Relax people it's Zack Kassian!

Okay so I was panicking a few days ago after trading my boy Hodgson away. But I am finding people are still losing it. We need to take a deep breathe and relax.

We can't judge this trade after 1 game. I do think we have downgraded talent wise losing Hodgson but Zack Kassian brings a whole new skill set. He's a big guy with some grit and has good hands for a big guy. The site I said he's 230 pds he's more like 215-220. I have seen everything from 230 to 214 to 228 to 220...can someone get this guy a weight scale? haha

Here's some interesting things about Zack:

- He was drafted 13th overall in the 2009 entry draft. Goons don't get drafted at 13 overall. He's got some skill to him.

- He won a silver medal with Team Canada.

- He won a Memorial Cup with the Windsor Spitfires.

- He just turned 21. We got to give this kid some time to develop.

- He was #54 with Buffalo (Derrick Roy has #9), #19 with Windsor (I don't want to see any Canuck wearing Naslunds old #), and #9 with Team Canada. As weird as it seems with him wearing Cody's old number at least if you have Hodgson's jersey you only need to change the name on the back. haha By the way Hodgson is #19 with the Sabres.

And the fact is he's only going to get what Hodgson got for minutes any way (like 10-15 minutes of ice time a night). It's not like we traded Kesler or the Sedin twins. We traded a 3rd line C for a 3rd line winger. Granted Hodgson is good enough to play on the 2nd line with Buffalo but he's not going to be stealing minutes from Kelser. But the fact is Hodgson is gone and Kassian is here to stay so we need to get over it. Plus moves Canuck GM Gillis did in the past I have questioned before but I was wrong and he was right. That's why he's the GM and I am not. I trust our GM. I just loved watching Hodgson and I was going to buy his jersey.

My suggestion is keep Kassian in the lineup for the rest of the season to give him the experience he needs and play him in a limited role in the playoffs. You never know he might surprise us all with his talent not just his toughness.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Canucks trade Hodgson???

So the trade deadline has come and gone...and frankly, it was the lamest one I have ever experienced. Rich Nash didn't move which was and was not surprising. The Blue Jackets were obviously asking way too much. Supposedly it came down to the Rangers and the Sharks but neither were willing to give what Columbus required.

As for the rest of the day it was super lame until the last deal came through which caused a MASSIVE stir for Canuck and Sabre fans.

I got to admit I hated this deal when it happened and if you were following me on twitter or my friend on facebook you got that LOUD and CLEAR. The main reason is that Cody Hodgson is one of my favourite Canucks and I am shocked that they traded such a young skilled athlete. But I have calmed down and I will try my best to look at this with a clear, honest, in the best interest of the Canucks mindset.

The deal was 2 separate trades but together it looks like this: Buffalo received Hodgson and Sulzer; Vancouver received Kassian and Gragnani.

What I love about Cody Hodgson:

He's only 22 and has lots of tools already to be a great player in the next 5 years. He was a key guy to Team Canada's success in the World Juniors. When John Tavares was in his final year in Jr's it was Hodgson who won the MVP. He's already played in the playoffs and will improve as he continues to play in those crucial games. This year he's logged huge minutes and played in 63 games.

Plus I love this goal he scored vs Boston this year! Click this link to watch: Best Hodgson goal yet!!! The Sabres must be thrilled to get such a young talent.

Here's what the Canucks got in return:

Zack Kassian is a very good young player. Many people love this kid. He's played for Team Canada, he's only 21 but Zack is a monster! 230 pds this guy is Eric Lindros big. The NHL has changed we don't need a goon we need toughness. Does he have the hands like Neeley, Lindros, or Bertuzzi did at 21? He's a winger that Vancouver needs.

Something you may or may not know, Kassian was drafted #13 overall in the 2009 Tavares, Hedman, Duchene draft.

Here's some of his highlights since he's been with Buffalo...Kassian is TOUGH.

My concerns:

1) Are we trading skill for toughness? Makes me worried about the Naslund for Stojanov deal the Canucks won years ago. Will he be the next Lindros (doubt it), Neeley (not likely), or Bertuzzi (possibly)???

2) Experience. He has no playoff experience yet.

3) He's only played 28 games on Sabres team that is less skilled than Vancouver. How many games will he be playing with the Canucks?

