hamhuis is definitely underrated.

its the leadership and dirty areas that bieksa adds to the team. I'm not thinking points.

if you're dumping all your role players and rebuilding, enjoy the route edmonton is taking
- numbear

I know our friends from Alberta are salivating at the thought of the Canucks joining the rebuild train but, I just don't see it. This team like it or not will be good enough to compete for the playoffs and are going to try and retool on the fly. Moving role players if you can replace them with young guys and still keeping your core even if it is aging is a lot different than what Edm has done.

If Jensen, who's a LW'er or RW'er I believe, proves he can stick with the big club I'd move Kassian + for Ladd.
- LeftCoaster

Have you been following the Canucks Army player profiles? Based on the numbers, Kassian, though playing most of the year with Richardson as his C and Booth as the other winger, performed like a low end first line winger (points/60min), with a high proportion of defensive zone starts and relatively tough quality of competition. I think it's too early to give up on him. If he gets a real opportunity to play 2nd line minutes I think we will be happy with his play.

what I'm saying is Kassian > Ladd

I see Horvat being a Ladd type player in a couple years, so Horvat > Ladd

This team doesn't need Ladd now, maybe in a few years.

Holy poop that's funny, gotta give him credit for powering through......If he does the same in front of the Canucks be prepared to take some poop from other teams.
- belcherbd

Funniest thing I've seen in a long time. Amazing how he kept it going.

Have you been following the Canucks Army player profiles? Based on the numbers, Kassian, though playing most of the year with Richardson as his C and Booth as the other winger, performed like a low end first line winger (points/60min), with a high proportion of defensive zone starts and relatively tough quality of competition. I think it's too early to give up on him. If he gets a real opportunity to play 2nd line minutes I think we will be happy with his play.

what I'm saying is Kassian > Ladd

I see Horvat being a Ladd type player in a couple years, so Horvat > Ladd

This team doesn't need Ladd now, maybe in a few years.
- 1970vintage

The CA guys have done some good work, I really liked the Bonino and Burrows write ups as well. I don't think Kassian will ever be as good as 2way guy as Ladd, I see him more as a physical Wheeler. Great vision and decent finishing ability.

Kassian was the player who most improved last season, I hope he can continue the trend.

edit. NVM mind i read that as Kassian being a ladd type player in a couple of years.

Vancouver Canucks ‏@VanCanucks 10m10 minutes ago
Desjardins (on injuries): "Sestito & Richardson won't play tonight. Bieksa is coming along, but won't play tonight."
Expand

Vancouver Canucks ‏@VanCanucks 10m10 minutes ago
Desjardins (on injuries): "Sestito & Richardson won't play tonight. Bieksa is coming along, but won't play tonight."
Expand
- Canuckleafer

So no Sestito, Richardson, Bieksa, Corrado or Horvat?
Looks like Richardson hasn't impressed Willie at all, he apparently was cleared medically and still can crack the lineup with Horvat out.

The CA guys have done some good work, I really liked the Bonino and Burrows write ups as well. I don't think Kassian will ever be as good as 2way guy as Ladd, I see him more as a physical Wheeler. Great vision and decent finishing ability.

Kassian was the player who most improved last season, I hope he can continue the trend.
- belcherbd

Kassian with a solid goal scorer (winger) and a decent centre should be able to put up 20+ goals and 50+ points with second line ice and 2nd unit PP time.

So no Sestito, Richardson, Bieksa, Corrado or Horvat?
Looks like Richardson hasn't impressed Willie at all, he apparently was cleared medically and still can crack the lineup with Horvat out.
- belcherbd

That or he knows that Richardson will be the 4th line C and wants to get a better look at Matthias and Vey at C?

So no Sestito, Richardson, Bieksa, Corrado or Horvat?
Looks like Richardson hasn't impressed Willie at all, he apparently was cleared medically and still can crack the lineup with Horvat out.
- belcherbd

Happy about Sesito. I don't think he should have a spot on this team.

Bieksa's still recovering, same with Horvat. I'm assuming WD wants a little more time for Richardson as well. He certainly played well enough to be in the #4 slot.

That or he knows that Richardson will be the 4th line C and wants to get a better look at Matthias and Vey at C?
- 1970vintage

This.

Projected D-pairings: Hamhuis-Sbisa, Edler-Tanev, Stanton-Weber. Miller first goalie off ice. #Canucks

This.
- Canuckleafer

I haven't read anything to inform this, just speculation on my part, but I expect Vey hasn't really cemented a role in the team yet.

Kassian with a solid goal scorer (winger) and a decent centre should be able to put up 20+ goals and 50+ points with second line ice and 2nd unit PP time.
- 1970vintage

Considering he had 14g 15a playing 3rd and 4th lines and no pp time I agree, I would love to see him play with Bonino and Vey if Horvat can be an NHLer this year.

