement

Now that we have all finished laughing, its time to review this decision....

Roberto Luongo exemplifies everything that a captain should. He is the best player on the team; he answers all the questions and he puts a tremendous amount of pressure on himself to be the leader of the team etc...

These reasons amoungst many others can indicate a leader, a captain. Does that captain have to wear a "C" on his jersey? not neccessarily.

For years baseball and football teams have had captains however it wasn't until recently that you started seeing C's stiched onto jersey's in those sports. Not to mention the numerous sports franchises that have depth in leadership within their locker rooms, all you have to do is read the Detroit Red Wings roster from last seasons Stanley Cup Championship.

On the the other side of the agrument

The NHL has a rule imposed that restricts goaltenders from wearing a 'letter'. Therefore Roberto Luongo while being named captain of the Vancouver Canucks will not be permitted to don the captains "C" on his jersey.

Ryan Kesler, Willie Mitchell and Mattias Ohlund have all been named as alerternate captains and will carry out some of the 'captain' duties as Roberto, as a goaltender, may be restricted from doing so.

Is it not a slight to the rest of the individuals in the Canucks' dressing room that management was unable to find anyone but Roberto? Did they have to go to the measure of finding a loop-whole in the the NHL rule book in order to find their captain?

Or, is Roberto Luongo out-and-out by far the best choice for captain of the Vancouver Canucks?

The following video may give you some insight into the selection

The right choice

Depth Rather Than Poor Fitness Level May Not Be The Only Reason Wellwood Can't Fit In...

As the Canucks travel to Anaheim for this evenings pre-season tilt versus the Ducks some players need to show a lot to stay with the big club as the season opener nears.

A 3-0 mark to open the pre-season is just that, pre-season. However, it appears that competition for roster spots is extremely tough as names like Jannik Hansen and Jason Krog have thrust themselves into the limelight along with Kyle Wellwood and Mason Raymond.

In no particular order the Canucks top 10 forwards may read as follows:

Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Taylor Pyatt, Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Darcy Hordichuk, Steve Bernier; Ryan Johnson, Pavol Demitra.

Juggle them any way you may see fit and these 10 have a roster spot that someone needs to steal from them. With that said there are two spots remaining in the starting line-up plus one possible reserve spot as a thirteenth forward.

In camp are the likes of Mason Raymond who is probably your number 11 forward and Jannik Hansen who essentially needs to make it, or break it this season.

Possibly on the outside looking in is Jason Krog who many feel the Canucks need with his penchant for wins in the face-off circle. Not to mention Michael Grabner, his world-class speed and his desire to make the team have been extremely evident throughout camp.

Cody Hodgson may find himself to be an odd-man out as he continues to develop into one of the NHL's future stars, another season in junior, being a big fish in the small pond may be just what the doctor ordered.

And that leaves Kyle Wellwood, looking for a place to play. The most proven player of the "bubble-boys" Wellwood picked the wrong time to fail his fitness test. Grabner and Hodgson spent the summer work on the weights and getting into shape for this camp to make the team while its obvious that Wellwood felt his stats could get him a roster spot.

If Alain Vigneault and Mike Gillis want to set a standard for this club going forward then Wellwood will be looking elsewhere come Monday morning. For a hockey club that wants so desperately to be known for their hard work Wellwood's work ethic does not fit. The message and example that should be followed is the of the efforts of two of the teams youngest prospects.

Canucks Notes:

Barry's New Approach
It was mentioned in today's Vancouver Province that Mats Sundin's agent will be taking a new approach as he attempts to force his client's hand one way or the other...to play or not to play.
In the coming weeks, Barry will be visiting Mats in Sweden and the two will be taking in some hockey games.Maybe some visual therapy will bring out the passion to play.

