I hope JV goes back to Jr, we dont need him and id prefer to see Grenier, Cassels or Gaunce get the spot or rotate a couple guys throughout the year. Hopefully he can work on being a dominant offensive guy and work on his play away from the puck. I really hate the rule not allowing him to play in the AHL.

I think the most exciting player to watch at camp will be Kenins. He definitely earned a spot last season and seemingly is exactly the type of player mgmt wants in the bottom 6.

I think he also has the potential to be a bit of a darkhorse when it comes to our young forwards. To a certain extent many are expecting/hoping that Horvat/Baertschi/Vey take a step forward this year but I think it is just as likely that Kenins can make a player like Higgins/Prust/Dorsett expendable.
- belcherbd

There's no way that Kennins makes Prust and Dorsett expendable this season. If he's as good as them, then that just makes our bottom six so much stronger. Players know they have to drop the gloves if they choose to cross the line when Prust and Dorsett are in the line up... there is at least some intimidation factor whereas Kennins has none.

Even though Vey is young and only played 1 full season in the NHL, I still think he could be moved even at a loss of asset value(laughable ammo for the MG loyalists). I would definitely explore that if Cassels shines in camp. At least he can handle the physical play and still be a set uf man for the fore checkers. He may already be able to pass as good as Vey. We'll see in camp. Vey does not fit my idea of a bottom six C. If Sutter hasnt already pushed Vey out of the picture long term, I feel Cassels will by the end of the season.

There's no way that Kennins makes Prust and Dorsett expendable this season. If he's as good as them, then that just makes our bottom six so much stronger. Players know they have to drop the gloves if they choose to cross the line when Prust and Dorsett are in the line up... there is at least some intimidation factor whereas Kennins has none.

Even though Vey is young and only played 1 full season in the NHL, I still think he could be moved even at a loss of asset value(laughable ammo for the MG loyalists). I would definitely explore that if Cassels shines in camp. At least he can handle the physical play and still be a set uf man for the fore checkers. He may already be able to pass as good as Vey. We'll see in camp. Vey does not fit my idea of a bottom six C. If Sutter hasnt already pushed Vey out of the picture long term, I feel Cassels will by the end of the season.
- boonerbuck

This is exactly how i see things. Gaunce or Cassels are both have a good two way game and could easily fill that 4th line center spot much the way that Horvat did last year.

agree on Kennins too, he is not an enforcer he just plays a gritty style.

There's no way that Kennins makes Prust and Dorsett expendable this season. If he's as good as them, then that just makes our bottom six so much stronger. Players know they have to drop the gloves if they choose to cross the line when Prust and Dorsett are in the line up... there is at least some intimidation factor whereas Kennins has none.

Even though Vey is young and only played 1 full season in the NHL, I still think he could be moved even at a loss of asset value(laughable ammo for the MG loyalists). I would definitely explore that if Cassels shines in camp. At least he can handle the physical play and still be a set uf man for the fore checkers. He may already be able to pass as good as Vey. We'll see in camp. Vey does not fit my idea of a bottom six C. If Sutter hasnt already pushed Vey out of the picture long term, I feel Cassels will by the end of the season.
- boonerbuck

There's MG loyalists?


For real?

There's MG loyalists?


For real?
- CubanBuffet

Apparently anyone who thinks he did good when he first came here and finished poorly for an overall grade of "passable, but definitely not great" is a loyalist.


Booner loves spinning things just as much as he accuses others of doing the same.

Angus Reid had an interesting take on the Canucks this morning on the 1040 as did Brad Fey. They think the Canucks will be boring this year.

I have to agree , this lineup is less than inspiring , and I am not referring to the new players

There's no way that Kennins makes Prust and Dorsett expendable this season. If he's as good as them, then that just makes our bottom six so much stronger. Players know they have to drop the gloves if they choose to cross the line when Prust and Dorsett are in the line up... there is at least some intimidation factor whereas Kennins has none.

