There were those (can't remember who and am too lazy to look up) who were complaining that Benning was poorly managing the asset that was Weber in the days leading up to free agency because he wasn't qualified. Then Weber signs and there is silence, except about how much Dorsett is getting paid. Who cares if he's the fifth highest paid forward. Part of that was his role in helping the team actually have a fourth line. Possession stat all you like, but observation showed he was a big part of that. The other reason he is paid more than most is because he just signed. There is salary inflation every year.
- bazz

Great post! Some people just like to female dog about everything....I suspect this is just a forum for them to vent as it serves as way to distract from whatever has them pissed off in their normal lives....but I'm no psychologist

It's pretty amazing that he's been able to withstand so much abuse. I don't believe I've ever seen him decline an invitation for fisticuffs and he's certainly not shy about taking on all comers, regardless of size. Tough way to earn a living but I'm sure your teammates appreciate you that much more, standing up when needed and also injecting some energy and grittiness on the forecheck.
- Zogg

I think $2.65 million per year for four years goes beyond just making a living.

Based on the characters in here I'm guessing many of us have been punched in the face a few times and we weren't making no $2.65 million per year while it happened. Sounds like a good way to make a living.

Any GM/President of hockey ops who doesn't lie is going mayo struggle. Love how Gillis gets ripped for it yet it's considered a good quality under this overwhelmed management team.



Benning is a poor contract and trade negotiator...when you hear things like "their offer was by far the best" or "it was an easy contract to negotiate" then there's some problems. Asset management has been pathetic so far outside of the Bieksa deal. Even in the Kesler deal it's clear that Benning actually valued Sbisa as an asset which is just sad.
- Nucker101

Flagged.

Great post! Some people just like to female dog about everything....I suspect this is just a forum for them to vent as it serves as way to distract from whatever has them pissed off in their normal lives....but I'm no psychologist
- CanuckDon

Yeah, I don't think that's it.

I guess I'm more like Vintage in that I don't worry about what the players are paid (How about Gillis bringing in Sundin at $20mil...WTF was that all about...haven't seen anything even remotely close by JB) as long as they do there job and perform the way their coach requires. If they don't then off to the press box and bring in the replacement.

As for the fancy stats that prove your point, there must be some intangibles that JB, TL and WD know about or value over the stats to make them dress either player.

And with stats there are always anomalies that can skew the stats...Calgary winning so many games when the stats say they shouldn't of.
- Makita

Yes, work effort and not being a wussy can't be measured by fancy stats....Benning said it best, we don't want our young players getting injured or intimidated. Hence, Prust, Dorset and Sbisa. Should we have a full team of really quick smurfs?

Yes...yes he does, even to the point of blogging on my HB to inform the masses how bad the prospects and management team are.

I used to enjoy his thoughts and posts, but he's really lowered himself to the level of sensnucksnocups, bordering the surreyoiler kid...all because Sbisa got 500,000 to much, oh and Lack is better than Miller who should never have been signed
- Makita

I would have given Dorsett $6 million and the "C".

Next year, Dorsett with the C, Prust and Horvat with A's

To be honest (and more serious than what's above), I don't mind any of the signings deals etc. I don't care two poops what anyone on the team makes unless it impacts their ability to perform versus the salary cap. And right now, I don't think they should be spending to the cap, but they are, so good on the guy writing the cheques to at least appear like he's trying to win a championship. All of these awful contracts will be over by the time this team is ready to start challenging in the playoffs again. Maybe there will be new awful contracts, but who knows, certainly not Knucker.
- 1970vintage

Yes, work effort and not being a wussy can't be measured by fancy stats....Benning said it best, we don't want our young players getting injured or intimidated. Hence, Prust, Dorset and Sbisa. Should we have a full team of really quick smurfs?
- CanuckDon

Part of the issue lies that people think that teams are going to make available their 6'+ 200lbs+ fast/skilled/plays big/give 110% every shift players for peanuts and then b!tch when we don't get them. Everyone expects Benning and Linden to get a team full of Toews, Shea Webers and Duncan Keiths and then cry when that doesn't happen because GMs aren't stupid and won't trade those types of players, especially for what the Canucks can afford to pay for them.

Come on. Where did the circle jerk gang go?
- bloatedmosquito

Both hands free

I don't really love or hate either band. They just kind of exist. I get that Rush are great musicians, and their drummer in particular can bang the hell out of them, but they don't really do much for me. I think that it's the lead singer.
- CubanBuffet

It blows my mind that he can play all these quirky time signatures, amazing and technically demanding 1/16nth note riffs all over the place, but then to be able to sing whilst playing is an amazing feat. Especially due to the fact the music is complex, as anyone can sing a 12 bar blues. But to be able to sing along the various counter-points and unusual types of time signatures, is truly genius. But of course if that's not enough, you also have Lee playing his bass petals, which also add another dimension. Just an amazing musician. But yes, you either love or hate his voice. I happen to love it and find it really goes well with the type/style of playing.

