| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| admin |
Posted - 02/28/2012 : 21:40:43
Fantasy Impact: The Vancouver Canucks trade forward Cody Hodgson and defenseman Alexander Sulzer to the Buffalo Sabres for forward Zach Kassian and defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani
The Sabres get: a potential No.1 center who at this point could probably slot in at No.2. They also get a depth defenseman who can play a few games when needed to be a PP QB on the second unit, if one of their top guys are hurt.
The Canucks get: a future power forward and an underrated power-play quarterback.
Fantasy Players Impacted: Gragnani will slide into the void left by Christian Ehrhoff as the No.2 PP QB in Vancouver. His fantasy value just went from zero to decent. Look for at least 12 points going from now until the end of the season, plus playoff value - remember that he had seven points in seven games in the playoffs last year.
Kassian may see some NHL time, but that is not certain. The Canucks added Pahlsson, which is essentially trading offense (Hodgson) for defense (Pahlsson). Eventually, though, the Canucks would like to see Kassian do what Milan Lucic has been doing for the Bruins. Warning - he may be a 40-point guy for three or four years before reaching his potential of close to 70.
In Buffalo, I don't like this fit for Hodgson. With Derek Roy, Luke Adam and Tyler Ennis already there, how many offensive centers can they use? It just doesn't fit, something has to give - their points/production will cannibalize each other. If things loosen up this summer in terms of the logjam, I will like this better.
Andrej Sekera will benefit from the added PP time, potentially.
Other thoughts - let's not forget that Cody Hodgson had the back problems a couple of years ago, and refused to go to Vancouver to train with their specialist and rather go off with his own in Brampton. That didnt' sit well with the Canucks and at that point I knew that he wouldn't be a career Canuck. I was surprised that he was with them this long. But what they did was "sell high". They waited until he was healthy and proven, and highly-regarded. Then they moved him. I think what you will find is that he gets hurt a lot. Just a hunch, but that's how I look at the player. A 45-point rookie with upside gives people a lot of hope, but Kassian could/should be a 45-point rookie with upside next year. And he's huge, which fits a need. Adding mobility in Gragnani is just icing on the cake. Don't underestimate how well Vancouver did here. In my opinion - give me the Vancouver side. I know I'm in the minority, but let's talk in 2015.
Fantasy Players this helps, in order:
1. Gragnani
2. Sekera
Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:
1. Ennis
2. Hodgson - although in the long run, he has a better chance of being the go-to guy.
3. Roy - increases offseason trade odds
4. Kevin Bieksa takes a small hit.
Written by Dobber of www.Dobberhockey.com
****************************
****************************
Have an opinion on this article? Let us know. Just hit reply below and post your thoughts. Anything goes...but keep your head up. And don't foget to visit our Dobber Hockey friends at www.dobberhockey.com/
****************************
****************************
PickupHockey.com is your online hockey community. We're always looking for sharp volunteer writers. If you feel that you'd like to contribute please send us an email at admin at pickuphockey.com
****************************
****************************
PickupHockey.com and the owners of PickupHockey.com do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed on its website of the volunteer writers. The opinions expressed here in this and other posts are solely the opinions of the writers.
|
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| blade |
Posted - 03/05/2012 : 16:19:27
This deal just doesnt make any sense to me? |
| Shepsky |
Posted - 03/05/2012 : 11:47:39
Derek Roy, as mentioned will most likely be traded in the offseason, not only is his point production not what was expected of him, the media in Buffalo hasn't been really loving of this guy. He just doesn't seem to be clicking in Buffalo anymore. with Roy out of the picture, this will open up some space at the center position. That's why I think Buffalo did well on this trade. They now have the upper hand when dealing Roy, as they already have a suitable (arguably better) replacement. |
| n/a |
Posted - 02/29/2012 : 05:08:04
Disagree emphatically.
I say this puts Hodgson on the road to stardom, and his numbers go up. INCREASED ICE TIME, Dobber . . . get it? Look at his TOI to points ratio . . . he is an amazing player, this kid.
And to top it off, he is sure to get a chance with Vanek, as the offense has stalled in Buffalo . . . they have a bunch of centres, dude, because they haven't found their top centre! Derek Roy has sucked since coming back . . . and Hodgson is guaranteed to get every chance with the top wingers, Vanek being the best obviously.
I predict a points bonanza for Hodgson, myself.
I do agree with Derek Roy though . . . he is likely to be dealt in the offseason, depending on the end results here.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
|
|
