The "What in Hades are you doing?" Brian Burke rant thread.

Ok lets hear the rant. Yesterday, Burke was a God after signing Selanne and Pahlsson. Today, he is chop liver for trading Leclerc and Rooch for jack squat. How things can turn on a dime.

:eek:

LeClerc no prob.....but Rucchin, the heart and soul of the Ducks......WOW!

How did you suppose we would pay for our free agents?

Somebody good had to go.

Ok lets hear the rant. Yesterday, Burke was a God after signing Selanne and Pahlsson. Today, he is chop liver for trading Leclerc and Rooch for jack squat. How things can turn on a dime.

I'm sure he has some other moves up his sleeve...he always does.

But let's wait to criticize/praise him in June

Well, we knew we were going to have to let some people go. I can respect that Carlyle has a system and Leclerc and Rooch don't fit into it. All I can say is that it better show some signs of working.

Yowza.... Who do you think will be the new Captain?

I'm not criticizing trading players. If it makes the club better, I'm all for it. But what did these trade add? We didn't get anything of value for two core players. Yeah, I know we get cap relief but Burke isn't even trying. Get some value for these guys for god sake. I know other teams aren't giving much but at least we can get some value to set up for the future.

Somebody good had to go.
Yea, I think everyone is just in a little bit of shock. Coming into the offseason I didn't think Burke would do much, thought he would really make it his team next year, or during the season. I didn't think he would make so many bold moves so fast. We did just get rid of our 2 slowest top 6 forwards though, he wants the team to be fast and offensive minded. I probably would of rather not get Gilles in the trade, it feels like a slap in the face because of how terrible he is. I guess he will give Davis some competition in Portland :dunno: .

I'm sure he has some other moves up his sleeve...he always does.
But let's wait to criticize/praise him in June
Yea, I don't think he is done either. I hope we don't give to much money to Salei !

Yowza.... Who do you think will be the new Captain?
Carney for sure.

:eek:

LeClerc no prob.....but Rucchin, the heart and soul of the Ducks......WOW!

My thought exactly.
Rucchin was also an excellent defensive forward and a decent offensive producer.
This could hurt even more if next year Sykora say goodbye to Anaheim.

Before everyone gets so worked up, keep in mind that it seems like Burke has two moves planned out in advance. He cuts Skoula and we were all wondering what exactly was going on (except for me who knew we were getting a defenseman after that). :teach:

Burke has something up his sleave, and I imagine it's going to be a 2nd line center. The three logical choices if he does nothing (and I don't think he can with the cap) would be Niedermayer, Getzlaf or McDonald.

I'd be ok with a 2nd line of Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Selanne... Getzlaf is solid defensively with a scoring touch. I know Mr. Frink isn't going to be happy, but Getzlaf is two years past his draft year, he'll be fine.

this will be interesting to see how the new team works together, with Ruch leaving it changes the look and feel of the team for me.

Before everyone gets so worked up, keep in mind that it seems like Burke has two moves planned out in advance. He cuts Skoula and we were all wondering what exactly was going on (except for me who knew we were getting a defenseman after that). :teach:

Burke has something up his sleave, and I imagine it's going to be a 2nd line center. The three logical choices if he does nothing (and I don't think he can with the cap) would be Niedermayer, Getzlaf or McDonald.

I'd be ok with a 2nd line of Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Selanne... Getzlaf is solid defensively with a scoring touch. I know Mr. Frink isn't going to be happy, but Getzlaf is two years past his draft year, he'll be fine.
There's no money to add a second line center unless yet another trade involving Sykora or Carney or Salei or Fedorov or Ozolinsh or Giguere takes place. And then we'd have a hole somewhere else.

There's no money to add a second line center unless yet another trade involving Sykora or Carney or Salei or Fedorov or Ozolinsh or Giguere takes place. And then we'd have a hole somewhere else.
That seems to be the only way for the Ducks to add a 2nd line center.

There won't be any adding I don't think. A second line center will have to evolve organically from the goo left in Rucchin's locker.

What?

wonder how this will go over with season ticket holders.

Honestly, the emotional loss of both players might be worse than the actual on-ice loss.

Losing Rucchin sucks, and we don't really have a sure-fire replacement, but then he's no spring chicken and we were going to need a new 2nd line center within the next year or two anyway, whether we re-signed him next summer or not.

Leclerc's a guy who we loved for what he brought when he was in the lineup ... but that wasn't often. He could be the 2nd coming of Gretzky, but that wouldn't help us on nights when he's at half speed or sitting in the press box.

I suspect that if we were more objective about the situation we wouldn't be taking it so hard, and we could accept these trades as a necessary salary dump. That being said, the fact is we ARE emotionally attached to these two players.

Burke has not been very impressive this off-season, and I don't say that as a bitter Canuck fan at all. His protege Dave Nonis has made very shrewd moves, getting a 2nd rounder for Sopel, knowing there is no way we could afford his arbitration award.

Also, getting Anson Carter, Richard Park and Steve Mccarthy for the combined price that the Rangers are paying Marek Malik too.

Burke has not impressed me at all, I hate both these trades, and I think he should have drafted JJ. Rucchin is the heart of this team, and would have helped Getzlaf mature quite a bit. I also feel Leclerc is a more valuable player then Teemu at this point, as Teemu looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season.

I liked Burke here, and I still do. He has suprised me in a bad way so far.

I'd be ok with a 2nd line of Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Selanne... Getzlaf is solid defensively with a scoring touch. I know Mr. Frink isn't going to be happy, but Getzlaf is two years past his draft year, he'll be fine.

First off it's Professor, not Mr. I didn't go through 6 years of cartoon professor school to be called Mr. thank you very much.

My views were based on what we had at the time. But with our current situation all roads seemingly point to Getzlaf. I don't agree with it, in fact I would much rather see McDonald start there(2nd line C) but I now see Getzlaf as really our only alternative. Iy sucks because I think rushing him will be horrible, but time will tell.

Usually I a much more adament about this but the Rucchin thing has me a little off tonight.

Wasn't everyone criticizing Rooch for being soft in the 03-04 season? Sure it isn't great to lose Rooch but to be honest, I'd rather lose Rooch than Sykora. And Leclerc can be replaced. Burke will probably make another trade or something. Look at it this way, we traded Rucchin for an enforcer, a draft pick, and Selanne. And we are probably paying the enforcer and Selanne less than Rucchin makes. Plus, Selanne will score more than Rucchin. I think the Ducks will be just fine.

Ok lets hear the rant. Yesterday, Burke was a God after signing Selanne and Pahlsson. Today, he is chop liver for trading Leclerc and Rooch for jack squat. How things can turn on a dime.
May I now beat on Burkie again or is he still a God on this Board????

Burke has not been very impressive this off-season, and I don't say that as a bitter Canuck fan at all. His protege Dave Nonis has made very shrewd moves, getting a 2nd rounder for Sopel, knowing there is no way we could afford his arbitration award.

