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Vancouver Canucks: Notes from the Summer Summit, Linden Vey Signing Close? |
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The Vancouver Canucks made their big push to season ticket holders at last night's Summer Summit at Rogers Arena, just a few days before the "refund deadline" that was extended during the ticket-renewal window.
I believe this is also the moment when current ticket holders get their chance to upgrade their seats based on seniority and availability. I bet there was some good opportunity this year.
I've been to a couple of these events in the past, most recently tagging along with friends in 2006 for the introduction of new Canucks Roberto Luongo and Willie Mitchell. At that time, we sat in the club seats and there was a podium down at ice level for the speakers.
This year, the production was a grander affair, using the "concert bowl" stage near one end of the arena and also setting up floor seats.
A slimmed-down John Shorthouse was the master of ceremonies for an event that was divided into three parts: introduction of the new hospitality team, Q+A with Canucks brass, and introduction of the prospects.
I'll focus on hockey operations for today, then talk about food and prospects tomorrow.
Words from the Bosses:
After the culinary preamble, Trevor Linden, Jim Benning and Willie Desjardins were introduced. Trevor continues to be the main mouthpiece and talked a bit about how he's loving getting back into hockey again. Benning wasn't shy to offer his two cents and probably gave the most informative, specific answers of the bunch. Willie Desjardins seemed like his personality was overwhelmed a bit by the other two—he only got a few words in during the Q+A session.
Key points:
• Trevor expressed gratitude throughout the night to the season ticket holders, which always plays well. "The people I work for are sitting right here." There was a good deal of emphasis on the idea that change has come because the team has listened to the fans.
• Benning says he's satisfied with how things have gone so far. Said the objective was to create organizational depth which will lead to competition for jobs and for ice time.
• Both Linden and Benning talked about wanting to create a winning environment for the young players' development. When asked why they didn't go the full #TankNation route and get into the Connor McDavid sweepstakes, Benning said the fans here are "too passionate to let that happen." States again that the plan is to draft well and that part of the reason for bringing in Willie is his ability to develop young players.
• When asked about how the team will score more goals next year, Benning emphasized that Nick Bonino had more points than Ryan Kesler in 2013-14 and that Linden Vey should be able to contribute. Trevor talked about "getting guys back"—having players like Edler, Hansen and Burrows contributing again like they have in the past. Emphasis will be on having a four-line team where all lines can score.
• Update on Gino: Trevor says he's been to visit him a few times and whenever he does, he always wants to talk hockey. Says Gino was recently flown back to the Ottawa area in an air ambulance to visit with family. "The news isn't good, but as we know, he's a fighter."
• When asked if Gino would get put into the Ring of Honour, Trevor was surprised. "Is that my decision?" He tap-danced a little, saying it was something they'd have to consider for sure.
• When asked about the timeframe for the prospects to join the Canucks, Benning said that Bo Hovat and Hunter Shinkaruk have looked good this week at prospects camp, and that they'll be given the chance to fight for a job in training camp. Trevor talked about how things have changed since he joined the league, and how a team like Detroit takes their time in bringing up their prospects. "The last thing you want is to bring guys up who aren't ready physically or in terms of their maturity."
• A very emotional fan asked why Mike Santorelli, "the only guy that came to play last year" wasn't re-signed. It was Benning's turn to tap dance here. Linden added that if the Vrbata signing hadn't worked out, Santorelli's a player they could have considered.
• When asked about a point projection for next season, Linden once again said "Whatever it takes to make he playoffs."
• A fan pointed out that the prospects coming in are bigger guys. She wondered if the nutrition team could help make the veterans bigger. Nice answer from Willie here: "When you're in the hunt, you play a lot bigger. Our guys will go after the Cup this year...that's what they're going for!"
• When asked about Eddie Lack's position with the team, Trevor said Eddie has been a real professional about the Ryan Miller situation. Says the team wants to know it has two goalies that it can win with every night. Eddie recognizes that his development has gone well. Behind Miller, he'll have an opportunity to continue that path and not get pushed into a role where he doesn't have support.
When asked about the potential for a goalie controversy, Benning was dismissive. "Guys that play well, they play." He might be misreading the mood of the fans on this front, especially with the lukewarm acceptance of Miller's signing. We'll see.
• Asked about the team's strengths and weaknesses, Benning said his goal when he came in was to find areas they could build upon. Says now, he's happy with the goaltending. He likes Luca Sbisa and thinks the defense is in order. And he has "confidence that our forwards are going to score this year." Linden went on to add that the team game is about more than scoring goals, and that a sound defensive structure will lead to offensive opportunities.
• When asked about the "Medicine Hat Gang," all three men brushed the influx of ex-Tigers as simply a coincidence, not something that had been planned. Linden's mom, who he's mentioned in the past as his "WHL scout," did not enter into the conversation.
• Asked about how the team's playing style will compare to last year, Willie talked again about playing an aggressive, uptempo style.
The last word went to Trevor Linden, who said "I wasn't happy with what happened last year." He talked about how the negative atmosphere permeated into all aspects of the team's operations. The goal going forward" "Every time you touch and feel something here at Rogers Arena, it's a great experience."
Vey Close to Signing?
No official word yet, but News1130 offers this tidbit on Linden Vey's contract situation:
I guess 18 NHL games doesn't buy a lot of leverage, no matter how much Jim Benning raves about you during the Summer Summit....
Prospects Do the Grind:
It's Grouse Grind day for the prospects today.
Trevor Linden joked during the Summit that the prospects had better be aiming to do better than 50 minutes—he can beat that and he's twice their age!
I can say from experience that success on the Grind is an acquired skill that has a lot to do with pacing. It's also very different from the explosive anaerobic effort that's integral to hockey success, though they should have the lower-body strength to power through.
I'm going up on Friday and I promise, I won't be anywhere near 50 minutes. I broke an hour once, but that was a looong time ago...
Looks like they made it!
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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