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Buyers or Sellers? Let the speculating begin.
Again, it all depends on where we are as a team come trade deadline day. If we're within 2-3 points of a playoff spot, we'll be buyers. However - if we're anywhere between 4+ points out with other teams having games in hand, then we'll be sellers. Period.
Unlike the tank crowd, I don't want to see 'selling' of any kind between now and deadline day. Management needs to give players the vote of confidence that if the team is fighting hard enough and is within playoff contention, then management will absolutely support them. It sends a TERRIBLE message to players if your management 'pulls the rug' underneath you 2-3 weeks before deadline day.
Now obviously - if we aren't where we need to be as a team come deadline day, then by all means, sell. However - do not sell every Tom, Dick, and Harry over the age of 27.
-Move Vrbata for a 2nd (I'd say 1st but I can't see it happening). I would actually consider moving Vrbata regardless of whether we're in playoff contention or not (if we're in contention, then only move Vrbata for a 1st otherwise keep him).
-Move Hamhuis for a 1st (a.k.a. The "Vermette" deal where we re-sign him in the off-season).
-Do whatever you can to move Prust or Higgins (although it's likely a no-go at this point).
-If a team is absurd enough to take on Burrows' contract (a la Bieksa/Anaheim), move Burrows and run.
-If someone gives us an unbelievable offer for Hansen or Miller (i.e. 1st rounder), take it and run (I can't see it happening though).
However - IF we are buyers.
-Consider trading 2nd's for highly talented 20-23 year olds that for whatever reason, haven't panned out on their original teams. For example - what Benning did with Baertschi and Vey. Only thing I'd do differently here is focusing on defensemen.
-If you're going to make a true 'hockey' deal, get some young guy aged 22-26 that can help us win now and in the future.
-If you're going to bring in a Brandon Prust type guy again, offer a 4th or 5th at most that will be a UFA at season's end.
On these terms, you can buy. I think what scares most Canuck fans are moves like a 2nd round pick for old vets like Derek Roy. I don't see Benning doing anything like this. Certain posters also have this notion in their heads that Benning will try and trade for a guy like Ladd, but this won't happen (unless I myself have misunderstood Benning and his intentions).
p.s._______________As for my vote, I'll have to vote 'neither' right now because I won't have my mind made up until the actual deadline day or the day before. Come to think of it, if it was up to me, I'd consider doing BOTH if I was Benning (with whom I'd target listed above).