Yesterday's ranking of NHL coaches by The Score led to a decent vote of confidence for Willie Desjardins in the poll on this blog, and an enthusiastic discussion of Willie's strengths and weaknesses—including whether or not the Canucks actually use an on-ice system.
Vanoxy got prophetic when he said of the upcoming ranking of general managers: "Stay tuned for Benning at #30 tomorrow.... or 31st if they add Mcphee to the list."
Click here for the full list. Yep, the Canucks are reaching new lows—we're No. 31!
Once again, I'll object to the characterization that the Canucks have an "obvious lack of mindful direction," when the plan has been stated time and time again—restock the cupboards with youth while re-tooling veteran talent in an effort to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. Benning and company do have a vision—it just isn't the "tear it all down" vision that has been in play in places like Toronto and Buffalo.
There's also plenty to argue about regarding other teams' rankings. Ron Francis is praised for his work with the Carolina Hurricanes, but only ranks 22nd; ditto Ray Shero at No. 20 for New Jersey. Then George McPhee, who has been on the job for less than a month in Las Vegas, earns No. 17. Huh?
Anyway. The list offers some fodder for discussion if you choose to go there.
Jason King Hired as Utica Comets Assistant
There was some real news on Tuesday, as the Canucks announced that Jason King has been hired as Travis Green's new assistant with the Utica Comets. King replaces Paul Jerrard, who was pinched by Glen Gulutzan to become an assistant with the Calgary Flames.
King, of course, played 55 games of his 59-game NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks in 2003 and 2004. He was the first of many right wingers to benefit from riding shotgun with Daniel and Henrik Sedin and was the piece that led to one of the best-ever line names in team history, the "Mattress Line" — two twins and a King!
The native of Corner Brook, Newfoundland was originally drafted 212th overall as a 19-year-old by the Canucks in 2001, so it's pretty impressive that he even made the NHL at 22 years old. King was named NHL rookie of he month in November of 2003 thanks to eight goals and 11 points in 14 games, playing with the twins.
King landed back with the Manitoba Moose for 29 games in the 2003-04 season, and continued to play there through the 2005-06 season. His career path was hampered by a serious concussion during his time with the Moose but he continued to play until 2012-13, with stints in Sweden, Germany, the AHL and four games with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007-08.
King retired from the AHL's St. John IceCaps after another concussion limited him to just nine games in 2012-13 and was hired as an assistant coach. In his first year behind the bench, he helped guide the IceCaps to the Calder Cup Final, where the team ultimately fell to Willie Desjardins' Texas Stars.
After two seasons as an assistant coach, King was promoted to become the IceCaps' Director of Hockey Operations. According to the
club's website, IceCaps CEO Danny Williams is sad to see him go.
“Firsthand foremost, the IceCaps are thrilled to see Jason fulfill his dream of returning to the professional coaching ranks,” said Mr. Williams. “There are not many of these positions available and it is a testament to Jason’s abilities and reputation that he has secured such a post.
“However, on a personal level, we are saddened to see him go. Jason is a special member of the IceCaps family, having served the club with excellence and the utmost professionalism in three different capacities since the IceCaps joined the AHL in 2011. We wish Jason and his family all the best in the future.”
King, 34, will join head coach Travis Green, assistant Nolan Baumgartner and goaltending coach Rollie Melanson in Utica. Baumgartner also played for the Canucks and the Manitoba Moose between 2003 and 2005, so he and King likely have some history together.
To wrap up today—don't forget, we have hockey on TSN starting at 10 a.m. PT this morning as the World Junior Evaluation Camp games get underway in earnest, though Guillaume Brisebois will not be in the lineup today for Team Canada.
Lineups haven't been released yet for the later game between Team USA and Sweden, but I expect Brock Boeser will probably be playing.
And, finally, did you see this KHL moment from the weekend?
Amazing? Definitely. Legal? Probably not. But it counted.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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