It's pretty hard to be a draft day winner when you don't have the picks. We also don't have the cap space to be adding a bunch of free agents. The team is trying to rebuild on the fly, which isn't easy. You aren't going to see the results immediately but hopefully the youth comes in slowly to a winning culture.
- golfingsince

Good summation.

Everyone wants change. JB's moves aren't what some of our fans were expecting. Fans want to see the core turned over sooner, rather than later.

Rose colored glasses and if's...
If Sven, once signed , can fit on the 2nd line (10g, 15a +) with Vrbata (and he is good for 25+) around either Bonino/Horvat, and you get the usual from everyone else in the bottom 6... that would be pretty good offence.

I am just not sure about the defence.

I could see this team providing a more entertaining on ice product than last year. It is just that a part of me doesn't want them to be that competitive and wants to see Vrbata moved at the tdl for a 1st rounder.

I think people are just perpetuating a narrative right now that has no factual support until the games are played. The media is doing its job. They are judging the team based on some elementary moves. However, they can't just assume that the Canucks going to take a step back, or that everyone else in the pacific is going to take a step forward. Games have to be played.

If there's a chance that we will suck, there is also a chance that we will be decent enough to get into the playoffs.

I saw this exact same thing happen last offseason. The media was spewing the narrative that the Canucks were done until we started playing the games. Once people realized that we could win, they were happy. Everything was going well until we got beat in the playoffs, and then that same narrative started all over again.

I don't think that the Canucks are good enough to win the Stanley Cup; but, are they bottom half in the western conference? I don't think so.
- Gullzy

I don't think the Canucks answered the toughness issue yet. I think they will address it next year when they have the cap space. Canucks did not have an answer for Ferland last year and he is not even a heavyweight. I found it comical when the ref asked Hamhuis to go be the third man in before Dorsett gets killed by Engelland. This one should be an easy resolve but Prust is not the answer. He is just like Dorsett.

Sven isn't the answer to faster more talented but he could be part of the answer in a couple of years.

The D is honestly a joke. I think in another year Subban might help but Canucks need to get a tough gritty guy and a PMD . Easier said than done.

[/URL]

Good summation.

Everyone wants change. JB's moves aren't what some of our fans were expecting. Fans want to see the core turned over sooner, rather than later.

Rose colored glasses and if's...
If Sven, once signed , can fit on the 2nd line (10g, 15a +) with Vrbata (and he is good for 25+) around either Bonino/Horvat, and you get the usual from everyone else in the bottom 6... that would be pretty good offence.

I am just not sure about the defence.

I could see this team providing a more entertaining on ice product than last year. It is just that a part of me doesn't want them to be that competitive and wants to see Vrbata moved at the tdl for a 1st rounder.
- hillbillydeluxe

I could see Vrbata being dealt near the deadline to a number of teams. I suspect Burrows would waive next season for MTL if they wanted him.

I wish we had more cap space so we could take back bad salary in deals to sweeten the pot but we don't as of now so there's no sense crying about it.

I could see Vrbata being dealt near the deadline to a number of teams. I suspect Burrows would waive next season for MTL if they wanted him.

I wish we had more cap space so we could take back bad salary in deals to sweeten the pot but we don't as of now so there's no sense crying about it.
- golfingsince

If we move either or both Vrbata and Burrows, there is the cap space. JB just needs to move the salary out first.


I think Vantel just threw a bucket of reality on my rose colored glasses outlook.

I think people are just perpetuating a narrative right now that has no factual support until the games are played. The media is doing its job. They are judging the team based on some elementary moves. However, they can't just assume that the Canucks going to take a step back, or that everyone else in the pacific is going to take a step forward. Games have to be played.

If there's a chance that we will suck, there is also a chance that we will be decent enough to get into the playoffs.

I saw this exact same thing happen last offseason. The media was spewing the narrative that the Canucks were done until we started playing the games. Once people realized that we could win, they were happy. Everything was going well until we got beat in the playoffs, and then that same narrative started all over again.

