I understand the convenience of your point.
- Marwood

Haha nice

Well even if I was tanking I'd give Sbisa just bisons year qualifying offer and if he somehow has a good season then I'd happily give him a raise or trade him. Or just let him walk and open up more minutes for Clendening/Corrado. Miller has no place on a rebuilding team either, I'd rather see Lack/Markstrom. And again, if we're rebuilding then give Kassian another year to get his act together since the stakes are high but the upside is decent.
- Nucker101

I understand your disdain for Sbisa...but why on earth do you want Kassian? He is coke sniffing alcoholic. Prust is a much better role model

How is this the same core as 2011?? Not sure how people think this is the same core as the last five years...

A lot of major characters from that year have disappeared. The roster has turned over in a big way. There are a few players left, most notably the Sedins and Burrows, but the rest of the forward core is gone...

I understand your disdain for Sbisa...but why on earth do you want Kassian? He is coke sniffing alcoholic. Prust is a much better role model
- CanuckDon

A better roll model than Kassian? Maybe, but that's not exactly a high bar. I'm fine with trading Kassian, I was sick to death of hearing about his potential. I wasn't thrilled with the return, but who knows, maybe after another year of the Kassian show he would be worth even less.

As far as Prust, I'll have to wait and see what he brings. I've never been super impressed, and thought that his tirade against the refs was beyond stupid, but Montreal fans seem genuinely disappointed that he's gone, so who knows.

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?
- Zogg

My son seemed very pleased to be surrounded by all the girls. I think he got some looks, smiles and eye contact.

We thought we could get a seat if we walked down to waterfront, the trains first stop, but it was standing room only. Some good energy in the air anyway, everyone seemed to be in a good mood.

A better roll model than Kassian? Maybe, but that's not exactly a high bar. I'm fine with trading Kassian, I was sick to death of hearing about his potential. I wasn't thrilled with the return, but who knows, maybe after another year of the Kassian show he would be worth even less.

As far as Prust, I'll have to wait and see what he brings. I've never been super impressed, and thought that his tirade against the refs was beyond stupid, but Montreal fans seem genuinely disappointed that he's gone, so who knows.
- CubanBuffet

He's very popular with team mates. That is a positive..toughness a positive but I will be pissed if we get another ongoing drama with the refs. I'm patiently waiting for those types already here to move on. Kassian had that problem. Even suspended for it in both pro and junior. Hopefully we don't see it this season from Prust. He's a 1 season Canuck if he is I bet.

A better roll model than Kassian? Maybe, but that's not exactly a high bar. I'm fine with trading Kassian, I was sick to death of hearing about his potential. I wasn't thrilled with the return, but who knows, maybe after another year of the Kassian show he would be worth even less.

As far as Prust, I'll have to wait and see what he brings. I've never been super impressed, and thought that his tirade against the refs was beyond stupid, but Montreal fans seem genuinely disappointed that he's gone, so who knows.
- CubanBuffet

I love Prust but dont think Kassian was surrounded with good enough talent to even give him a chance.

Also, I believe he had some off ice issues.

Regardless. As much of a heart and soul player Prust is. I have a bad feeling Kass is going to have a very good year next year. We will see......

A better roll model than Kassian? Maybe, but that's not exactly a high bar. I'm fine with trading Kassian, I was sick to death of hearing about his potential. I wasn't thrilled with the return, but who knows, maybe after another year of the Kassian show he would be worth even less.

As far as Prust, I'll have to wait and see what he brings. I've never been super impressed, and thought that his tirade against the refs was beyond stupid, but Montreal fans seem genuinely disappointed that he's gone, so who knows.
- CubanBuffet

I believe that that Kassian will be in the minors soon. The drugs and partying should get worse in MTL. As for Prust, he shares a lot of similarities to Dorset. Works hard every game, physical, great in the locker room...the major difference is he is a much better scrapper. Fans will like him real quick. And he will probably turn into a 2nd round pick in the spring

I love Prust but dont think Kassian was surrounded with good enough talent to even give him a chance.

Also, I believe he had some off ice issues.

Regardless. As much of a heart and soul player Prust is. I have a bad feeling Kass is going to have a very good year next year. We will see......
- vancity787

I know his circle and live downtown. His off ice issues are very real. It's a shame

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

The logic isnt hard to find man

1) Benning has said numerous times that he is not willing to go with two young goalies in "this market". I think the "this market" part says a lot about the types of fans here. Most of them are not diehards like us. They're bandwagoners who will jump ship the moment its the cool thing to do.

2) Sbisa fills the "20-28" age gap that they've mentioned plenty of times before. I agree with your assessment of him, but the logic is clear on Bennings part.

3) Benning wants guys who improve the room, are leaders, and bring an emotional element every night. Prust is that guy, and he is on an expiring contract. Gives Benning plenty of options to manoeuvre the team when TDL approaches.

I love Prust but dont think Kassian was surrounded with good enough talent to even give him a chance.

Also, I believe he had some off ice issues.

Regardless. As much of a heart and soul player Prust is. I have a bad feeling Kass is going to have a very good year next year. We will see......
- vancity787

Depends on a lot of things. It'll be interesting to see who he's playing with. His only really good stretches came while playing with the Sedins, so you might as well credit that to his stick, he just happened to be holding it when a Sedin banked the puck off of it and into the net. (It'd be interesting to see their numbers with or without him. I'd be willing to bet that they're pretty consistent between Kassian, Vrbata and Burrows). Montreal doesn't have a ton of playmakers.