I haven't read anything to inform this, just speculation on my part, but I expect Vey hasn't really cemented a role in the team yet.
- 1970vintage

He cemented a spot on this team the day he was traded for, there is no other realistic option, he wont go through waivers and it would be a waste to have him in the pressbox.

Leddy and Boychuk both Isles. Garth Snow doing his best to ensure a bottom 16 pick.

To the dismay of my fellow posters this would be my game plan this year.

Hamhuis (age 31) would be traded at TDL to contender for a first rounder.

Bieksa at TDL would be traded to Leafs for Gardiner and prospect.

This one will bug a lot of fans here . Horvat and Markstrom for Ladd. Bonino will be our second line centre and We Have McCann in the mix for next year or the following.

After the season I would trade both Sedins and reunite them with AV for Nash and a first . If Nash has a very strong year NYR won't be interested. If Nash and Danny have similar years then I could see a trade happen. Sorry Lefty

Next years top pairing would be Edler and Tanev , then it gets thin very quick.
- VANTEL

Dismay indeed! Why trade Hammer, Bieksa, and the Sedins if you are going to go ahead and trade two of our better prospects and we are getting back players of a similar age to Hamhuis? Rick Nash is IMO a bum so all we would have done is shuffle the deck but end up at the same place we left off, worse in fact, because 2/3 of a first line would now be replaced by Rick Nash

If you want to trade Bieksa, Hammer + the twins then it better damn well be for blue chip youth. Think 1st line/1st pairing potential prospects otherwise whats the point?
Edit: Not saying we would get that, or that it's even possible to trade the Sedins, but if not then you are better off standing pat

Leddy and Boychuk both Isles. Garth Snow doing his best to ensure a bottom 16 pick.
- Gullzy

Good trades as well, gave up a couple of picks and a potential gem in Pokka but two top 4 D generally would cost more.

Bos placed Jordon Caron on waivers today, think Benning takes a chance on his former 1st rounder? He would be a huge upgrade on Sestito, good size and uses it as well the ability to play hockey.

only 23, 123 gp 12g 28pts. 6'3 205 lbs.

Leddy and Boychuk both Isles. Garth Snow doing his best to ensure a bottom 16 pick.
- Gullzy

If i remember correctly Buffalo has the Isle's 1st round pick,

so I guess he is ensuring a bottom 16 pick

Bos placed Jordon Caron on waivers today, think Benning takes a chance on his former 1st rounder? He would be a huge upgrade on Sestito, good size and uses it as well the ability to play hockey.

only 23, 123 gp 12g 28pts. 6'3 205 lbs.
- belcherbd

I fail to see how 3 points in 35 games is a huge upgrade considering Sestito has 3 inches and 20+ pounds on the guy

I fail to see how 3 points in 35 games is a huge upgrade considering Sestito has 3 inches and 20+ pounds on the guy
- bezz44

Caron can play hockey......Sestito might have the size but he can't skate well enough to be an intimidation factor. Caron plays more of a Dorsett type style, crash and bang without being a liability. WD has already gone on record saying he doesn't see the point in having a guy on the ice who can't play hockey.

you guys see this?


Bob McKenzie retweeted

Chicago Blackhawks @NHLBlackhawks · 26m 26 minutes ago

Blackhawks acquire D Ville Pokka and TJ Brennan, rights to G Anders Nilsson, from Isles for Nick Leddy. http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=732992 …

Caron can play hockey......Sestito might have the size but he can't skate well enough to be an intimidation factor. Caron plays more of a Dorsett type style, crash and bang without being a liability. WD has already gone on record saying he doesn't see the point in having a guy on the ice who can't play hockey.
- belcherbd

Sestito has a certain utility that Caron doesn't fill. If we aren't keeping an enforcer around, then waive Sestito and give the spot to Nick Jensen. Hansen slides down to the 4th line and you have a 4th line of Dorsett Richardson Hansen which to me sounds (frank)ing incredible

you guys see this?


Bob McKenzie retweeted

Chicago Blackhawks @NHLBlackhawks · 26m 26 minutes ago

Blackhawks acquire D Ville Pokka and TJ Brennan, rights to G Anders Nilsson, from Isles for Nick Leddy. http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=732992 …
- hillbillydeluxe

Yes, scroll up

Caron can play hockey......Sestito might have the size but he can't skate well enough to be an intimidation factor. Caron plays more of a Dorsett type style, crash and bang without being a liability. WD has already gone on record saying he doesn't see the point in having a guy on the ice who can't play hockey.
- belcherbd

Sestito can play, and he's huge. He's not going anywhere, the guy is exactly what this team needs. Sestito Richardson Dorsett is the best 4th line in hockey.