In today’s Province, this news:
Amid rampant rumours the Canucks are actively shopping the Sedin twins, their agent J. P. Barry said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if one or both were dealt during the NHL draft weekend. Speculation has one or both the twins being traded Friday.
Canucks GM Mike Gillis admitted he has fielded several inquiries from other teams regarding forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin but said he hasn’t seen a legitimate offer. Gillis said the twins are still in his long-term plans.
“We are not actively trying to trade the Sedins in any form,” Gillis said. “A lot of teams have been calling but we are trying to sign them long-term.”
I’m curious about the source of this “speculation.” Something credible or just message board talk?
Personally, I’m betting on the message boards—or maybe just the typical Vancouver sports radio call-in-show blather that I tend to tune out. If it’s coming from someone with actual sources, I certainly haven’t stumbled across it.
Regardless, I tend to believe Gillis here, but the Sedins’ agent isn’t so sure. Says J.P. Barry: “Based on everything I’ve read the last couple of months, I wouldn’t be surprised. I can’t say that it would shock me.”
I suppose it’s possible, but I suspect it’s more likely Barry is pushing for talks to start on a couple contract extensions and wants to put pressure on Gillis. But given that the Sedins have another year on their contract, the Canucks GM really has no compelling reason to worry about it right now.
Besides, with $36 million of breathing space available under the cap, is there really any rush to trade away the only two guys on your team that can score?
Update 3:48pm PT: I should have also mentioned, the Canucks can’t do an extension with the Sedins till after July 1st, anyway. For the interested, here are a few words from Darren Dreger at TSN on the topic [video]. Nothing really new there, but what the hell.
Update 5:08pm PT: Matthew Sekeres on the same topic at the Globe & Mail tonight. (I’m starting to think J.P. Barry sent out a press release…) :)
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