Vokoun to Canucks --- Biron to Wild

[Mango]

Thanks to Grant for the simple discussion on this deal.

Deal breakdown:
To Canucks
Tomas Vokoun
3rd rounder (Florda)

To Wild
Martin Biron
1st rounder (Anaheim)

Martin Biron knew his tenure was up in Vancouver and came to the GM, asking to be dealt before becoming an UFA on July 1. Tomas Vokoun comes with a hefty price tag. However, with our backup position set and the math figured out on our RFAs, we will be able to afford him for this season. When it comes time for him to be a UFA, his grid salary will actually be cheaper compared to what he is currently making.

In terms of draft picks, everyone was after our 1st rounder which is not available. We have a player in mind we’d like to draft at that position. It’s actually someone I’ve followed very closely this season in the junior ranks and we are hoping (praying!) that he’s still available when it comes time to make our selection.

Giving up that Anaheim 1st rounder was tough, considering the Doug Risebrough-ish move I made last year. However, this was the only deal for a true starter where I did not have to give up one of Zajac, Krejci or Setoguchi. The draft is apparently deep so we are happy to add a 3rd rounder to our selection of picks.

The good news is, we are currently in deals to acquire another first rounder, albeit, a late one.

Martin Biron has been with our organization for a few years now and we wish him much luck.

Other notes:
Meanwhile, Antero Niittymaki is still available if someone is looking for a good backup. He’s also in the UFA fold and the asking price is not high. I do suspect he’ll get a slight ratings raise as he saved Biron’s butt a few times in Philly during the NHL regular season. Actually both of those guys are UFAs for the Flyers this summer, so who knows what will happen.

Up for discussion:
What’s the asking price for higher end UFAs right now? I thought one trade proposal I received was through the roof, but then I starting getting more like it and realized it looked like that would be the norm this off season. The question is, will anyone bite?

[simmer2]

Two goalies moving in the same day, that's kinda crazy. This looks like a pretty even deal in my mind. Both goalies are decent, but Vokoun is a step above IMO so this should hopefully help the Canucks.

Good job getting a difficult trade like this one done.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by simmer2

Good job getting a difficult trade like this one done.

Oddly enough...this is one of the easiest deals I've ever done in my CPHL tenure. Grant is so easy peasy!

[JiriHrdina]

Vokoun was a monster for me this season - however - I really made this deal looking ahead to a tough situation next off-season when Vokoun is up. At his age - that's a tough UFA to sign to a 3 year grid deal.

Biron is no slam dunk either but I can sign him to a grid deal this year - and he'll be good for at least 2 years...and by the third year hopefully Corey Schneider is ready to step in.

Thanks to Mango for an easy deal.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

Even Steven.