Torey while you are hunting down the Clarret story, perhaps you could get us an R.J. Umberger update as well. As you should know by now R.J. has chossen to sit out the year instead of signing the Canucks contract. The story here began last year when R.J. was encouraged to find an agent by the GM Brian Burke. He did so, effectvly ending a very good college carrer. He percieves that the Canucks low balled him by offering a 700K signing bonus and 700K and some change per year. He might be right as the Canucks did pay Matt Kessler, a teammate of R.J.'s whos was selcted 15 spots behind him, a 100,000 more in base and bonus. If he is not signed or traded he will be a UFA come June.

My take here is that both sides are hurting themselves. The Nucks obviously lose a first round draft pick for nothing. 6-2, 220, good hands and a shot cannot be found just anywhere. Burke has dug himself in though saying "the kid can play XBOX till June, there is no way anything is happening before that." Burke is known for his jewishness and being a tough nut to crack.

R.J. is very responsible here though. The Nucks offered him Kessler's exact contract and his response was, (actual quote here)"I am not taking KESSLER money." One of the alltime stupid things to say to the Canadian press. He is not doing himself any favors by sitting on his ass. And don't think he might not get frozen out here. The hockey world is a fraternity as Teddy Nolan found out. Anger the wrong people and it does not matter how good you are.