Barry on the Sedins.. and Ohlund

Sedins staying put on trade day Jim Jamieson:

The agent for Daniel and Henrik Sedin said Monday that he doesn't believe there's much chance his clients could be moved in a pre-NHL trade-deadline deal and that negotiations with the Vancouver Canucks are hinging on a contract term both sides can agree on.

Both Daniel and Henrik are on track to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, but want to re-sign and would like to finish their careers in Vancouver. Both are completing contracts that pay $3.575 million US per season.

Calgary-based agent J.P. Barry of CAA Sports said that Wednesday afternoon trade deadline doesn't represent a pressure point for Canucks management to either have a deal done or make a trade to avoid the prospect of losing the twins to another team for nothing in the summer.

"I never really anticipated a chance of a trade, quite frankly," said Barry. "In this situation, it's more about us finding a common ground. I'm sure that will probably continue after the trade deadline.

"I get the sense from both sides that there is a willingness from both sides to make something happen. It's just a matter of taking the time to understand the landscape in front of us and come to a deal that's mutually acceptable."

Barry said he has had some discussions in recent weeks regarding the Sedins, but classified them as "basic."

"It's an ongoing dialogue about the economy, the salary cap, what the world's going to look like, what it takes to make up a team, but no progress about the actual contract negotiations," said Barry.

Barry said a successful deal with hinge on term, with the value of the contract driven by that.

"All the discussions today have been on longer-term deals, in the range of three-four-five (years)," he said. "From our end, it's more toward the five-year range. A longer term deal could equal one (salary) value (per season) and a shorter-term deal could equal another, but we haven't come to any agreement on a term yet."

Henrik said he and Daniel are seeking a deal longer than three years.

"We want to play our whole careers here and we're going to play longer than three more years," he said.

Barry said no talks were presently scheduled for the Sedins or defenceman Mattias Ohlund, also due to become an unrestricted free agent.

Barry said Canucks management wants to wait until the end of the season to see how "Mattias is playing, how the rest of the defence is playing and whether or not they make any changes" before talking further about Ohlund.

Thank you Matt Cooke and Michelle Cooke!

Matt Cooke has been traded to the Washington Capitals for Matt Pettinger.

Nonis and Vigneault have both mentioned how good Cooke has been for the community but are Canucks fans aware of what he has done? Garry Raible's Q&A from the Canucks Magazine Dec 20, 2007 gives a little insight.. Here's a link to the Cooke Family's charity website and media page:Cooke Family Foundation of Hope.

Twenty-nine years old, with 9 years of loyal service. You sure don't enter into this occupation for job security, eh? Well, Matt Cooke, thank you for your heart, your loyalty, and putting your body on the line for the team throughout the years! A huge hug goes out to you!!! *HUG* Good luck! Your home is always here.

Trade deadline came and went

Weell, Todd Bertuzzi's going to Detroit and my what a ho hum media statement his was. I guess he really has no ties to Florida so he couldn't care less. Unlike Ryan Smyth who was traded to the NY Islanders and made everyone choke up about it during his tearful goodbye. Sigh. That's why you have no trade clauses! To avoid stuff like this, which is predictable in this industry.. :(