He is also 33. That doesn't sound like getting younger.
- manvanfan

28 goals 32 assists

Interesting find on the buyout detail for a younger player, it does ring a bell now that you mention it.

700K over 8 years isn't too bad I guess but I won't be surprised if Hodgson still ends up being an NHLer whether that is for Buf or another team.

I also think they could flip him for a small return to a team like the Coyotes who need to get to the cap floor somehow.
- belcherbd

He can't play for Buffalo if they buy him out.

I hated that deal when it was made. Hated the 2nd for Linden Vey just as much. Connauton a 2nd and Roland Mckeown would look alot better than Linden Vey. We had a small skilled core and added to that by getting one of the smallest softest players in the league with both trades. Good job!
- mauryballstein

Connauton and that 2nd are recoverable. But to give it up for Derek Roy was needless.

Reading Connauton's scouting report:

Connauton's bread and butter is on the power play. Connauton uses his hard shot with great effectiveness. Of some concern is the fact that this total accounts for almost 70 percent of his overall production.

He is not an overly physical player but can still play the body when needed. His best assets are his ability to make plays from the blue line and his patience and poise while in possession of the puck. Connauton has a smooth stride and good foot speed.

Yeah, canucks don't need someone like that. Sounds like the anti-bieksa.

I said something similar when he was first hired, got lambasted for it by a few.

Thus far he hasn't really improved the team, just got it back to where it was pre-Torts. Nearly all of that comes from the removal of Torts though IMO. I refrain from listening to his interviews and simply wait from his actions to materialize. No GM can be judged after only a year so I'll give him a pass until another couple years.
- AlexF

I don't mean to beat a dead horse but as I've said before, he's already made two significant mistakes in the Miller and Sbisa signings. That's two too many if you are going to be a successful GM. However, like yourself, I'm willing to give him some slack and see what he can do with a little more time. The thing is, there is so little room for error in this business and the difference between success and failure is very narrow. It will be interesting to see how he handles the goaltender situation, which seems to be at the top of the list in terms of immediacy. And of course there is the upcoming draft which will more properly allow for further assessment

You would actually trade him within the conference?
- mhp

For sure.

If Hartnell gets bought out do you approach him with an offer or are you in full tank mode now?
- AlexF

Hes what we needed when we were winning pres trophys. I like his game and would be good to have on a young team. We just have so much salary to cut I dont see it happening but wouldnt hate it if it did.

Connauton and that 2nd are recoverable. But to give it up for Derek Roy was needless.

Reading Connauton's scouting report:

Connauton's bread and butter is on the power play. Connauton uses his hard shot with great effectiveness. Of some concern is the fact that this total accounts for almost 70 percent of his overall production.

He is not an overly physical player but can still play the body when needed. His best assets are his ability to make plays from the blue line and his patience and poise while in possession of the puck. Connauton has a smooth stride and good foot speed.

Yeah, canucks don't need someone like that. Sounds like the anti-bieksa.
- bloatedmosquito

My point exactly if you were going to give up those assets get someone to play with the sedins or kesler. Or a tough center with 2 way game not Derek Roy, he was never going to put us over the top to win a cup.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse but as I've said before, he's already made two significant mistakes in the Miller and Sbisa signings. That's two too many if you are going to be a successful GM. However, like yourself, I'm willing to give him some slack and see what he can do with a little more time. The thing is, there is so little room for error in this business and the difference between success and failure is very narrow. It will be interesting to see how he handles the goaltender situation, which seems to be at the top of the list in terms of immediacy. And of course there is the upcoming draft which will more properly allow for further assessment
- Zogg

=Talent Evaluator, all good points however we won't see results for awhile. People have praised MG for the Horvat deal, Cassels, Subban, etc. Little to early to throw him under the bus.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse but as I've said before, he's already made two significant mistakes in the Miller and Sbisa signings. That's two too many if you are going to be a successful GM. However, like yourself, I'm willing to give him some slack and see what he can do with a little more time. The thing is, there is so little room for error in this business and the difference between success and failure is very narrow. It will be interesting to see how he handles the goaltender situation, which seems to be at the top of the list in terms of immediacy. And of course there is the upcoming draft which will more properly allow for further assessment
- Zogg

It's year one with Benning...let's give it some time.

Sbisa I'm kind of with you on but Miller can't get there as a real bad deal. We needed a no1 to get to the playoffs, doubtful that would have happened with Lack as the No 1 all year. Regardless of Miller's poorer numbers he did what he was brought here to do...get us back to the playoffs. So I can't get there on the Miller thing being a mistake.

