fandom on the edge
June 30th, 2008 by thewordbirdVancouver fandom is busy (in late June….) speculating about the lineup for October with the acquisition of Kyle Wellwood, dreaming up trade possibilities, ‘trying-on’ potential UFAs and projecting how and when draft picks will enter the system.
Refer to my previous articles on my thoughts on the waiver pickup of Wellwood. With the trades between the Oilers and Kings, Tampa and Philadelphia’s proactive approach - things are heating up big time. I will post tomorrow morning during the UFA flurry as well.
With management pondering contract offers for Pavol Demitra among others, fans must be disappointed that Ryan Malone can be counted out on the available list. Gary Roberts and Malone’s negotiating rights were traded to Tampa Bay on Saturday, so stay tuned to Hockeyanalysis.com for the latest in the UFA stories, including whether or not Malone decides to sign with the Bolts. The Lightning have also traded for the rights to gritty leader, Brian Rolston. Can he play goal?
Demitra on the other hand has visited Vancouver last month and would be dealing with his former agent, Mike Gillis. Draw what conclusions you may. Pavol’s faceoff percentage is not great and that is of concern (or should be at ~45%) to the Canucks. Demitra’s faceoff percentage went up in the playoff series in which the Avs defeated Minnesota with 53%. Demitra has 14 years experience, is a better defensive player than he receives credit for and seems to have some gas left. I just don’t know if I’d add him to my roster ranks at this point. I would have made a potent offer for Marleau first.
I will follow this up soon with my look at the Canucks’ draftees.
Robin Keith Thompson
June 30th, 2008
One Response to “fandom on the edge”
By Troy on Jun 30, 2008
I hear some rumors the Bolts have interest in Ray Emery and/or Jose Theodore. As for Rolston, that’s got to be a move to bring in a) leadership and, in the case of Roberts, sandpaper.
Koules and the new ownership is doing a good job, but I hope they don’t go overboard.
And Malone was signed to a 7 yr/31 mil deal