Also, getting Anson Carter, Richard Park and Steve Mccarthy for the combined price that the Rangers are paying Marek Malik too.

Burke has not impressed me at all, I hate both these trades, and I think he should have drafted JJ. Rucchin is the heart of this team, and would have helped Getzlaf mature quite a bit. I also feel Leclerc is a more valuable player then Teemu at this point, as Teemu looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season.

I liked Burke here, and I still do. He has suprised me in a bad way so far.

Burke has had a much better offseason than his ones in Vancouver this year, even with the trades. Adding a Norris winning defenseman and a former Rocket Richard winner/fan favorite are great moves. Yes, losing Rucchin and Leclerc hurts, but maybe this means there's more confidence in Ryan Getzlaf for this year's roster.

I don't like the trade, but this does give us alot of wiggle-room, and maybe we'll add a center through-out the season. Losing Rucchin and Leclerc will hurt emotionally, but if Getzlaf has a good rookie year, our offense could be alot better. Losing Sykora, now that would've hurt alot more.

That said, I hate the trade, but hopefully the picks are good. If one ends up as a third rounder, and one ends up as a second rounder, that should be not bad at all for a return. It's not like we've gotten nothing, it's just undetermined what we'll receive untill the conditions are met.

As for Selanne, he's going to turn alot of heads this season. We might see the return of the Finnish Flash, and that alone is nearly worth Rucchin and Leclerc.

Rucchin is the heart of this team, and would have helped Getzlaf mature quite a bit.

Rucchin would have done no such thing, since they wouldn't both have made the team.

I also feel Leclerc is a more valuable player then Teemu at this point, as Teemu looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season.

I could have replaced Leclerc myself and been more productive. He has not been a regular member of the roster for over 2 years.

any way cut it trading leclerc at that price is silly... Is he too slow, please, he's one of the few guys that plays physical hockey...

I would have much rather given up Sykora for nothing than lose both of them... I can not believe we couldn't have gotten us much for him... Selanne may have a great year, but I'd rather have leclerc than him at this point...

Ruchin may not be the greatest 2nd line center of all times, but I just don't get this move.

sleep for a few hours and hell breaks loose ...

with leclerc, rucchin and chistov the second line (or at least part of it) is gone. with the $$ freed by trading leclerc and rucchin for nothing chistov could have been signed...

compared to that trades, the holmqvist for moen move looks like the work of a genius :cry:

Burke has not been very impressive this off-season, and I don't say that as a bitter Canuck fan at all. His protege Dave Nonis has made very shrewd moves, getting a 2nd rounder for Sopel, knowing there is no way we could afford his arbitration award.

Also, getting Anson Carter, Richard Park and Steve Mccarthy for the combined price that the Rangers are paying Marek Malik too.

Burke has not impressed me at all, I hate both these trades, and I think he should have drafted JJ. Rucchin is the heart of this team, and would have helped Getzlaf mature quite a bit. I also feel Leclerc is a more valuable player then Teemu at this point, as Teemu looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season.

I liked Burke here, and I still do. He has suprised me in a bad way so far.
So you think the team would be better off keeping rucchin and leclerc over niedermayer and selanne?

I'm not criticizing trading players. If it makes the club better, I'm all for it. But what did these trade add? We didn't get anything of value for two core players. Yeah, I know we get cap relief but Burke isn't even trying. Get some value for these guys for god sake. I know other teams aren't giving much but at least we can get some value to set up for the future.

I don't think you're being that fair to Burke (boy did I never think I'd be defending him) considering the other teams had him over a barrel and they knew it. He couldn't get warm bodies in return for anything he traded because he needed to create the cap space. Trading Rucchin and getting someone making $1 mil back still wouldn't have freed enough room. After seeing the Roenick trade, where Philly had to include a 3rd rounder to get LA to take him, did you really expect Burke to get much in a salary dump?

no, but he didn't have to give up 2 players, if he was going to dump, just dump Sykora no?

Rucchin would have done no such thing, since they wouldn't both have made the team.



I could have replaced Leclerc myself and been more productive. He has not been a regular member of the roster for over 2 years.
Again, I don't follow the Ducks enough to know these things. What I do know is when they went to the cup final, Rucchin was a big part of that. Burke made some bold moves, like he always does. He loves the spotlight. I just think he got ****-all in terms of value for two good NHL roster players. And don't even get me started on how bad Moen is.

So you think the team would be better off keeping rucchin and leclerc over niedermayer and selanne?
Thanks for putting words in my mouth. :)

I am not questioning getting Niedermayer, I am just questioning Burke's job at getting appropriate value for NHL players. His trades in terms of value have been questionable at best. I guess we will wait and see, but guys like Rucchin and Leclerc are essential to playoff clubs. But so are guys like Nierdermayer :). I am not bashing the Ducks in any way, just questioning Burke's trades and moves so far.

I am not questioning getting Niedermayer, I am just questioning Burke's job at getting appropriate value for NHL players. His trades in terms of value have been questionable at best. I guess we will wait and see, but guys like Rucchin and Leclerc are essential to playoff clubs. But so are guys like Nierdermayer :). I am not bashing the Ducks in any way, just questioning Burke's trades and moves so far.

You are not alone.. this is a sad day...

What The Christ, if youre going to trade players at least get some value in return jeez..

Also, I thought you liked physical players that could score?

what i understood is that burke is going with a 22-man roster, or even 21...there won't be any place for players who get injured a lot...both rooch and mike were injured prone...

well, just a way to explain it...i need a story that convinces me that this was a good day for the ducks :(

I'll first state that I am extremely sad to see Rucchin go. And to not get anything of value back for him is a bit of a kick in the teeth, but considering the new NHL, not unexpected. That said, clearly Burke see's an NHL coming that is a lot faster. As someone else said, he's now moved our two slowest top-6 forwards, and signed (or re-signed) two of the faster forwards in the league (Nieds, Selanne). These two moves are a shocker, but would I rather have this lineup than the one a few days ago, prior to acquiring Selanne and looking at giving up Sykora for next to nothing? No question. We gave up two guys with little to know trade value, who are both slow of foot, who both have injury problems, and who are both going to be UFA's next season. Neither one of them, as much as I admired both, had any trade value. They did count a good deal against the cap, however, and so now we have some breathing room. And its clear, we'll keep both Sykora and Salei. We have a decent top-6 (though Andy Mac or Getzlaf as 2nd line center scares me), and a real solid 7 defensemen. I wouldn't rule out a couple of more moves, while Burke builds his team. I think it's too early to judge Burke at this point, but its never too early to be skeptical.

EDIT: I shouldn't have implied that Rucchin has injury problems, rather that at his age you can expect his body to start breaking down.

well, just a way to explain it...i need a story that convinces me that this was a good day for the ducks :(

Once upon a time, a jolly good fellow name Burkie came to a town called Anaheim. He was welcomed by all the townsfolks as their former masters were evil misers. At first, people danced and cheered when the townscrier brought them some good news, for a change. They were given the #2 draft pick and opportunity to draft a franchise defensemen for the first time in 10 years. However, Burkie disappointed many drafting a powerforward by the name of Ryan. Good young fella nonetheless and the people carried on with their chores.

