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[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

There's a hitch with Gragnani, though. I remember reading at the beginning of this year that he had to play ~55 games or else he would go from a RFA to a UFA. Something about turning 25 and the total amount of games played.

Just looked and he's played 44 this year with Buffalo.

:lol How many has he played already?

 

[SpectreFire]

There's a hitch with Gragnani, though. I remember reading at the beginning of this year that he had to play ~55 games or else he would go from a RFA to a UFA. Something about turning 25 and the total amount of games played.

Wait? How does that even make sense? Playing more games keeps you away from UFA status?

 

[Marvie_3]

Don't you fucking dare mention Nickleback in the same breath as the Black Keys.

Why not? They both suck.

 

[Fei]

Here it is. Scroll down:

http://www.thehosers.com/2012/01/curious-case-of-marc-andre-gragnani.html

However, there is one issue tied to Ruff's insistence on playing Gragnani that really bothers me; Gragnani is a Group 6 free agent. A Group 6 free agent is described in the CBA as follows:

(i) A Group 6 free agent is any player who is age 25 or older who has completed three (3) or more professional seasons, whose SPC* has expired and: (i) in the case of a Player other than a goaltender, has played less than 80 NHL Games. For the purposes of the foregoing, the term professional season shall for a Player aged 20 or older, mean any season in which such Player plays in one or more Professional Game (including NHL Regular Season and Playoff Games, minor league regular season and playoff games, and games played in any European professional league, while under an SPC).

(ii) Any Group 6 Player shall, at the expiration of his SPC, become an Unrestricted Free Agent and shall be completely free to negotiate and sign an SPC with any Club, and any Club shall be completely free to negotiate and sign an SPC with such Player, without penalty of restriction.

Basically, if you're 25 years old, play 3 seasons in the AHL or NHL, and haven't played 80 total games, you become a UFA at the end of that contract.

So he played 15 games in the previous years, meaning he will need to play 65 games this year. That leaves 21 games in a Canucks uni. Basically the entire season.

 

[HadesGigas]

The Black Keys' "Lonely Boy" is the most overplayed song at sporting events

It's the Sabres goal song. Seems like a weird choice.

 

[CrazedArabMan]

So apparently for the Red Wings to get their conditional 7th round pick for Commodore, the Lightning have to make the playoffs this year and he has to play 15 games with us.

They must have really hated him since they essentially gave him away for nothing.

Dang it Holland, I know you were just helping Stevie after he helped you with the Quincey deal, but come on, you couldn't have got something at least? Or ya know at least have made another deal besides that one today? Well on the bright side, at least he didn't trade away one of our top young prospects for another young prospect who most likely doesn't have as much upside, that would really suck....

 

[TemplaerDude]

Why not? They both suck.

You are wrong and your taste in music is stupid.

 

[Sanjuro]

Trade deadline has passed.

Fuck Jeremy Jacobs.

 

[Socreges]

Fei, he'll probably sit for a few either way, but all the more reason if it would keep him restricted.

If the Canucks don't win the cup this season, I expect Gillis to be fired.

I would be shocked.

The trade isn't sitting any better with me. With Pahlsson and Kassian we've potentially got better players to fill certain roles, but I'm concerned that our scoring is now less balanced. If we struggle after this, there's no sense in pointing out future benefits (if that's the case) because this trade has to make sense immediately.

 

[Something Wicked]

The first is what will happen. Columbus has ZERO leverage. they will be trying to trade a player who doesn't want to be on that team, which everybody knows now, with a 7.8 cap hit who gets to pick and choose where he wants to go. The list of teams interested will shrink as more players become available at the draft and in free agency. Nash has no reason to do management any favors.

Nash isn't exactly a great player to trade at the deadline with his current contract. Not too many contenders have much available cap space to fit Nash's high cap hit and willing to dramatically change their team well after the mid-season mark. The contract still having many years left on it would force an owner to make a very major decision on the long-term structure of his particular team. Good players that will be UFAs in the next season have much better chances of being dealt at the deadline.

For the off-season, GMs will be more receptive of making "larger changes" to their teams, especially after a very disappointing playoff run (like Philly last year). Nash may have to expand the list of teams he's willing to go to, but I have feeling Howson wants to see Nash's reaction after Columbus gets the #1 pick and other top picks. Seeing Yakupov in action may change Nash's opinion.