4) Going into the playoffs does this help Vancouver or hurt them? What happens if Kesler or H.Sedin get hurt does Pahlsson get in the #2 C spot? I hope not as I would rather have Malhotra be in that spot.

5) I worry he's a hitter and nothing else. Zack please prove me wrong!!!

The other player we got was Marc-Andre Gragnani. This guy might be the key to this deal. Only 24 years old he's got 7 games of playoff experience scoring 7 pts in those games. Supposedly he good puck moving defensemen who can play now.

I get the argument we need more toughness for the playoffs and truly I get that but I wish we would have moved Raymond instead. I get we needed another winger than another C. I get that H.Sedin and Kesler make it tough for him to break the top 6. I just wish we had traded Raymond for a guy who's got more playoff experience in Steve Ott. Rumour has it that was offered to Dallas but the Stars declined.

I hope for the Canuck fans sake this is a great deal.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

If I was the GM of the...

The trade deadline is this Monday. Ever wish you could be a fly on the wall in some of those war rooms where they are discussing deals? What would you do if you were the GM of a NHL franchise? Would you gamble or play it safe?

This is what I would do:

If I was the GM of the...Dallas Stars, I would not be moving a guy like Ott as you are in the playoffs right now. Ott is a playoff guy with tons of experience. They need some scoring because the Ribeiro, Ryder, and Eriksson line can't score all the goals. Morrow is definitely missed.

If I was the GM of the...LA Kings I would not have traded Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick for J.Carter. I think that was too much. Johnson straight up for sure. Johnson was the #3 overall pick in the Crosby draft. I would see what the value is for Dustin Brown but not be seeking to move him too quickly. He's your captain but 35 pts isn't getting it done.

If I was the GM of the...Blue Jackets, I would be SELLING. You are the worst team in the league. I wouldn't trade Nash unless I got something significant in return. You can trade him in the off season but milk the trade deadline for all it's worth. If you could get an upgrade at goaltender, young prospects or draft picks, and some players that can play today.

If I was the GM of the...Lightning, I would be seeking a goalie ASAP. Roloson and Garon are not good enough to get anything done. TB has a great offense who has the potential to make some noise in the playoffs if they had a better goaltender.

If I was the GM of the...Leafs, I would be making a huge push for Nash. The only problem is he's a winger and they need a good C. Free Agency could help with that problem. Also I would be looking for a new goalie. As much as I like Reimer, he's not getting it done yet. I would move Luke Schenn for the right deal that will help you now. He's getting $4.6 million as a 22 year old.

If I was the GM of the...Oilers, I would be kicking myself for signing Hemsky for another 2 years for $5 million each! He's only worth that when healthy and that's the problem. This guy has been injury for 3 years straight. You don't want to waste all that money as he sits on the sideline watching most of the games.

If I was the GM of the...Canucks, I would not do much. I would add a playoff guy like Ott or another #6 D for depth. I would not be moving Schneider unless I could get Nash in return. I would move Raymond has he's young and fast but seems to have long streaks without any points on the board (as I type this he scores vs Dallas haha).

If I was the GM of the...Flames and we didn't make the playoffs I would blow it up. It's been too many years of missing the playoffs. 9 or 10th every year gets you bad draft position and false hope that you got a chance.

If I was the GM of the...Senators, I'd be happy I just picked up Bishop. Anderson should be back for the playoffs but until Bishop will help.

If I was the GM of the...Predators, I would be trying everything to get Rick Nash. They NEED offense.

If I was the GM of the...Canadiens, I would do nothing. Wait until the free agency and improve your team in the draft.

If I was the GM of the...Capitals, Semin would be traded. Too much $ for little production. I know they have lots of problems there but if Backstrom was healthy I think they would be in the playoffs. He's a great passer and makes his teammates better.

If I was the GM of the...Sharks, I would be making a meeting with the team and having a heart to heart with the team. SJ is better than they have been playing lately.

If I was the GM of the...Jets, I would be pretty happy that they have a chance to make the playoffs. This team is not that good yet and it's going to take another year or two before they are going to make some noise. My philosophy is, "Make the playoffs because you never know what can happen."

I think there will be a lot of deals made tomorrow but more importantly there will be deals that are not done that will make the biggest difference.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

2012 NHL Trade Deadline

Here's my take about the trade deadline day coming up this Feb 27th. I love this day as so many deals happen. If you are in a fantasy pool with me you know I am the "Trading King". I love to trade for the sake of trading. I have won many deals and lost quite a few as well. Predicting the future is so difficult because there are so many factors. Like making a trade today isn't just one for one but it involves the salary cap, whether GM's are willing to take the risk, and who would be playing on what line.