When Burkie signed Ozo and S. Nieds, brought back the Finish Flash, and ended his feud with GOD, people cheered and proclaim Burkie their savior. Were the people of Anaheim finally rewarded for a decade of misery? Had their suffering finally ended? The cheers were unfortunately premature. Burkie free-wheeling had come with a severe price. The sheriff of Anaheim by the name of Rucchin and his deputy Leclerc were forced to leave because the treasury was low and the town in debt. People shed a tear as both men were good mates who brought good memories. Some people began to turn on Burkie. Others cheered and supported him. The town was divided but the good souls were forgiving. What will the people of Anaheim do without a sheriff. Should they promote Getzlaf, the sheriff's apprentice? Is he ready for such responsibility?

The clouds over Anaheim would soon disappear and Burkie's plan would soon be revealed. THere was another town in the East called Jersey that was overbudgeted and needed help. Quickly, Burkie came in friendship and offered to take away a fella named Scott Gomez back to Anaheim. Jersey agreed to a trade and Burkie came back to Anaheim a champion. The people of Anaheim lived happily ever after. The End.

man. . . I dont want to start knocking on burke now but how do you deal your captain for nothing? but anyway if at the end of the day we can win more with petr then rooch I guess I can accept it, but It hurts at the same time to say that because I gained a lot of respect for rooch for stepping in as a leader when paul left us the way he did

steve will be missed!!!

Calling Leclerc a top-6 forward is a joke.. The guys hit the 20-goal mark just once, and that was years ago. He's also quite injury-prone. Rucchin is 34 and while being a fine defensive center, has always been vastly overrated offensively because he got to ride shotgun for Teemu and Paul all those years (a role he was hugely incompetent for imo). The only thing that really hurts is losing Rucchins presence in the locker-room.

I don't know a whole lot about the Ducks, but I think that gives me a bit more objectivity.

I really don't think the Ducks have lost that much. I checked the stats, and as everyone here has mentioned, Leclerc was often hurt, and only put up 43 points in a full season. Meanwhile, Rucchin may have got 20 goals, but he was a minus player since Selanne and he-who-must-not-be-named left. And he was 34 years old.

I'm also reading that these two were slow. Speed will kill in the 'new' NHL. You can't hit what you can't catch.

Knowing Burkie a bit from his Vancouver days, I also agree wholeheartedly with the poster who said he's got something up his sleeve. He is anything but rash. He'll make bold moves, but you know they'll be well-considered beforehand. Take Burke's Vancouver record into consideration: constant improvement while he was there. I'd be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Once upon a time, a jolly good fellow name Burkie came to a town called Anaheim. He was welcomed by all the townsfolks as their former masters were evil misers. At first, people danced and cheered when the townscrier brought them some good news, for a change. They were given the #2 draft pick and opportunity to draft a franchise defensemen for the first time in 10 years. However, Burkie disappointed many drafting a powerforward by the name of Ryan. Good young fella nonetheless and the people carried on with their chores.

When Burkie signed Ozo and S. Nieds, brought back the Finish Flash, and ended his feud with GOD, people cheered and proclaim Burkie their savior. Were the people of Anaheim finally rewarded for a decade of misery? Had their suffering finally ended? The cheers were unfortunately premature. Burkie free-wheeling had come with a severe price. The sheriff of Anaheim by the name of Rucchin and his deputy Leclerc were forced to leave because the treasury was low and the town in debt. People shed a tear as both men were good mates who brought good memories. Some people began to turn on Burkie. Others cheered and supported him. The town was divided but the good souls were forgiving. What will the people of Anaheim do without a sheriff. Should they promote Getzlaf, the sheriff's apprentice? Is he ready for such responsibility?

The clouds over Anaheim would soon disappear and Burkie's plan would soon be revealed. THere was another town in the East called Jersey that was overbudgeted and needed help. Quickly, Burkie came in friendship and offered to take away a fella named Scott Gomez back to Anaheim. Jersey agreed to a trade and Burkie came back to Anaheim a champion. The people of Anaheim lived happily ever after. The End.

LOL....that's what I needed :) Gomez a Duck? :clap: Let's cross our fingers that there is still something to come...

You look at the top 2 lines now after these trades and it is a much faster, offensively dynamic team in the new NHL than it would have been previous to the Selanne, LeClerc, Rucchin deals. With the Nieds signing it was obvious Burke sought to make this team a big skating puck moving team and Rucchin and LeClerc (aside from being able to cut cap money) were the logical choices to cast off. Did I like Rucchin, of course, very much so....but with the new dynamic of the team and the cap situation it makes perfect sense.

Everyone is talking about getting something for these guys. But the is the NEW NHL where if you are in cap trouble you have no leverage. Well no matter if you like the moves or not. That is where we were. Which means we are lucky to get anything for the players we are offering. Add to the fact that both Rucchin and Leclerc were soon to be UFA's and it isn't that hard to see why it was done.

Do I like the moves, hell no? But I understand why they were made. I think most of you are shocked more over who got traded rather than what for. We would have seen the same type of return if we dealt Sykora. Because a potential UFA and a team in cap trouble doesn't give you any bargaining power.

End of rant....

I think Burke's plan is very clear:

1) Top 2 lines are very fast

and

2) 4th line is very physical

3rd line is something in between.

Thanks for putting words in my mouth. :)

I am not questioning getting Niedermayer, I am just questioning Burke's job at getting appropriate value for NHL players. His trades in terms of value have been questionable at best. I guess we will wait and see, but guys like Rucchin and Leclerc are essential to playoff clubs. But so are guys like Nierdermayer :). I am not bashing the Ducks in any way, just questioning Burke's trades and moves so far.
well homie thats what it comes down to!

when Niedermayer was signed we knew there would be a salary dump. Leclerc IS a good player when he's healthy, but it's perfectly logical for Burke to get rid of his salary.

I have mixed reactions to Rucchin though, although it was probably either him or Sykora.

Yea, I don't think he is done either. I hope we don't give to much money to Salei !


Carney for sure.

Although he just arrived, Scott Neidermayer has first-class credentials and would make an excellent captain.

So you think the team would be better off keeping rucchin and leclerc over niedermayer and selanne?

Bingo, Rally Killer, you hit the nail on the head. Rucchin and LeClerc were victims of the salary cap. However, if it weren't for the salary cap, we might never have gotten Scott Niedermayer. I hate to see Rucchin & Selanne go, but the team is vastly improved with Scott N., Selanne, Fedorok (sp?), et al. minus Rooch & LeClerc.

