Still think there is something we don't know on Kassian, everyone's too nonchalant on his back. I also don't think he's one of WD's favorites. Vrbata, Kassian along with Bieksa and a goalie could all be in play.
- VanHockeyGuy

Yeah. We like the guy but.......

If they moved Bieksa, Higgins and a goalie, that would be a good off season.

Even if Higgins isn't moved, as long as he isn't top 6 by the end of next season, I'd be okay with that, meaning someone else is on the second line and hopefully second unit pp.

I wonder if the club will try to extend Hamhuis this summer?
- hillbillydeluxe

Hope not. If we are then move Edler

I could see Canucks giving Grenier a shot at 2 RW. I am not sure he is ready to jump to the very top yet. I would give him the chance over Vrbata .

We know we are going to lose for the next few years so we need patience. Nucker slamming Sbisa all the time when in fact he is getting us a higher draft pick.

3 years of pain
- VANTEL

Club wants to remain competitive, which is what I want- a team that has a chance to win and maybe do something in the playoffs. But if they miss the playoffs, we sure could use a higher draft pick. Win-win. Unless we trade away our picks and miss.

Hope not. If we are then move Edler
- VANTEL

For the right deal, of course.

I haven't seen enough of Franson lately, but if I had a choice, I'd take Hamhuis at the same cap hit. But if Hamhuis wants a big raise, ask him to waive.

Any manager that hands out a contract with a ntc should put in the caveat that the ntc ends a week prior to tdl on its last year. You re-up with the club, or express some interest in resigning or may be moved, depending on the standings. (I am sure, easier said than done.)

Club wants to remain competitive, which is what I want- a team that has a chance to win and maybe do something in the playoffs. But if they miss the playoffs, we sure could use a higher draft pick. Win-win. Unless we trade away our picks and miss.

- hillbillydeluxe

This current roster is not fit for the wear and tear of the playoffs. It is a very decent regular season team , but is not built for battles. You have to tear it down and rebuild it .

I hate when teams go out with a game plan of let's be mediocre this year. This year with so many good teams being eliminated early there is a bevy of talented players ready to be shuffled. I don't think Trader Jim is a lazy GM and I see him working the phones really hard.

For the right deal, of course.

I haven't seen enough of Franson lately, but if I had a choice, I'd take Hamhuis at the same cap hit. But if Hamhuis wants a big raise, ask him to waive.

Any manager that hands out a contract with a ntc should put in the caveat that the ntc ends a week prior to tdl on its last year. You re-up with the club, or express some interest in resigning or may be moved, depending on the standings. (I am sure, easier said than done.)
- hillbillydeluxe

I wish the NHL would do away with NTCs and instead allow two franchise players per team only.

I would definitely keep Hammer over Franson too, but would hope Canucks look in a different direction

This current roster is not fit for the wear and tear of the playoffs. It is a very decent regular season team , but is not built for battles. You have to tear it down and rebuild it .

I hate when teams go out with a gem plan of let's be mediocre this year. This year with so many good teams being eliminated early there is a bevy of talented players ready to be shuffled. I don't think Trader Jim is a lazy GM and I see him working the phones really hard.
- VANTEL

I don't know what Benning's plans are but I am expecting more moves. don't think he will tear it down but hope he moves a couple players with higher salaries.

He better move a fecking goalie, Vancouver is almost looking like a goalie development team instead of a graveyard Don't want it to be a place where gt's are stuck behind guys and never get a fair shot.

Need slots for youth in the lineup. Talk about playoffs, it is usually younger or less heralded players that step up and make a name for themselves. Guys that are fighting for a job or contract. Too many on the Canucks don't want to pay the physical price. Matthias should have upped his game more. Higgins is so picky when it comes to hitting, had a game or so when he was hitting a lot, otherwise it looks like a no contact practice from him.

If only Richardson had Kassian's size.

Regarding trading Vrbata and signing Joel Ward, that would be great. Get a nice pick or prospect for Vrbata and not give up anything to sign Ward sounds like moves we need to make.

If we can get a nice pick back for Weber, Corrado or Stanton, I think that would be great. Didn't mind the Clandening signing, but now we need some of these guys in the lineup on a regular basis or moved.

coffee is kicking in.

This current roster is not fit for the wear and tear of the playoffs. It is a very decent regular season team , but is not built for battles. You have to tear it down and rebuild it .

I hate when teams go out with a game plan of let's be mediocre this year. This year with so many good teams being eliminated early there is a bevy of talented players ready to be shuffled. I don't think Trader Jim is a lazy GM and I see him working the phones really hard.
- VANTEL

I do as well, it's tough to make deals these days. He'll make a move at/or prior to the draft with his infatuation for picks. Maybe he surprises us.

Please JB, no Franson.

I don't know what Benning's plans are but I am expecting more moves. don't think he will tear it down but hope he moves a couple players with higher salaries.

He better move a fecking goalie, Vancouver is almost looking like a goalie development team instead of a graveyard Don't want it to be a place where gt's are stuck behind guys and never get a fair shot.