Cody May Stick
As the Vancouver Canucks continue to look for that elusive top-six forward it seems that management and coaches are seriously considering keeping 2008 First Rounder Cody Hodgson with the big club. Looking at the depth of the organization you would be doing Hodgson, and the fans, a considerable diservice if you placed him in a battle to make the team. His skills and vision of the game clearly place him within the top 12 forwards on the clubs depth chart and therefore he should earn a spot barring any lapse in his recent performances.

The Twining of Bernier
After an impressive outing crashing the net against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday evening, Steve Bernier found himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin during practice on Wednesday.
It is expected that the threesome will form a line in at least of the the Canucks next two pre-season contests in either San Jose on Saturday or Anahiem on Sunday.

Captain Canuck?

The Vancouver Canucks enter another training camp with questions to be answered and the biggest of which dominated Day 1 was that of the captaincy.

Several off-season reports indicated that Willie Mitchell would soon be taking the reigns however, there is an argument to such speculation that indicates the Mitchell and coach Alain Vigneault don't really see eye to eye.

Other names that have been suggested are that of Ryan Kesler, Mattias Ohlund or Kevin Bieksa.

Ohlund, the elder statesman amongst the group as well as the longest serving Canuck on the current roster, may be a logical choice. However, taking into consideration the current contract status of the veteran D-man you may want to reconsider your thinking. Does Mike Gillis actually intend on re-signing him?

Kesler and Bieska both fall into the category of 'potential future' captains. Both exude the confidence and charisma of a captain and both carry an edge to their game that the previous captain seriously lacked. With that said both are young and will provide excellent leadership to this team down the road but it is probably best that they develop themselves a little further.

Although age is never really a factor in these decisions (see: Crosby captain at 19 yrs old) it is something that should be carefully considered.

As previously mentioned you may want to consider length or service and or length of their current contracts. Ohlund has had the longest tour of duty by a country-mile but also carries the shortest contract. Kesler and Mitchell are both signed through the end of the 09-10 season while Bieksa will not become a free agent until 2010-11.

With so many changes this past off-season and many more to come before this team is 'solidified' it may be best to give the captaincy to the youth of the organization. Can Mike Gillis build his team around Kesler and Bieksa? remains to be seen.

Bieksa is consistently rumored to be leaving Vancouver while Kesler attempted to leave 2 seasons ago.

Leadership is something that a team develops as they build together and the teams identity is established. Championship teams such as Detroit ooze with leadership and while captains may receive the press, at the end of the day it is the attitude in the room that brings home the championships.

Dinner Deal?

Canucks GM Mike Gillis is about to settle into a dinner meeting this evening with player agent J.P. Barry. Now surely the name Mats Sundin will come up in the conversation but the main focus of the discussion will be that of the future of Daniel and Henrik Sedin as well as Mattias Ohlund, all of whom have contracts expiring at the end of this season.

Mattias Ohlund has been a stellar force on the Canucks defence and the previous regim seemed to be able to get the hulky swede to sign under market value. My prediction is that these negotiations will go rather smoothly and Ohlund will be resigned at a slightly increase over his previous $3.5 million. Unless of course Mike Gillis pulls the wool over his eyes and refuses to admit the Canucks need this horse on D.

As for Dan and Hank, there are differing opinions...

Both players have out performed several comparables that have recently signed multi-year/multi-million dollar deals. Shawn Horcoff and Scott Gomez have been mentioned in the same breath and looking at statistics Daniel and Henrik should recieve raises that would pay them $6 - $7 million dollars (or more) per season.

For those of you who may argue that they disappear during the playoffs, check the history of contract negotiations. You will note that playoff statistics don't seem to matter in this day and age.

The two-some has suggested that they would consider taking less money to stay in Vancouver, however, GM Mike Gillis would have to offer a no-movement clause in return.

Personally, I would like to see this put off until later in the season. Holding that carrot in front of two hungry swedes could be a way to get this club into the post season. And I do not see too many teams making the room next season to add both Daniel and Henrik at a combined $13-plus million dollars.