Let's talk about the biggest name flying around. Supposedly Rick Nash is willing to waive his no trade clause and has given a list of teams he's open to.

According to THE SCORE today, he has short-listed it to 5 teams. Boston, Toronto, SJ, LA, and NYR. Really?

Okay I can understand the Bruins as they look to repeat.

But Toronto? I guess playing with Lupul and Kessel might be the draw but who's playing C? And isn't Nash from that area? But the 'Leaves' (Leafs is incorrect) aren't in a playoff spot if it started today.

SJ makes sense because of these 4 things: 1) Beaches in California 2) The BIG City of LA is near by 3) Getting passes from Joe who's one of the best 4) SJ has a good team that is contending.

LA? Yes they are the BIG CITY in California and you can go watch Kobe & Blake Griffin but their team has struggled. If you want to miss the playoffs go to LA.

The Rangers...come on Rick. If you want your talent to be cut in half then go to the BIG Apple. These guys as good as they are, find ways to choke.

Why wouldn't Vancouver be on that list? You should be begging to go to the Canucks and have a shot of getting great passes from the twins. He might score 40 goals in the last 20 games. I don't think Vancouver will make a deal for Nash but Raymond and Schneider would help restart the building process in Columbus.

My guess is he goes to San Jose.

(Feb 18th, this just in...Darren Dreger off TSN just reported that Philly pulled out of the Nash sweepstakes. Supposedly the Bluejackets are asking for "JVR, Bobrovski, B.Schenn or Couturier" and YES that is too much especially for a guy who's making over $7 million a year)

On Hockey Night in Canada's Hotstove segment they said the 'list' for Nash is shrinking. "Vancouver, NY Rangers, and Boston are all out." Sounds like Columbus is asking for a top end goalie like Rask/Schneider and a bunch of guys off the roster. Rick might end up in Carolina or Winterpeg. haha OR the more likely possibility now is traded in the offseason or under new management not at all. A lot of hype for nothing.

Another name we are hearing a lot lately (probably because I live in Canada) is Luke Schenn. This guy is 22 but not producing. Do you really think Brian Burke is going to move this kid? The problem is he's making WAY too much coin. $4.6 million that young was unwise. Don't get me wrong I am a Brian Burke fan. I love his honesty and the way he does hockey. His resume says it all, as he was key in helping rebuild Vancouver and took the Ducks to win the Cup. Burke will deal him if the payoff is right but I can't see too many teams wanting to dance with Toronto on this one quite yet.

The biggest anticipation in Vancouver is what are the Canucks going to do with 2 #1 goalies? HERE'S MY PREDICTION....drum roll please...nothing. I know lame. But I have this feeling we are not going to move Luongo because no one wants his salary, length of contract, and the way he was inconsistent in the playoffs. Plus Luo controls his own destiny with his no trade clause and will not be approving deals to Columbus any time soon.

Schneider, trust me LOTS of teams want him but they won't pony up because they think they can sign him this off season. But Corey is a RFA not a UFA. So if a team offers him $4 million or more I believe the Canucks get 3 1st round draft picks. He's worth $4 million. He's got ice in his veins and the mechanics to be successful. TB should be beating down Gillis' door for Corey.

I believe the Canucks are better with Schneider. They have a better shot at winning the Cup this year. What if Luongo gets hurt or struggles like he did last year? Or if they start Luo for all the home games and Schneider for all the road games and Van wins the Cup.

Here's a wild theory: If they in fact, keep Corey and want to trade Luongo but can't because he won't give up his no trade clause or other teams don't offer enough, when the playoffs start go with Corey through thick and thin. Win or lose. Let Luongo stay on the bench and get so frustrated that he demands a trade in the offseason. Sign Schneider and move Luongo. Of course easier said than done.

So what are the Canucks going to do at the deadline? Not much...they got a really good team who has another shot of making a significant run. Everyone needs more depth and I think that's what they are going to do, add some D depth and maybe another 3rd line forward in case of injury. If they move someone it could be Raymond who is young and fast.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. Looking forward to the 27th!!! Let the trading begin.