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.
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