Why rush him? He's there for depth but really should be honing his craft in Utica.....
- chompsey

After I typed that post I just started thinking about that lack of depth and wondered where we would be without that little trade with Carolina. Looking forward to next year and the trade deadline as long as we don't acquire any rentals.

It is strange how it is decided who plays where. I guess Kassian wasn't given the opportunity this time because he isn't as good on face offs as a regular centre and that is needed with Henrik's injury.

Dalpe looks good at times, and has a quick release. Was wondering about Jeremy Welsh too? Thought he was projected higher than Dalpe for offensive production, I guess it is hard to get the opportunity to show your stuff and I think he is back on the farm.
- hillbillydeluxe

He wasn't.

Dalpe has always been projected as a top-6 or bust, and produced much better than Welsh in the AHL.

Welsh is more of a two-way grinder, who had decent numbers in college.

He was a cap dump throw in to the deal, as he had a one-way contract that ended up being very expensive for the Canes last season.

He's proven to be useful, though, so that's a bonus.

Why rush him? He's there for depth but really should be honing his craft in Utica.....
- chompsey

Yup.

And really, is it a bad thing that he didn't stand out much in his short time up?

Low-event minutes are what he should be aiming for in this type of call up.

Obviously it would be nice for him to stand out in a good way, but I was happy with his play.

He wasn't.

Dalpe has always been projected as a top-6 or bust, and produced much better than Welsh in the AHL.

Welsh is more of a two-way grinder, who had decent numbers in college.

He was a cap dump throw in to the deal, as he had a one-way contract that ended up being very expensive for the Canes last season.

He's proven to be useful, though, so that's a bonus.
- Fosco

Apparently the Canucks were also interested in Welsh coming out of the NCAA so I bet that Gillis made that trade hoping that one of the 2 project layer he liked would pan out. 4th round picks aren't a big deal ad both Dalpe/Welsh are young and have played limited roles here so far so it's basically a wash so far. I'll be curious to see if one or both are re-signed this summer. I don't think either of them are answers to a good 4th line.

Actually was listening to 1040 for the first time in ages today, was about to turn it off but I decided it was worth listening to since LeBrun was coming on. Sounds like the Canucks are more interested in acquiring a 3rd line center than a top 6 winger at this point, apparently Gilman did an interview the other day and also mentioned something along the same lines himself. I hope to God that it's not some random rental player and another treadmill move.

Doesn't sound like Gillis will be a seller or a big time buyer(I wouldn't consider a 3rd line center an "all-in" move).

I doubt a 3rd line center is going to help this team beat a Chicago, St.Louis, Los Angeles or even Anaheim in a 7 game series unless Luongo actually steals a series.

He wasn't.

Dalpe has always been projected as a top-6 or bust, and produced much better than Welsh in the AHL.

Welsh is more of a two-way grinder, who had decent numbers in college.

He was a cap dump throw in to the deal, as he had a one-way contract that ended up being very expensive for the Canes last season.

He's proven to be useful, though, so that's a bonus.
- Fosco

Well, if he is supposed to be a grinder, he didn't really come across as physical... but I guess he had very limited opportunity to really show his game.

Heard Frankie got sent down. Patience is the word, but I am not sure if Torts liked him much. Can't remember if it was last game or before where he made a couple bonehead plays like icing the puck when he wasn't pressured or something. Thought Torts was supposed to be a bit better with the young guys than AV, but haven't really seen it.

After I typed that post I just started thinking about that lack of depth and wondered where we would be without that little trade with Carolina. Looking forward to next year and the trade deadline as long as we don't acquire any rentals.
- hillbillydeluxe

It was a pretty female dogin trade with Carolina. Was it Tochkin and a 4th? not bad for two players that have played 48 games so far this season.

I'm still not sold on Corrado as I can't really get a handle on his style, I can't really pin him down in a way that satisfies me.

Well, if he is supposed to be a grinder, he didn't really come across as physical... but I guess he had very limited opportunity to really show his game.

Heard Frankie got sent down. Patience is the word, but I am not sure if Torts liked him much. Can't remember if it was last game or before where he made a couple bonehead plays like icing the puck when he wasn't pressured or something. Thought Torts was supposed to be a bit better with the young guys than AV, but haven't really seen it.

- hillbillydeluxe

Yeah, 16 hits in 19 games for Welsh, I'm not too high on his skill set other than the fact that he's big, has decent speed and is okay at faceoffs, but nothing from his offensive or defensive game really stood out to me.

