Canucks Acquire Steve Bernier

[R.Middleton]

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis announced today that the club has acquired right wing, Steve Bernier from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a second round Draft pick in 2010 and third round pick (Los Angeles’ selection) in 2009.

“Steve Bernier is a highly regarded young player who’s enjoyed success early in his career,” said Gillis. “With his right-handed shot he will be a great addition to our top six forward group and an asset to our power play.”

Bernier, 23, split the 2007-08 season between the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks combining for 32 points (16-16-32) and 64 penalty minutes in 76 games played. In 177 career NHL games Bernier has recorded 45 goals, 45 assists (45-45-90) and 128 penalty minutes. Bernier captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Under-18 Championships in Yaroslavl, Russia in 2003.

The 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. native of Quebec City, QC, was originally selected in the 1st round, 16th overall in 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

[Thrillhouse]

Buffalo, what are you doing?

EDIT: How do the Leafs get in on one of these trades, christ.

[Cat Smasher]

Good for Canucks. Nice big upside.

[bengino]

i like Bernier i think he has great potential, but the price seems a little bit steep for a guy that has yet to prove anything.

[Thrillhouse]

Originally Posted by bengino

i like Bernier i think he has great potential, but the price seems a little bit steep for a guy that has yet to prove anything.

Are you crazy? This guy is gonna put big points on the board with the twins.

[bengino]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

Are you crazy? This guy is gonna put big points on the board with the twins.

same as Anson Carter did... but it's all potential and he could end up not panning out, just like the way the Leafs are banking on Grabovski to put up points.

[Blouin]

great move by the Canucks

[Mike Kole]

Bernier's never put up numbers consistently, and hasn't improved his production with time in the League. He's a career .5 point-a-game guy.

I'm more impressed with Buffalo here. They got Bernier and SJ's #1 pick in exchange for Campbell, then turn Bernier around for a 2nd & 3rd rounder? That's the way to salvage a guy leaving your club.

[Odjick29]

Bernier is a beast, 6'3 235lbs, he'll be playing RW with the sedins and pot 40 goals

[Thrillhouse]

Originally Posted by bengino

same as Anson Carter did... but it's all potential and he could end up not panning out, just like the way the Leafs are banking on Grabovski to put up points.

Their potentials aren't even close. The worst Bernier could do is a 3rd liner. For Grabovski, he could play in the NHL this season and then never be heard from again.

Bernier absolutely won't be a 3rd liner on Vancouver. He's the perfect guy to put with the Sedins. Where was the rest of the league on this one?

[canuckfan]

Gillis finally stepped up and made something happen - I'm feeling good about this deal, the Canucks just got a major upgrade and the Sedins all of a sudden look a lot more dangerous.

Getting shut out of the free agent pool was not cool - but this helps me feel a little bit better. Now I guess we gotta sign the guy.....he's still an RFA isn't he?

[lakingsfan19]

Great move for Vancover, I still don't undertsand Buffalo. But what's new?

[hoch721]

As a sabres fan, I'm slightly disappointed with this trade. Bernier is kinda in the same mold as Stafford so maybe they thought he was expendable, or just not in the long-term plans. Its also possible Regier caught wind of an offer sheet and wanted to get something back. A 2nd and a 3rd is a decent return for a likely 3rd liner for the sabres, but Bernier is still young. I agree with thrillhouse Bernier has potential on a top line; in Vancouver he may have a better chance to succeed.
I'm hoping this is a part of something bigger for the sabres. They desperately need a defensemen.

[Odjick29]

Bernier when he was a Shark played top line and would dominate the nucks, I was always fascinated with this kid because he had size and speed and you couldn't move him off the puck - he will 100% play with the twins or on the top line, he's a top 6 forward in my eyes...

[Orr=God]

what the f*ck are the sabres thinking? bernier is a good young player. the sabres right now are looking very weak. good deal for the nucks who obviously need forwards in the worst way.