Seeing Double In Van City

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed Henrik and Daniel Sedin to 5 year contracts worth $6.1 mllion a season.

This appeared to go right down to the wire and the factor that may have influenced the twin’s decision is the fact that Canucks GM Mike Gillis made a trip to Sweden to make his final offer. The Canucks were an optimal suitor as they were one of the few teams with the salary cap room to accommodate both players and offer a term and they deemed acceptable.

Fantasy Outlook: The Sedin twins have quietly put up good numbers since coming into the league. With an average of 80 points per player, per season, they are a consistent option when draft day comes. The Sedin’s have the ability to elevate the value of their linemate but have not found a permanent fixture on their wing. They have invaluable chemistry together and given the right situation, may just break 90 points.

If you can pull off a Brian Burke like trade on draft day to obtain both Henrik and Daniel, do it as you won’t be disappointed.

Mark

Rocky Mountain Low

There are many questions heading into the offseason for Vancouver. With major components of their team heading in free agency, the Canucks must act quickly to determine the direction they want to go. With an abundance of cap room, the Canucks will now have to focus their attention on signing their all-star goaltender long term as well as add much needed scoring and depth, which they lacked. Don’t expect the Mats Sundin experiment to continue as that was in one word, a disaster. There will be new faces in Van city next year but they will still be competitors as long as Luongo is in net.

Daniel Sedin – At a point per game, Daniel and Henrik have the ability to score the big goals late in the game to elevate their team. Pending UFAs in the offseason, they will be a package deal and will command a big pay day as they have hit their primes. They should be drafted in the first 2 rounds of your draft as they will continue to be a point per game.

Henrik Sedin – See Daniel above.

Ryan Kesler – Elevating his game this year, Kesler looked brilliant at times. With 59 points in 82 games, he bounced around the lines as a depth player with an edge. Kesler should be looked at as a midround pick in your draft as he continues to improve and is an excellent depth option.

Pavol Demitra – It seems that injuries are now a constant with Demitra. Playing in 69 games and scoring 53 points, he should be looked at as a second line center or a depth guy on your team when healthy. Demitra is more a waiver selection now and should be passed on in your draft.

Alexandre Burrows – Looked like a force when playing with the Sedins, Burrows has the ability to get points and pims when playing on the top line with top talent. When he is moved around, Burrows is not as effective. Look to draft him as a depth guy that when he is hot should be put into your lineup.

Kevin Bieksa – After a season of horrible injuries, Bieksa was able to bounce back and reward owners with 43 points in 73 games. He should get even more ice-time next season and he puts up a lot of pim’s as well. He is a keeper at this point and he should only get better.

Alexander Edler – A strong season put Edler on owner’s radar. With 37 points in 80 games, Edler will only get better the more he plays. He is not keeper worthy yet but look for him to hit over 40 points next season.

Mats Sundin – Having sit out for half the season really hurt Sundin’s production. He left owners waiting in anticipation all season hoping he would show up and finally put up some numbers. Regrettably, Sundin fell short and was the most overpaid player in the league. He is now a buyer beware if he comes back next season.

Mattias Ohlund – The reliable Ohlund had a good season by playing in all 82 games but fell short in the points department with only 25. A UFA this off-season, Ohlund looks to be leaving Vancouver and play in another city. Owners should not be fooled by the departure. He should only be considered as a depth guy when necessary.

Roberto Luongo – One of the top goalies in the league, Luongo can win games by himself. Given the captaincy by the Canucks, he is a leader on and off the ice. Luongo is poised to have a huge season next year as he is coming into his final year with Vancouver. A first round pick and a keeper in all leagues.

Mark