If only hockey was only about goals, hows that working out for Edm, Tor, Anh( last year) etc. Kesler for sure wasn't without his flaws but sometimes these boards act like the guy is a plumber. Kesler is an incredible talent that this team will struggle to replace. There are very few players in the NHL that do what he does better than him. Which is shut down opposing teams top lines while producing. He has size ( and uses it), speed and a good shot and doesn't quit on plays, games or seasons.

It was time for him to move on but I don't get this idea that we need to try and sully his name just because he changed sweaters or because Benning might not of gotten enough for him.

Honestly do you think this Kesler bashing would be happening if we ended up with the 10th, 24th and Etem ? Probably not IMO, we would all be patting ourselves on the back, drooling about the young prospects in the system and wishing Kesler success on a team that has a chance to win a cup.
- belcherbd

Funny how many times the Canucks started to get production from their 2nd line while Kesler was injured and how many times we would go on a losing streak from dead offense the moment he returned from injury.

We are going to miss his Defensive game. PK will need help, face offs maybe, his shut down game was not that great in the playoffs most of the time... what ever. Horvat has those tools.... just have to wait....

Please God don't try Edler Bieksa any more
- belcherbd

Zogg my friend with all due respect. Try a smile once in a while towards the canucks. Everything doesn't suck amigo this team is finally on the right track.
- The_Kuze

ok ok....I appreciate your perspective.... perhaps I am being overly harsh and pessimistic ......ok, so, group hug? lol

@sportsnetmurph: Sounds like Zack Kassian is very close to signing a 2-year contract extension with the #canucks. Tanev, Vey + Weber remaining RFAs.
- fiveandagame

Funny how many times the Canucks started to get production from their 2nd line while Kesler was injured and how many times we would go on a losing streak from dead offense the moment he returned from injury.

We are going to miss his Defensive game. PK will need help, face offs maybe, his shut down game was not that great in the playoffs most of the time... what ever. Horvat has those tools.... just have to wait....
- boonerbuck

Even with Kesler gone we will have a solid PK. Lots of other good defensive forwards

The concern I have about Miller with respect to his NTM clause, is that the only team he's willing to go to are all on the West Coast and in our division. More importantly, all of these teams are pretty much set in goal (and would look for one their younger prospects to join the full roster in a few years time). Thus, I can't see either of LA, SJ, ANAHEIM requiring a goalie in the near - or even far - future.

As a result, I am not a fan of ANY type of NTC clause. What's more galling, I read that there were no real FIRM negotiations with Miller - so he basically got a great contract at a decent term AND yet was STILL able to get a (fairly) limited no movement clause (with that type of money!). This is what pisses me off the most.

You're telling me that Vancouver couldn't have held out as concerns that perk, especially knowing how much he wanted to play on the West Coast and having given him a great contract?. It just doesn't seem like the Canucks/management did the proper due diligence phase. And this is where my original optimism and confidence in this organization has gone back to the decade+ long cynical phase
- Zogg

I think we need to remind ourselves of one thing: it literally cannot get any worse from here on out some positive things mixed with some not-so-positive things in our very educated opinions better than all negative! prospect pool starting to look pretty good, some fun players to watch this year, and maybe we will even sneak into the playoffs. Also we need to remember that this management group is new to the job, so they will probably make a few mistakes. None of them seem to have an ego which I think helps us moving forward. That's my positivity shot for today, unexpected though it is

Even with Kesler gone we will have a solid PK. Lots of other good defensive forwards
- bezz44

And our pp will be better with Vrbata and Bonino.

And our pp will be better with Vrbata and Bonino.
- hillbillydeluxe

And Kassian getting more PP time!
My panic attack has subsided I think
Looking forward to next season

Ya but I dont see many spots up for grabs for young guys unless Benning moves some vets.

Sedin Sedin Vrbata
Burrows Bonino Kassian
Higgins Richardson Hansen
Sestito Matthias Dorsett

Hopefully Sestito is in Utica and that opens up a spot for Jensen who IMO should be playing with the Sedins. I also think this organization will give Vey every chance to make this roster and can't see him filling a role on the 4th line.
- belcherbd

You are mistaken by not putting Vey and Jensen on the roster.