As for the off ice stuff, I can't really say. It's all rumours and innuendo at this point. All I know for sure is that he's no Einstein, but whatever his issues are, it's just as easy to indulge in Montreal as it is in Vancouver.

How long until we get to experience something like this again?


http://youtu.be/gmoqnNkUbAk

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

There was logic in signing Booth, Pahlsson and Roy?

Here is Miller's for his career. I still think he's better than Lack, with a much bigger sample size. Also notable is that it was better in the playoffs.

http://war-on-ice.com/goa...ason.html?woiid=millery80
- golfingsince

If we would have kept all three of Lack, Miller, Markstrom I think Lack had the 'potential' to be the best of the three and I use that term potential loosely. MNGT just didn't think he was our guy and I have to agree a bit here. Miller will steal more games than Lack and get close to 40 wins where Lack just isn't there...might never be. Yes Miller is much like Lou in a sense where he will choke some games out but there will be times where Miller is unbeatable for stretches. Under this 'retool' and still looking at a playoff spot Miller has to be the guy and not Lack. Markstrom has a mental block when it comes to playing in the NHL and it will be damn interesting to see if they can coach that out of him...

How long until we get to experience something like this again?


http://youtu.be/gmoqnNkUbAk
- Gullzy

Good things take time...in all reality15-20 years if history is in evenish intervals. But optimistically in 5-7 if JB is as good at his job as what we all hope he is

15-20 mil in cap space next year, what are you targeting?

I also think Sedins get extended 2 years in the final contract year. But at around 6 mil per

15-20 mil in cap space next year, what are you targeting?

I also think Sedins get extended 2 years in the final contract year. But at around 6 mil per
- VANTEL

Norris trophy DMAN. It has to happen here sooner or later. We could squeeze it in under the rebuild.

I think the Sedins will sign a one year after their final contract year and that's it...done deal.

Norris trophy DMAN. It has to happen here sooner or later. We could squeeze it in under the rebuild.

I think the Sedins will sign a one year after their final contract year and that's it...done deal.
- LordHumungous

Who is the Norris Trophy Dman that is available next year?

The reason I say two year extension, is because looking at our farm team and newly drafted, I don't see the first liners yet. I see second and third liners but not first line talent yet.

Who is the Norris Trophy Dman that is available next year?

The reason I say two year extension, is because looking at our farm team and newly drafted, I don't see the first liners yet. I see second and third liners but not first line talent yet.
- VANTEL

First line talent will have to be a surprise. Kind of how Kesler was projected to be a 3rd liner at best, and turned into a pretty good 2nd line C. Unless they get lucky and win the lottery, or stink it up this year and pick top 3.

I would add that the Sedins, after their first few years, were never expected to produce first line numbers either, but they've done a pretty good job...

First line talent will have to be a surprise. Kind of how Kesler was projected to be a 3rd liner at best, and turned into a pretty good 2nd line C. Unless they get lucky and win the lottery, or stink it up this year and pick top 3.

I would add that the Sedins, after their first few years, were never expected to produce first line numbers either, but they've done a pretty good job...
- 1970vintage

Yup anyone can step up and be first liners . It may come out of nowhere or a guy like Bo is just starting to reach his potential. We also have cap space next year and can purchase one or two top end players.

A guy I am really hoping for next year is Jensen. He has had moments where he looks very good and others he looks meh. I hope this summer he puts it all together and surprises us with an unexpected addition.

Yup anyone can step up and be first liners . It may come out of nowhere or a guy like Bo is just starting to reach his potential. We also have cap space next year and can purchase one or two top end players.

A guy I am really hoping for next year is Jensen. He has had moments where he looks very good and others he looks meh. I hope this summer he puts it all together and surprises us with an unexpected addition.
- VANTEL

I think I said something eerily similar to this last summer.

I think I said something eerily similar to this last summer.
- thundachunk

If you are blaming me of plagiarism , I am old and can't remember what people said 2 days ago never mind last year

If you are blaming me of plagiarism , I am old and can't remember what people said 2 days ago never mind last year
- VANTEL

Not blaming at all as I am fully aware of your senility.

Not blaming at all as I am fully aware of your senility.
- thundachunk

Whew

Yup anyone can step up and be first liners . It may come out of nowhere or a guy like Bo is just starting to reach his potential. We also have cap space next year and can purchase one or two top end players.

A guy I am really hoping for next year is Jensen. He has had moments where he looks very good and others he looks meh. I hope this summer he puts it all together and surprises us with an unexpected addition.
- VANTEL

When Jensen was called up during the Torts era, I thought he looked okay. Looked good at times with the Sedins and in the top 6 and was sent back to Utica.

Inconsistency and prospects... It always seems strange to me when they have all the time for McKenze as a project, but then you have a former first rounder in Jensen that just seems to be there but not really in their plans.

I keep going back to me, being a fan, and the organization with all the experience in the management group seeing element in Jensen's game they don't like. These deficiencies don't really stand out to me as the casual fan.

So, it makes me wonder when Jensen had his last stint under Torts, why was he sent back to Utica? Some missed defensive assignments? Turned away from some fore checking assignments? Didn't go to the net hard enough or lost too many puck battles?

Anyway, have to root for our prospects and even if they aren't going to make it with the Canucks, maybe they can be traded and bring a pick back and make it with another club than outright released.