Getty Images While the NHLPA fights for the players’ right to sign a contract longer than five years, Canucks forward Daniel Sedin admits that he and his twin brother, Henrik, may commit one year at a time once their current deal runs out at the end of the 2013-14 season.
“We’re already taking it year by year right now,” Daniel said this week, as per The Province. “We have a year and a half on this current contract and then mentally I think it will be easier if we go year by year after that.
“Mentally, when you get to this age, to be able to perform, you have to be there. I really believe if you sign a long term deal it will be tougher to perform on a nightly basis.”
The Sedins turned 32 in September. In 2011-12, the top eight scorers in the NHL were all under 30.
For Vancouver, the Sedins on year-to-year deals would probably be a good thing. As long as the Canucks are Stanley Cup contenders, the twins will almost certainly want to stay with the organization that drafted them and in the community in which they’ve become so involved. It’s hard to picture a scenario where the amount of annual salary comes between the two sides.
If on the other hand Vancouver falls out of contention, the club may not want to dedicate a significant amount of cap space to a couple of aging stars that, in turn, may wish to pursue their Cup dreams with a team that could actually make those dreams come true.
One thing’s for certain: the Canucks’ current core doesn’t have many seasons left to win the franchise’s first championship.
As it stands, Vancouver doesn’t have a single major contributor under 26 years old – not surprising given the club’s regular-season success that’s negated its ability to stock up on elite prospects at the draft.
In fact, the Canucks haven’t had a draft pick from 1-9 since they selected the Sedins No. 2 and No. 3 in 1999.
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Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
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He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
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AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
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AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
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His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
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AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
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“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
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“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
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Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
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Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
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Vancouver cleans house.
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After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
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Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
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Click to read two good reasons.
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AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
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Question for commenters: What, if anything, needs to be done about the officiating?
May 22, 2013, 2:07 PM EDT
Go have your say.
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Top-ranked Russian prospect Nichushkin will play in North America next year
May 22, 2013, 1:55 PM EDT
He’s expected to be a top-5 pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
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Club says he suffered no injuries.
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His contract with the Coyotes is up June 30.
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Stone to make ’13 postseason debut for Sens in Game 4 vs. Pens, Conacher out
May 22, 2013, 11:10 AM EDT
Bold, but familiar move from Ottawa head coach Paul MacLean.
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Veteran defenseman spent 15 years in the league.
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Pending RFA not expected to re-sign with Jets.
