I see ducks with the best record next year and I see Buffalo and Canucks both finishing bottom 10
- VANTEL

It goes by playoff performance as well, if they pick 30th that means you think the'y'll win the cup. I'd say the Leafs, Yotes, Canes are a tier below the Canucks and there's a few teams like NJ and BOS that look questionable.

The odds are that it's going to be much more than a 5 spot difference.

We had those nights a lot
- VANTEL

So why isn't Bonino's FO% lower? Sutter had a 47.7% faceoff year in 13/14 so he's no Malhotra.

I see ducks with the best record next year and I see Buffalo and Canucks both finishing bottom 10
- VANTEL

They brought the koolaid to the table, I spiked it with vodka and drank the whole pitcher and ordered another. Just putting on the rose colored sunglasses...

I don't think our top 6 is worse than last season, it might actually be better if Sven is on the wing instead of Higgins. (and Bo gets a shot)

Our bottom 6 looks to be prepared to play a heavier game... not sure if the goal production will be there.

Situation in net. Wondering if Miller can stay healthy. Expect Markstrom to stumble and then hopefully settle in.

Defence. We will find out if Bieksa will be missed. we got by without him for a stretch last season. Is the Bartkowski addition any sort of factor?

I wouldn't be surprised if we are a playoff team again. But still want them to move Vrbata and Prust at the tdl. and expect to be disappointed.

A

It goes by playoff performance as well, if they pick 30th that means you think the'y'll win the cup. I'd say the Leafs, Yotes, Canes are a tier below the Canucks and there's a few teams like NJ and BOS that look questionable.

The odds are that it's going to be much more than a 5 spot difference.
- Nucker101

I do think they will win th cup next year

It's a poop show whatever is going on. Brandon Sutter is not someone to build around, it's just crazy talk. Canucks gave up WAY too much for him, end of story.

Forsling and Clendenning could turn out to be great defensemen, we didn't need another 3rd line plug. Not to mention Benning always talking about drafting and he tosses in a 2nd round pick.
- Scooby_Doo

It is scary that Benning has such a hard-on for Sutter who's basically a solid 3LC and nothing spectacular.

A


I do think they will win th cup next year
- VANTEL

Too soon to say IMO, plenty of contenders and injuries/trades will happen. But I don't see ANA has improved much, IMO they've gotten worse and the losses of Beleskey and Beauchemin will hurt them. They'll need their youth to take another step forward.

It is scary that Benning has such a hard-on for Sutter who's basically a solid 3LC and nothing spectacular.
- Nucker101

I was fine with Benning's plan before yesterday, now I'm wondering if he's in over his head. The Sbisa contract he was backed into, but this Sutter deal... I'm scared to see what he signs him for, it could cripple the franchise for 5-6 years.

I was fine with Benning's plan before yesterday, now I'm wondering if he's in over his head. The Sbisa contract he was backed into, but this Sutter deal... I'm scared to see what he signs him for, it could cripple the franchise for 5-6 years.
- Scooby_Doo

Welcome aboard

Welcome aboard


- Nucker101

So why isn't Bonino's FO% lower? Sutter had a 47.7% faceoff year in 13/14 so he's no Malhotra.
- Nucker101

50.2% the year before.... do you always pick out stats to fit your narrative.

It is scary that Benning has such a hard-on for Sutter who's basically a solid 3LC and nothing spectacular.
- Nucker101

There are so many intangibles with this entire roster that have to be worked out there is no point getting all worked up right now. We have no idea how Sutter will look in WD system. We have no idea who Sutter's line mates will be and what kind of chemistry he will have with them. (Lets not forget that Bonino and Vrbata were a disaster together) We have no idea what kind of ice time he will have or exactly what his role is. We still don't know who is even on the roster at this point. I'm going to let Sutter go through a training camp and get a handful of games under his belt before I make any comments for or against this trade.

I was fine with Benning's plan before yesterday, now I'm wondering if he's in over his head. The Sbisa contract he was backed into, but this Sutter deal... I'm scared to see what he signs him for, it could cripple the franchise for 5-6 years.
- Scooby_Doo

Wondering if it is just JB being a new gm. As assistant gm, guessing he didn't have much experience with the negotiations of trades but was more drafting and player personnel. He targets players and wants them here already and doesn't sweat paying too much or being perceived to do so.

I don't understand the losing draft position, unless he dismisses that concern because he is confident he will find who he wants with these later picks? He starts just missing out on guys that fall to where he was, get burned, maybe his views on this will change.

Clendening being included makes me believe he is just moving on from an earlier move where he thought Clendening was more than he really was. just moving on from a mistake.

What I am pleased with, is the fact he gushed all about Bonino and ended up moving him. If there is any chance there is an upgrade on Sbisa in the system or available in a trade and Sbisa can be move, I think he will pull the trigger.

Maybe that goes for Vrbata as a ufa signing too, might be more open to moving him- loyalty or something than previously perceived?

I am a little worried about the Sutter extension too. Wondering if JB is not worried about overpaying because he expects some more youth on elc's in the lineup after next season? high stakes.

How I think yesterday's trade fits the Canucks' big-picture plan, in the new blog:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ertschi-Signing/194/70217

50.2% the year before.... do you always pick out stats to fit your narrative.
- Mungo

My point was that FO% can fluctuate year to year and their career %'s are so similar anyway so I doubt Sutter will end up being the way better FO man.

How I think yesterday's trade fits the Canucks' big-picture plan, in the new blog:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ertschi-Signing/194/70217
- Carol Schram

GBY

That's because stats are actually evidence, it's easy to make any decent player sound great with a scouting report.

Sutter's career FO% is 48.2 and Bonino's is 47.1%..so yay we'll win one more faceoff, maybe two per every 100 Sutter takes instead!


Luca Sbisa is a better skater and had a longer reach than both Tanev and Hamhuis so I'm not buying that. I'd like some actual evidence.
- Nucker101

So the twisted stats that show Sutter as the top defensive C in the game are evidence ?

50.2% the year before.... do you always pick out stats to fit your narrative.
- Mungo

You only use the evidence you want

Bonino a questionable 2LC only n a throw in D man.
2 roster spots opened n 1 filled in...win win.
Let Bo roam n Sutter play his game.
Better off than Bonino.
Dummies sayin 4.5-5m/yr outta wake up n get real.

Being from 724 area code, I love the trade. Brandon is a smart player but the Pens need depth and cap space. We have first and second line centers already so that isn't an issue. Bonino replacing a Kesler there is like Brandon replacing Jordan Staahl here, not happening, unreasonable expectations eh.