AO joins Canucks

After lenghtly negotiations the Canucks have aquired Alex Ovechkin from the Calgary Flames.  The Canucks sent forwards Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe along with stud dman Ryan Suter to Calgary in exchange for Ovechkin and Jarkko Ruutu.  It was a high price to pay for the Russian sniper but one the Canucks felt they could afford to make.  The Canucks felt they were legit contenders going into the preseason but this deal should give them the extra kick to make a serious run this season.

In a seperate deal the Canucks filled the void on the blueline after Suter was dealt by aquiring Brad Stuart from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for young forwards Matt D'Agostini, Chad Rau and a 2nd and 3rd pick.  This deal was in the works and fell into place at the right time.

At this point the starting roster is as follows

Ovechkin - Thornton - Nash

Burrow - Kesler - Sharp

Ott - Gaustad - Ruutu

Kariya - Horcoff - Steckel

Lidstrom - Seabrook

Gonchar - Stuart

Murray - Huskin

Lundqvist - Sabourin