I think that Schroeder has the tools to develop into a serviceable winger for sure. He's shown the ability to battle for pucks along the boards, and to be extra slippery when avoiding checks along said boards, He has a better than average shot, and he has the ability to dish the puck. I guess im hoping that maybe playing with players like Burrows and Kesler leads to him developing a better understanding of his role, and what he can bring to the team? The only reason I dont have him playing the 3LC role is because he's a below average faceoff guy.

Its hard to pinpoint what Santorelli could do for out team, but I'm hoping he can be that "jack of all trades" type. He can win some faceoffs, forecheck, and score in the shootout. Another reason I penciled him in for 4th line duties is because he's right handed. This gives the Canucks 2 Left handed C's and 2 Right handed C's.


Keep in mind that this is my prediction for the opening night roster, and obviously things will change during the season.
- Gullzy

Good post. I have no idea what Santorelli is capable of so I'll just wait and see with him.

With Schroeder, his potential impact that I can see him bringing to the Kesler line is his passing/playmaking ability. This is literally the one area that I've seen us weakest at for years on the bottom 9 and one where I've been hoping he can fill the gap. If this can't be his role, I'm really not sure what becomes of Schroeder as his other attributes, as you note, don't exactly stand out.

Edler for Skinner?
- RF_4eva

I'd do it. Stick him on the Kesler line. He'd have to waive his NTC though but North Carolina is a beautiful state and they've got a good assortment of players. Just need solid upgrades on D to being it all together.

Good post. I have no idea what Santorelli is capable of so I'll just wait and see with him.

With Schroeder, his potential impact that I can see him bringing to the Kesler line is his passing/playmaking ability. This is literally the one area that I've seen us weakest at for years on the bottom 9 and one where I've been hoping he can fill the gap. If this can't be his role, I'm really not sure what becomes of Schroeder as his other attributes, as you note, don't exactly stand out.
- AlexF

This really is a crap situation for both him and the Canucks. The guy obviously can play in the NHL, but the coaching staff hasn't been able to find him a spot on the team. He'll have to steal one from someone, and I just dont see that happening with this iteration of the Canucks.

I'd do it. Stick him on the Kesler line. He'd have to waive his NTC though but North Carolina is a beautiful state and they've got a good assortment of players. Just need solid upgrades on D to being it all together.
- AlexF

Tort's coaching will have a positive affect on Edler's play. BOOK IT!

This really is a crap situation for both him and the Canucks. The guy obviously can play in the NHL, but the coaching staff hasn't been able to find him a spot on the team. He'll have to steal one from someone, and I just dont see that happening with this iteration of the Canucks.
- Gullzy

We are weak on the RW so if he can make the switch as you suggested that could be his chance to shine and then likely get traded when Shinkaruk come up next year. He's also got a clear shot at 3LC given our hole there but, as you say, he's lousy at FOs and Horvat will be breathing down his neck.

The way it appears right now, he may have one solid year (this year) to claim a FT spot and increase his trade value. I agree that I can't see him here as part of their future plans.

Tort's coaching will have a positive affect on Edler's play. BOOK IT!
- Gullzy

That's not really my point. I'm not getting down on Edler, just think we need forward scoring help more than D right now. Trading for need.

I'll probably be put on blast for this, but Kesler should've been named captain instead of Henrik. Kesler would have been that fiery, passionate, go balls deep leader this team needed for the last two years.
- Gullzy

All I want to see from this team this year is that hunger to give as good as you get, and to never cut back the effort. Perhaps its just the way their style comes across, and as with all pro sports team injuries are a factor, but under AV they looked passionless and robotic for large stretches of the last two years. Being a contender for years, never getting over the hump but then playing like they have little to prove doesn't look good on any franchise.

I want a team that, god forbid, their playoff run falls short, makes damn sure the opponent remembers them when they move on to the next round. To me, it felt like the strategy under AV was to play the percentages each game, believing the longer term vision will be realized by the mathematics behind those percentages. Down 2-0 after 10 minutes? Cut back the effort, as this one is statistically out of reach- at least that is how I as a fan often perceived their efforts over the last few years.