I don't think that the Canucks are good enough to win the Stanley Cup; but, are they bottom half in the western conference? I don't think so.
- Gullzy

Bang on... and who cares if we were one of the FA losers this summer. WTF... we don't want to sign too many and/or expensive UFA's. I thought Vantel would be on board with that but he mentions it often.

It's the same day in and day out. A large number of people want poor results for rebuild... and UFA's to make us competitive in our division and they will panic if they don't get both at the same time.

They want to tank and not be embarrassed at the same time. They want a high pick but will not tolerate play off failure.

It will be a very controversial season ahead , but it wasn't created by Nucker .
- VANTEL

Controversial how? They are what they are, a team in transition. We been watching a very good team for the better part of ten years, it can't last forever.

For me the sooner they get rid of the old guard the better, but, I totally understand what they're trying to achieve, like it or not, and the fact there's a bunch of caveats in dealing vets or players like Kassian who aren't viewed in a positive light around the league.

The next three years are going to be somewhat painful to watch, but I'll still watch anyways, mostly to see how the younger players like Horvat, Vey, Baertschi, Virtanen, Grenier, Clendening, Corrado, and who ever else makes the team, develop.

If we move either or both Vrbata and Burrows, there is the cap space. JB just needs to move the salary out first.


I think Vantel just threw a bucket of reality on my rose colored glasses outlook.
- hillbillydeluxe

It's some cap space, but teams might want us to take back more then we send so they can make another deal. Anyways, it's not really relevant since we don't have it.

Controversial how? They are what they are, a team in transition. We been watching a very good team for the better part of ten years, it can't last forever.

For me the sooner they get rid of the old guard the better, but, I totally understand what they're trying to achieve, like it or not, and the fact there's a bunch of caveats in dealing vets or players like Kassian who aren't viewed in a positive light around the league.

The next three years are going to be somewhat painful to watch, but I'll still watch anyways, mostly to see how the younger players like Horvat, Vey, Baertschi, Virtanen, Grenier, Clendening, Corrado, and who ever else makes the team, develop.
- LeftCoaster

Some of my favourite years watching the Canucks were when we were horrible. Cheap tickets, watching guys like Ohlund, Bert, Nazzy develop.

Some of my favourite years watching the Canucks were when we were horrible. Cheap tickets, watching guys like Ohlund, Bert, Nazzy develop.
- golfingsince

Yup - I have no issues with them losing providing they have kids who are ready to play in the league. And, they keep SOME vets around to insulate those kids that do make it.

When Naslund, Bertuzzi, Jovo, Morrison, the Sedins and the gang were around playing some up-tempo hockey it was fun to watch.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Vancouver fans are myopic, schizophrenic, and seem to think that every major move that teams make will instantly make them better and us worse. The problem with major overhauls is that it takes at least a few months for players to feel comfortable on new teams, whether it is rookies like McDavid, supposed franchise D's like Hamilton, or power forwards like Lucic.

That's not even including the fact that injuries, suspensions, the new 3 on 3 OT and other rule changes influencing where teams might end up at the end of the season. Notwithstanding the fact that it's not even the end of July and Linden/Benning may have other moves planned that hinge on Baertschi signing and JV, Cassels, McCann, etc earning a spot in training camp/9 game tryout. I'm fine with the pace they're going, I can see what their plan is, the real change will happen once the Sedins contracts run out. Benning will have until then to stock the cupboards with prospects and then we'll get a new GM who's more savvy with trades/UFA signings to make a run for a Cup.

I agree. We've also had a mostly competitive and entertaining team for 15 years, so this could be the first taste of some lean times for many of the younger fans.
- golfingsince

Those of us who suffered through the '70's, 80's and the ups & downs of the 90's have seen our share of sh1t-shows. I'm happy to see a patient, methodical rebuild and get excited about seeing some of the younger guys get the taste of the big game.

