Burke values Canucks' prospects
Canadian Press
3/10/2003
VANCOUVER (CP) - Brian Burke says he isn't going to fall into the trap of poisoning the Vancouver Canucks' future by making a bad deal before Tuesday's NHL trading deadline.
The outspoken Vancouver Canuck general manager said some teams deal away young talent or draft picks for a short run in the playoffs.
``I'm not going to start trading away young players or high picks without a reasonable expectation that we'll get a return on it,'' Burke told reporters at G.M. Place.
``Some of these teams are walking a fine line between winning today and poisoning the well for the franchise for the next five or six years. I'm not going to do that. I like our team. That being said, if we can add to it sensibly, we are going to do that.''
The Canucks, operating on a budget of around $30 million US, have a 39-18-11-1 record and sit second in the Western Conference. Unlike teams like Detroit, Dallas, Toronto and Philadelphia, Burke can't open his wallet to pad his payroll with high-priced mercenaries in a last-ditch attempt to win a Stanley Cup.
He hopes a new collective bargaining agreement puts some sanity back in a league that has seen rich teams act like robber barons while small-market Canadian clubs serve the role of sharecroppers, growing talent that is plucked away by the wealthy clubs.
``In 2004 I think we are all expecting to see a different system,'' said Burke, who in five seasons has put some polish back on a tarnished franchise.
``I can't wait to find out if some of these guys (GMs) can operate in a system where you can't just go out and spend what you want to spend. There's a notion that this is a game of chequing account balance instead of talent evaluation. I can't wait for that day where it comes down to who can do their job.''
Burke favours moving the trade deadline to early February. This might stop teams renting players by trading for high-price free agents late in the season.
The Canuck players had Monday off after returning from a five-game road trip where the team went 1-1-2-1. They made the trip without starting goaltender Dan Cloutier (knee), forward Artem Chubarov (abdominal strain) and defenceman Mattias Ohlund (knee surgery).
Cloutier has returned to skating but hasn't practised with the team yet.
``It hasn't gotten worse so that's a good sign,'' said Cloutier.
``Time wise, I'm not sure how long it's going to take but it's getting a lot closer.''
With the Canucks running like a sports car, Burke doesn't want to tinker too much under the hood in preparation for the playoff race.
He would like to add a big forward with toughness and scoring ability and maybe some more depth on defence.
What he has to offer in return is draft picks, speedy forward Trevor Letowski and hardnosed Jarkko Ruutu.
Burke said the phone has been ringing with offers.
```I haven't seen a price tag I like yet,'' he said.
``I believe if we can add to the team we're going to do that. We're not going to change the blueprint which is keeping our young assets together and building for the future.''
As the trading deadline near, a feeding frenzy can occur, said Burke.
Some clubs will make a deal to keep a player from going to another team. Others will make a trade to sell tickets.
``You've got a whole bunch of teams adding players and salaries and giving up assets,'' he said.
``One team gets the Cup. That's why the math stinks at the trading deadline. That's why you see some horrible deals at the trading deadline.''
Cheers,
Aquaman