It was kind of hard to walk in a month before the draft and take over the Sh1t show Gillis left him. He made a few questionable signings to plug the damn, and I will wait this year to say I hate or love the trades or signings. He has put in a year of very hard work, and hard work usually pays off. Let's see how the team look like at the start of next year.

He came in with one team to trade Kesler too , so I suspect he signed Sbisa longer to make it look like he didn't get hosed. McCann with erase the hosing plus we got rid of a hosebag

I don't mean to beat a dead horse but as I've said before, he's already made two significant mistakes in the Miller and Sbisa signings. That's two too many if you are going to be a successful GM. However, like yourself, I'm willing to give him some slack and see what he can do with a little more time. The thing is, there is so little room for error in this business and the difference between success and failure is very narrow. It will be interesting to see how he handles the goaltender situation, which seems to be at the top of the list in terms of immediacy. And of course there is the upcoming draft which will more properly allow for further assessment
- Zogg

Don't get me wrong, if there is/was a better option at GM available I'd take it immediately rather than give Benning the time, but I know that won't happen. I wasn't a huge fan of his appointment originally but I will admit he was arguably the best option out there at the time. Hopefully he's the right GM for this organization at this time.

Don't get me wrong, if there is/was a better option at GM available I'd take it immediately rather than give Benning the time, but I know that won't happen. I wasn't a huge fan of his appointment originally but I will admit he was arguably the best option out there at the time. Hopefully he's the right GM for this organization at this time.
- AlexF

Vantel and I could gm/assist gm the team if you'd prefer

I get the feeling Virtanen can make the jump this year. Most of the others he mentioned I'm on the fence about and some of them I don't think will have consistent NHL careers.
- AlexF

It sounds like they are willing to break him in as a 4rth line energy checking role.

It sounds like they are willing to break him in as a 4rth line energy checking role.
- boonerbuck

I realize you said a combination of those guys would net picks, but just in terms of each player on his own, here's how I value some of our players on the trade market:

Lack - 2nd
Markstrom - 4th
Bieksa - 2nd (possibly a late 1st if some team likes his interview skills)
Higgins - 3rd or 4th
Hansen - late 2nd or 3rd
Vey - maybe a 2nd, definitely a 3rd
Burrows - maybe a 5th or 6th but more likely a salary dump if anything

1sts in this draft will be at a premium so it's highly unlikely even clumping a few of these guys together will garner a 1st.
- AlexF

I agree that we don't have what it takes or can't afford to move it if we do.

I think Markstrom is worth more than a 4rth on any market any time.

=Talent Evaluator, all good points however we won't see results for awhile. People have praised MG for the Horvat deal, Cassels, Subban, etc. Little to early to throw him under the bus.
- VanHockeyGuy

Canuck fans throw people under buses all day, it's what sports radio is built on in this town.

It was kind of hard to walk in a month before the draft and take over the Sh1t show Gillis left him. He made a few questionable signings to plug the damn, and I will wait this year to say I hate or love the trades or signings. He has put in a year of very hard work, and hard work usually pays off. Let's see how the team look like at the start of next year.

He came in with one team to trade Kesler too , so I suspect he signed Sbisa longer to make it look like he didn't get hosed. McCann with erase the hosing plus we got rid of a hosebag
- VANTEL

You know what! We are ALL on the same page. We just need to convince JB & TL. Definition of insanity...
Feck!

Canuck fans throw people under buses all day, it's what sports radio is built on in this town.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Ain't that the truth.

I think NUcker has gone full Flamer.

I think NUcker has gone full Flamer.
- thundachunk

He has. Next stop Toronto

I think NUcker has gone full Flamer.
- thundachunk

Good - turncoat (frank)in kid was never a fan if he can just switch teams mid-stride like that....(frank) him!!!

I think NUcker has gone full Flamer.
- thundachunk

VANTEL is much better.

Not a fan of the Kevin Connauton + 2013 2nd round pick for Derek Roy

That 2nd was Philippe Desrosiers. Oceanic goalie. Good pick.
- bloatedmosquito

Yeah, he made a lot of bad trades (especially in hindsight), but it was the ego getting in the way with the #9 swap, not filling a player need.

Good - turncoat (frank)in kid was never a fan if he can just switch teams mid-stride like that....(frank) him!!!


- LeftCoaster

Bandwagon, fits right in in the lower mainland.

Bandwagon, fits right in in the lower mainland.
- 1970vintage

When they are expected to win, they are a hot ticket.

People want to be seen there when they are winning.

Just making the playoffs and out the first round gets old quick.