 

[Fei]

Fei, he'll probably sit for a few either way, but all the more reason if it would keep him restricted.

No, he has to play in order to be restricted. I agree with you that he's likely not a Canuck top 6 D. However, if he has played less than 80 games by the end of the year, he will become a UFA.

 

[sefskillz]

I must admit that I had no idea who Greg Zanon was until today, but after reading a bit, I think he'll fit in well here. Not really a big, punishing guy like we like, but seems to have some grit and gets off on blocking shots. Looking forward to seeing him in the line-up.

yup, dude is all heart. loved him during his time in nashville

 

[Socreges]

No, he has to play in order to be restricted. I agree with you that he's likely not a Canuck top 6 D. However, if he has played less than 80 games by the end of the year, he will become a UFA.

Ahh, should have read more closely. That's bizarre.

Since it includes playoff games, I guess he could reach 80 pretty easily.

 

[HadesGigas]

Gragnani is at 66 right now. Yeah... so I'd think they'd want to get him in a game or two ASAP to help determine if they want to bother trying to keep him restricted.

 

[CCF23]

I'll miss Hodgson, but I've come to terms with the deal. I want to see Kassian fuck some shit up.

Crush. Kill. Destroy. Develop a scoring touch eventually.

 

[Stet]

Lupul comes through unscathed. Thanks, BB!

 

[Fei]

Ah, didn't realize it included playoff games. So he needs 14 games by the end of the year. Barring injury, that should be pretty easy.

 

[HadesGigas]

I want to see Kassian fuck some shit up.

That's what we wanted to see too. Didn't really happen this year. Hopefully he can pan out soon.

 

[CrazedArabMan]

Hey look, it is the Holland trade deadline face!

 

[yankeehater]

Yes!!!! Great goal by Hagelin. Glad to see the Rangers finally get going.

 

[Milly79]

I must admit that I had no idea who Greg Zanon was until today, but after reading a bit, I think he'll fit in well here. Not really a big, punishing guy like we like, but seems to have some grit and gets off on blocking shots. Looking forward to seeing him in the line-up.

Zanon is a really good bottom pairing defenseman. He blocks shots like crazy.

 

[BorkBork]

Considering we got the Islander's pick for absolutely nothing, we only really just lose a 4th round pick in this deal. I have no issues about it.

As for the big trade of the day, after settling down a bit, it does make sense why Gillis jumped on it. It's very risky, but makes tons of sense if the risk pans out.

http://canucksarmy.com/2012/2/27/godson-mode-deactivated

Bottom line, Canucks needed a hulking top-six power forward and a right handed offensive defenseman. They got both in Kassian and Gragani. The plus is that they're both young and have plenty of room to grow into, especially Kassian, whose potential is very high. On the downside, they still have lots of room to potentially grow into and their NHL-readiness, especially playoffs, is iffy. Although Gragani did produce at a very high clip for the Sabres during their playoffs last season.

According to the comments, he plays on the left side. This trade still doesn't address RHD depth.

 

[t0mp]

Yes!!!! Great goal by Hagelin. Glad to see the Rangers finally get going.

What in the fuck

 

[Sanjuro]

Zanon is a really good bottom pairing defenseman. He blocks shots like crazy.

Plus he has a cool last name.

 

[endresults]

I've always wondered what the refs are saying to players who are hacking away at each other before the faceoff. They never get a penalty, and they rarely fight after they get a talking to. Must be some heavy stuff.

 

[yankeehater]

What in the fuck

I would like the Devils to lose every game they ever play.

 

[Acid08]

Our lines, when healthy, during the playoffs.

Marleau-Thornton-Pavelski
Clowe-Couture-Havlat
Galiardi-Moore-Winnik
Winchester-Handzus-Desjardins
(Ferriero/Mitchell/Wingels)

Vlasic-Boyle
Murray-Burns
Braun-Demers
(White/Vandermeer)

Niemi
Greiss


Couture(no word on what the injury is yet), Murray(back soon), Havlat(back soon), and Moore(back tomorrow maybe) are out right now.

 

[bonesmccoy]

I would be shocked.

