The Vancouver Canucks took a big step in improving their depth at forward and defence on Monday, acquiring center Bryan Smolinski from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a conditional second round pick in 2007, and re-acquiring defenseman Brent Sopel from the LA Kings for second and fourth round picks.
Smolinski was one of Chicago’s best forwards this season, but he was unlikely to re-sign with the struggling Blackhawks this season, which made him expendable by the deadline.
He’s a versatile forward who can play center and the wing, and his playoff experience with the Ottawa Senators should make him a valuable addition to the Canucks, who’ve been in the market for depth at center since losing Ryan Kesler to injury several weeks ago.
It’s believed Nonis may also be in the market for blueline depth, but by taking on the remainder of Smolinski’s salary he may not have enough cap space available to pull that off.
As for the Blackhawks, this signals the start of what’s become seemingly an annual fire sale of veteran players as their rebuilding process lurches painfully along.
It’s believed the ‘Hawks could also shop one of their backup goalies (Brian Boucher or Patrick Lalime), and may be trying to peddle defenseman Jassen Cullimore and forward Martin Lapointe, although the latter hopes he’ll remain with the ‘Hawks for the final year of his contract.
Sopel’s best seasons were during his previous tenure with the Canucks from 2000 to 2004, including a career best 42-point season in 2003-04. He’s since played for the New York Islanders and the Kings but failed to achieve the same numbers.
He thrived under the team’s former all-out offensive attack, so it’ll be interesting to see how Sopel fits in under the Canucks new defensive system. His puckmoving ability should help bolster their offensive attack.
If nothing else, he'll likely be happy to be back with a playoff contender, in the city where he had his best seasons.
Best of all for Canucks GM Dave Nonis, he didn’t have to sacrifice anyone off his roster to land these two.
Sweet deal for the Canucks, didn't give up much of anything and added help in the areas they needed it the most. I agree that it will be interesting to see how Sopel fits in to the new style of play. Smolinski should make an impact right away.
It definitely improves the Canucks, no doubt... make them the fave in the West? I don't think so. I'd have to pick either Nashville or Detroit. Anaheim is already showing cracks in their armor and San Jose doesn't have a decent backup to Toskala at the moment.
This is a great trade for the 'Nucks, we gave up nothing and added two big parts to what is slowly shaping up as a real dark horse run to the playoffs.
Smolinksi is a great replacement for Kesler, and Sopel makes a great addition to an already strong blue line, and always great to have an old Canucks alum back in the fold
hey guys, of course it makes the Canucks a favorate in the west. I told myself this morning we should land Smoke and we got em!I did'n think we were gettin Sopel but i'm sure glad he's back. He played great for us and i think the blue line is definetly the blueline is goin to be tough to get get goals by. The Canucks have been playin' amazin since dec 26 and I think they will keep the good pace. They should be able to win the division and get third seed, maybe second depending on how anaheim does. if not, they are still in for sure and once loungo get's the taste of playoffs, I think they should go far. I can't wait for the palyoffs!!!! GO CANUCKS!!!
Last edited by Slick50 on February 26th at 5:47 PM.
Awsome trade for Vancouver, Nonis is the man. Nucks get 2 good players and give up little. Its seams Nonis gets whatever he goes after, and they didn't overpay! What does he know that the other GM's don't ??
Hey Dean why can't you get a young player or a blue liner instead of picks in a crappy draft. You already did Vancouver a favor by taking good old Colutier.
Oh I forgot you have no clue what your doing.
And who is going to take Sopel's minutes
There is nobody at Manchester ready to play in tne NHL on the blueline
Just curious.
Last edited by True_kings_fan on February 26th at 6:56 PM.
This is a great deal for the Cannucks. I wonder how Smoke would play along side the Sedin twins? One question I've gotta as is why is everyone favouring Detroit so much? Nashville I can understand. They've got good goaltending and a bunch of guys who can move the puck and put it in the net... but Detroit? I question their captin's leadership and I question the heart of half the team not because they're European, but because Datsuck doesn't show up for the playoffs because it doesn't pay very well. Is Datsucker a UFA next season? If he is I could see him putting some effort into his work this coming season.
Ducks and Predators should be the team to watch. If Nas can get his rear in gear and become a threat again Vancouver will be a definate threat. I love what they've got on the blueline and they've got the 2nd best goalie in the NHL.
It seems like two solid deals for the Canucks as they get a pretty solid 4th defenseman in Sopel and of course Smolinski who is a great two-way forward and is a decent player who will give the Canucks some good depth.
For the Kings they get a few draft picks to help them for the future as this is another team I look at and see them being solid pretty soon as they only have a few holes to fill and some solid players emerging like Frolov and of course the kid Kopitar.
Overall, I think it's a good deal. Smolinski is a good 2 way player, and fits the new Canuck demand that forwards come back and support the D. Nonis also didn't give away the farm, and kept the core intact. I'm not a Sopel fan, so I'm sorry to see him return. He can be a HUGE defensive liability. His capacity to give the puck away was (in the past) absolutley maddening. However, his +/- numbers are OK this year, so maybe he's improved. Also, he's better than Krajicek. Definitely this has improved the team, but real progress will only come if big $ forwards step it up in playoffs.
Last edited by Grapeman on February 26th at 8:08 PM.
I'm stil surprised that they got these guys at such a cheap price. Chicago really dropped the ball on this. A condional 2nd round pick? I don't get that. He's a gritty guy with a lot of character.
I was wondering the whole time if Roberts was going to head for Vancouver. I guess the price is too high and the location doesn't work for Roberts. If he lands in Ottawa then the Sens should be good for the semi finals.
Vancouver VS New Jersey. It would be a pretty good finals. The two best goalies in hockey.
I heard a radio report on my local ESPN radio station that Roberts is going to be dealt to Pittsburg pending Roberts's approval since he does have a no-trade clause. Any truth to that? Anyways Sopel for a 2nd and 4th rounder isn't that bad of a return but yes i agree with Kings fan i wish they got a prospect instead.
Posted by Mace2797:
"For the Kings they get a few draft picks to help them for the future as this is another team I look at and see them being solid pretty soon as they only have a few holes to fill and some solid players emerging like Frolov and of course the kid Kopitar.
Good trade on both sides."
I agree that the Kings will be solid really soon, too bad one of those few holes to fill is franchise goalie. Other than that I like the trade for LA. Especially if the 2nd round draft pick is the one involved in the Dan Cloutier trade. Some retribution in is order from that debacle. I wondered tho, if Chicago has a conditional 2nd rounder (guessin if smoke signs with VAN) and they traded a 2nd to LA, who gets the better pick?
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