Bingo, Rally Killer, you hit the nail on the head. Rucchin and LeClerc were victims of the salary cap. However, if it weren't for the salary cap, we might never have gotten Scott Niedermayer. I hate to see Rucchin & Selanne go, but the team is vastly improved with Scott N., Selanne, Fedorok (sp?), et al. minus Rooch & LeClerc.
However you still have to replace them with warm bodies (which have salaries) from somewhere unless you are planning on the new acquisitions playing a Gordie Howe-like 45 minutes per game. You will have a roster of 22 players at minimum.

BTW as far as I can determine there are only two goalies under contract in your entire system. What happens if Jiggy and or the back up go down??

Also what about injury call-ups when you are up against the cap limit.

And if as rumoured Selanne has significant bonuses, how do you pay them if you are out of cap room?

Burke has not been very impressive this off-season, and I don't say that as a bitter Canuck fan at all. His protege Dave Nonis has made very shrewd moves, getting a 2nd rounder for Sopel, knowing there is no way we could afford his arbitration award.

Also, getting Anson Carter, Richard Park and Steve Mccarthy for the combined price that the Rangers are paying Marek Malik too.

Burke has not impressed me at all, I hate both these trades, and I think he should have drafted JJ. Rucchin is the heart of this team, and would have helped Getzlaf mature quite a bit. I also feel Leclerc is a more valuable player then Teemu at this point, as Teemu looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season.

I liked Burke here, and I still do. He has suprised me in a bad way so far.

Burke ". . . has not been very impressive this off-season." Are you kidding me? While others may take issue with me, as far as I'm concerned, he signed the best Free Agent available: Scott Niedermayer.

What really tells me that you're not being objective about Burke---saying you liked him as a GM in Vancouver, but don't like what he's done with the Ducks this summer--is the fact that you're excited about the fact that Nonis has signed the likes of Anson Carter and Richard Park.

You say that Teemu "looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season". I don't totally disagree. But keep this in mind: he had recurring injuries the past couple of season. I believe that he has had knee surgery as well as plenty of time to rest. A healthy Selanne with the new rules that favor speed figures to be a much-improved Selanne. BTW, if Teemu "looked like a shadow of his former self last off-season", how would you describe Anson's Carter's dismal decline? Kings fans couldn't wait to get rid of the guy.

However you still have to replace them with warm bodies (which have salaries) from somewhere unless you are planning on the new acquisitions playing a Gordie Howe-like 45 minutes per game. You will have a roster of 22 players at minimum.

BTW as far as I can determine there are only two goalies under contract in your entire system. What happens if Jiggy and or the back up go down??

Also what about injury call-ups when you are up against the cap limit.

And if as rumoured Selanne has significant bonuses, how do you pay them if you are out of cap room?

If you're saying that the Ducks may be a little thin depthwise, you're probably right. Until the rosters of all the teams have been stabilized, it's pointless to speculate. However, my gut tells me that most teams will not enjoy the depth they had in the pre-cap era.

The goaltending situation could be problematic. I have a hunch that Burke will address the issue before the season starts.

I never saw anything indicating that Selanne's contract is incentive-laden. Can you cite me a source?

The clouds over Anaheim would soon disappear and Burkie's plan would soon be revealed. THere was another town in the East called Jersey that was overbudgeted and needed help. Quickly, Burkie came in friendship and offered to take away a fella named Scott Gomez back to Anaheim. Jersey agreed to a trade and Burkie came back to Anaheim a champion. The people of Anaheim lived happily ever after. The End.

I know NJ is in cap trouble, but is this a joke or a real rumor?

If you're saying that the Ducks may be a little thin depthwise, you're probably right. Until the rosters of all the teams have been stabilized, it's pointless to speculate. However, my gut tells me that most teams will not enjoy the depth they had in the pre-cap era.

The goaltending situation could be problematic. I have a hunch that Burke will address the issue before the season starts.

I never saw anything indicating that Selanne's contract is incentive-laden. Can you cite me a source?
I heard it discussed by the talking heads on Sportsnet Pacific's hockey panel - Nick Kypreos, Bill Watters, Gord Stellick and Darren Dreger.

A straight million seems awfully low for Selanne and he appears eligible for a performance bonus packge due to his age (35) and one year term.

Given Burkie's previous difficulties and inability to solve the goaltending problems in Vancouver in his tenure there, why would you have any confidence he could do so now?

I know NJ is in cap trouble, but is this a joke or a real rumor?

pure fanboy wet dream. :)

I heard it discussed by the talking heads on Sportsnet Pacific's hockey panel - Nick Kypreos, Bill Watters, Gord Stellick and Darren Dreger.

A straight million seems awfully low for Selanne and he appears eligible for a performance bonus packge due to his age (35) and one year term.

Given Burkie's previous difficulties and inability to solve the goaltending problems in Vancouver in his tenure there, why would you have any confidence he could do so now?

736513613612346th posting of copy-and-paste Burke rant in 3, 2, 1...

BTW as far as I can determine there are only two goalies under contract in your entire system. What happens if Jiggy and or the back up go down??

I'm sorry, but ANY team that loses two goalies is probably toast. To say that he's not doing his job because he hasn't made finding a goalie for the AHL a priority is stretching things. At that point, whether you have another goalie or not, your season is in all likelihood done. Honestly, how many teams can you say would be just fine if they lost their starter and backup?

He can go sign any old scrub at this point, and be no worse off in that scenario than 90% of teams in the league.

Also what about injury call-ups when you are up against the cap limit.

According to calculations they're far enough under the cap now that they can afford to call up even their highest-paid prospect if need be.

However you still have to replace them with warm bodies (which have salaries) from somewhere unless you are planning on the new acquisitions playing a Gordie Howe-like 45 minutes per game. You will have a roster of 22 players at minimum.

BTW as far as I can determine there are only two goalies under contract in your entire system. What happens if Jiggy and or the back up go down??

Also what about injury call-ups when you are up against the cap limit.

And if as rumoured Selanne has significant bonuses, how do you pay them if you are out of cap room?
newsflash, you have two ways to build a team.

you can either put alot of money into your top end players and fill out the rest of the roster with young guys and minimum players.

OR

you have depth, but little star power.

Of course your bias won't allow you to be objective, he had to dump salary bottom line and Rucchin, nor Leclerc have alot of value, period end of story.

BTW as far as I can determine there are only two goalies under contract in your entire system. What happens if Jiggy and or the back up go down??
Call me crazy but I have a feeling Burke might sign a goalie between now and training camp, unless Portland wants to play with 6 players and no goalie?
Also what about injury call-ups when you are up against the cap limit.
Our payroll will be just above 37million after Salei is signed, which is enough room.
And if as rumoured Selanne has significant bonuses, how do you pay them if you are out of cap room
If there were bonuses I suspect we would of read them in the OC Register or Burke would of talked about Selanne reaching them, or Selanne would of talked about them when he was explaining why he chose Anaheim for less money then some other teams.

I heard it discussed by the talking heads on Sportsnet Pacific's hockey panel - Nick Kypreos, Bill Watters, Gord Stellick and Darren Dreger.

