RUMOUR: Volchenkov’s Rights to Canucks?

As it seems right now, there are only three teams that are persuing Anton Volchenkov’s negotiating rights as of now, the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks. Bryan Murray has made it clear that Volchenkov will not return in an Ottawa Senators’ uniform next season. As I have learned, Volchie’s negotiating rights will be traded on June 25th, and likely to the Vancouver Canucks.

These are little details as of now, but the plain proof is that the Canucks really want Anton, but it’s unclear if Anton wants the Canucks. The reutnr for his rights seems to be a Top-Nine Forward (Steve Bernier), and a 2nd-4th Round Pick in the upcoming Entry Draft. What we know is that the Canucks temporarily do not hold either a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but is the 4th one possible?

It’s unfortunate that Anton Volchenkov will not be wearing the red and black next season, but if it holds true that Volchenkov wanted 5 million/year, which seems way too high to me, Bryan Murray will have made the right move. You could say Anton is replaceable, by a guy like Zbynek Michalek. But than you can say Michalek possesses nowhere near the physicality that Volchie does.

As well, congratulations to Henrik Sedin for winning the Hart Trophy, and all the other well-deserved award winners tonight.