Well, if he is supposed to be a grinder, he didn't really come across as physical... but I guess he had very limited opportunity to really show his game.

Heard Frankie got sent down. Patience is the word, but I am not sure if Torts liked him much. Can't remember if it was last game or before where he made a couple bonehead plays like icing the puck when he wasn't pressured or something. Thought Torts was supposed to be a bit better with the young guys than AV, but haven't really seen it.

- hillbillydeluxe

AV had a wheel in his office and if it landed on a player, they ended up in the favourite category, regardless of age. Tanev, and Rome did well on the wheel.

It was a pretty female dogin trade with Carolina. Was it Tochkin and a 4th? not bad for two players that have played 48 games so far this season.

I'm still not sold on Corrado as I can't really get a handle on his style, I can't really pin him down in a way that satisfies me.
- Troutback

Corrado to me just seems like a guy who does everything pretty decently(seems like Gillis likes that in his defensmen). I think Corrado still needs to get a bit stronger(I've read that he's put on some weight since last year but he still looks like he could use some more strength).

Well, if he is supposed to be a grinder, he didn't really come across as physical... but I guess he had very limited opportunity to really show his game.

Heard Frankie got sent down. Patience is the word, but I am not sure if Torts liked him much. Can't remember if it was last game or before where he made a couple bonehead plays like icing the puck when he wasn't pressured or something. Thought Torts was supposed to be a bit better with the young guys than AV, but haven't really seen it.

- hillbillydeluxe

edit: regarding the third line centre, we just have too many holes this year to expect one move to make much of a difference. Say "no" to rentals. I agree the price paid for Dalpe and Welsh was very reasonable, safe bet.

Thinking about making a move for a 3rd line centre, that is where I was expecting Horvat to start next year and didn't want to see him on Kesler's wing... we have to make it through this season, but next season could/should have some significant changes in the lineup.

AV had a wheel in his office and if it landed on a player, they ended up in the favourite category, regardless of age. Tanev, and Rome did well on the wheel.
- Troutback

Are you sure it wasn't the wheel of misfortune with potential whipping boys? I thought Ballard wasn't given a fair shake, but it sounds like he has been a healthy scratch for the Wild lately so who knows.

Why don't they have the updated lineup on the Canucks home page? Isn't Edler back?

Apparently the Canucks were also interested in Welsh coming out of the NCAA so I bet that Gillis made that trade hoping that one of the 2 project layer he liked would pan out. 4th round picks aren't a big deal ad both Dalpe/Welsh are young and have played limited roles here so far so it's basically a wash so far. I'll be curious to see if one or both are re-signed this summer. I don't think either of them are answers to a good 4th line.
- Nucker101

Interesting. Never heard that MG had any interest in Welsh, just that he was a cap casualty due to his one-way contract.

Dalpe never should have been an answer to the 4th line. He's a finesse player that relies mostly on his good shot, but also has solid skating and passing.

His style is not suited for the 4th line.

It was actually a pretty bad situation for him to come into, considering he's at the age where, being a solid AHL producer, the clock is kind of running out for him to "figure it out" at the NHL level.

Had a bit of hype surrounding him a few years back when he started the season on E. Staal's line, but got an early injury and was never able to claim the spot.

I don't see him as an ideal fit for the Sedin line, either—too slight. That line will get pushed around too much.

Wouldn't mind seeing him get a few shifts on the 2nd line with Kesler and Kassian, though.

Welsh I could see turning into a bottom-6 NHLer. He's got the size, plays W and C, and doesn't seem to be a liability on the ice.

More likely a 13th forward, though.

Remains to be seen whether either will stick with the franchise for long.

Well, if he is supposed to be a grinder, he didn't really come across as physical... but I guess he had very limited opportunity to really show his game.

Heard Frankie got sent down. Patience is the word, but I am not sure if Torts liked him much. Can't remember if it was last game or before where he made a couple bonehead plays like icing the puck when he wasn't pressured or something. Thought Torts was supposed to be a bit better with the young guys than AV, but haven't really seen it.

- hillbillydeluxe

Agreed. He's not overly physical, but still more of a checker than a scorer/passer.

Hit totals would be a bit better if he saw more minutes.

Actually was listening to 1040 for the first time in ages today, was about to turn it off but I decided it was worth listening to since LeBrun was coming on. Sounds like the Canucks are more interested in acquiring a 3rd line center than a top 6 winger at this point, apparently Gilman did an interview the other day and also mentioned something along the same lines himself. I hope to God that it's not some random rental player and another treadmill move.

