The Sunday Shacks’ Canuck Take – What to do About Cory?

There has been much discussion over the last couple of weeks about what to do with impending restricted free agent, and the Canuck's most tradable asset, Cory Schneider. 

Roberto Luongo's mega-contract and no-trade clause make it almost inevitable that Schneider will be traded before next season when he is due for a raise well beyond what a team flirting with the salary cap can afford to pay a back-up goalie.  There are two divergent schools of thought on this topic: trade him before the deadline this year so the Canucks will have the benefit of the new asset during this year's cup run; or keep Schneider until the draft so the Canucks have insurance in case Luongo gets hurt or has another mental let down.  

To me there's only one right answer: keep him through the playoffs. 

I understand why some believe keeping a huge asset that will likely sit on the end of the bench through the playoffs is a massive waste of a resource.  Others believe Vancouver would be better off if they used Schneider to trade for that big, skilled top 6 winger with a mean-streak, or a bona-fide top-4 defenseman who can ensure the Canucks have enough healthy d-men for a long playoff run.  That argument only makes sense if you're not looking at the bigger picture.

There are two assets many believe the Canucks need to acquire by trading Schneider before the deadline in order to make another long run in the playoffs, another top-4 defenseman and/or a top 6 forward with a mean-streak and scoring touch.

I'm not one that ascribes to the theory Vancouver needs a top-4 defenseman, the Canucks already have the depth they require internally with Chris Tanev.  Tanev would be playing with Vancouver right now if the decision was based strictly on merit. I think he'll be up with the big club for the playoff run and is more than capable of filling some big minutes if pressed into service.

The Canucks' bigger need on the back end is a 6^th defenseman with an edge. Salo, Bieksa, Hamhuis Edler and Tanev give Vancouver five players for their top 4, what this group is missing is someone with a nasty streak like Bryan Allen or Shane O'Brien, someone that will make the opposition pay the price for standing in front or running into the goalies.   These types of players can be had for a draft pick or by moving one of the Canucks' lesser assets, not Cory Schneider.

This leaves the Canucks needing a top-6 forward with a bad attitude and, for the sake of this argument, I'm going to assume Byron Bitz is not the answer.  Those players are in short supply, Brendan Morrow or Shane Doan may fit the bill but neither Dallas nor Phoenix need a goalie.  More relevant though is the fact Vancouver has many assets they can use to obtain this player without using Schneider.  In order for a top 6 forward to come in, one has to leave, which means Raymond, Higgins, Booth or Burrows has to be involved.  The Canucks also possess some prospects like Schroeder, Rodin and Connauton who could be in play, as well as having draft picks and depth defensemen to dangle.   

Vancouver shouldn't be in a building mode, they need to be all-in to win the cup, so a package of Raymond, Connauton and a couple of draft picks including a 1^st rounder should be enough to get the final piece.  If they need more assets, use the depth d-men or more draft picks.  The Canucks can get everything they need for a long run without sacrificing Schneider.

If Vancouver can obtain the players they need by moving other players, keeping the leagues most important insurance policy is one area where the Canucks are no worse off by being patient. 

Luongo's seemingly bipolar performances has been discussed ad nauseum, suffice it to say I'm in the corner that believes that until Luongo proves otherwise, a quality back-up is essential, most notably when Vancouver plays in those zoo-like environments such as Chicago and Boston. 

Even if you don't believe Vancouver needs Luongo insurance, the bigger question is why the hurry to move Schneider?  As I explained above, Vancouver has the assets to fill whatever needs they have without losing depth or Schneider.  More importantly, this team is almost entirely signed long-term.  Other than their depth defensemen like Rome and Sulzer, every player is under contract at least through next year with the exception of Mason Raymond, Sami Salo and Cory Schneider. 

Unless their core players get lost in the Bermuda Triangle during the off-season, this team is going to be just as competitive next year.  If Luongo performs well in this years playoffs, Schneider is superfluous, trade him without remorse. Gillis can either trade Cory to recoup the assets he lost to augment this year's run, or if he stands pat, Gillis can assess what was missing from the mix this year and trade Schneider for the asset he needs.

If Luongo falters, Schneider can be used when needed during the playoff run and Gillis can sort out the details before next year.

Short of a Godfather offer, keeping Schneider is the only move that makes sense right now.