Well I don't think that I am that pessimistic about the Canucks. I do think that the second line center is a position that at the current time is a massive whole on the team, especially in a shortened season. Kesler missing a couple months in a regular season would be a whatever occurrence, however in a short year where he hasn't been able to work out/condition to the usual level it could prove to be dicey. With regards to Schroeder I have my doubts, he is a small, skilled player who hasn't really excelled at the AHL level to date - I mean he is getting outscored by Andrew Ebbett, not really a great indication that he is ready to make any leap at the current time... however he is still young so it would be insanely stupid to write him off as a bust.
I don't think that Schneider will be a problem, however in a short season with a large number of back to back games (I presume) it would be nice to have a dependable backup who can shoulder some of the load.
As you say though it really does depend on what the eventual Luongo trade happens to be, personally I don't think it will be as bad for the Canucks as people here make it out to be, but at the same time the Canucks won't get fair value for a top 5 NHL goaltender (in my opinion).
|