A straight million seems awfully low for Selanne and he appears eligible for a performance bonus packge due to his age (35) and one year term.

Given Burkie's previous difficulties and inability to solve the goaltending problems in Vancouver in his tenure there, why would you have any confidence he could do so now?


Selanne has maintained a home here in Orange County since he was first traded here. He never gave it up during his four-year absence. He said something like his wife and kids are glad they're back here. He's financially secure. I doubt that money was the prime motivating factor.

I'm not sure what was the cause of the goaltending problem in Vancouver. I think Burke's hands were tied financially. Beyond that, perhaps his mistake was to believe in Cloutier too much. Remember, we don't even have a problem between the pipes until our top two goalies go down.

In the "new" NHL, a player's worth is much more linked to his salary than it was previously. Teams are dumping players who make more than they're worth. At least half of the league can't afford to take these players and many of the rest aren't willing to, for fear of reducing their maneuverability later on. That leaves very few trading partners for these players, perhaps only a couple, which means you get little to nothing in return. It wouldn't surprise me if the Rangers were the only team willing to take Rucchin.

I agree that, under the old CBA, a player like Rucchin would've fetched a decent return. Under the new CBA, however, you got probably all you could hope for. It stinks to lose a good player and leader like Rucchin for next to nothing, but the level of his salary greatly reduced his value, to the Ducks and to all potential trading partners.

I wish you could've kept him, even at his salary, but I think that you're probably better off keeping Sykora and Carney, instead.

BTW, I've noticed that many of the people most PO'ed at trades this summer are those whose screen names reference players who were dealt ;)

Right after Selanne was signed, I was wondering where it left Leclerc. Then I thought about it, while I like Leclerc, I don't think he's a top 6 forward on a good team and he'd be wasted on our 3rd line... Kunitz is a comperable player at a lesser dollar amount.

The Rucchin thing was a shock to me though.

I think Getzlaf will be ok though with 2 of our top 4 wingers.

I don't think Getzlaf's going to make it. Unless Burke is lying again.

Thinking out loud: Rucchin for $2.26M at second line center vs. Niedermayer for $2M at second line center. I'd pick Rucchin every time. I'd much prefer to keep Rob on the wings than switch him to center, which IMO is a downgrade not only from Rucchin, but also forces a downgrade from Rob at wing as he changes position.

Thinking out loud: Rucchin for $2.26M at second line center vs. Niedermayer for $2M at second line center. I'd pick Rucchin every time. I'd much prefer to keep Rob on the wings than switch him to center, which IMO is a downgrade not only from Rucchin, but also forces a downgrade from Rob at wing as he changes position.

Yeah, the options for the last top 6 forward look pretty pathetic. And I agree 100% that Niedermayer isn't cut out to be a center in the NHL.

Yeah, the options for the last top 6 forward look pretty pathetic. And I agree 100% that Niedermayer isn't cut out to be a center in the NHL.
Which is why come opening night he'll be a winger.

We'll see.. if Getzlaf has a good camp he'll be in there.

I'd rather have him in the top 6 than McDonald... a second line of McDonald-Niedermayer-Selanne doesn't inspire me that much. They'd certainly be fast and create a lot of scoring chances possibly though.

That being said I'd rather have a Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Selanne line with Getzlaf adding a physical touch to the top 6.

We'll see.. if Getzlaf has a good camp he'll be in there.

That being said I'd rather have a Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Selanne line with Getzlaf adding a physical touch to the top 6.

We've had 3 first round forwards make the team in recent years and none of them stayed in the top 6 all season, nor made the kind of impact on the ice you need from your 2nd line center.

I see no reason why Getzlaf would produce any better. And he's a 900k hit against the cap.

Yeah, the options for the last top 6 forward look pretty pathetic. And I agree 100% that Niedermayer isn't cut out to be a center in the NHL.
Why is that? Niedermayer is big, fast, hits and is defensively responsible? Ruchin is better in faceoff circle, but isn't nearly as fast and does hit very often...

I think Niedermayer will be good 2nd line center, but I'm more worried that the rest of our top 6 is tiny/not physical... i.e Federov, Lupul, Sykora, Selanne, McDonald.

I hope getzalf can play wing this year with Niedermayer and sniper/playmaker. THen put Andy on the 3rd line with Pahlson and a big body...

I'm not sure what was the cause of the goaltending problem in Vancouver. I think Burke's hands were tied financially. Beyond that, perhaps his mistake was to believe in Cloutier too much. Remember, we don't even have a problem between the pipes until our top two goalies go down.

His hands were not tied financially according to Burke himself. He was given what he asked for by ownership. In 2003-04 the Canucks ranked #13 in payroll. In 2000-01 the Canucks ranked #24. The heavy cutting had already been done by Mike Keenan as he had inherited a Pat Quinn team with the #3 payroll in the league.

His mistake was he was unable to evealute talent and in particular goalie talent (Martin Brochu, Felix Potvin, had Legace and let him go on waivers, Irbe was let go and went to the Cup Finals along with kevin weekes another goalie he moved, etc.). Burke himself admitted on several ocassions he was unable to solve the goalie problem in Vancouver.

As long as your goalies are healthy you may be alright. However and injury to either could be disastrous.

However and injury to either could be disastrous.

Nah.....Bryzgalov can go to Russia for all I care as long as Jiggy is healthy. Backup goalies are everywhere in this league, hell one of em is even starting in Vancouver.

Nah.....Bryzgalov can go to Russia for all I care as long as Jiggy is healthy. Backup goalies are everywhere in this league, hell one of em is even starting in Vancouver.
That's a pretty big "as long as"

Nah.....Bryzgalov can go to Russia for all I care as long as Jiggy is healthy. Backup goalies are everywhere in this league, hell one of em is even starting in Vancouver.
My point exactly - Cloutier was Burke decision.

I'll ask a legit question. Why did Burke just trade for his 4th enforcer?

Why is that? Niedermayer is big, fast, hits and is defensively responsible? Ruchin is better in faceoff circle, but isn't nearly as fast and does hit very often...

I think Niedermayer will be good 2nd line center, but I'm more worried that the rest of our top 6 is tiny/not physical... i.e Federov, Lupul, Sykora, Selanne, McDonald.


Why? His career stagnated until he switched to wing in Calgary.

Who trades their #2 d-man prospect for an enforcer? :banghead: :banghead:

Maybe I should change the thread title to "I Hate Brian Burke" rant thread.

This is going to be the most popular thread ever.

I'm going to come out and say that I love that Anaheim got rid of Rucchin and Leclerc, that is over say, Sykora. I hear many people saying that Rucchin was "the heart of the franchise" but the Ducks were badly in need of a heart transplant. They had a system that a) won't work in the *new NHL and more importantly b) Burke doesn't want, and these two are the poster boys for the old system. Burke wants to run-and-gun. Burke has a great chance to remake this team and he's running with it. In the end, as much as Rucchin is a fan favourite, this will look like a smart move.





