The Vancouver Canucks finally made some drastic measures yesterday after the conceded their 8th consecutive game in a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Sharks. Immediately after the game, GM burns was not available for his usual press availability and the word given was that he was busy on the phones. This appears to have been the truth as within hours Vancouver had acquired a new goaltending tandem. First, presumptive starter Kevin Poulin, along with floundering star Sven Baertschi were shipped to Columbus for star forward Andrew Cogliano and young netminder Ilya Samsonov. Burns' commented that Cogliano's speed brings a new element to the team that he hopes will compliment the current roster, and that Samsonov, though off to a disastrous start himself, will be better suited to play a little less than he was in Columbus, but has the skills to be a #1 goalie. In order to facilitate playing Samsonov less, Vancouver then struck a deal sending newly acquired Jake Gardiner (along with a conditional pick) to Toronto for netminder Martin Jones. Jones has struggled this season as well, but has a track record of very good individual play, which Vancouver hopes will translate. Though the intention of dealing Gardiner was never part of the plan when re-acquiring him, his -3 first (and only) game as a Canuck was enough for Burns to move on.
6/10/2021 - 281 words