Need slots for youth in the lineup. Talk about playoffs, it is usually younger or less heralded players that step up and make a name for themselves. Guys that are fighting for a job or contract. Too many on the Canucks don't want to pay the physical price. Matthias should have upped his game more. Higgins is so picky when it comes to hitting, had a game or so when he was hitting a lot, otherwise it looks like a no contact practice from him.

If only Richardson had Kassian's size.

Regarding trading Vrbata and signing Joel Ward, that would be great. Get a nice pick or prospect for Vrbata and not give up anything to sign Ward sounds like moves we need to make.

If we can get a nice pick back for Weber, Corrado or Stanton, I think that would be great. Didn't mind the Clandening signing, but now we need some of these guys in the lineup on a regular basis or moved.

coffee is kicking in.
- hillbillydeluxe

I don't think Benning will tear it down all the way either. I am just saying they should

Applicable to the Canucks, on LA thread just posted behind this one.

"Size and the "Identity" Game"

I don't think Benning will tear it down all the way either. I am just saying they should
- VANTEL

You are right.

With the amount of tickets I have bought, I should be winning the lottery too and sending over a crate of Naked Grape delivered by a young Filipina... still don't see it happening though.

Enjoy the scenery Carol.

I'm not sure what wineries you'll be passing through, but I recommend:

South:

Church and State
Burrowing Owl

Naramata:

Marichel
Serendipity
Hillside
Lake Breeze(for the food and view, not wine)
Bench 1775
La Frenz

Summerland:

8th Generation
Summergate
Thornhaven

Thanks, especially about the game time.

I've fixed that, but can't fix the BC Business link off my phone.

We're headed to the start line at Tinhorn Creek now, so we won't be able to get to Penticton before 1:00...
- Carol Schram

Tinhorn has some good wines.

Carol are you headed as far up the highway to Kelowna?

If so, on the way Dirty Laundry has some great wines and has a beautiful winery/patio.

If you do get to Kelowna Little Straw and Rollingdale are must stops.

Rollingdale is the only fully Organic certified in that area run by a couple guys out of a quonset. Don't look like much but their wines are very very good.

Wyatt Arndt @TheStanchion
Skytrain got shut down this morning? God damn it, Cole Cassels probably did it.

Jason Lewis with a good blog:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=68842

I wish the NHL would do away with NTCs and instead allow two franchise players per team only.

I would definitely keep Hammer over Franson too, but would hope Canucks look in a different direction
- VANTEL

Hammer defensively is a better option for sure (right now) but Hamhuis' PPG is dwindling rapidly...as is Edler's. We need a plan in place to move on from Edler, Hammer and Bieksa and maybe bringing Franson in at a decent price would be a good start to that.

Franson has not been utilized properly in TO and especially his last go in NSH. I can see why Benning would look at him if the value is there. Right hand shot to try on the PP with Sedins and a big body back on D. In the right system he may flourish and as of right now he would be a massive upgrade in PPG over Bieksa and Hammer. Probably Edler as well.

Tinhorn has some good wines.

Carol are you headed as far up the highway to Kelowna?

If so, on the way Dirty Laundry has some great wines and has a beautiful winery/patio.

If you do get to Kelowna Little Straw and Rollingdale are must stops.

Rollingdale is the only fully Organic certified in that area run by a couple guys out of a quonset. Don't look like much but their wines are very very good.
- LordHumungous

Summergate and Saxon are also certified organic. Summergate is excellent (they only produce white though) and Saxon is, well it's run by very nice people.

Summergate and Saxon are also certified organic. Summergate is excellent (they only produce white though) and Saxon is, well it's run by very nice people.
- CubanBuffet

You are right.

With the amount of tickets I have bought, I should be winning the lottery too and sending over a crate of Naked Grape delivered by a young Filipina... still don't see it happening though.
- hillbillydeluxe

"Canucks defenseman combined for 135 points last season, worse than every team in the NHL save for the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. That’s not the sort of company you want to keep."

I wish the NHL would do away with NTCs and instead allow two franchise players per team only.

I would definitely keep Hammer over Franson too, but would hope Canucks look in a different direction
- VANTEL

Both would be ok, if you get a knuckle dragger.

Summergate and Saxon are also certified organic. Summergate is excellent (they only produce white though) and Saxon is, well it's run by very nice people.
- CubanBuffet

Meh, no great deals at OK wineries, certified organic is also overrated. The smaller less famous ones are the ones to check out. Black Cloud for example, my bud is a winemaker there.

"Canucks defenseman combined for 135 points last season, worse than every team in the NHL save for the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. That’s not the sort of company you want to keep."


- LeftCoaster

No kidding, it's embarrassing. JB being a defenceman has to see that.

"Canucks defenseman combined for 135 points last season, worse than every team in the NHL save for the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. That’s not the sort of company you want to keep."


- LeftCoaster

Apparently, Cody Franson will end that.