Adios Frank, We Hardly Knew Ya

Another one bites the dust. I lost count a long time ago, but my guess is Frank is about the 479,506th Canucks player to leave who showed some promise (I might be exaggerating on the number). I never expected him to be the next Nick Lidstrom or Ray Bourque, but he showed some great talent for a fifth round pick. I think what stings the most is his age, 22 years old. In a league where Defenseman seem to mature later than Forwards, and a right-handed shot seems to come at a premium, losing Frank stings a bit.

However, a youth movement has been the theme of the current Front Office, and that made even a 22 year old expendable. Trevor Linden put it best when he said he was an eighth guy on the depth chart and wouldn't be getting the time with the other guys on the roster. Guys like Ben Hutton and Matt Bartkowski coming into the fold, Corrado's time was up. While Bartkowski is five years older, again Defenseman mature later, he is more NHL ready, and Hutton has done nothing but impress in his preseason games.

The one difference with Frank as compared to the other guys who've come and gone is I really am going to miss him. I feel like he was caught between two regimes, and unless he came out with a magnificent preseason his days were numbered. The good news is he's only 22, and if he continues his improvement he could be an NHL regular for a long time. The Maple Leafs might be the best place for him. They are a team rebuilding with plenty of playing time for guys looking to make a name for themselves. Hopefully he will get the chance he needs. Best of luck Frank.

Kevin Bieksa Comments

A couple days ago, Kevin Bieksa made some comments about being an asset and the business side of the game and how "There were a lot of false promises out there." @BigNasty604 tweeted out the full quote here. In my opinion it was an emotional quote from an emotional player, but for me it also showed an odd lack of perspective on his part.

I am not going to bash the guy, he was good on the ice and loved in the community, almost more than anyone I can think of, especially in recent years. The one thing I don't get is how he thought he would be at one team his entire career. As sad as it is, that's a tough thing to do these days, no matter how beloved a guy is in the community. With front office and coaching turnover and a strict salary cap to work with, roster turnover is common places these days.

There has been speculation on what or who he was specifically referring to, whether he meant the Canucks, the San Jose Sharks (who he was reportedly going to), the media, or the fans is anyone's guess. However, for someone so involved in the community and beloved, he left with barely a goodbye, going so far as even blocking Clay Imoo when Clay tweeted him an awesome tribute song he put together for him (side note, if you don't follow Clay, you're missing out big time, very talented). These aren't really the responses long time fans were looking for.

Also there is the matter of his performance (see below; source). It wasn't that he was playing poorly, but you have to take into account the direction of the team. Sure his stats looked good on back-to-back Presidents Trophy winning teams. However, the last couple years were not banner years, on teams whose expectations were not that high. Management, especially new management are always searching where they can cut salary, especially when a rebuild is happening.

Regular Season:

Playoffs:

Again, not bashing the guy, just trying to point at why he was a good trade chip and place to cut out salary, although I would have hoped for a better return. I do find this whole situation to be a bit odd. To be a professional athlete in 2015 and be shocked he is treated like an asset is a bit odd, and then to leave a place you loved for so long and were so involved in, with barely a goodbye and even blocking people who wish you well, is even more odd. I am not sure who Bieksa is focusing on with those quotes, but his actions seem like they point further north than San Jose.