Doesn't sound like Gillis will be a seller or a big time buyer(I wouldn't consider a 3rd line center an "all-in" move).

I doubt a 3rd line center is going to help this team beat a Chicago, St.Louis, Los Angeles or even Anaheim in a 7 game series unless Luongo actually steals a series.
- Nucker101

Hmmm... So Goc or Matthias? I say somehow Gillis still gets swindled by Tallon.

Yeah there's a lot of weirdness with that top line pairing. He's clearly seen something he doesn't like or feels Kassian is better utilized elsewhere. Either way the Kassian-Sedin project that everyone expected over the summer has never really gotten on the ground and in the meantime we have to endure watching Hansen get more chances than anyone in their right mind should ever have given him.
- AlexF

Kassian has been playing good on the second line, maybe Torts is happy where he is right now. Also Hansen is usually one of our hardest working players out there, he plays with speed and is great on the forecheck, easily the most comparable to Burrows, makes sense to give him an extended look with the Sedins before trying Kassian out.

Hmmm... So Goc or Matthias? I say somehow Gillis still gets swindled by Tallon.
- Chest Rockwell

I'm not a Matthias fan. Goc is decent, but apparently he was "untouchable" not too long ago.

Kassian has been playing good on the second line, maybe Torts is happy where he is right now. Also Hansen is usually one of our hardest working players out there, he plays with speed and is great on the forecheck, easily the most comparable to Burrows, makes sense to give him an extended look with the Sedins before trying Kassian out.
- goblix

Hansen doesn't have the same offensive IQ that Burrows does. Kassian doesn't have the hustle/speed needed(he's a good straight line skater, but doesn't have very good initial burst which is needed for that line). The Sedins definitely need Burrows back. I agree with you that Kassian on the 2nd line with Kesler seems like a good fit, I'd like to see that get an extended look.

Kassian has been playing good on the second line, maybe Torts is happy where he is right now. Also Hansen is usually one of our hardest working players out there, he plays with speed and is great on the forecheck, easily the most comparable to Burrows, makes sense to give him an extended look with the Sedins before trying Kassian out.
- goblix

except Hansen plays differently when he is put with the Sedins. He doesn't always play with that same aggressiveness. Guessing from Torts' perspective, by putting Dalpe with the Sedins, he isn't impacting the 2nd and 3rd lines, the 4th hardly plays so no loss there.

I like Hansen, just don't think he has the finish to be on the top line.

I'm not a Matthias fan. Goc is decent, but apparently he was "untouchable" not too long ago.
- Nucker101

Yeah Gillis, let's make another trade Florida. We all know that always works out.

Yeah Gillis, let's make another trade Florida. We all know that always works out.
- fiveandagame

Yeah, Matthias isn't an answer to the 3LC spot, he's not better than Richardson IMO. Goc will probably cost too much for a 3rd line center. Can't imagine either player providing good value for the potential asking price. Pass.

Yeah, Matthias isn't an answer to the 3LC spot, he's not better than Richardson IMO. Goc will probably cost too much for a 3rd line center. Can't imagine either player providing good value for the potential asking price. Pass.
- Nucker101

Ott, maybe?

Although, he shifts to wing after draws.

Buffalo would want a 1st, which IMO, is too much considering he's a UFA.

He's also having a pretty bad season to date.

Ott, maybe?

Although, he shifts to wing after draws.

Buffalo would want a 1st, which IMO, is too much considering he's a UFA.

He's also having a pretty bad season to date.
- Fosco

Would love for us it grab Ott. Might not cost a draft pick, Buffalo already has a boat load of them for this year and next. The might consider a more nhl ready alternative. How about Schroeder for Ott?

Would love for us it grab Ott. Might not cost a draft pick, Buffalo already has a boat load of them for this year and next. The might consider a more nhl ready alternative. How about Schroeder for Ott?
- Chest Rockwell

Wonder what other teams would be offering?

I know Schroeder hasn't really stood out, but he has been hurt and is a first rounder... is it too early to trade him away for what may be a rental?

Ott, maybe?

Although, he shifts to wing after draws.

Buffalo would want a 1st, which IMO, is too much considering he's a UFA.

He's also having a pretty bad season to date.
- Fosco

I don't feel that this years roster has enough jam to make any noise in the playoffs this year, especailly against teams like LA, Chi, Ana, St. Louis. If Gillis can make a hockey trade that will improve the roster for next year then go for it. I just hope he doesn't start trading away prospects and picks at the TDL for 3rd line centers and depth players.