I know that most people tend to know Neil Peart as being an incredible musician, but you could easily say that of each member. Each of them have a very unique and original style/sound and are both technically and melodically outstanding. I find that on pretty much any level Rush is a fantastic band.

- Marwood

If I were an NHL head coach there would be much less (and by that I mean none) ceremony surrounding who is the Captain. And I would choose a new captain and alternates each year after training camp.

Part of the issue lies that people think that teams are going to make available their 6'+ 200lbs+ fast/skilled/plays big/give 110% every shift players for peanuts and then b!tch when we don't get them. Everyone expects Benning and Linden to get a team full of Toews, Shea Webers and Duncan Keiths and then cry when that doesn't happen because GMs aren't stupid and won't trade those types of players, especially for what the Canucks can afford to pay for them.
- DariusKnight

You mean other GMs aren't stupid or is Benning a bad negotiator because he couldn't persuade another GM to give up a first for our really good tweeting goalie?

It blows my mind that he can play all these quirky time signatures, amazing and technically demanding 1/16nth note riffs all over the place, but then to be able to sing whilst playing is an amazing feat. Especially due to the fact the music is complex, as anyone can sing a 12 bar blues. But to be able to sing along the various counter-points and unusual types of time signatures, is truly genius. But of course if that's not enough, you also have Lee playing his bass petals, which also add another dimension. Just an amazing musician. But yes, you either love or hate his voice. I happen to love it and find it really goes well with the type/style of playing.

I know that most people tend to know Neil Peart as being an incredible musician, but you could easily say that of each member. Each of them have a very unique and original style/sound and are both technically and melodically outstanding. I find that on pretty much any level Rush is a fantastic band.
- Zogg

Thanks to this discussion I'm streaming Rush on spotify. Highly recommended.

You mean other GMs aren't stupid or is Benning a bad negotiator because he couldn't persuade another GM to give up a first for our really good tweeting goalie?
- bazz

That's post of the day material right there.

If I were an NHL head coach there would be much less (and by that I mean none) ceremony surrounding who is the Captain. And I would choose a new captain and alternates each year after training camp.
- 1970vintage

I would do that but I would make everyone smoke hash in a sauna while listening to Neil Diamond.

I would do that but I would make everyone smoke hash in a sauna while listening to Neil Diamond.
- Marwood

Interesting, interesting. I saw The Jazz Singer twice in the same day at the theater, I concur.

Thanks to this discussion I'm streaming Rush on spotify. Highly recommended.
- bazz

Interesting, interesting. I saw The Jazz Singer twice in the same day at the theater, I concur.
- 1970vintage

Blender drinks & bowling?

The original discussion was questioning Benning's ability to negotiate contracts. Nucker had some concerns and some questioned why he had concerns. I provided reasoning.

What those two contracts do is allow the naysayers to question JB's negotiating abilities. Like it or not advance stats are here to say and they are widely used to measure a player's capabilities and progression from season to season.

JB just gave two big contracts to players many see as the two worst on the team. That's it. Nothing more. It’s not personel.

You can't deny that there is some reasoning behind the questions.
- bloatedmosquito

Nucker has massively over reacted and jumped ship. He didnt just have concerns.


You are right, those two contracts deserve questioning and concerns. If they were the status quo then I'd be alarmed... but there have been deals that show that this is not all that JB can do at the table... I'll counter those two moves with the rest. Seems like we need to see more to be so certain of his skills.... or we can panic and find a new team that has just worked their way out of the growing pains we will have to face over the next bunch of years. Thats real stand up poop...

Both hands free
- 1970vintage

Someone told me Vantel came in 1st and 3rd in a 6 man competition

That's not true. Here's my post in response... I identified the good ones. Credit where credit is due.
- bloatedmosquito

You are kind of crossing topics. For example, tell me how JB negotiating skills were "poor" with the Miller signing? You quoted me discussing Nuckers criticisms of JB's negotiating skills. I mean did Benning not only sign him for what any other GM who was shopping for a number 1 with his credentials would pay,,, but on a short term which is not so easy for high profile players who are late... but still have some good years left. I really don't see how Millers agent took him at the bargaining table at all.

Now I know you rated the signing poor because it's not what you wanted. Different topic. Mostly because you want to tank. If things were not so complicated we all would be a screaming for the tank but whats the point now? I let my frustration about our team getting painted into a corner out in Gillis' last couple of seasons.... I had a couple of more years to prepare myself for this. Now I am patient. The damage was done years ago... not with the Miller and Sbisa signings.

Blender drinks & bowling?
- Marwood

Now you're talking

Bloated, I am not suggesting you had a meltdown over this stuff. We know who had the meltdowns. Your last meltdown was because I'm the Champ!!

Both hands free
- 1970vintage

Then what the hell are you typing with? Your pecker?

Bloated, I am not suggesting you had a meltdown over this stuff. We know who had the meltdowns. Your last meltdown was because I'm the Champ!!
- boonerbuck

My farts contain more intellectual mass than your posts.

I always look forward to our exchanges.