I still think the Canucks will make the playoffs regardless, simply because they have one of the easiest schedules in the league down the stretch. They'd be lucky to win a round, obviously. They've had some injury woes, and continue to.
The question is, what do you do if you're the GM and want to start re-building? Can't trade the Sedins - just re-signed to dual NTC's. Don't want to trade Kesler or Edler - both still under 30. Obviously can't trade Luongo, Bieksa has a NTC, Booth is worthless. Burrows would be a sell-low situation.
It doesn't help much to wait until the offseason either - the only guys whose contracts are expiring are guys like Tanev, Kassian and Hansen, all of whom will assumedly be re-signed. The team contract situation is set up for a rebuild in like... 2017. Gillis painted himself into a corner.
|