You gotta hold on to Horvat, other than that, I would move any one for Defence. It's brutal back there. Hamhuis might be gone next season, Edler not long after that. And, unless one of the young guys exceeds expectations to the same level Tanev has, nothing that can even come close to replacing them, let alone establish themselves as a legit number one. I don't love what Benning has done this summer but I'm willing to watch a couple of games before ripping him for them. It's what he hasn't done that I'm the most worried about, and that's address the backend.
- CubanBuffet

You and I are definitely on the same page.

The team has a decent second pairing but not much else. Hamhuis is worth re-signing if he takes a very cap friendly deal. I would still trade him at TDL though. Aside from that, that's where I find most fault with Benning though. But as you say, let's see how this season plays out. I'm sure they have a plan for the D, but it's so frustrating not knowing it (or seeing glimpses of what they want to do).

Will have to digress respectfully. Sure 'long term' impact players are tough additions for any team. Having said that Vrbata...had impact. Dorsett...had impact. Miller (like it or not)...had impact. Pushing Horvat in...had impact. Just like Prust will have impact and so will Sutter. Short term maybe but impact there will be.

Getting little in return is what happens when you are handed 9 or 10 NTCs from the Gillis era. We made that bed and now Benning and co. will have to try and clean it up. Gillis chose to handcuff this team for a dead dream of somehow getting this stale core back to SCF by giving away assets for rentals. Waited too long and now we are getting what they are worth. Did you want a first for Bieksa? Two firsts for Lou? Two firsts for the tool Kesler? What do you expect to get for Burrows Edler Hamhuis and Higgins even if they all have decent seasons?

Gillis turned this team into Flames 2.0 after the SCF. You could almost draw a roadmap to it. Sure the Flames are good now but it took almost a decade...which is what current MNGT is trying to avoid if at all possible.

I was born in Van in 1970 and have seen all the lean years plus the good. Will always be my first team and never jump ship. After a year and a half of Benning some on here are assuming way too much. Benning gave that stale core it's last shot last season just like he said he would and now he is starting to move NTCs out...which is what we need. Market value by hanging on to vets 2 or 3 seasons after they SHOULD have been moved? Right. Wait for the market to improve? What the hell does that even mean? If Gillis would have moved that douchbag Kesler when he should have after the 2012 playoffs we WOULD have got market value. Not wait until Kesler was looking like he was skating through seaweed playing for Torts and handcuff Benning with a choice of only one team.

The real test will be what we have to work with once Burrows Hamhuis Edler and Higgins are gone.
- LordHumungous

THANK YOU!

You and I are definitely on the same page.

The team has a decent second pairing but not much else. Hamhuis is worth re-signing if he takes a very cap friendly deal. I would still trade him at TDL though. Aside from that, that's where I find most fault with Benning though. But as you say, let's see how this season plays out. I'm sure they have a plan for the D, but it's so frustrating not knowing it (or seeing glimpses of what they want to do).
- RealityChecker

I read somewhere that Bigg Buff might be available. Seems like a Benning type Dman.
Would you?
30 years old. big, mean, can play forward, etc.
??

You gotta hold on to Horvat, other than that, I would move any one for Defence. It's brutal back there. Hamhuis might be gone next season, Edler not long after that. And, unless one of the young guys exceeds expectations to the same level Tanev has, nothing that can even come close to replacing them, let alone establish themselves as a legit number one. I don't love what Benning has done this summer but I'm willing to watch a couple of games before ripping him for them. It's what he hasn't done that I'm the most worried about, and that's address the backend.
- CubanBuffet

Does our fan base or management over rate Tanev more than anyone on our team?

Act your age gramps. One of the reasons I never respond to you is your post above. I don't give a poop what you think, you're a waste of time.
- Scooby_Doo

I find you one of the most entertaining posters on this site. I know you are frustrated by some of Bennings moves, but I think you will be ok once the season starts. If we do suck then we will get the players we need a lot quicker.

It has been a long summer, and Benning has made us scratch the head more than once, but I think he is on the right track

I find you one of the most entertaining posters on this site. I know you are frustrated by some of Bennings moves, but I think you will be ok once the season starts. If we do suck then we will get the players we need a lot quicker.

It has been a long summer, and Benning has made us scratch the head more than once, but I think he is on the right track
- VANTEL

Thanks pal.

I'm just messing with these guys. some can take it, others (RC) can't.