The Coyotes don't do fancy stats, Donny said so himself
- eternalcashflow

That was total BS from him. Treliving, the recently former assistant GM, said they had to make 1 dollar stretch to two and fancy stats were some of it. Doesn't mean the coach uses it for player deployment though

You are mistaken by not putting Vey and Jensen on the roster.
- VANTEL

Vey is going to make this team. Every scouting report I've seen indicates that he is NHL ready. Carol's blog the other day indicated he wasn't a passenger with Toffoli n Pearson. LA was just too deep. I hope they slot him into top 9 and let him make some mistakes while developing his game.
For next season I care a lot more about developing kids than being 8th seed.

I think we need to remind ourselves of one thing: it literally cannot get any worse from here on out some positive things mixed with some not-so-positive things in our very educated opinions better than all negative! prospect pool starting to look pretty good, some fun players to watch this year, and maybe we will even sneak into the playoffs. Also we need to remember that this management group is new to the job, so they will probably make a few mistakes. None of them seem to have an ego which I think helps us moving forward. That's my positivity shot for today, unexpected though it is
- bezz44

Words of wisdom, indeed, Bezz but I still @#$@#%@#%@# hate the Miller thing! (can I have that at least? )

RT @ElliottPap: BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million.

BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million. #canucks

Edit: beat me to it.

He was waived by Florida & Wpg.. If you sign Santo you basically tell all the kids your going back to Jr and AHL. The lines already have questionable chances for young players to make the roster. You can already ice a line up of just vets.

Sedins-Vbrata
Burr-Bonino-Kass
Higgins-Matthais-Hansen
Sestito-Richardson-Dorsett

I agree with Benning Santo gets signed if you cannot sign a legit scorer. It would have been worth it but they don't need a guy that was falling off before his injury anyway.
- Salient

Sedins Vrbata
Jensen Bonino Kassian
Burrows Vey Hansen
Mathias Richardson Dorsett

BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million. #canucks
- pandabk

S A W W E E T T T T

RT @ElliottPap: BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million.
- LeftCoaster

Lefty is always quick to add these things to the blog. Kassian is worth more than that contract. He's getting ready for a breakout season.

RT @ElliottPap: BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million.
- LeftCoaster

Good deal

Sedins Vrbata
Jensen Bonino Kassian
Burrows Vey Hansen
Mathias Richardson Dorsett
- VANTEL

I really hope Jensen has taken another step forward for next season. I'm not convinced yet that he is ready for a top 6. Burr had a horrible year but it is really hard to make lines. Finally there is internal competition and we may have 4 solid lines, not quite as skilled as some others though...

OMG, Benning just saved us 750K in cap space vs Carol !!

RT @ElliottPap: BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million.
- LeftCoaster

It'll be sbisa kb3
Edler corrado
- The_Kuze

That I like better

Vey is going to make this team. Every scouting report I've seen indicates that he is NHL ready. Carol's blog the other day indicated he wasn't a passenger with Toffoli n Pearson. LA was just too deep. I hope they slot him into top 9 and let him make some mistakes while developing his game.
For next season I care a lot more about developing kids than being 8th seed.
- Salient

It would be nice to see Jensen and Kassian in the top 6. And a pleasant surprise to see one of the younger guys make a push for a spot too, but not just give them a spot if they haven't earned it yet.

Love the draft and the start of free agency but it also signals the start of 2 months of no hockey.

I am looking forward to what these changes mean and to see what the club can do in the fall. I still think a player or two will be moved- Higgins, Hansen, Burrows, and maybe a dman or a goalie or two...

RT @ElliottPap: BREAKING: Canucks reach agreement with RW Zack Kassian on 2-year deal worth $3.5 million. Cap hit of $1.75 million.
- LeftCoaster

Wow that is a solid deal

OMG, Benning just saved us 750K in cap space vs Carol !!
- golfingsince

Sh!t, nothing got saved, Carol is going shopping for shoes, or coach bags or something... She is getting a commission somehow.