*new NHL-hypothetically if the NHL does indeed carry through on it's plan to open up the game.

This is going to be the most popular thread ever.

Especially if he continues to trade valuable assests for goons :rant:

Maybe I should change the thread title to "I Hate Brian Burke" rant thread.
I think Burke hates us.

Out Of Players To Deal, Burke Trades Fans

ANAHEIM (Sports Ticker) -- The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim today traded all season-ticket holders in section 201 to the Washington Capitals, the National Hockey League club announced today.

In exchange, the Ducks will receive mini-plan holders and additional cap room from the Caps. The exact numbers will be determined by how many season ticket holders actually report to D.C. and how many renew their seat commitments.

"The deal works for both teams," Anaheim General Manager Brian Burke said.

"We were in dire need of room under the cap to begin the season and the Capitals need to put more butts in seats, and let's be honest, there's no way they were going to meet the league-minimum payroll," the fiery Burke said. "We appreciate our fans and thank them for their support. However, I'm not trying to win a popularity contest here and this fills a real need for our club. The 201 section has some great seats, so we'll be able to cover that loss."

Out Of Players To Deal, Burke Trades Fans

ANAHEIM (Sports Ticker) -- The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim today traded all season-ticket holders in section 201 to the Washington Capitals, the National Hockey League club announced today.

In exchange, the Ducks will receive mini-plan holders and additional cap room from the Caps. The exact numbers will be determined by how many season ticket holders actually report to D.C. and how many renew their seat commitments.

"The deal works for both teams," Anaheim General Manager Brian Burke said.

"We were in dire need of room under the cap to begin the season and the Capitals need to put more butts in seats, and let's be honest, there's no way they were going to meet the league-minimum payroll," the fiery Burke said. "We appreciate our fans and thank them for their support. However, I'm not trying to win a popularity contest here and this fills a real need for our club. The 201 section has some great seats, so we'll be able to cover that loss."

[face_plain]

Moneyp is quickly becoming one of my favourite posters. :biglaugh:

At least Burkie's not being like Bill Stoneman. Stoneman doesn't have to balls to trade one of his prospect's because he's afraid of overpaying, and it could be costing the Angels a legitimate shot at a World Series. Not saying the Ducks are now a legitimate cup contender, but at least they're not going to get stuck in between being a contender and a rebuilding team.

Popovic was good, but I doubt any one of the top six we now have is going to leave for at least three years. In that time, Brendan Mikkelsson will be ready, and I'd easily take him over Popovic.

In all of these deals, he probably could've gotten better value, but at least he has the stones to overpay if it makes the team better. Personally, I would've suggested trading Popo, and while he didn't get good value at all for him, I think trading him was good for both sides.

Good trades, bad trades, it doesn't matter to Burkie. It seems like he wakes up everyday bored looking for a trade that would get his name in the newspaper. Classic megalomaniac syndrome.

*sigh*
when i first read it on tsn.. and then when i wake up in the morning to read the LA Times...

I'm sure he has some other moves up his sleeve...he always does.

Martin Brochu was a smashing success.

Good trades, bad trades, it doesn't matter to Burkie.
It doesn't matter to him. He has always said he wants to make the team fast, exciting and offensive. While our offense is not there we will definitly be fast and much more exciting than in previous years. A 4th line of Brennen Adams and Fedoruk will be much more entertaining than Krog, Burnett and Schastlivy/Holmqvist/Severson. Or when it was with Chouinard and Kjellberg. He says he is in the entertainment business and we will be an entertaining team.

I'm not defending the Popovic trade but I also don't think it will have as much of a negative effect as it has been made out to be.

You fans that do not like tough hockey go watch Disney on ice.Hockey is a rough sport.You need some tough players.The Ducks will be a fun team to watch this year.And so will the Portland Pirates.So people stop your complaining and watch Brennen,Fedoruk,Moen kick some ice.

PS and I will watch Gillies,Saunders and O'Brien here in Portland.

It doesn't matter to him. He has always said he wants to make the team fast, exciting and offensive. While our offense is not there we will definitly be fast and much more exciting than in previous years. A 4th line of Brennen Adams and Fedoruk will be much more entertaining than Krog, Burnett and Schastlivy/Holmqvist/Severson. Or when it was with Chouinard and Kjellberg. He says he is in the entertainment business and we will be an entertaining team.

I'm not defending the Popovic trade but I also don't think it will have as much of a negative effect as it has been made out to be.

Thats great and when we are 2-37 to start the season all three fans will be really stoked to see the new improved fast exciting and offensive team.

You know what people watch. Winning.Period. And we had the whole toughness thing covered with the other 4 goons we had. Adding another does not make this team better.

The 4th line could be no names who never play and everyone would love them if we won. But dealing away an asset and skill for another goon cannot be defended.

Thats great and when we are 2-37 to start the season all three fans will be really stoked to see the new improved fast exciting and offensive team.

You know what people watch. Winning.Period. And we had the whole toughness thing covered with the other 4 goons we had. Adding another does not make this team better.

The 4th line could be no names who never play and everyone would love them if we won. But dealing away an asset and skill for another goon cannot be defended.

By the same token, trading an AHLer with 3rd pairing upside for a fringe 4th line goon with 4th liner upside is hardly a big deal. Its not a good deal, but I think its getting blown out of proportion a fair bit.

By the same token, trading an AHLer with 3rd pairing upside for a fringe 4th line goon with 4th liner upside is hardly a big deal. Its not a good deal, but I think its getting blown out of proportion a fair bit.

Well I would argue that Brennan has no upside, but I see your point here.

I agree somewhat with the blown out of proportion as well.The shock factor has lead to a lot of these posts as with the Rucchin deal because many didn't expect it. However I do have a problem when people defend it as a good team move.

To me Popovic will eventually be more than just a 3rd pairing guy, a guy I thought had a solid future in Anaheim and to gt essentially nothing for him just leaves me with a bad tasye in my mouth.

I'll ask a legit question. Why did Burke just trade for his 4th enforcer?
Which is actually prety funny because when he traded enforcers out of vancouver (Brashear, Langdon)and asked why no enforcer, he claimed they were not needed.

Why??? Because according to Burkie an offensive up tempo team would make the other team pay on the powerplay and enforcers are not needed.

I guess since the NHL has decided to go to a more clutch and grab defensive game now, there is much more need for enforcers.

I understand that the enforcers have been excused from regular training camp and are attending the "Hockey Enforcers" tournament in Prince George, BC:
http://www.aaahockey.com/hockeyenforcers/

In a brilliant financial move, Burkie has decided that the prize money his boys make will be used to sign more enforcers.

Martin Brochu was a smashing success.
I understand that Burkie thought he was getting Martin BRODEUR - imagine his embarasssment.

Or maybe not -even scarier maybe Burkie did know he was not Brodeur. Here was Burkie's evaluation of his newly minted back-up. And people say Burkie is unable to evaluate goalie talent. PSHAW!!!!!!!:
"When we saw the list of available goalies, that's the guy we wanted. We evaluated all the goalies and he was a fit for us in many ways. He's exactly what we're looking for in terms of age grouping and salary. Maybe all the kid needs is a chance, and he'll get that here."

