On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Agent J.P. Barry on Henrik Sedin saying that money doesn’t matter: “That’s why they have an agent, player always say that.”
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks signing Thomas Vanek for $2 million bought the Canucks some time with their prospects who might not have been ready yet. Vanek also brings some offense, something the Canucks needed.
The pending UFA is second in scoring on the Canucks with 14 goals and 35 points.
At last year’s deadline, Vanek was traded for a conditional third-round pick and a prospect.
There could be a scenario for the Canucks that Vanek and the Sedin’s all return next year.
“We’ve seen where teams can turn it around quickly like New Jersey and it will definitely have some weight in my decision. I haven’t talked to anyone. Maybe I just play it out and see what happens July 1.”
On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …
Arthur Staple of Newsday: It was reported that the Islanders will play some home games at Nassau Coliseum in the next couple seasons while their new arena is being built. This could partially impact the John Tavares situation.
“Like anybody would be, everything that goes into this decision, I’ll think about,” he said. “Obviously where you’re going to play is an important part of that. I don’t think anything’s been finalized or come out officially, so when the time’s right, that news of what’s going to happen will come out and will just be part of my thought process at some point. We’ll see what happens, I guess.”
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590 on the Islanders and John Tavares’ pending free agency.
“There’s a reason that John Tavares is still a New York Islander and it’s because the team believes they can keep him. I agree with you, I don’t think the arena thing is great for them, but at least they got a long term home. If he signs an eight-year deal, at least this way he knows he’s spending probably most of his time in one building.”
Friedman adds about how important making the playoffs this year would be for the Islanders regarding Tavares.