I was at work all day and away from PC (mostly). I'll share my thoughts in a bit. Any particular questions?

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How on earth was the Hodgson deal a good move for the Canucks considering their window to win is right here and now and Kassian and Gragnani barely have a full season in the NHL combined.

Genuine question, because I've tried to approach this from every angle and I can't help but feel that this was a bad move. I'm not opposed to moving Hodgson, and would have been for it if they had acquired someone that could really help them in the playoffs. But Gragnani and Kassian?

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@B0ndon

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Sammy P fills the void at 3rd line C and Kassian brings energy and grit to the bottom 6. Gragnani fills the void on the 2nd PP. I like it for Vancouver. Hodgson will likely flourish in Buffalo but he was stuck behind Sedin and Kesler so the trade makes a lot of sense IMO

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Hodgson was a bit redundant on the team (at least that is how the team viewed him). He also asked for a trade out, as recently as last summer.

Kassian will help them now. He's ready. Gragnani is a bit of a project - but his numbers, size, struggles, remind me a lot of Ehrhoff back in 2009. Lots of potential, there. This was a surprise trade but I like it for both teams (although hard to evaluate it for another 3+ years).

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Fair enough...thanks for the explanation.

Maybe it's just differing opinions on Kassian. I actually liked him a lot when he was on Buffalo, more than the average person. I think he has potential to really be a good power forward...problem with me is that I don't think he's there yet.
Gragnani could be good down the road but I mean man the window is NOW and RIGHT NOW for the Canucks. Can't help but we can't afford to 'take a chance' on these two guys who, like i said have barely over a full NHL season combined between the two of them.

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@B0ndon

Goalies: If I'm pickin em you best be sittin em!

See..the hook is people seem to be basing their trade analysis on the legend of Kassian, or, at the very least what he could be rather than what he's done.

Facts

• Both Kassian and Hodgson are highly regarded propsects within their previous organizations.
• Kassian is projected to be a power forward, ala Lucic. While Hodgson is projected as a skilled offensive #2 center with the upside of being a true #1.
• Despite his legend, Kassian (per Rochester beat reporters) was not displaying a consistent level of physicality - often avoiding checks/fights altogether.
• Marcus Foligno jumped Kassian on the depth chart, and (per interview) Regier fully anticipates Foligno to be full time next season (HINT).
• Tropp has more fighting majors than Kassian, and he's more than willing to drop them on the NHL level (see vid posted on Sabres thread)
• Kassian passed on an offer from Biz Nasty, his first game with Vancouver (ie the team that traded for his toughness)
• Hodgson, despite limited ice time in Vancouver accrued 33pts in 63 games, and in his first game with the Sabres won 5 of 8 FO, while accumulating 4 shots on net.

OPINION

• Kassian being young enough, will eventually be a worthy power forward capable of 15-25 goals/season
• Hodgson is now displaying signs of being the #2 center he's projected to be.
• No one can credibly say one team is a definite winner over the other, at this point in time.

My thoughts, anyway....

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