Act your age gramps. One of the reasons I never respond to you is your post above. I don't give a poop what you think, you're a waste of time.
- Scooby_Doo

Lol. But I hope you still post b/c if you didn't how would we know about Benning's terrible moves like:
"trading away our Swedish stud d prospect Forsling."

That's the kind of astute hockey knowledge that Scooby/dshi!tty is known for!

I read somewhere that Bigg Buff might be available. Seems like a Benning type Dman.
Would you?
30 years old. big, mean, can play forward, etc.
??
- dbot

No way. Stay away from guys who need to be motivated to stay in shape. Plus, I would be looking to add guys younger than that.

Does our fan base or management over rate Tanev more than anyone on our team?
- Scooby_Doo

Does not compute.

How long did Steaming Lombardi get banned for?

Does not compute.
- CubanBuffet

That goes for most if not all dsh!tty's posts.

Does not compute.
- CubanBuffet

I think Tanev is overpaid and Canucks fans seem to think he's this great defenceman. He's got 1 goal in 5 seasons, is soft as they come, injury prone of late and has a muffin for a slap shot. Oh but he makes a great outlet pass.

I read somewhere that Bigg Buff might be available. Seems like a Benning type Dman.
Would you?
30 years old. big, mean, can play forward, etc.
??
- dbot

Ive wanted it for years. Hed be a slam dunk here so long as coaching is good. Guy can be a beast..and ......well thats right up my alley.

Lol. But I hope you still post b/c if you didn't how would we know about Benning's terrible moves like:
"trading away our Swedish stud d prospect Forsling."

That's the kind of astute hockey knowledge that Scooby/dshi!tty is known for!
- RealityChecker

tongue in cheek is not what you think pal.

Does JV make the team this year? My guess is he does, due to the lack of competition

Ive wanted it for years. Hed be a slam dunk here so long as coaching is good. Guy can be a beast..and ......well thats right up my alley.
- SMBDragon

We could use that 6 mil and extend Miller for 3 more years

Does JV make the team this year? My guess is he does, due to the lack of competition
- VANTEL

I hope not. He's not ready. Needs another year in junior and dominate.

tongue in cheek is not what you think pal.
- Scooby_Doo

Who can tell when your actual opinions are just as funny. Please tell us more about Tanev.

Does JV make the team this year? My guess is he does, due to the lack of competition
- VANTEL

Aside from the 9 games, I doubt it.

I think Tanev is overpaid and Canucks fans seem to think he's this great defenceman. He's got 1 goal in 5 seasons, is soft as they come, injury prone of late and has a muffin for a slap shot. Oh but he makes a great outlet pass.
- Scooby_Doo

I can't speak for everyone, but I don't have him confused with a top pairing defenceman. What he is is a free asset. We didn't have to burn a draft pick on him or trade an asset for him. And muffin shot or not, he is a legitimate NHL defenceman. If you can't see the value in something you got for free then you must drink a lot of bottled water.

Aside from the 9 games, I doubt it.
- RealityChecker

Seriously? Of course he will make the team. He's done all he can in junior, time to develop him with men. Look what Willie did for Bo last year, expect the same with JV this year.

I hope not. He's not ready. Needs another year in junior and dominate.
- Scooby_Doo

I think so too, but he seems to be on the fast track. I honestly think that they would have sent Horvat back down if he didn't show that he could at least handle the NHL, I hope they give Virtanen the same treatment.

I think so too, but he seems to be on the fast track. I honestly think that they would have sent Horvat back down if he didn't show that he could at least handle the NHL, I hope they give Virtanen the same treatment.
- CubanBuffet

I don't know if he is ready or not but....Canucks need one more roster spot filled for under 1.2. It is either him, Grenier Cassels Gaunce or Biega as the front runners.

Seriously? Of course he will make the team. He's done all he can in junior, time to develop him with men. Look what Willie did for Bo last year, expect the same with JV this year.
- Scooby_Doo

Sedin sedin burrows/vrbata
Baertschi Sutter burrows/vrbatta
Higgins Horvat Prust
Dorsett vey Hansen
Kenins

Wingers will be mixed and matched during season. I see JV get 9 games but will be sent down as he won't be getting enough minutes for his development. Kenins will be the extra forward but could be sent down at times for Grenier, gaunce or even cassels later in season.

Baertschi gets to start top 6 but could slide down to 3rd line.

Does JV make the team this year? My guess is he does, due to the lack of competition
- VANTEL

If Higgins is traded there is a good chance they are making room for him.