Go Canucks Go !

[Incidentalist]

What can they do about him? Do you really think another team is going to take on that contract? According to capgeek, he is under contract for 11 more seasons, with the next 7 at $6.7 million. Also, doesn't he have a NTC? That severly limits what the Canucks can do with him. In order to move him, I think that they would have to eat a large portion of that contract and I don't think they have the cap space in which to do it. This is why you don't sign a goalie to this type of contract (see also: DiPietro, Rick).

That said, Schneider looked great. Very cool under pressure for such a young goalie. He kept them in game 6 and gave the team a chance to attempt a comeback. Having him on the team definitely makes the goalie situation in Vancouver an interesting one. I look forward to seeing how they will address it, but they don't HAVE TO do anything until next offseason.

So, for the Canuck fans on here, which defenseman(men?) will be wearing a different uniform next season and what to do with Ballard?

[bla2000]

Luongo will be difficult to trade so it is probably unlikely. There are some options written in the contract for both the club and Luongo where each can end the contract. I don't know the details about when those kick in.

It's more likely that Schneider will be traded rather than Luongo because he is easier to move and then Canucks have hyped up Eddie Laak as another goalie in the system. Supposely he played great for the farm club last year.

On defense I think the Canucks will try their best to sign Bieksa and hopefully they can at about 4.5 mil. Ballard may be given another chance to prove his value like Bieksa was this year. Ballard is a difficult contract to move due to his poor play and injury plagued season. Erhoff may go to the highest bidder and that could be Detriot now that Rafalski has retired. Salo may retire, be let go, or signed if he was to come back really cheap such as at 1 mil. Alberts played well at his current salary but I don't know if the Canucks can keep him at that price. He may get better offers.

In a dream scenario somehow Gillis acquires Shea Webber if Erhoff goes. Then assuming they can keep Bieksa you have a defense of: Webber, Hamhuis, Bieksa, Edler, Tanev, and Rome. Plus some other cheap veterans signings for depth.

[bla2000]

Just read about the clauses in Luongo's contract. Luo has an out after 5 years and the club 7 years. So currently those clause a insignificant.

[Ductapeman]

With all his issues, Luo is still the best goalie in Vancouver history, and AV would be nuts to let him go. It's nice to see Schneids get a little more net time, though. I have a hunch that Luo may not be completely over some of the medical issues he had in recent memory. (Did you guys see the list of injuries on the Canucks side after the playoffs? Broken hands, fingers, enough to stop any sane man.)

Now it's time for the new season, and as any true Canucks fan knows it takes a while to get the team into the swing of things again, particularly with the short off-season this year. My feeling is that they'll be better this year than they were last year-- and they were one game away from the Cup last year, in case you "forgot." GO CANUCKS!!!

[efstuck]

Yay for canucks! From vancouver here. Lou better prove himself this playoffs.... even though we were 1 win from the stanley cup...everyone still shat on lou and I hate that!! Need lou to step up and shut all the haters up!!

I hate how easily canucks fans can turn!

[Incidentalist]

Congrats to the Canucks for winning the President's trophy. That said, 'Let's go Blues!!'

[gunga]

Just need 1 more win in the playoffs this year... Just 1 more...

[Incidentalist]

The western conference playoffs are going to be brutally tough this year. Each series looks like it could easily go to a full 7 games. I wouldn't feel completely comfortable as a fan of any western team as nobody is going to have an easy ride. It's my favorite time of the year, I can't wait for the playoffs to start. It's gonna be wild!

[gunga]

I agree. The Western conference is brutal this year. Let the games begin!

[Incidentalist]

Not looking good for the Canucks. Quick has been a monster, true to his Vezina caliber season. I hope the Canucks can win a few so the Kings don't get a week plus of recovery time.

At least they didn't goon it up like the classless Penguins. Cindy showing his true punk colors, so much talent and so little respect for the game or opposing players. Gutless!!!

Anybody else chuckle at the guys t-shirt behind the Canucks bench?

[Bobondanet]

Man, the Canucks can't catch a break! I'm a Wings fan, and they exited the playoffs early as well. The Canucks deserve a Cup, maybe next year. Luongo will be the talk of the post-season for sure.

[gunga]

I'll be watching the BC lions now. They just won a grey cup, so it's nice to have a team in town that wins the big prize. Will be an interesting (and long) off season.