Alexandre Burrows trade: Four questions with Nucks Misconduct
Kyle Westy answers four questions on the Alex Burrows trade
There’s two sides to every trade. We here at Silver Seven have already voiced our opinions, but to hear from the other side, we asked Nucks Misconduct writer Kyle Westy to answer four questions on the Burrows-for-Dahlen trade. Let’s jump right in!
Q: Burrows was a solid scoring winger not too long ago, but has seen his production drop off in recent years. What have contributed to this, and can we expect this trend to continue?
KW: Burrows and the Sedins hit their prime in 2011 because Burrows could cycle with them and get into good scoring spots. I think he may have taken Swedish classes during the offseason. As the Sedins slowed down, so did Burrows. Also a change of coaches changed Burrows role on the team. He is not as fast as he used to be but he is smart and can get to spots before the play gets there. He does still drive to the net hard. Burrows is a guy that play on all lines but will probably be better suited on the third line.
Q: Before being extended by Ottawa, Burrows was scheduled to become a UFA this summer. Considering he’s been with the Canucks for so long, do you think Jim Benning was considering re-signing him, or was a trade/free agency the inevitable route?
KW: At this particular moment with the Canucks, I don't think Burrows was going to be around even at the $2.5 million the Sens signed him for. The Nucks just don't have it with the RFAs they have. If there were no takers for him at the deadline the Nucks would have let Burrows walk at the end of the year.
Q: With young prospect Jonathan Dahlen going back, what do you think this says about the Canucks’ direction moving forward?
KW: The Canucks continue to get younger slowly and they are looking for playmakers. The Canucks are more than willing to take on projects, which Dahlen seems to be, because of their potential. The fanbase is coming around to this idea that a rebuild is necessary. The Sedins won't be around forever.
Q: What is one (or multiple) things Sens fans should look forward to with Burrows? Any favourite moments?
KW: Burrows was loved in Vancouver. Not all of his antics were loved but the guy was a pillar of the community and loved by his teammates. Burrows is known as a dirty player by the rest of the league but Canuck fans forgave him because he chose to be the lightning rod which really did give the Sedins more breathing room. Burrows best moment in Van was his game 7 goal in O/T against the Blackhawks in the year Vancouver made it to the Stanley Cup Final.