Av-merican wrote:
Guddy's little more than a #4 d-man with below average puck skills.
TSN1040 reported today that Tyson Barrie trade talks stalled between the Avs and Nucks.
Yes Guddy is a #4 D-man (as opposed to even #3) which is precisely what the Canucks need - a shut down D-man with an intimidating presence. Not a puck moving offensive threat (well they need that too, but that's a story for a different day). If you look at the Sharks and Blues series, each team have an enormous back end. The West and in particular the Pacific Division is still a blood sport. The Canucks were completely manhandled this season which is a problem in itself.
Anyways, say goodbye to Hamhuis Vancouver. The Canucks seem to think Guddy will compliment Hutton's development and o-side instincts for the game, with a good first pass and responsible in his own end etc.
I can understand the logic behind the Canucks going after a young top 4 D-man. Their back end was a mess last year. What I struggle to comprehend is how they think they are going score goals in the coming years. They should be compiling draft picks and prospects, not trading them away.
The trade would have looked more palatable if they didn't throw in that 33rd pick.
Fancy stats people don't like the deal for Vancouver, but everyone else seems to like the kid's heart and applied skill set for what he is, re-affirming Benning's meat and potatoes approach.
Personally I'm ok with the trade. By all accounts, McCann's attitude over being a healthy scratch became a problem as the season progressed, which is saying a lot considering he could have easily played Junior or AHL hockey last year. Time will tell.
As for Florida, I understand this is was an asset management move, more of a salary dump than a hockey trade. Many pundits are claiming that Tallon has lost his hockey ops power and this was all Tom Rowe.
Also aren't the Panthers already 4 deep at Center for years to come? Not sure where McCann would fit in but maybe they think he can be a Winger (I think a mistake). Perhaps he's an ultra long term project or trade bait for another team.