Trouble with projecting even a year away, is how low or high the Canucks are in the standings. The Sedins and Canuck management wouldn't want to weaken their team if the Canucks even had a shot at at playoff run (IMO)
If the trade was done at TDL, the cap hit wouldn't be all that much and many teams could probably afford it if money like Plekanac or retention was made as you suggest. OK would the Sedins want to do waive for a NHL Cup run, or would they prefer to play on the World Championships in April (kinda meaningless I know with best players in North America), but the Europeans think it's important.

It is hard to project where they'll be, but at some point Vancouver has to realize they need to rebuild, because hovering around where they are isn't going to work for them much longer. Given that they play in the Pacific, it's a safe bet to say that Edmonton and Calgary will both be ahead of them next season. Probably the three California teams too, depending on what happens in the offseason.

There are just too many teams that are either in contention or in rebuild mode. The Canucks are one of the only teams in the middle. That's an awful place to be, and they need to address it. The faster they do that, the less time Canucks fans are going to have to suffer.

It's a two sided argument here. The Sedins want to win but they love Vancouver, so they know that they will only get one of those 2. Even if they take a massive cut after next year they SHOULD not be in our future plans so do they retire or go play somewhere else after their contracts expire (more likely for MODO than another NHL team). Therefore do they accept a trade to a contender and give a go on the Stanley Cup for two years? Seems like Edler is staying until his contract is up because of his family so we will lose him for nothing so management has to make a decision as to realistically project the value of the Sedins this season vs the Sedins next season. You will get more now if you trade them compared to the possibility of them having a worse statistical season through the first half of next year and trying to unload them. Or we could always go the Hamhuis route and demand too much then lose him for nothing.

UFAs come and go all the time, so "walking for nothing" may not really apply. And certainly a player that gives waives his NMC, doesn't want his new team weaken by the trade hence less chance for the Cup.
If the Canucks really are concerned about the Sedins, they should have discussion with them a year from now and the Sedins really want to leave, don't worry so much about the return in the trade.

As much as I think the Canucks need to trade the Sedins this year, they won't. Not just because they already said they aren't trading them, but because both of them, especially Daniel, aren't having great seasons. I think they'd be willing to take the risk of them playing worse next year, and hope they bounce back so they can be traded.

As much as I think the Canucks need to trade the Sedins this year, they won't. Not just because they already said they aren't trading them, but because both of them, especially Daniel, aren't having great seasons. I think they'd be willing to take the risk of them playing worse next year, and hope they bounce back so they can be traded.[/quote]

That's why this is a two-sided argument. The sedins themselves have a role in this too. They are smart guys, I am sure they know that this team is not going far this year and next. What do they want? If they love Vancouver then you can't blame them for staying knowing they won't be winning a cup but if a cup is important to them then they have to be the ones to suggest it to JB. You gave them a NMC and u have to live by their wishes but they have to really have an introspective look at their legacy, is it about chasing a cup or staying in Vancouver?

Horvat should get at least 5.

Eriksson makes 6.