The Brochu experiment would see him tend goal for the Canucks for 6 games (three complete) in the 2001-02 season with no wins and no ties. Brochu's GAA was 4.17 and his save percentage a sparkling .856 - you know the sort of numbers Cloutier puts up in the post season.

As one sportswriter would note in assessing the best and worst in the NHL first quarter of the 2001-02 season:
WORST PREDICTION BY A GENERAL MANAGER: Brian Burke, Vancouver Canucks. "We think Martin Brochu will help us a lot. We think he'll do the job. We believe, given the opportunity, Martin can play." Oops! After three starts, three losses and a 4.17 goals against average, Brochu is gone.

Good call Burkie.

Thats great and when we are 2-37 to start the season all three fans will be really stoked to see the new improved fast exciting and offensive team.

You know what people watch. Winning.Period. And we had the whole toughness thing covered with the other 4 goons we had. Adding another does not make this team better.

The 4th line could be no names who never play and everyone would love them if we won. But dealing away an asset and skill for another goon cannot be defended.
So taking out Popovic and adding Brennen makes us that bad? Popovic was our 6/7th D-man, he will not have the much of an effect on our team this year, if at all. This trade is getting blown out of porportion IMO, and I was a fan of Popovic. I really hope he does well in Atlanta.

So taking out Popovic and adding Brennen makes us that bad? Popovic was our 6/7th D-man, he will not have the much of an effect on our team this year, if at all. This trade is getting blown out of porportion IMO, and I was a fan of Popovic. I really hope he does well in Atlanta.

I'll admit the trade is getting somewhat blown out of proportion. That being said, the reason it is getting blown out of proportion is because of the other moves Burke made to bring in Moen, Fedoruk, and Gillies. Moving Popovic for Brennan would have been seen by most people as "Well the Ducks needed an enforcer and Burke got one so I guess its ok" if he hadn't already traded the 2nd rounder for Fedoruk, traded for Moen, and traded for Gillies. Fedoruk was ok because they needed an enforcer, Moen was a good pickup since you can always use players that can play physical on your 3rd and 4th lines, the Gillies acquisition was justified that he'd probably be in Portland all year. By the time Brennan was traded for it becomes the "what in Hades are you doing Burke?"

Okay, we're tougher now. Enough already, for god's sake.

So taking out Popovic and adding Brennen makes us that bad? Popovic was our 6/7th D-man, he will not have the much of an effect on our team this year, if at all. This trade is getting blown out of porportion IMO, and I was a fan of Popovic. I really hope he does well in Atlanta.

To me Popovich was a lot like Carney in some ways. And now who do we have as our other Dman?

A lot of you are saying Smid is ready, but what's wrong with a year in the AHL?

Brennan is a good enforcer, but I think popovich would have had more of a role with this team then Brennan, because we already have Fedurok.

Have you guys heard about the 75k threshold rule? If a player makes more than 75k in the AHL, they would have to pass waivers during callups and later getting sent down. The worst part is paying half his salary and getting penalized on your cap if that player is claimed. Now Brennan is on a two way contract and probably making below the threshold. If this is the case, the Ducks can call him up anytime without worrying about losing him and paying half his salary. Burke wanted to add toughness and now we have insurance if anything happens to Fedoruk or if we need reinforcement. In the new CBA world, a guy with Brennan is worth his value in gold. Think about it. So what's more valuable? A 5-6 Dman like Popovic or a proven enforcer who we can callup and send down to the AHL without fear of losing him and paying half his salary/cap included to the team that claims him.

What was the going value for Popovic anyway? 2nd round pick? 3rd rounder?

Thats great and when we are 2-37 to start the season all three fans will be really stoked to see the new improved fast exciting and offensive team.

You know what people watch. Winning.Period. And we had the whole toughness thing covered with the other 4 goons we had. Adding another does not make this team better.

The 4th line could be no names who never play and everyone would love them if we won. But dealing away an asset and skill for another goon cannot be defended.
and obviously mark popovic was going to lead this team to alot of wins.

this team is good enough to win.

I understand that Burkie thought he was getting Martin BRODEUR - imagine his embarasssment.

Or maybe not -even scarier maybe Burkie did know he was not Brodeur. Here was Burkie's evaluation of his newly minted back-up. And people say Burkie is unable to evaluate goalie talent. PSHAW!!!!!!!:


The Brochu experiment would see him tend goal for the Canucks for 6 games (three complete) in the 2001-02 season with no wins and no ties. Brochu's GAA was 4.17 and his save percentage a sparkling .856 - you know the sort of numbers Cloutier puts up in the post season.

As one sportswriter would note in assessing the best and worst in the NHL first quarter of the 2001-02 season:


Good call Burkie.

Your obsession is bordering on pathetic now...

In the new CBA world, a guy with Brennan is worth his value in gold. Think about it. So what's more valuable? A 5-6 Dman like Popovic or a proven enforcer who we can callup and send down to the AHL without fear of losing him and paying half his salary/cap included to the team that claims him.

I'll take the 5th defenseman making 600k any day of the week. Popovic in that slot and Vishnevski in the 4th slot takes minimum 1.22 million off the cap.

That would have been more than enough to keep Leclerc on the roster as the 6th forward and fill a glaring hole in our current roster.

and obviously mark popovic was going to lead this team to alot of wins.

this team is good enough to win.

My point was based more around the moves towards goons Burke has made. But since everyone seems to focused on the winning part of my comments let me ask everyone this. Who is going to score all the goals?

Neidermayer has ONE 20 goals season in the NHL. One!
McDonald had 30 points last season in 79 games(not 2nd line material)
Lupul is inconsistant, who knows what we can expect from him, I will say around 20 goals
Sykora is pretty standard somewhere from 25-35 goals
Selanne who knows could score 30 could give us 15
Fedorov good for 30-35 goals I would say.

Granted we will get a big boost from having Neids and Ozo back on the blueline, but I would still contend that we are going to have one hell of a time scoring.

Your obsession is bordering on pathetic now...
Just giving you the answers to the enigma that is burkie and the truth. You do want the truth, right? or perhaps........
http://www.moviewavs.com/cgi-bin/moviewavs.cgi?Few_Good_Men=truth.wav

Just giving you the answers to the enigma that is burkie and the truth. You do want the truth, right? or perhaps........
http://www.moviewavs.com/cgi-bin/moviewavs.cgi?Few_Good_Men=truth.wav

First, its laughable that you present your views on Burke as "truth". Opinions garnered from events that occured, viewed through hate-tinged spectacles, perhaps. Second, you made your points very clear the first time you posted them. No need to hammer away at it repeatedly.

My point was based more around the moves towards goons Burke has made. But since everyone seems to focused on the winning part of my comments let me ask everyone this. Who is going to score all the goals?

