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**Heyman** · 06-28-2008, 07:10 PM

I've spoken (at length) about this on another hockey message board, but I actually think it would be INGENIUS on Mike Gillis' part if he signed Todd Bertuzzi (who cleared waivers btw....and is now a UFA come July 1st).

The WCE line (Naslund, Morrison, Bertuzzi) can realistically be had for about 9 million dollars in its entirety. If the WCE were to be re-united, all 3 players can go back to playing the same STYLE that they played when the WCE was around in its peak (the last few years, all 3 players have played on line combos/styles of play, that were NOT condusive for their game....I can speak in length on this subject, but I'm pretty exhausted...I've been talking about this all day).

Even if Bert turns out to be a DUD, I think Naslund will be much better with Bertuzzi back (Bert is Naslund's real life best friend, and I think Bertuzzi's departure and Steve Moore incident affected Naslund quite a bit. With a re-united WCE, Naslund will also be allowed to play a high-paced high flying offensive style, where he would be encouraged to carry the puck over the blue line as opposed to "dumping and chasing.")

Long story short - even if Bert comes here and is a dud, I think Bert's presence alone will make Naslund much better.

A re-united WCE would also free up the Sedins' to play on the 2nd line (the Sedin's are medicore 1st line players, but are one of the BEST 2nd line players in the entire NHL). Kesler and Burrows would also get to stay on the 3rd line (these guys are among the best shut down forwards in the league).

For 9 million, the WCE wouldn't be too shabby of an investment. In contrast - a guy like Marian Hossa will command about 8 million all by himself. Ryan Malone will probably command about 5 million. If the Canucks can get the WCE at 9 million, they would still have enough cap space to add a few more ingredients (i.e. get a decent linemate for the twins, or add some key elements on their 3rd/4th lines or their 'D').

People might automatically assume that Naslund and Bertuzzi are washed up, but remember......a lot of people thought the same thing about Teemu Selanne a few years ago (a player that is older than both Nazzy and Bert).

Once upon a time back in 1997, people thought Pavel Bure was washed up as well...before he came back with a vengeance and had back to back 50 goal seasons.

06-28-2008, 07:10 PM	#110
Heyman Father of Hinduship Posts: 21,083	I've spoken (at length) about this on another hockey message board, but I actually think it would be INGENIUS on Mike Gillis' part if he signed Todd Bertuzzi (who cleared waivers btw....and is now a UFA come July 1st). The WCE line (Naslund, Morrison, Bertuzzi) can realistically be had for about 9 million dollars in its entirety. If the WCE were to be re-united, all 3 players can go back to playing the same STYLE that they played when the WCE was around in its peak (the last few years, all 3 players have played on line combos/styles of play, that were NOT condusive for their game....I can speak in length on this subject, but I'm pretty exhausted...I've been talking about this all day). Even if Bert turns out to be a DUD, I think Naslund will be much better with Bertuzzi back (Bert is Naslund's real life best friend, and I think Bertuzzi's departure and Steve Moore incident affected Naslund quite a bit. With a re-united WCE, Naslund will also be allowed to play a high-paced high flying offensive style, where he would be encouraged to carry the puck over the blue line as opposed to "dumping and chasing.") Long story short - even if Bert comes here and is a dud, I think Bert's presence alone will make Naslund much better. A re-united WCE would also free up the Sedins' to play on the 2nd line (the Sedin's are medicore 1st line players, but are one of the BEST 2nd line players in the entire NHL). Kesler and Burrows would also get to stay on the 3rd line (these guys are among the best shut down forwards in the league). For 9 million, the WCE wouldn't be too shabby of an investment. In contrast - a guy like Marian Hossa will command about 8 million all by himself. Ryan Malone will probably command about 5 million. If the Canucks can get the WCE at 9 million, they would still have enough cap space to add a few more ingredients (i.e. get a decent linemate for the twins, or add some key elements on their 3rd/4th lines or their 'D'). People might automatically assume that Naslund and Bertuzzi are washed up, but remember......a lot of people thought the same thing about Teemu Selanne a few years ago (a player that is older than both Nazzy and Bert). Once upon a time back in 1997, people thought Pavel Bure was washed up as well...before he came back with a vengeance and had back to back 50 goal seasons.