How much is Burrows worth?

Vancouver Canucks forward Alexandre Burrows has played in 522 games and scored (139g-131a—270 pts) in 7 ½ seasons in the NHL, you have to think that Burroows is due a pretty big raise.

According to Cap Geek Burrows is making 2 million dollars a year – if we compare Ryan Kessler and Burrows – Kessler is making 5 million dollars a year. Just for comparison sake Kessler has played in 561 NHL games and scored (153g-184a—337pts).

You have to think that Burrows who plays with the Sedin twins on the first line makes 2 million dollars a year and is probably set to get a big raise. First, you have to wonder if the current CBA negotiations are going to affect Burrows contract negotiations, I would think not. No one else has shown fiscal restraint when it comes to free agents signings and players contract extensions, during the current labor negotiations.

Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun --- Assistant general manager Laurence Gilman confirmed Friday that he has had recent discussions with Burrows' agent, Paul Corbeil.

"We have had preliminary discussions about extending Alex's contract," Gilman said. "But beyond that it's not our policy to discuss ongoing negotiations."

Burrows is set to enter the final year of a four-year contract that pays him $2 million a season.

He has proved to be a bargain at that price. Playing mainly with the Sedin twins, Burrows has had four straight seasons of 25 or more goals. He scored 28 goals and had 52 points for the Canucks last season. The 31-year-old had his best season in 2009-10 when he had 35 goals and 67 points, both career highs.

"Alex is an important player on our team, both on the ice and in our dressing room," Gilman said. "And if we can get him signed to a long-term deal that keeps him with us for a number of years it would be a very good thing."

Burrows' numbers obviously have him in line for a significant raise. But like so many other of his teammates before him, Burrows will be expected to sign for less than he might command on the open market if he was to become an unrestricted free agent next July 1.

Canucks interested in signing Schultz

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The most unlikable team in the NHL is also interested in signing former Wisconsin Badgers All-WCHA defenseman Justin Schultz.

Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun - Canuck general manager Mike Gillis and assistant Laurence Gilman are in Toronto and it's not to chat with Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke about a Roberto Luongo trade.

Gillis and Gilman instead headed east in the hope of meeting with hockey's hottest free agent not named Zach Parise or Ryan Suter.

The Canucks are one of a reported 26 NHL teams said to be pursuing collegiate defenceman Justin Schultz, who just completed his junior year at the University of Wisconsin.

This is one free-agent negotiation that won't be all about the money. Everyone is prepared to offer Schultz, a soon to be 22-year-old Kelowna native, the maximum $925,000 a year, two-year entry level contract (plus bonuses) to which he is entitled under the current collective bargaining agreement.

What Schultz is said to want is ice time and there have been suggestions that he also has a preference to play in Canada.

While I follow and write about UND hockey, Justin Schultz is one of my favorite opposition players. In my opinion, Schultz is "one" of the best players that I have ever watched play the college game at the defense position.

Let me preface this by saying, this is not a slam against other WCHA players and or former Fighting Sioux hockey players, because I have watched some great players over the years.

The reason I think that Schultz is that good and close to NHL ready – he the ability to dazzle you with his offensive talents and he brings the fans out of their seats –he is also like having a fourth forward on the ice. That being said, I hope Schultz signs with anyone other than the diving, whining Canucks hockey team.