Going into Thursday`s matchup between Vancouver & Colorado, one
would have assumed you`d see two teams heading in the opposite direction. For
the most part this is the case; but being at the game live and in person last
night; don`t let the 4-1 Canuck win deceive you. For two thirds of the game, it
was the Avalanche`s game to win. Two players were mainly responsible for the
score, and they were each teams goaltenders. Vancouver`s Cory Schnieder was the
games best player bare none. He didn't`t steal the game; but had to make 5-8
grade a chances; Sergei Varlamov (Av`s goalie) was below average; the game
winning goal by Henrik Sedin was a shot on the ice; an ECHL goalie should have
stopped this shot.
Canucks unimpressive
Aside from the Sedin line which were jaw dropping at times; the Canucks
had no other forward that looked interested. I was somewhat impressed with
Canuck tough guy Tom Sesitito; good speed, confident with the puck unlike most
enforcers; but physically he was not existent compared to Avalanche enforcer
Patrick Bordeleau who threw 3-4 thunderous hits. One thing was painfully obvious
is you`re a Canuck fan, Andrew Gordon and Steve Pinizotto are in no way NHLers.
Same thing can be said for Andrew Ebbett; I know they are AHL callups; but and
this is a BIG but.... this tells me the Canucks do NOT have the depth in their
system like other teams do. Granted the Avalanche had just as many players if
not more than Vancouver has that should be buried the AHL; but the Av`s are the
29th ranked NHL team & Vancouver wants to think of themselves as a
contender.
Buyers and Sellers
Because of their places in the standings, one would assume the Canucks
are buyers and the Av`s are sellers. Vancouver will likely be shopping for a top
six forward rental; but minimum they need one if not two forwards (for depth
purposes); the kind of guy that would cost you a 3rd to 6th rounder. I told by
buddy last night; the Canucks need to get another Max Lapierre (who was picked
up for a 5th rounder) or a Jarko Ruttu (4th rounder) in years past. Players that
are available that would not cost an arm or a leg; Jerrod Smithson, Jochen
Hecht, Ruslan Fedotenko. I`d suggest the Canucks could easily acquire Buffalo`s
Nathan Gerbe for a 4th rounder (might require a 3rd). Easily a third liner,
could play a week or two on the 2nd line).
Colorado one would obviously assume would be a seller. If I were a pro
scout watching the game live last night; I`d be placing a call on the third
line. Chuck Kobasew (UFA at seasons end); the former Flame, Bruin & Wild
forward is not a second liner anymore (not a chance); but have become more
grittier later in his career. Cody Mcleod (2 years left at 1.15 million) very
surprised by his hockey smarts. I always thought of his as a fourth liner; but
watching him live; he does the little things very well; he reminds me of a Chris
Neil. I`d suggest he`d cost a team a third rounder; or a B level prospect + a
4th or 5th rounder. The third member of the third line was John Mitchell; again
like Kobasew or Mcleod; he`s not flashy but gets the job done. Anyone that
acquires these three would be doing themselves a favour; on most contending
teams; these three would to take a fourth line role.
Other Av`s who could be moved; veteran Milan Hedjuk was not overly
noticeable; I could see him being acquired for a third liner (if he waives his
no trade clause). Ryan O`Byrne was not impressive at all; looks out of shape and
out of place. For Shane O`Brien to be sitting out instead of O`Byrne tells you
the state of their defense. The one Blueliner I`d love from the Avalanche is
Greg Zanon; (one more year at 2.25 million). I`d humbly suggest the asking price
being minimum a 2nd rounder. If I were Colorado I`d need a Douglas Murray (two
2nd rounders) package back; if he were to be moved.
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