Me too. Canucks fans need to stop reacting to this trade as if it's some kind of make-or-break blockbuster. Gillis moved a young player with potential (albeit, a lot of that) for another young player, essentially. Even if Kassian fails and Hodgson becomes a superstar in Buffalo, Gillis isn't going to be fired over this.

It's not he like traded 2 1st round draft picks for the kid...

;_;

 

[Dastardly Jerks]

Hey look, it is the Holland trade deadline face!

Curious, but what were you hoping for or see that the Wings may be lacking that could be acquired from other teams?

Seems a bit 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Ducks have the same winning record in 2012 that Detroit has and I'm happy with all our moves (or lack thereof).

 

[Wendel Clark]

Me too. Canucks fans need to stop reacting to this trade as if it's some kind of make-or-break blockbuster. Gillis moved a young player with potential (albeit, a lot of that) for another young player, essentially. Even if Kassian fails and Hodgson becomes a superstar in Buffalo, Gillis isn't going to be fired over this.

It's not like traded 2 1st round draft picks for the kid...

;_;

It's not like Kassian will be a top 5 goal scorer in the league ;-;

 

[CrazedArabMan]

Curious, but what were you hoping for or see that the Wings may be lacking that could be acquired from other teams?

Seems a bit 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Ducks have the same winning record in 2012 that Detroit has and I'm happy with all our moves (or lack thereof).

We just need a top 6 pure goal scorer badly, seeing as how Datsyuk at the moment is the only one carrying that top 6 at times, and with him out it has become apparent that they need someone who has that same spark that he brings. Also we need a better 3rd or 4th line center as our 4th line of Mursak, Emmerton, and Homer is just awful.

Though that 4th line problem can be fixed by bringing up some rookies like Nyquist or Tatar to replace any two of those 3.

 

[Dastardly Jerks]

We just need a top 6 pure goal scorer badly, seeing as how Datsyuk at the moment is the only one carrying that top 6 at times, and with him out it has become apparent that they need someone who has that same spark that he brings. Also we need a better 3rd or 4th line center as our 4th line of Mursak, Emmerton, and Homer is just awful.

Though that 4th line problem can be fixed by bringing up some rookies like Nyquist or Tatar to replace any two of those 3.

Datsyuk is pretty much a one of a kind player. I don't think anybody (that isn't Top 5 in each conference) would've had the options available. Some of the media I've read today is saying this trade deadline was all about parity, and if that's the case then it would've just been a case of mediocre players sticking with mediocre teams or top teams retaining their talent. Detroit being one of them.

There was definitely opportunity to land a 3rd/4th center though

 

[Heretic]

Curious, but what were you hoping for or see that the Wings may be lacking that could be acquired from other teams?

Seems a bit 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Ducks have the same winning record in 2012 that Detroit has and I'm happy with all our moves (or lack thereof).

As much as I didn't want any pieces leaving, a part of me worries that we maybe should have...

 

[CrazedArabMan]

As much as I didn't want any pieces leaving, a part of me worries that we maybe should have...

I will be honest, I was praying you guys would be sellers just for the chance to maybe rent out Teemu, man would he have been exactly what we need. (I'm not talking about age either)

 

[Kave_Man]

Me too. Canucks fans need to stop reacting to this trade as if it's some kind of make-or-break blockbuster. Gillis moved a young player with potential (albeit, a lot of that) for another young player, essentially. Even if Kassian fails and Hodgson becomes a superstar in Buffalo, Gillis isn't going to be fired over this.

It's not he like traded 2 1st round draft picks for the kid...

;_;

It's not like Kassian will be a top 5 goal scorer in the league ;-;

 

[t0mp]

Clarkson dirty as shit there. Flying elbow

 

[endresults]

He's pissed after getting a 10 and 2 minute misconduct this period. Pure I-don't-give-an-eff behavior there.

 

[Socreges]

Me too. Canucks fans need to stop reacting to this trade as if it's some kind of make-or-break blockbuster. Gillis moved a young player with potential (albeit, a lot of that) for another young player, essentially. Even if Kassian fails and Hodgson becomes a superstar in Buffalo, Gillis isn't going to be fired over this.

It's not he like traded 2 1st round draft picks for the kid...

