Maybe they are packaging Cory Schneider for a top six forward.

Posted by Andrew Mack on 12/30/08 at 10:59 PM ET

You never know Andrew.  Niklas Backstrom contract negotiations are going nowhere in Minny, so let the Gaborik to Vancouver rumors begin!

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 12/30/08 at 11:05 PM ET

“Maybe they are packaging Cory Schneider for a top six forward.”

Can I assume you’re kidding?

Eventually, they just may do that (that would be my bet, anyway) but for now I’m sure the idea is to give him some more AHL experience. He’s a star-of-the-future, but not quite ready for the NHL perhaps…

Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 12/30/08 at 11:06 PM ET

...it also inevitably hints at more concerns about Roberto Luongo’s recovery timetable.

Exactly, Alanah.

You guys should be very, very worried right now.  I don’t see any reason for the Canucks to make this deal except that they know that Luongo is nowhere near ready to come back, and want someone to take the load off Sanford, or Sanford to take the load off Labarbera.

Posted by Primis on 12/30/08 at 11:08 PM ET

You heard it here first.

In all honesty, it’s probably just bad news after Luongo took that skate today, but with the best goalie in the league as your regular goalie, it makes sense to use your best asset to bring in another forward, especially since the Canucks are in a good position cap-wise. I’m not suggesting anything is imminent or going to happen, but it is far from impossible.

Posted by Andrew Mack on 12/30/08 at 11:11 PM ET

This does not bode well for my fantasy squad… oh, or your team. Not a fun situation and fans are left guerssing. I hate that feeling.

Posted by Paul Nicholson from Nashville, TN on 12/30/08 at 11:13 PM ET

Primis: “I don’t see any reason for the Canucks to make this deal except that they know that Luongo is nowhere near ready to come back”

I am concerned, but there is also the matter of a failed return a few weeks ago (re-tweaking his injury) so maybe the Canucks are looking to be extra careful this time… taking it really slow? So it might still be a while till he comes back, but maybe that’s precautionary and not apocalyptic. (*knock on wood*)

Andrew Mack: ”You heard it here first.”

Aren’t you a cheerful guy.

You’re right, it’s possible. I was debating the issue on Twitter with someone actually. I just think that the Canucks are going to be wanting to hold onto Schneider till they can get maximum value out of his trade… and right now (to my mind) that’s questionable.

Paul Nicholson: ”This does not bode well for my fantasy squad… oh, or your team. Not a fun situation and fans are left guessing.”

Thanks for the sympathy. Good luck with your fantasy team… pick up LaBarbera quick!

Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 12/31/08 at 12:27 AM ET

Maybe they are packaging Cory Schneider for a top six forward.

After the way he played tonight against the Flyers?
Not a chance… they have no reason to deal away such a talented prospect with Sundin on the way and cap room to add another player before trade deadline.

Cory Schneider was absolutely outstanding in the 2nd and 3rd period tonight, anyone who saw that game surely was amazed at some of those great saves, a couple were spectacular.

Posted by PuckHound61 from Speckville USA on 12/31/08 at 12:35 AM ET

Vigneault said Sanford was going to be out for a week or two due to a groin injury at his post game conf last night - making sense that he was pulled after the first period.  This move has nothing to do with Luongo.  Labarbara and Schneider with be our tandem for the next week or two.

Posted by Mark from Maple Ridge on 12/31/08 at 12:58 PM ET