Canucks trade Cody Hodgson and Alex Sulzer to Buffalo for Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani

Trade #2…

Today on NHL Trade Deadline day the Vancouver Canucks have made their second move of the day. It’s a blockbuster folks.

They’ve acquired Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani for Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer.

Earlier today in trade #1 the Canucks acquired Sami Pahlsson for a couple fourth round draft picks.

This is a stunner folks.

Kassian is a big winger but this is still a surprising move.

Kassian is a young, Big, MAN with huge strength. 6 Foot 3 228 Lbs. The next Lucic?

Kassian has tremendous upside, but I’m on the fence on this deal.  Cody is going to get better and better, but we clearly see that the Canucks wanted a big winger in the Milan Lucic mold.

The big question for everyone today is, is this kid ready for NHL playoff action?

Zack Kassian just spoke with Sportsnet and had this to say.

“I’m definately shocked about this deal, I wasn’t expecting it.

I was on my way to the airport. I’m very excited to be a part of a contender, but there’s a lot of nerves and expectations.

I’m very excited though, to get to work. I know the Canucks have a deep lineup, that’s no secret.

I just want to work hard in practice and earn my spot.

Every Canadian kid grows up wanting to be a part of a Canadian team going for the cup!  

Gragnani is a nice offensive defenseman, his numbers in ther American League proove that. He’ll hopefully get some chance with the Canucks big club.

I haven’t talked to anyone yet, so not sure when I’ll get in the lineup. It’s going to be fun to play the Sabres on Saturday.”

I have to admit with Coho’s name being out there most of the year we all have to agree this is a deal that Stanley Cup championship caliber teams can make.

Cody Hodgson will be missed, but think of the upside with Kassian.

Hodgson had this to say on Sportsnet. “I was shocked, didn’t really know what to think. Good group of young guys in Buffalo.

You will be missed Coho. Good luck with Buffalo! NWSB

I’m excited.

I haven’t talked to Buffalo yet, I’ve talked to my family and a couple media outlets, and my agent. Its a whirlwind.

I love the fans and the city of Vancouver, but at the same time I have a new team now and I’m looking forward to it. My family is excited about it, I’ll have to get tickets to all my home games now for family. ”

The other piece of this trade is defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani.

He’s a good puck moving defenseman but I’m not sure we’ll see him crack the lineup anytime soon.

He just spoke with Sportsnet and had this to say,  ”This feels like a new beginning, I’m very excited to go to Vancouver, I hope we can make a good run in the playoffs, and make a run at the cup.

I don’t know if my style works with the Vancouver Canucks, plus they’re on the west coast. Once I get there I’ll see how they play, and hope I’m there the rest of the year.

The GM of the Sabres told me about the trade today, and nobody has called me from Vancouver today. It will be fun because we play Buffalo in 5 days.”

Zack Kassian

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You can read more NWSB reader reaction also check out Canucks trade #3 (Vancouver gets Andrew Gordon from Ducks for Sebastian Erixon) over at our Canucks forums.

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