Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Since the middle of last season I started to view the Canucks entirely differently, and as not much of a playoff threat. When they were bounced handily by LA in five games, I thought there were some very telling signs about their long-term future, and none of them good. In my opinion, the Canucks are likely not a good bet to win more than a playoff round this season, and I think could be a long-shot to even advance past this. The window looks nearly closed to me.
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I agree. Just 2 years ago the Canucks looked pretty set for the future with Kesler on top of the world and with an up-and-coming Hodgson for the 2C spot. Now that Kesler has made his Selke season look like a fluke and Hodgson's gone, the Canucks have been trending down big time. If the Sedins' contracts can't be extended, there will be 2 massive holes on the top line that they can't easily plug, and with Kesler's injury tendencies you have to believe they will have the worst centre lineup in the league 2 years from now. Mike Gillis will have to turn water into wine in order to prevent this team from becoming a celler-dweller.
Back on topic: This was a good trade for VAN and Roy addresses their need for a 2C, but if they can't re-sign him (and it looks like they won't be able to), then the above scenario will still be looming over them.