from pass it to Bullis:

"...The Erie Otters left wing has scored an eye-catching 62 goals and 101 points in 64 games. The one fairly massive caveat is that Fox is an over-age player — a 20-year-old playing against 17, 18, and 19-year-olds — and had never produced at better than a point-per-game prior to his over-age year. So what, realistically, can we expect from Fox?

The first thing to say is that it’s very unlikely that Fox will be a first line or even top-six forward. Fans tend to see 60+ goals and 100+ points and get visions of a future superstar in their heads, but even third and fourth-line NHL forwards produced at some point.

Read the rest here:

http://vansunsportsblogs....xpectations-for-dane-fox/

from pass it to Bullis:

"...The Erie Otters left wing has scored an eye-catching 62 goals and 101 points in 64 games. The one fairly massive caveat is that Fox is an over-age player — a 20-year-old playing against 17, 18, and 19-year-olds — and had never produced at better than a point-per-game prior to his over-age year. So what, realistically, can we expect from Fox?

The first thing to say is that it’s very unlikely that Fox will be a first line or even top-six forward. Fans tend to see 60+ goals and 100+ points and get visions of a future superstar in their heads, but even third and fourth-line NHL forwards produced at some point.

Read the rest here:

http://vansunsportsblogs....xpectations-for-dane-fox/
- Zogg

This sums it up pretty good:



He's still a long shot to become a NHL regular.

This sums it up pretty good:



He's still a long shot to become a NHL regular.
- Nucker101

Pretty much speaks for itself. It's a whole new universe from playing JR to the big leagues, and nothing that you've done in the past matters (there are of course exceptions when the occasional generational talent comes about; however, even they usually take a year or two to really adjust.

Remember that there are a lot of 4th liners/goons etc who were offensive dynamos in JR (Tom Sestito - 44 goals etc - please note, I do not mind Sestito as he's a great team player, excellent work ethic and attitude, bangs bodies, and has decent enough hands to pot a few goals, as well as being the enforcer)

My point is, that there are many offensively gifted players at the JR level who will simply never move their games up to the elite level of the NHL

Its' acctually a bit curious, as almost every prospect I hear/read about, they're all pretty much in that 100-130 point/year JR team production level. Or perhaps a better benchmark would be each of these guys is around the 1.5 - 2.00/game player

Yup, most impact young players usually produce near or at around a PPG clip rate in the AHL before stepping into the NHL and producing.
- Nucker101

I'm actually looking forward to seeing what the guys in Utica can do this season almost more than the Canucks, especially if Shinkaruk plays there.

from pass it to Bullis:

"...The Erie Otters left wing has scored an eye-catching 62 goals and 101 points in 64 games. The one fairly massive caveat is that Fox is an over-age player — a 20-year-old playing against 17, 18, and 19-year-olds — and had never produced at better than a point-per-game prior to his over-age year. So what, realistically, can we expect from Fox?

The first thing to say is that it’s very unlikely that Fox will be a first line or even top-six forward. Fans tend to see 60+ goals and 100+ points and get visions of a future superstar in their heads, but even third and fourth-line NHL forwards produced at some point.

Read the rest here:



http://vansunsportsblogs....xpectations-for-dane-fox/
- Zogg

I really only do expect one new player to crack the lineup aside from Dorsett Vey Sbisa and Bonino.

I really only do expect one new player to crack the lineup aside from Dorsett Vey Sbisa and Bonino.
- VANTEL

You don't think much of Vrbata? or Miller

I really only do expect one new player to crack the lineup aside from Dorsett Vey Sbisa and Bonino.
- VANTEL

Whatever happens, the surplus of prospects and camp tryout promotes more competition and pushes other players to put forward their best, knowing that it's going to take a lot to crack the line-up.

I really only do expect one new player to crack the lineup aside from Dorsett Vey Sbisa and Bonino.
- VANTEL

I dont know if we'll see Sbisa off the bat. He has a pretty disappointing big league resume.

