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Checking in on the Canucks Rumors
by Alanah McGinley on 10/02/08 at 04:09 PM ET
Comments (4)
From the Canucks --
They say preseason doesn’t mean anything but don’t tell that to the Canucks, who are undefeated so far in the preseason after five games with two remaining on their schedule. While the games aren’t worth points or standings, the wins don’t hurt and going into the regular season with some confidence can only be encouraging, especially after a summer of change and many skeptics.
Skeptics? Us? Well, sure. It’s what we do, after all. Still, last night’s thrashing of Miika and the Flames was a pleasure to behold, so fans should enjoy the winning streak while it lasts. Pre-season or not, I’ll take my happy moments wherever I can get them and tonight’s game will be online at Canucks.com at 7pm Pacific. (Update: Game feed will be available directly at this link starting at 6:55 pm PT)
Meanwhile, what about those “Kevin Bieksa and Taylor Pyatt to Boston for Marc Savard” rumors?
The internet’s favorite rumor monger is spreading the Bieksa part of it, but the speculation has come from more legitimate sources as well.
Boston’s GM Peter Chiarelli made what sounded (to me) like a half-hearted denial of the rumors to the Boston Herald today:
“We’re not looking to trade Marc Savard,” said Chiarelli, who didn’t rule out other deals. “There’s a chance. I’m looking to improve the team. I’ve had a couple of discussions, more than a couple.”
I’m not sure I believe him, and you have to figure they’ve at least been listening to offers for Savard. Those rumors have been circulating for weeks now, and plenty of people smarter than I am think Chiarelli is willing to lose his star for the right price.
But even if there actually is some truth to them, you have to wonder two things:
- Is Vancouver really a seductive enough location to woo Savard to waive his no-trade clause? If I were in his shoes, I’m not sure how I’d feel about that.
- Is Vancouver willing to lose Bieksa, or even Bieksa and Pyatt to steal the talented Savard?
Obviously, to add missing parts you also have to subtract. But Bieksa and Pyatt both represent significant subtractions to my mind. On the other hand, Savard would be a huge subtraction for the B’s and if I’m Boston, no way I’d want this deal.
But hockey GMs are mysterious creatures. You just never know…
Filed in: vancouver canucks | Canucks and Beyond | Permalink
Tags: boston+bruins, kevin+bieksa, marc+savard, peter+chiarelli, taylor+pyatt,
Comments
I never thought that trading Bieksa was a good idea, despite last year’s issues. At least last season it’s easy to see there were a few good reasons things didn’t work out. I guess I keep remembering how absolutely stellar he was the year before, and I think he can go there again. I hope.
But…
That being said, a trade for Savard is a no-brainer. I’d certainly lose Bieksa for that. But both Pyatt and Bieksa? Pyatt can be replaced… but is Savard worth such a scenario? He’s not a 40 goal guy… he would be yet another great setup man. (Nice, but don’t we have enough ‘set up’ guys at this point?)
The thing is, he’s an excellent player, but his major gift is assists, not rampant goal scoring. And if I’m losing both Bieksa and Pyatt, I want the Kovalchuk-type, dammit, not the Savard-type! 
(I’m just being argumentative here, by the way. I can easily be convinced that I’m wrong… )
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 10/02/08 at 07:52 PM ET
I would think Boston learned their lesson when they traded Joe Thornton.
“We learn from history that we do not learn from history.” — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Posted by BobTheZee on 10/02/08 at 09:53 PM ET
Perhaps the Bruins could benefit extensively from the wisdom of great historical philosophers.
Who knew?!
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 10/03/08 at 12:07 PM ET
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About Canucks & Beyond
Alanah McGinley has been blogging hockey since 2003, sharing opinions, rants and not-so-deep thoughts with anyone who will listen. In addition to writing Canucks & Beyond and helping manage Kukla’s Korner, Alanah is one of the founders and co-hosts of The Crazy Canucks Podcast, as featured at Canucks.com.
She has contributed pieces to FoxSports.com and the New York Times Slapshot blog, as well as other stray destinations in cyberspace.
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Well, it’s probably just another dumb rumour, but…
I would think Boston learned their lesson when they traded Joe Thornton. A few decent players for one excellent player is almost never a good trade. I’d say there’s no way they’d do that deal now.
From the Canucks’ standpoint...I know fans were clamouring to trade Bieksa last year, with Bourdon starting to look like an NHL defenseman, but the depth chart on D looks pretty flimsy this year when you take him out. That would be a big loss, and I think he’s going to have a great year this year.
And sorry, but Pyatt looks like a spare part to me this year. He’s a fine player, but so replaceable. I know he’s big, but also slow and inconsistent. Better to give some extra ice time to Hansen and Raymond if they stick.
But would I give up one of the team’s four good defensemen for a legitimate top-6 goal scorer? In a second!
Posted by Jeremy from Summerland on 10/02/08 at 03:46 PM ET