Not long after the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that there is “a growing suspicion within the Penguins that [Canucks general manager Mike Gillis] may not be authorized by Vancouver ownership to move [Ryan Kesler],” both ESPN’s Craig Custance and the Vancouver Sun have reported otherwise:
If Canucks get the return they're looking for, they do have the green light from ownership to make a Kesler deal today.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) March 5, 2014
Doesn't mean trade happens today, but am told GM Gillis has owner's green light to make Kesler deal if right one there.
— Iain MacIntyre (@imacSportsnet) March 5, 2014
On top of all the talk and speculation the above generated, there was TSN’s James Duthie going on the radio and saying this:
If Gillis is gone, Tortorella is probably gone too --- James Duthie on the aftermath of this trade
— TSN 1050 Toronto (@TSN1050Radio) March 4, 2014
Which, after yesterday’s Roberto Luongo trade, should make for another interesting day for Canucks fans.