Even though Vey is young and only played 1 full season in the NHL, I still think he could be moved even at a loss of asset value(laughable ammo for the MG loyalists). I would definitely explore that if Cassels shines in camp. At least he can handle the physical play and still be a set uf man for the fore checkers. He may already be able to pass as good as Vey. We'll see in camp. Vey does not fit my idea of a bottom six C. If Sutter hasnt already pushed Vey out of the picture long term, I feel Cassels will by the end of the season.
- boonerbuck

While Prust and Dorsett are willing to drop the gloves, their true value is their ability to play a physical game while still positively impacting the rest of the game.

If Kenins can get in on the forecheck and make guys keep their head up, while being a positive player then yes he is making one of those guys expendable.

Do you think the Sedin's, Stamkos, Crosby etc are intimidated by a fighter?

It takes two to participate in fights now, so the idea that those guys will force other players to drop the gloves if they cross the line is laughable.

Does Marchand drop the gloves after he submarined Salo?

Dorsett fought 17 times last season and most look like to me caused by Dorsett and the other player just wanting to fight or a player hitting or trying to hit Dorsett.

-1st against McLeod after Dorsett was jamming away at a covered puck.
-2nd against Dejardin after the two were scrumming on the side boards ( interupted an offensive opportunity for the canucks)
-3rd against Crombeen after Dorsett made a late hit with 30 seconds left losing 5-0
-4th against Pinizzotto, staged fight
-5th against Helgeson, nothing play looks like they both just wanted to fight
-6th against Neil after Neil tried to hit Dorsett
-7th against Engelland, staged fight
-8th against Maroon after Maroon hits Dorsett.
-9th against Bouma, Dorsett picks a fight away from the play
-10th against Carter, Dorsett gets pushed and both players drop
-11th against Peluso after Peluso boards Hamhuis
-12th against Brodziak after Dorsett hit Wild Dman high
-13th against Scott, staged fight
-14th against Clifford after Clifford hit or tried to hit Dorsett
-15th against Tropp, Dorsett challenged Hartnell who declined, Tropp challenged 30 seconds later.
-16 against Mcleod, staged fight
-17 against Roussel after Dorsett runs goalie.

Angus Reid had an interesting take on the Canucks this morning on the 1040 as did Brad Fey. They think the Canucks will be boring this year.

I have to agree , this lineup is less than inspiring , and I am not referring to the new players
- VANTEL

Most losing teams are boring unless you have a couple of young stars. It especially feels pointless when the fans aren't exactly sure what the team's plan/goal is.

We made the playoffs with Henrik and Bonino as our top 2 centres.


His acceleration is pretty decent, it's his first two steps that aren't great. The guy is like 215-220 pounds so being a bit slower than others isn't a huge deal. His hockey sense and positioning is pretty decent as well. Wingers need speed to get in on the forecheck while centers are usually the 3rd man high so there's times when he's better suited at C too.
- Nucker101

No they're not! No system I've ever been taught or played had the center as a high man. The center is the one person/player who's expected to play behind BOTH goal lines.

When the puck enters the oppositions end the center and the winger, on whichever side the puck is on, get on the forecheck, the winger on the other side stays high. Typically.

But yes you're right wingers do need speed to get in on the forecheck. They're just not expected to go deep in your own end to defend, because that leaves the points open. The center and the defensemen work down low in your own end to defend.

It's not a 100% rule, but that's how it's always drawn up. Of course you have to improvise on occasion given the circumstances of the game.

Moral of the story is skating ability is more important for centers than wingers/

No they're not! No system I've ever been taught or played had the center as a high man. The center is the one person/player who's expected to play behind BOTH goal lines.

When the puck enters the oppositions end the center and the winger, on whichever side the puck is on, get on the forecheck, the winger on the other side stays high. Typically.

But yes you're right wingers do need speed to get in on the forecheck. They're just not expected to go deep in your own end to defend, because that leaves the points open. The center and the defensemen work down low in your own end to defend.

It's not a 100% rule, but that's how it's always drawn up. Of course you have to improvise on occasion given the circumstances of the game.
- LeftCoaster

Watching WD's Canucks last year, I noticed Henrik and Bonino usually not forechecking very deep unless the first winger in caused an errant pass. I did definitely notice the RW usually having to be the first guy in on pretty much all 4 lines and either the C or LW stayed high(sometimes both). Gaunce could work as a LW, but the way he plays offensivesely and defensively just seems better suited at center.

