'Nucks IceMan

Written by: Larry “The Nucks IceMan” Johnson

The rumor mill is just a spinning these days with what seems to be the inevitable – that Kevin Bieksa will be traded.

There have been a number of teams mentioned with the first one being Columbus Blue Jackets and now San Jose Sharks.

I can’t see why the Canucks would want to trade a gritty type D-man in Bieksa to a team that they have had trouble beating over the last three seasons (2W).

Both have a number of players that would help the Canucks third line and reduce the Bieksa – $3.75 million cap hit.

So with that in mind I took a look at who might be trade material if the other teams were willing to make the deal.

First off three players from the San Jose system and then two from Columbus.

Brandon Mashinter

Left Wing
Age – 22
Height 6.03 – Weight 224 – Shoots L
Last Junior Team – Belleville Bulls (OHL)

Here’s a player that has the size, is tough, and could play third or fourth line.

He has played one season with the Sharks AHL team – the Worcester Sharks where he put up some decent numbers (see below)

2009-10 – Worcester Sharks – AHL – GP – 79; G – 22; A – 15; 117 – PIM

Cap Hit – $719,167

Frazer McLaren

Left Wing
Age – 23
Height 6.04 — Weight 225 — Shoots L
Last Junior Team – Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Another player that is big, tough and has some scoring ability.

He split last season between San Jose and the AHL Sharks.

With San Jose he played in 23 games while posting 1G, 5A and 54 PIM

AHL Sharks  – 52GP – 4G – 11A – 148PIM

Cap Hit – $543,333

Third or fourth liner.

Andrew Desjardins

Center
Age – 24
Height 6.00 — Weight 197 — Shoots R
Last Junior Team – Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Although a natural center it would not be the first time that a center is converted to the wing.

It just seems that the Sharks are loaded with big young players that are tough and can score.

He has played two seasons with the AHL Sharks with the last season being his best

2009-10 – AHL Sharks – 80GP – 19G – 27A – 126PIM

Cap Hit – $500,000

Definitely a third line player that can put up the points.

Jakub Voracek

Right Wing
Age 21
Height 6.01 — Weight 205 — Shoots L
Last Junior Team – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

This is not what you would call a gritty type of player but he does have the size and put up 50 points last season.

Could add some much needed scoring as a third liner.

2009-10 – Columbus – 81GP – 16G – 34A – 26PIM

Cap Hit – $1,270,833

Ethan Moreau

Left Wing
Age – 34
Height 6.02 — Weight 220 — Shoots L

Currently is with Columbus.

Now here’s a veteran that would fit in extremely well on the third line that still has some scoring left in him and has that edge in his play.

He was the Captain of the Edmonton Oilers and below are his last two season stats.

2008-09 – Edmonton Oilers – 77GP – 14G – 12A – 133PIM

2009-10 – Edmonton Oilers – 76GP – 9G – 9A – 62PIM

Cap Hit – $2 million

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