Mike Gillis takes the high road

From Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province:

"We have a great deal of respect for the St. Louis Blues, John Davidson, Larry Pleau and their management team," added Gillis. "The offer sheet to Bernier is a clear indication of how highly Steve is thought of in our league."

Read the entire story here.

I'm pretty sure the NHL did its best on both sides to not make this Burke/Lowe II.

Canucks match Bernier offer sheet

From TSN:

One week after the Vancouver Canucks signed restricted free agent forward David Backes to an offer sheet, the St. Louis Blues struck back.

The Blues signed Group II free agent forward Steve Bernier to an offer sheet worth $2.5 million for next season, which the Canucks were quick to match. If they didn't, Vancouver would have received St. Louis' second round draft choice in 2009.

Read the entire story here.

Wow. I step out for dinner, and this happens. Clearly a counter-punch by the Blues after having the Canucks tender David Backes an offer sheet last week. Obviously the Blues were not happy with the Canucks' move and figured they'd make the Canucks overpay just the way they had to. Regardless, it sure makes for interesting news.