You don't think much of Vrbata? or Miller
- A_SteamingLombardi

I understand the move but not the way I would have went. I don't consider them youngens

I dont know if we'll see Sbisa off the bat. He has a pretty disappointing big league resume.
- vancity787

I think we can give the kid a mulligan, as he's had very little ice-time game to game for the Ducks, averaging around 14-15 minutes (which for a defenseman is quite low) and virtually zero ice-time on the powerplay, which is supposed to be his 'thing'. The time is NOW, however, to put his skills/hockey acumen at the forefront and show everyone what he's capable of. It could be quite the sleeper acquisition when all is said and done (given the Ducks have a fairly decent and relatively in depth defensive pool)

I hope he gets a proper look in terms of both his offensive capabilities/upside as well as the defensive aspects (as they say, you can learn/teach defense but you can't teach talent/instincts/offensive creativity. The odds are in his favour, as he's only 24 but time is running out, so he better make an impact sooner than later.

Suck again this season, develop an identity = With some luck McDavid in exchange for playoff $$$.

I understand the move but not the way I would have went. I don't consider them youngens
- VANTEL

It's a stop gap move, everyone knows we're not competing this year.

It's a stop gap move, everyone knows we're not competing this year.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Exactly

It's a stop gap move, everyone knows we're not competing this year.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Maybe that's part of the strategy, in that this will relieve a lot of the pressure and expectation of the Canucks. In previous years they were EXPECTED to not only make the play-offs but to be a contender for the Cup. This year, it seems most people in the media and public have already written off Vancouver as a has-been. That's just fine by me, though. I feel that can be a galvanizing component and elicit a positive 'us against them' attitude, bringing the team together and rallying around all of these negative perceptions. I think it's going to be a very interesting year for the Canucks and that they embrace the underdog role (all the way to the Cup! ha )

That's Dr Mark Recchi.
- AlexF

Dr. Recchi can go frank himself... literally

Yup, most impact young players usually produce near or at around a PPG clip rate in the AHL before stepping into the NHL and producing.
- Nucker101

Love the avatar nucker. (frank) moving on

1st line: Really don't believe that 1st line is viable 5 on 5. PP1 only.

2nd line: needs a proven finisher. Switch Kassian up for Vrbata.

3rd line: Ouch... Fox isn't ready IMO. Vey has nothing to work with & would be set up to fail on that line IMO.

4th line: I'd be okay with that in theory but would MUCH rather Gaunce get more mins & play his own position in the AHL.
- DrChristianTroy

I actually like the second line he put out. The first line well we shall see. I think that is why management is thinking but... 3rd line

Pavel Brendl
- chompsey

Well played Cman.

Thanks Kaptaan
- A_SteamingLombardi

that was my alter ego...

Love the avatar nucker. (frank) moving on
- bezz44

Yeah! nothing wrong with keeping your head in the sand.

Would you mind this year.

Daniel Hank Vrbata
Shinkurak Bonino Kassian
Fox Vey Hansen
Gaunce Mathias Dorsett?
- VANTEL

I would mind this lineup.

This looks better.

Jensen Hank Vrbata
Dank Bonino Burrows
Higgins Vey Kassian
Matthias Richardson Dorsett

Yeah! nothing wrong with keeping your head in the sand.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Especially when said sand is a metaphor for Ryan Kesler's bodacious buttocks

Especially when said sand is a metaphor for Ryan Kesler's bodacious buttocks
- bezz44

It's considered retro at this point, which is what makes it cool again.

I would mind this lineup.

This looks better.

Jensen Hank Vrbata
Dank Bonino Burrows
Higgins Vey Kassian
Matthias Richardson Dorsett
- kaptaan

Not bad. The only thing I dont like is I, myself am pretty adiment I want Kassian playing in the top 6 as much as possible this year.

I think that once again people are jumping the gun with respect to this falovour-of-the-week Fox kid. To assume that he might challenge for an actual final roster spot is a bit wishful thinking.

He's definitely not top 6 material and we have way too many better bottom 6 forwards/players who will bump him out. Me thinks its AHL time for Fox
- Zogg

Would you rather watch Fox or Higgins playing in the top 6 next year?