Brian Burke has re-signed defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh to a 2 year deal. This comes as rumours of Ed Jovanovski to Anaheim have circulated. With Burke shopping his 2nd overall, the Canucks interested in moving up in the draft and the desire of Scott Niedermayer to play in Vancouver, it's not hard to put two and two together.
If the Canucks want to sign Niedermayer they would have a difficult time doing so without first moving Jovo's contract. Dealing Jovo for the 2nd overall pick is not very far fetched.
However there are a couple problems with this scenario. First, the Canucks can't speak to Niedermayer until August 1st, which is of course after the draft. Trading Jovo and not getting Niedermayer would be a disaster for Vancouver. The second problem is that Burke has just signed an offensive defenseman and may no longer need an Ed Jovanovski.
So is this deal going to happen? I wouldn't count on it, however don't be too surprised if Vancouver looks to move him in another deal. Jovo has one year remaining on his contract and will be a free agent next year. With Niedermayer out there it would make sense for them to move Jovo for another asset, say a winger for the Sedin's, a goaltender etc. Not saying it's going to happen, but the Canucks would be foolish not to consider the possibility.
In other news...
Today is the final day for buyouts so expect a few bits of news this afternoon... the Owen Nolan situation is getting very messy... Mike Keenan may have "faxed up" and lost Crosby's linemate Dany Roussin, who will re-enter the draft... The Flames have traded Mike Commodore to the Hurricanes for a third round pick, nice job of selling high ... and finally, tommorow is draft day! It should be a very interesting one.
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