Monthly Archives: August 2012

Kesler’s return delayed…Doan’s heart in Phoenix, but where will he play next season?

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Bad news bears. In the latest #Canuck news, it looks like Ryan Kesler will not be returning in early October…but rather early-mid December. I was hoping to see #17 lace up the skates for October…but as I mentioned before, I would much rather have Kesler return 100% recovered and fully ready to unleash his #beastmode for the rest of the year +playoffs(into JUNE..*fingers crossed*) and that means later than we all hoped. This latest update explains the pursuit of both (top 6 forward)Doan and (3rd line centre)Arnott as the Canucks are in need of both type of players to bolster the line-up without Kesler. Mind you a young Evander Kane would look great in the lineup too…with his skill-set, he could fill in the gaps with Kesler out and solidify that 3rd line. When one of a team’s best players is out of the the lineup for an extended period, it means that another player has to step up, with Kesler out of the lineup to start the year, that is exactly what it means. When Daniel Sedin missed 18 games in the start of the  2009-2010 season it was his brother who stepped up to lead this team(a year before he was named team captain!) with 18 points in that stretch, proving that he can play without his brother…he eventually went on to win the Art Ross trophy that year. When a player goes down, it gives the rest of the team the opportunity to step up and rise above the adversity. It will be interesting to see who takes that role with Kesler out of the lineup for a bit. I think it better that Kesler acts with precaution, coming back a little later than we all had hoped but fully capable of encompassing that #beastmode we all love to watch!

At this moment Doan’s heart is Phoenix but he has officially stated that he will do what is best for him…even that means leaving the Coyotes franchise. So, once again we are left with the “I need more time to make this decision” announcement. It sounds as though Doan is divided, he may be on his way out of Phoenix but he also could remain loyal to the Coyotes. He has been visiting with other teams as he processes what is right for his future( a list that includes: New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and Vancouver). Until the hockey world hears his official decision…all eyes around the NHL will remain on him, or until another dramatic move is made.

In other news all of us fans are still waiting to hear any  official word of agreement on the new CBA[Collective Bargaining Agreement] between the NHL & the NHLPA…because if you are like me…a year of no hockey(aka a lockout year) is absolutely unacceptable. The NHLPA has been reviewing the latest proposal by Bettman[Do Not get me started on Bettman!] and the NHL executives…but no word on its been seen as accepted or not. Keep your fingers crossed that both sides find a #winning agreement for both sides before mid-September so that we get hockey starting October 11th and not a year later!!

Until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Evander Kane considering his options? + other NHL notes

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Are the Winnipeg Jets are worried they could lose Evander Kane(not to be confused with that pest known as Patrick Kane whose alias is a blackhawk in the windy city!)? They have reportedly offered him a six year deal worth $29 million.  Rumor has it that the reason it is taking so long for Evander Kane to sign the dotted line, is that he wants to review all his options including possibly Vancouver…but as you know, this rumor must be taken with a grain of salt. It would an interesting signing to land Kane who was drated 4th overall in 2009 by the Atlanta Thrashers(now the Winnipeg Jets) from the VANCOUVER GIANTS in the WHL. During his time in the WHL he won the Memorial Cup in 2007. He’s had some success with Atlanta/Winnipeg, but unfortunately the last 3 years he has not had the opportunity to participate in the NHL playoffs as the team has yet to qualify past April. If he were to sign somewhere else…it would require being given an offer sheet as Kane is a restricted free agent and Winnipeg would have the choice to match or not match the offer. I think it is a long shot that Kane does not end up in Winnipeg next year…but wouldn’t it be something to see a B.C. native and former popular Vancouver Giant outfitted in #Canuck blue & green in October?

In other news, surprise surprise, the hockey world still awaits Doan’s impending annoucement. Where oh where will Doan sign?….Phoenix, Vancouver, New York, Pittsburgh, LA? Alas, we shall have to wait.

Tuukka Rask is priming to take the reigns that Tim Thomas left willingly behind when he fled B-town for personal reasons. The Bruins are also apparently looking to dump Thomas’ salary from their roster in order to make other moves which even if he doesn’t play leaves them responsible to pay him 3 of the 5 million dollars that he would get if he played. Although with the way that Thomas keeps turning to social media to express his views and make controversial statements, it will be harder for the Bruins to convince another team to to take Thomas & his salary. Initially they were planning to trade him to a team that was below the salary cap floor(ie: the Islanders), but who is going to want to invite someone to their team that causes problems(via social media) and unnecessary drama(ie: skipping the White House visit)…many think it is too much trouble.

The Canucks have signed their 2012 2nd round draft pick to entry level NHL contract today. As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Rumor has it….Doan spotted in Vancouver? What’s that about Arnott?

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Rumor has it that Shane Doan was being wined & dined Tuesday night at the “Italian Kitchen” in Vancouver by our very own GM Mike Gillis, Assistent GM Gilman, & the owners of the Vancouver Canucks, the Aquilini brothers. All that this means currently, is that Doan is finishing making his rounds to the teams that have shown an interest in him…much like last week when he met with Philly, New York & Montreal to name a few of his stops and could very make one or two more before all is said and done. It should be interesting to hear how all these meetings compared and which team opportunity Doan thinks is in his best interest. A decision is expected to come this week…but as we all know just because it is supposed to be decided this week does not mean it will happen.(Remember that supposed July 8th/9th deadline?!) The deadline is meaningless until proven true which has yet be done, despite the media’s ever so certain continuous predictions. As previously stated, the league & all eyes around the NHL will remain on Doan and the rumors will cycle until an official signing has occurred.

Rumor has it that the #Canucks are also looking into Jason Arnott…that’s apparently a possible plan ‘B’ should they not be able to land Doan. Arnott also brings a lot of experience and leadership to the table…including Stanley cup experience! I think it would be advisable to sign at least one of these veterans…but not necessarily both. Arnott played last season with the St.Louis Blues leading them to their best season in franchise history…previously he captained Dallas, and in New Jersey was an integral part to their winning the Stanley Cup in 2000..scoring the OT cup winning goal! He would provide an invaluable source of information and leadership. Both Doan and Arnott are invaluable to whichever team signs them, and the Canucks would be lucky to have either.

**IF Doan does indeed sign with the #Canucks….he would not be suiting up in his usual #19 as that number has been retired within the #Canucks organization in honor of Markus Naslund. (remember the disaster when Messier demanded to have #11 after it had been ‘retired’?…I don’t think that Doan is domineering like Messier was at that time.) Should Doan sign with the Canucks, I think he would be more than willing to wear another # and would be nothing short of world class in dealing with the media and the fans.

In other news the NHLPA is still reviewing the NHL’s latest potential agreement…hopefully both sides(NHLPA & Bettman’s army) can come to agreement STAT so we hockey fans do not have endure a shortened season or worse, a lockout year!

That’s all for the rumor mill, as the drama shall I’m sure, continue to unfold as the off-season drags on by!

#70moredays #isitOCTOBERyet??!!

Until the next domino falls into place or the next dramatic off-season move, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.