Yup...City is full of them. They change their avatar to support another team as soon as there is a sign we may not be competitive for a few years. The true fans won't jump ship even if we are out of the playoffs for 5 years
- CanuckDon

Anyone else see Rush last night? I wasn't going until the last moment when I just couldn't stop myself - got some great tickets.

As always, a great show - almost 3 hours!! they played their fare share of old stuff (nothing better than hearing Spirit of the Radio, YYZ and Tom Sawyer, Closer to the Heart live). They even played Temples of Syrinx

Hillbillly, I'm glad you ultimately decided to go - were you inundated with the B.C. place teeny bopper groupies?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Vancouver fans are myopic, schizophrenic, and seem to think that every major move that teams make will instantly make them better and us worse. The problem with major overhauls is that it takes at least a few months for players to feel comfortable on new teams, whether it is rookies like McDavid, supposed franchise D's like Hamilton, or power forwards like Lucic.

That's not even including the fact that injuries, suspensions, the new 3 on 3 OT and other rule changes influencing where teams might end up at the end of the season. Notwithstanding the fact that it's not even the end of July and Linden/Benning may have other moves planned that hinge on Baertschi signing and JV, Cassels, McCann, etc earning a spot in training camp/9 game tryout. I'm fine with the pace they're going, I can see what their plan is, the real change will happen once the Sedins contracts run out. Benning will have until then to stock the cupboards with prospects and then we'll get a new GM who's more savvy with trades/UFA signings to make a run for a Cup.
- DariusKnight

Great post...except for the last line...a few posters have indicated that Benning is a short term fix. I strongly disagree as I'm sure Linden does as well. I've like most of his trades and he will continue to improve. I think isles great that he so decisive and pulls the trigger so quick. Gillis drove me up the wall waiting months to turn a 5th round pick into a 4th. Get er done

Great post...except for the last line...a few posters have indicated that Benning is a short term fix. I strongly disagree as I'm sure Linden does as well. I've like most of his trades and he will continue to improve. I think isles great that he so decisive and pulls the trigger so quick. Gillis drove me up the wall waiting months to turn a 5th round pick into a 4th. Get er done
- CanuckDon

...the only trade I'm still sceptical on is Vey....but he may turn out ok. And Sbisa probably earns too much but I don't care that much

Controversial how? They are what they are, a team in transition. We been watching a very good team for the better part of ten years, it can't last forever.

For me the sooner they get rid of the old guard the better, but, I totally understand what they're trying to achieve, like it or not, and the fact there's a bunch of caveats in dealing vets or players like Kassian who aren't viewed in a positive light around the league.

The next three years are going to be somewhat painful to watch, but I'll still watch anyways, mostly to see how the younger players like Horvat, Vey, Baertschi, Virtanen, Grenier, Clendening, Corrado, and who ever else makes the team, develop.
- LeftCoaster

I am just saying the temperature of the average fan is going to be as soon as any mistakes are made , fans will complain. I think you will see more complaining this year than years past ,for whatever reasons they give.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Vancouver fans are myopic, schizophrenic, and seem to think that every major move that teams make will instantly make them better and us worse. The problem with major overhauls is that it takes at least a few months for players to feel comfortable on new teams, whether it is rookies like McDavid, supposed franchise D's like Hamilton, or power forwards like Lucic.

That's not even including the fact that injuries, suspensions, the new 3 on 3 OT and other rule changes influencing where teams might end up at the end of the season. Notwithstanding the fact that it's not even the end of July and Linden/Benning may have other moves planned that hinge on Baertschi signing and JV, Cassels, McCann, etc earning a spot in training camp/9 game tryout. I'm fine with the pace they're going, I can see what their plan is, the real change will happen once the Sedins contracts run out. Benning will have until then to stock the cupboards with prospects and then we'll get a new GM who's more savvy with trades/UFA signings to make a run for a Cup.
- DariusKnight

Are you a Canuck fan? If so did you just call yourself a myopicc schyzo? Or are you one of these self proclaimed Elitist that bought memberships to this special club and just look down on all Canuck fans and think your better? I missed the day that they were handing out those memberships .


