12. There are things you say, expecting them to be news. They go nowhere. There are things you say, expecting them to be nothing. They land like a neutron bomb. That’s pretty much what happened in the Toronto/Vancouver broadcast last weekend. Let’s address Alex Burrows first, because I thought if something was to make headlines in Vancouver, it would be that. Burrows had a great line in denying the report he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause, telling reporters, “Obviously, I think Elliotte had the same game as we had — not a very good night — because there’s no truth to that. I’ve never talked to management or coaches about it or to teammates.” GM Jim Benning asked Burrows and agent Paul Corbeil after the game if it was true. Both said no. (It should be mentioned Burrows has a young family.) Later, he was specifically asked what would happen if the team came to him. “Then you’ve got to talk to my agent and I’ve got to talk to my wife because we love it here.” That’s a different answer.
My error here was using the word “willing” instead of “consider.” He continued, “I’ve always wanted to stay here, even if the team is in a rebuild mode because I want to be a part of it. When I signed my contract, I wanted to be here forever and that hasn’t changed.” No doubt Burrows loves it, and his legacy is important to him, as it should be. But, he’s got to see what’s happened to Chris Higgins and Brandon Prust. He played 10:32 Monday night. It makes sense in theory, because his cap hit is $4.5M, but his salary in 2016-17 is $3M. It would also make sense for them to look at a defenceman another team might want to drop, since they look thin for that position next season. Thirty-six hours later, my sense is the Canucks have quietly explored the possibility and don’t see it happening. They offered to keep a percentage of Higgins’ and/or Prust’s salary, too. The other thing to remember here is Vancouver already retained salary on Roberto Luongo. That stays in effect until 2022, and you’re only allowed three at a time.
13. Dan Hamhuis’s decision will be interesting. Personally, you can see him saying no. Big-time family man. Professionally, does he ask himself, “Is my next contract better if I go elsewhere?”