You know, I was looking at Buffalo's situation and they really haven't been bad for very long. Four years ago they picked 12th overall, which isn't terrible, plus they picked up another 1st that year by trading Gaustad.

Three years ago they picked 8th overall, definitely sliding downward, and again picked up another 1st by trading Pominville. So twice they traded vets for later 1st round picks.

Then they've had two tank years in 2014 & 2015, where they picked Reinhart and Eichel and are now on their way to respectability. Acquiring a 1st for Ryan Miller helped them get their hands on Evander Kane and Bogosian, along with previously drafting Tyler Myers.

So truthfully they look to be turning it around in about three years. They're not there by any means but I like what they've built thus far.

Most losing teams are boring unless you have a couple of young stars. It especially feels pointless when the fans aren't exactly sure what the team's plan/goal is.
- Nucker101

I think the plan is bring in new players , move out old contracts, get cap space , keep head above water until draft picks are ready

You know, I was looking at Buffalo's situation and they really haven't been bad for very long. Four years ago they picked 12th overall, which isn't terrible, plus they picked up another 1st that year by trading Gaustad.

Three years ago they picked 8th overall, definitely sliding downward, and again picked up another 1st by trading Pominville. So twice they traded vets for later 1st round picks.

Then they've had two tank years in 2014 & 2015, where they picked Reinhart and Eichel and are now on their way to respectability. Acquiring a 1st for Ryan Miller helped them get their hands on Evander Kane and Bogosian, along with previously drafting Tyler Myers.

So truthfully they look to be turning it around in about three years. They're not there by any means but I like what they've built thus far.
- LeftCoaster

Buffalo are an inspiration. Very smart moves in the last three years. That is I am not crazy about our approach

Most losing teams are boring unless you have a couple of young stars. It especially feels pointless when the fans aren't exactly sure what the team's plan/goal is.
- Nucker101

Draft, develop, build, win - I think that's every teams plan, including Jim Benning. Some people just choose not to see it or can't see it because they'd do it differently. But at the end of the day, you need someone who's committed to the draft, which Jim Benning appears to be.

I think the plan is bring in new players , move out old contracts, get cap space , keep head above water until draft picks are ready
- VANTEL

Probably. But the plan is relying on mid-1st rounders or later picks turning into multiple core players. The odds are against that plan.

Watching WD's Canucks last year, I noticed Henrik and Bonino usually not forechecking very deep unless the first winger in caused an errant pass. I did definitely notice the RW usually having to be the first guy in on pretty much all 4 lines and either the C or LW stayed high(sometimes both). Gaunce could work as a LW, but the way he plays offensivesely and defensively just seems better suited at center.
- Nucker101

Because they're slow

While Prust and Dorsett are willing to drop the gloves, their true value is their ability to play a physical game while still positively impacting the rest of the game.

If Kenins can get in on the forecheck and make guys keep their head up, while being a positive player then yes he is making one of those guys expendable.

Do you think the Sedin's, Stamkos, Crosby etc are intimidated by a fighter?

It takes two to participate in fights now, so the idea that those guys will force other players to drop the gloves if they cross the line is laughable.

Does Marchand drop the gloves after he submarined Salo?

Dorsett fought 17 times last season and most look like to me caused by Dorsett and the other player just wanting to fight or a player hitting or trying to hit Dorsett.

-1st against McLeod after Dorsett was jamming away at a covered puck.
-2nd against Dejardin after the two were scrumming on the side boards ( interupted an offensive opportunity for the canucks)
-3rd against Crombeen after Dorsett made a late hit with 30 seconds left losing 5-0
-4th against Pinizzotto, staged fight
-5th against Helgeson, nothing play looks like they both just wanted to fight
-6th against Neil after Neil tried to hit Dorsett
-7th against Engelland, staged fight
-8th against Maroon after Maroon hits Dorsett.
-9th against Bouma, Dorsett picks a fight away from the play
-10th against Carter, Dorsett gets pushed and both players drop
-11th against Peluso after Peluso boards Hamhuis
-12th against Brodziak after Dorsett hit Wild Dman high
-13th against Scott, staged fight
-14th against Clifford after Clifford hit or tried to hit Dorsett
-15th against Tropp, Dorsett challenged Hartnell who declined, Tropp challenged 30 seconds later.
-16 against Mcleod, staged fight
-17 against Roussel after Dorsett runs goalie.
- belcherbd

You are jumping pretty far ahead of what I mean. They don't prevent all the incidents... they don't respond to all the incidents... naturally. It's is amazing how many former hockey players coaching and managing would disagree with you about on ice intimidation and the potential to having to answer for ethics though... they all seem to hold much higher value in the idea than you.