BTW according to your friend Don you fit the category of an untrue Canuck fan seeing your avatar says Nashville?

That's bull.

When you have a reaction as big as this you just can't paint everyone as bandwagon fans.

Go read Canucks Army blog today on Miller. They question Bennings common sense . I have seen THN label Canucks as one of the three top losers in FA and the draft. It is not just Botchford and Pratt stirring crap. Did you see how active Twitter was the night of the Town Hall meeting? People were ripping into Benning.

Just because people don't take your side of line does not make them uneducated or fine weather fans.
- VANTEL

Pretty sure the "experts" said the same thing last off season and the Canucks finished in 2nd place with 101 points.

Now I'm not saying they'll do the same thing again, but it's pretty clear to me that the experts don't know as much as they think they do.

What Marwood is saying is that people (especially you) have been screaming for change, and the injection of youth, and now that it's happening you (I mean the royal you, not you specifically) can't stomach the results, which is an inevitable fall in the standings. Just because they won't go full Oilers and shoot for sub 60 points doesn't mean they aren't building for the future.

Oh man, Canucks Army are a bunch of hypochondriacs. They are trying to pass off their insight and opinion as fact. I used to like reading their columns but it's getting tougher and tougher.

Pretty sure the "experts" said the same thing last off season and the Canucks finished in 2nd place with 101 points.

Now I'm not saying they'll do the same thing again, but it's pretty clear to me that the experts don't know as much as they think they do.

What Marwood is saying is that people (especially you) have been screaming for change, and the injection of youth, and now that it's happening you (I mean the royal you, not you specifically) can't stomach the results, which is an inevitable fall in the standings. Just because they won't go full Oilers and shoot for sub 60 points doesn't mean they aren't building for the future.
- 1970vintage

1. Signing Miller I can buy somewhat. But then choosing Miller over Lack(especially considering the difference in salary and sv% is stupid). Bending said he had calls on Miller too...

2. Trading for Sbisa when they could have had a different asset plus the stupid contract for him.

3. Trading Kassian for an older, more expensive, less productive player. You're almost better off just telling him he's going to get waived if he doesn't get his act together and hope his off-ice issues improve due to fear of playing for the Yotes.

These are the 3 major issues I have. With Gillis, I at least saw logic behind every move but Benning makes some questionable decisions that look bad right away. At least MG's (frank) ups had some upside at the time they were made.

Oh man, Canucks Army are a bunch of hypochondriacs. They are trying to pass off their insight and opinion as fact. I used to like reading their columns but it's getting tougher and tougher.
- 1970vintage

I find them hit and miss, still better than most of the Canuck writers/bloggers.

I find them hit and miss, still better than most of the Canuck writers/bloggers.
- Nucker101

I don't think choosing Miller over Lack is stupid at all. Benning also said when he signed Lack that the players wanted a more experienced goalie on the roster. I don't view it as choosing Miller over Lack, but choosing Markstrom over Lack.

Are you a Canuck fan? If so did you just call yourself a myopicc schyzo? Or are you one of these self proclaimed Elitist that bought memberships to this special club and just look down on all Canuck fans and think your better? I missed the day that they were handing out those memberships .


BTW according to your friend Don you fit the category of an untrue Canuck fan seeing your avatar says Nashville?
- VANTEL

Says the guy with 'Florida Panthers' below his name.

1. Signing Miller I can buy somewhat. But then choosing Miller over Lack(especially considering the difference in salary and sv% is stupid). Bending said he had calls on Miller too...

2. Trading for Sbisa when they could have had a different asset plus the stupid contract for him.

3. Trading Kassian for an older, more expensive, less productive player. You're almost better off just telling him he's going to get waived if he doesn't get his act together and hope his off-ice issues improve due to fear of playing for the Yotes.

These are the 3 major issues I have. With Gillis, I at least saw logic behind every move but Benning makes some questionable decisions that look bad right away. At least MG's (frank) ups had some upside at the time they were made.
- Nucker101

Is there anything left of that horse you keep beating?