;_;

There were a few Canucks fans in here that repeatedly came back with dramatic posts as if this was the end of the organization. Just stupid.

That said, even though I'm beginning to see the reasons behind this trade, I still think it was risky and poorly timed. Gillis is obviously terrified of the Canucks being beaten bloody in the playoffs.

 

[SpectreFire]

John Garrett speculated that Hodgson's dad, who plays a big role in his career, lobbied the team to trade Hodgson because he wasn't satisfied with his future role on the roster.

 

[Alucard]

Pretty bland day in hockeyville. Boring trades for the most part. Glad that Shero stayed put. Pens have the pieces to win.

 

[Fei]

Regier presser, for Sabres-GAF who missed it:

-The development of Marcus Foligno in Rochester made Kassian expendable.
- Felt size and toughness is easier to acquire through free agency than a skilled center.
- Regarding Gaustad, he said there was an additional team that offered a 1st for Gaustad, but pulled it throughout the day. Guess he wasn't so crazy on that one.
- Now has 4 of the first 60 picks for next year's draft. Allows flexibility to make some trades if available when the draft approaches.

 

[Kuro Madoushi]

Our lines, when healthy, during the playoffs.

Marleau-Thornton-Pavelski
Clowe-Couture-Havlat
Galiardi-Moore-Winnik
Winchester-Handzus-Desjardins
(Ferriero/Mitchell/Wingels)

Vlasic-Boyle
Murray-Burns
Braun-Demers
(White/Vandermeer)

Niemi
Greiss


Couture(no word on what the injury is yet), Murray(back soon), Havlat(back soon), and Moore(back tomorrow maybe) are out right now.

Very decent team there. Why not president's contender?

If it was Hodgson's dad it would make sense.

Still, you would think he'd want a chance at a cup and let's be honest here...Buffalo is a ways away from cup contenders.

 

[FOOTE]

Go Blues! Beat the Flames!

Nice little ceremony Calgary had for Al MacInnis.

 

[Alucard]

The Pens not doing anything today also points to the organization having a good feeling about Crosby coming back for the playoffs. Or maybe they're hoping he does.

 

[Red_Man]

The Pens not doing anything today also points to the organization having a good feeling about Crosby coming back for the playoffs. Or maybe they're hoping he does.

How optimistic would you guys be that he could survive the playoffs? Serious question, I would be worried he would get destroyed in the playoffs and only last a few games if he did make it back.

 

[Acid08]

Very decent team there. Why not president's contender?

If it was Hodgson's dad it would make sense.

Still, you would think he'd want a chance at a cup and let's be honest here...Buffalo is a ways away from cup contenders.

Why not?

Haven't had all these pieces all year, lots of new players getting used to the system, top 6 has been crippled for most of the year with Havlat out, and Niemi has overall been bad.

If we can get healthy and some chemistry forms then this team can be very very special, all the pieces are there and we have enough depth to make a run. Really big if though.

 

[Socreges]

If it was Hodgson's dad it would make sense.

Still, you would think he'd want a chance at a cup and let's be honest here...Buffalo is a ways away from cup contenders.

And Team 1040 was acting like the dad would be oblivious to that. I doubt that. So if they were pushing for a trade, why not wait until the summer?

 

[SpectreFire]

Canucks playoff line-up if everyone's healthy and the players we traded for pans out as expected.

Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Booth-Kesler-Kassian/Kassian
Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen
Malhotra-Lapierre-Raymond/Bitz/Weise/Kassian

Hamhuis-Bieksa
Edler-Salo
Ballard-Tanev
Gragnani
Rome
Alberts

Luongo
Schneider

And Team 1040 was acting like the dad would be oblivious to that. I doubt that. So if they were pushing for a trade, why not wait until the summer?

His dad might've hoped for a trade over the summer, but if he forced Gillis's hand, Gillis might've figured Hodgson's value would be the highest now and would garner him the assets he'd need to content for a cup (Kassian and Gragnani).

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

And 19&21 wanted to get rid of McLeod!!!

 

[TemplaerDude]

Very decent team there. Why not president's contender?

If it was Hodgson's dad it would make sense.

Still, you would think he'd want a chance at a cup and let's be honest here...Buffalo is a ways away from cup contenders.

His father may have pushed for a trade, but I seriously doubt he had any say in where.