Neidermayer has ONE 20 goals season in the NHL. One!
McDonald had 30 points last season in 79 games(not 2nd line material)
Lupul is inconsistant, who knows what we can expect from him, I will say around 20 goals
Sykora is pretty standard somewhere from 25-35 goals
Selanne who knows could score 30 could give us 15
Fedorov good for 30-35 goals I would say.

Granted we will get a big boost from having Neids and Ozo back on the blueline, but I would still contend that we are going to have one hell of a time scoring.
Niedermayer- was on track for a 20-25 goal season before injuries, he is big and he can skate. He can benefit from the rules.
Mcdonald- Not a fan of his.
Lupul- scored 30 goals in 65 AHL games against good competition, averaged a ppg in the playoffs. He could definitely put 20-30 goals on the board.

having the puck moving defensemen can also create goals for the lesser known guys as well.

First, its laughable that you present your views on Burke as "truth". Opinions garnered from events that occured, viewed through hate-tinged spectacles, perhaps. Second, you made your points very clear the first time you posted them. No need to hammer away at it repeatedly.
A lot more truthful than posts proclaiming Burke as great with no backup to support the position.

A lot more truthful than posts proclaiming Burke as great with no backup to support the position.


Wetcoaster, it's time to move on man, seriously. Find something more "positive" to do.
:eek:

Lupul- scored 30 goals in 65 AHL games against good competition, averaged a ppg in the playoffs. He could definitely put 20-30 goals on the board.

Wow, if that's the case then ****, I expect Brown to score 25-30 and Cammalleri to score 40-55 goals.

Just because he scored in the AHL doesn't mean that it will happen.

Wetcoaster, it's time to move on man, seriously. Find something more "positive" to do.
:eek:
It is positive. People need to be educated about Burkie so they do not by into the BS and blarney.

Your obsession is bordering on pathetic now...

It was bordering on pathetic about 500 anti-Burke rants ago. It passed pathetic around 250 anti-Burke rants ago. I'm not sure what it is, probably needs some sort of new word to be invented. Burkeaphilaphobiajealousirrationalobsessionitis.

I'm not sure what people expected in a trades for Rucchin and Leclerc. They are not valuable assets.

Markov-3rd
Lydman-3rd
Sopel-3rd upgradable to a 2nd

Look around at what other players brought and the reaction of the fans on those teams (they were disappointed too). Some of the the Flames fans are even trying to delude themselves into thinking the Flames took less to hide Lydman in a different conference (sounds like wishful thinking). Players with salary > $1m and especially those around $2m are cap albatrosses, don't expect great returns now the days of unlimited spending are over.

All of those players are as valuable or more valuable to Rucchin and Leclerc. THE SALARY CAP SPACE IN THE RUCCHIN/LECLERC TRADES HAS POTENTIALLY MORE VALUE THAN PLAYERS TRADED. It's sad but its true, this is the new NHL.

JJ vs Ryan. That'd be the Ducks scouts call not Burke's. He just follows the scouts recommendations and the Ducks scouts have been solid, so we'll have to see how that turns out.

I'd don't get the Popovic deal, it didn't make a lot of sense since the Ducks were already beefed and gooned up. It's a pretty minor deal and with the UFA coming down quickly over the next few years expect to see lots of 5-6 dman available for cheapish salary as UFAs. It isn't likely to make much difference to the Ducks in the long term.

If you want to rag on Burke, rag on the deal he paid Rob Neidermayer. blah. Rob just isn't worth that, even if it was to keep his brother happy.

Wetcoaster, it's time to move on man, seriously. Find something more "positive" to do.
:eek:

The best way to handle wetcoaster is to ignore him completely. Don't even reply to his posts. If he gets no response then he will fade into the sunset. I believe he enjoys busting b*l*s.

Wow, if that's the case then ****, I expect Brown to score 25-30 and Cammalleri to score 40-55 goals.

Just because he scored in the AHL doesn't mean that it will happen.

You ever seen Lupul play? He's got an incredible shot, and should definetely get at least 20 this year, especially with Fedorov.

Lupul was also playing with guys like Zenon Konopka in Cincy. There wasn't a ton of talent around him, but regardless, he's a guy who could light up some lamp this upcoming season.

Wow, if that's the case then ****, I expect Brown to score 25-30 and Cammalleri to score 40-55 goals.

Just because he scored in the AHL doesn't mean that it will happen.

1) This is a Ducks board, we really couldn't care about Brown or Cammalleri.

2) If you read carefully, you probably saw him say "COULD SCORE", i.e. he has the potential.

I'm not sure what people expected in a trades for Rucchin and Leclerc. They are not valuable assets.

Markov-3rd
Lydman-3rd
Sopel-3rd upgradable to a 2nd

Look around at what other players brought and the reaction of the fans on those teams (they were disappointed too). Some of the the Flames fans are even trying to delude themselves into thinking the Flames took less to hide Lydman in a different conference (sounds like wishful thinking). Players with salary > $1m and especially those around $2m are cap albatrosses, don't expect great returns now the days of unlimited spending are over.

All of those players are as valuable or more valuable to Rucchin and Leclerc. THE SALARY CAP SPACE IN THE RUCCHIN/LECLERC TRADES HAS POTENTIALLY MORE VALUE THAN PLAYERS TRADED. It's sad but its true, this is the new NHL.

JJ vs Ryan. That'd be the Ducks scouts call not Burke's. He just follows the scouts recommendations and the Ducks scouts have been solid, so we'll have to see how that turns out.

I'd don't get the Popovic deal, it didn't make a lot of sense since the Ducks were already beefed and gooned up. It's a pretty minor deal and with the UFA coming down quickly over the next few years expect to see lots of 5-6 dman available for cheapish salary as UFAs. It isn't likely to make much difference to the Ducks in the long term.

If you want to rag on Burke, rag on the deal he paid Rob Neidermayer. blah. Rob just isn't worth that, even if it was to keep his brother happy.

Good post. I agree with most of what you said. There is a new "economic reality" in the NHL and until teams become accustomed to operating under a salary cap, many players who would've had some value under the old system, will be available for the proverbial "bag of pucks". Dont' forget, all GMs are aware of which teams have actual, or potential, cap problems. It's very difficult to forge a good deal when you're dealing from weakness.

I think you underestimate the respective values of both Rucchin and Rob Niedermayer. Rooch brings a lot of intangibles to the table: he's a character guy, seldom makes a mental mistake, excellent faceoff guy, etc.

IMO, Rob Niedermayer suffers from the fact he was selected number five overall, just one pick behind Paul Kariya. I know the Calgary fans hated him, but he's done a nice job for the Ducks since coming here. I believe the Ducks gave up Mike Commodore and J.F. Damphousse for Rob N. Doesn't sound like it cost us a lot.

And if Burke overpaid a little to assure that he could nail down Scott Niedermayer for four years (for less than what the Devils offered him, BTW), I think it was a pretty shrewd investment.