I also think that it's harder to intimidate players like Prust and Dorsett in tough match ups. Too early to tell on Kennins because he is pretty young but will he start to shy away at times like he did last season?

I stand behind my opinion that Kennins does not make them expendable yet. Prust is gone after this season I imagine. Kennins should still be here to fill that spot.

Buffalo are an inspiration. Very smart moves in the last three years. That is I am not crazy about our approach
- VANTEL

I agree, they did a great job rebuilding/tanking. Now they'll have to see if they can build off of that. Their GM creeps me out though

Probably. But the plan is relying on mid-1st rounders or later picks turning into multiple core players. The odds are against that plan.
- Nucker101

Not arguing. I think now is the time to move players , if we suck so be it. Get the high draft picks

You are jumping pretty far ahead of what I mean. They don't prevent all the incidents... they don't respond to all the incidents... naturally. It's is amazing how many former hockey players coaching and managing would disagree with you about on ice intimidation and the potential to having to answer for ethics though... they all seem to hold much higher value in the idea than you.

I also think that it's harder to intimidate players like Prust and Dorsett in tough match ups. Too early to tell on Kennins because he is pretty young but will he start to shy away at times like he did last season?

I stand behind my opinion that Kennins does not make them expendable yet. Prust is gone after this season I imagine. Kennins should still be here to fill that spot.
- boonerbuck

TB and CHI did pretty well without a Prust or Dorsett playing 10+ minutes a night.

Probably. But the plan is relying on mid-1st rounders or later picks turning into multiple core players. The odds are against that plan.
- Nucker101

In the past three years the Canucks have picked 6th and 9th overall, those aren't mid 1st rounders. Plus I think they recognize that fact the team will most likely pick in the top ten within the next five years or once the twins fade.

Because they're slow
- LeftCoaster

Whats even more sad is that it is true. Hank and Bonino were are very slow skaters. I don't mind WD's system. It was more exciting than AV's.

Spots are pretty limited front so even a strong camp may not be enough.

Henrik
Daniel
Vrbata
Burrows
Higgins
Sutter
Horvat
Hansen
Dorsett
Prust
Vey
Baertschi

Those are 12 forwards right there that will make the team, and Willie D loves his vets so even if a rookie makes the 13 or 14 man forward roster, he may not be given much of a role unless he forces the issue like Horvat(doubtful that happens again. Or of course, if an injury occurs.
- Nucker101

I agree, they did a great job rebuilding/tanking. Now they'll have to see if they can build off of that. Their GM creeps me out though
- Nucker101

It's those glasses, he probably has a van that says free candy on the sides

You know, I was looking at Buffalo's situation and they really haven't been bad for very long. Four years ago they picked 12th overall, which isn't terrible, plus they picked up another 1st that year by trading Gaustad.

Three years ago they picked 8th overall, definitely sliding downward, and again picked up another 1st by trading Pominville. So twice they traded vets for later 1st round picks.

Then they've had two tank years in 2014 & 2015, where they picked Reinhart and Eichel and are now on their way to respectability. Acquiring a 1st for Ryan Miller helped them get their hands on Evander Kane and Bogosian, along with previously drafting Tyler Myers.

So truthfully they look to be turning it around in about three years. They're not there by any means but I like what they've built thus far.
- LeftCoaster

So, what you're saying is if the Canucks can manage to suck badly this year and get a top 3 pick, and manage an extra first rounder and maybe a high second by trading, say, Hamhuis and Vrbata, and then suck again the following season, pick high again and acquire extra 1st/2nd picks by trading Miller's expiring contract and Burrows...