Call it a blue collar work ethic, call it push back.... I just want to see a team that collectively looks like it will do anything it takes to win. Maybe not being a favorite is EXACTLY what this team needs- to look up at the standings with desperation again. They has enough talent, speed, and goal tending to take care of the rest, and at least make a good showing in the post season. My $0.02.
- SeanmowerMan

That's it in a nut shell. Now we have a coach that will yell at the players in stead of popping in another lozenge.

Wow Hodgson 6yrs 27mil.

Wow Hodgson 6yrs 27mil.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Just shy of $5m per. Big money. Good for him.

Now his dad can live comfortably.

Wow Hodgson 6yrs 27mil.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Nick Kypreos ‏@RealKyper 7m
#3 for a dollar. Ok last try. 4.25m x 6. 25M for #Sabres Hodgson.

Wow Hodgson 6yrs 27mil.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Somewhere Kadri is not happy. I wonder if he'll start looking for a new agent tomorrow.

Somewhere Kadri is not happy. I wonder if he'll start looking for a new agent tomorrow.
- IanEsplen

They over-paid the kid big time, I don't think they're very deep at center, thus a panic move by Buffalo. Only slightly north of Adam Henrique, it's on capgeek already.

Somewhere Kadri is not happy. I wonder if he'll start looking for a new agent tomorrow.
- IanEsplen

I bet he is not happy. Bozak and Clarkson get crazy money and term. Hodgson gets crazy money and term. Kadri gets a bridge.

Must be because Kadri's a Habs fan.

Winger David Booth remains out with an ankle injury suffered last March. General manager Mike Gillis said Booth has still not been cleared to play.

Daniel Henrik Kassian
Burrows Kesler Jensen
Gaunce Horvat Hansen
Sestito Richardson Weise

I don't care if they won't win the Cup with that line-up...that's what I'd like to see either this year or next because I'm wanting CHANGE.
- LeftCoaster

I sort of agree . I won't mind seeing Mallet instead of Weise .

I bet he is not happy. Bozak and Clarkson get crazy money and term. Hodgson gets crazy money and term. Kadri gets a bridge.

Must be because Kadri's a Habs fan.
- bloatedmosquito

just wait...I'll call it now that Kadri will leave the Leafs high and dry the first cahnce he gets.

DN- "So Naz, let's talk extension"
NK- "Okay, what are you thinking Dave?"
DN- "7 years, 40 million."
NK- "HMMM..., How about more like 7 years, 70 million?"
DN- "WHAT? are you kidding?"
NK- "Remember in 2013 when you screwed me?"
DN- "ahhhhhh...."
NK- "Time to pay up or I'm going to Montreal. And Don't worry, you still have Clarkson to carry the team for a few more years. "
DN- "ahhhhhhhhh....."

I sort of agree . I won't mind seeing Mallet instead of Weise .
- VANTEL

Wiese =

Doesn't sound like the Sedins will be signing one or two year deals. Said they hope this next contract is their last at presser this morning. So much for the 1 yr, $2M deal!
- KB3Point0

Could do an instant rebuild if traded at TDL

Who's the last 18 year old to make the team??

I like it but sub in Booth for scrub Weise. No one is gonna take Booth so might as well keep him and see what he does if he's healthy.
- CanUSA17

4.2 mil is too much to pay for a guy who could fill 4 th line duties for 1 mil

EK has you guys in on Thomas!!??

Is Lacks Back hurt again??
- Byfuglien Ate Me

We need Thomas to pump Lu's stollen tires.

4.2 mil is too much to pay for a guy who could fill 4 th line duties for 1 mil
- VANTEL

We need Thomas to pump Lu's stollen tires.
- VANTEL

Wouldn't that be something!!

Who's the last 18 year old to make the team??
- LeftCoaster

Trying to think if they rushed anyone after Linden.

My gut says they likely did.