I am all for something like that, but I definitely think we need to limit our rookies to Vey+one realistic option. The only realistic options as I see it are Jensen/Horvat/Corrado, and Corrado is as good as guaranteed to be going back to Utica
- bezz44

Love Horvat's attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck, perfect to cut his teeth on the third or fourth line, but there's just no room. I don't like Vey at center due to his weak defensive play, perhaps RW?

A lot of options for centers in the bottom six. Horvat Richardson, Matthias, Vey??

My sense is that WD isn't going to give lines a distinction (If that makes sense). On any night, the Horvat line could be the "2nd line", Bonino's on another. If they are going to bring youth into the line up, they'll split up the vets to balance out the whole line.

Question marks are good IMO. The only way we'll know if they can play, is if they play.
- Gullzy

Did anyone see the game with Bonino Kassian and Burrows? How did they play as a unit. Were they domination or chasing?

I love the idea as well. Sadly, I don't think that would do it. Buff is too versatile - he's up there in hits, points, shots and can play both D and W.

I think you would have to add either a draft pick or another prospect or roster player (which, that being the case, I would not do if I were the Canucks, especially given Buff is a bit of an enigma)
- Zogg

Mathias?

Did anyone see the game with Bonino Kassian and Burrows? How did they play as a unit. Were they domination or chasing?
- VANTEL

I don't think it was on anywhere?

Love Horvat's attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck, perfect to cut his teeth on the third or fourth line, but there's just no room. I don't like Vey at center due to his weak defensive play, perhaps RW?

A lot of options for centers in the bottom six. Horvat Richardson, Matthias, Vey??
- LeftCoaster

If you had a third line of Shink Horvat Vey, how would they do against other third lines?

Mathias?
- VANTEL

Our biggest centre, we'll need him. He's pretty good too.

If you had a third line of Shink Horvat Vey, how would they do against other third lines?
- VANTEL

Eaten alive lolol

My sense is that WD isn't going to give lines a distinction (If that makes sense). On any night, the Horvat line could be the "2nd line", Bonino's on another. If they are going to bring youth into the line up, they'll split up the vets to balance out the whole line.

Question marks are good IMO. The only way we'll know if they can play, is if they play.
- Gullzy

I like this style of coaching. You adjust to his is playing well at any given moment and as soon as it stops working try something else

Love Horvat's attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck, perfect to cut his teeth on the third or fourth line, but there's just no room. I don't like Vey at center due to his weak defensive play, perhaps RW?

A lot of options for centers in the bottom six. Horvat Richardson, Matthias, Vey??
- LeftCoaster

Waaaay too many options... Where were these problems last year?!?

If you had a third line of Shink Horvat Vey, how would they do against other third lines?
- VANTEL

Best guess, I think they'd be fine, although there'd be some growing pains for sure. Matthias is a UFA next year, I like the idea of him at LW for this year and Shinkaruk in the AHL until the trade deadline.

Really like to see Benning use guys like Matthias at the TDL to acquire more picks. But for this year, Matthias Horvat Vey.

Next year, Shinkaruk Horvat Vey

Waaaay too many options... Where were these problems last year?!?
- bezz44

Baby steps, gotta walk before you run.

I like this style of coaching. You adjust to his is playing well at any given moment and as soon as it stops working try something else
- bezz44

From what he's saying, I'm excited to have landed him. He's going to judge everyone on their strengths, not their weaknesses. He'll create a balanced line-up and he's going to adjust their deployment based on a minute to minute basis.

There's a lot of new faces in management, but his philosophy is what's going to create the largest paradigm shift we've seen in this org in a while. No more toying with the media, or calling out players in public, all business.

Why are we demoting Kassian? I have heard that Burrows Bonino and Kassian have looked good.
- VANTEL

I think it will have to be proven who is going to be on the 2nd line. I am sure we will see plenty of line juggling until they find chemistry and have definite 2nd line.

From what he's saying, I'm excited to have landed him. He's going to judge everyone on their strengths, not their weaknesses. He'll create a balanced line-up and he's going to adjust their deployment based on a minute to minute basis.

There's a lot of new faces in management, but his philosophy is what's going to create the largest paradigm shift we've seen in this org in a while. No more toying with the media, or calling out players in public, all business.
- Gullzy

Whoa

I think it will have to be proven who is going to be on the 2nd line. I am sure we will see plenty of line juggling until they find chemistry and have definite 2nd line.
- thundachunk

Are they playing split squad tomorrow too? I'm hoping they give us a look at the new top 6 fwd group.

Whoa
- LeftCoaster

Haha why?

I think it will have to be proven who is going to be on the 2nd line. I am sure we will see plenty of line juggling until they find chemistry and have definite 2nd line.
- thundachunk

Kassian is just not consistent enough to be on the 2nd line IMO.

Kassian is just not consistent enough to be on the 2nd line IMO.
- bloatedmosquito

He was the best player we had down the stretch. Watch WD turn him into a top 6 stud over the next two seasons.

Kassian is just not consistent enough to be on the 2nd line IMO.
- bloatedmosquito

Another guy who needs a chance to develop on the fly instead of being called a "project". He scored 14 goals last year in a limited role.

Kassian is just not consistent enough to be on the 2nd line IMO.
- bloatedmosquito

I thought he was our most consistent player in 2014

From what he's saying, I'm excited to have landed him. He's going to judge everyone on their strengths, not their weaknesses. He'll create a balanced line-up and he's going to adjust their deployment based on a minute to minute basis.

There's a lot of new faces in management, but his philosophy is what's going to create the largest paradigm shift we've seen in this org in a while. No more toying with the media, or calling out players in public, all business.
- Gullzy

(frank) yea

I haven't been impressed with Jensen but he has been pretty well rounded nothing that flashed brilliance though. I really like Jensen he deserves every chance to make the team. So far though Shinkaruk has generated chances using speed and energy made some mistakes. So its Jensen is lose right now.
- thundachunk

We didn't get to see Jensen last night, but he scored as well, mind you in a losing effort to a better SJ lineup. Will have to wait and see how the rest of the preseason goes.

If we are slowly introducing youth and developing them properly similar to the Detroit model, then it's Jensen's time to move up. Either play him or play him to showcase and trade him. Horvat or Shink may be more gifted, but so far all we've seen is them playing sub-par NHL squads. Horvat may be the exception because he seems more defensively sound, and not much more for him to learn in the OHL. He has to be better than every other pro available though.

I thought Subban looked like he has real potential as well. Smart positioning, good shot. Pretty small for a D, but so was Brian Rafalski, and he did okay.

I thought he was our most consistent player in 2014
- bezz44

And where did that get the team?

Kassian is just not consistent enough to be on the 2nd line IMO.
- bloatedmosquito

It's time to give him a shot, if he doesn't step up then at least Benning/Willie know that maybe he'll end up being more of a low end 2nd liner or high end 3rd liner. This is his season to take another step, crucial season for him.

God I hate that 2nd line. Way too many questions. I get the feeling the 2nd line is going to be:

Higgins / Bonino / Burrows
- bloatedmosquito