Brodin is a VERY under-rated defenseman though.
- Codes1087

I'm excited for Sbisa to be our #1 d-man.....future looks bright....

Brodin is a VERY under-rated defenseman though.
- Codes1087

Oh I agree, I think he and Tanev are very similar but I still take Edler over either one.

Edler used to be a fairly punishing hitter with a touch of meaness...now he's a creampuff once the country club in Van got ahold of him.

Sbizza well...is Sbizza.
- LordHumungous

Yes, Edler used to be a punishing hitter until the league castrated him back in 2013.

Since the Smith & Hertl suspensions, he's avoided all physical contact.

I'm excited for Sbisa to be our #1 d-man.....future looks bright....
- chompsey

Now you're being EMO

If Benning is really using the "Detroit model" as he often refers to, he would allow a high quality asset like Virtanen the time to develop. Perhaps there is nothing more for him to learn in junior, but he should do his time in the AHL first. That wouldn't happen until next season. We aren't a contender this year, so why not be patient. Bring the younger players that have done their time at the pro level up to the big club.

Horvat was the exception, because of his defensive responsibility. Virtanen could make it a difficult choice, but playing against men is different than playing against juniors.
- we_are_all_canucks

I've never heard our management refer to the Detroit model. Tha'ts just a cliche that floats around... Linden has many times referred to the Boston model...

Jake did well physically against men in pro already.

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 38m38 minutes ago
According to NYI club rules, per owner Charles Wang, if Nelson not signed by camp opening on Thurs, he's not eligible to play this season.

Shink and a 4th for Nelson.

Now you're being EMO
- A_SteamingLombardi

No way man, i've never complained about him!

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 38m38 minutes ago
According to NYI club rules, per owner Charles Wang, if Nelson not signed by camp opening on Thurs, he's not eligible to play this season.

Shink and a 4th for Nelson.
- fiveandagame

Sbisa and Higgins.

Ok, going to throw this out there....

4th line

Virt-Prust-Dorsett. Vey can play 3rd line Wing with Bo and Hansen. Prust can play center and that will be one tough and hated line! Amazing! Thoughts?

I've never heard our management refer to the Detroit model. Tha'ts just a cliche that floats around... Linden has many times referred to the Boston model...

Jake did well physically against men in pro already.
- boonerbuck

JV is here for the season. Its a waste of breath to talk about him in any other light.

Kenins will be the odd man out. hard worker but limited upside. JV is a 2nd line winger by the all-star break....

JV is here for the season. Its a waste of breath to talk about him in any other light.

Kenins will be the odd man out. hard worker but limited upside. JV is a 2nd line winger by the all-star break....
- chompsey

I think I need to see how bad his mistakes cost us before I say he's a second liner by all star... but I think Benning has decided he's staying already

I think I need to see how bad his mistakes cost us before I say he's a second liner by all star... but I think Benning has decided he's staying already
- boonerbuck

This is very possible which would hopefully lead us to believe there is a Higgins deal in the works.

I think I need to see how bad his mistakes cost us before I say he's a second liner by all star... but I think Benning has decided he's staying already
- boonerbuck

If he keeps hustling and hitting, he'll stay. It's his to feck up.

Ok, going to throw this out there....

4th line

Virt-Prust-Dorsett. Vey can play 3rd line Wing with Bo and Hansen. Prust can play center and that will be one tough and hated line! Amazing! Thoughts?
- CanuckDon

Entertaining no doubt, but I think they get buried in their own zone and end up taking a lot of penalties. I also think Jake will need some play makers to play with to take advantage of his shot and speed down the wing.

This is very possible which would hopefully lead us to believe there is a Higgins deal in the works.
- LordHumungous

Or Hansen.

Or Hansen.
- fiveandagame

I think Hansen stays for now. Way too versatile through all 4 lines with speed and forecheck...plus he has decent chemistry with Horvat from what we had seen late last season.

I think Hansen stays for now. Way too versatile through all 4 lines with speed and forecheck...plus he has decent chemistry with Horvat from what we had seen late last season.
- LordHumungous

I agree. Speed will be key this season and Hansen stays.

my latest thoughts in an effort to include JV.

Sedin/Sedin/Prust
Burrows/Sutter/Vrby
Sven/Horvat/Hansen
Dorset/Vey/JV

Higgens

I think Hansen stays for now. Way too versatile through all 4 lines with speed and forecheck...plus he has decent chemistry with Horvat from what we had seen late last season.
- LordHumungous

If Virtanen makes the team I see Hansen going only because the Canucks will be a guy heavy on the right side

Right Side: Burrows / Vrbata / Hansen / Dorsett / Virtanen

Left Side: Sedin / Baertschi / Higgins / Prust

IMO Gaunce beats out Vey for 4th line center.

He has a good chance of becoming an NHL enforcer except soon there will be no such thing as NHL enforcers, there are barely any left now.

I agree. Speed will be key this season and Hansen stays.

my latest thoughts in an effort to include JV.

Sedin/Sedin/Prust
Burrows/Sutter/Vrby
Sven/Horvat/Hansen
Dorset/Vey/JV

Higgens
- dbot

Prust will not be playing with the twins

Prust will not be playing with the twins
- fiveandagame

well.....fine then.

He has a good chance of becoming an NHL enforcer except soon there will be no such thing as NHL enforcers, there are barely any left now.
- Dcoms

Virtanen??

Virtanen??
- fiveandagame

Mackenzie.

Mackenzie.
- dbot

Oh, okay. I don't think a lot of people are predicting he makes the Canucks anytime soon.

He might add a little protection to the prospects in Utica.

JV will get his 9 games, but I hope we give him another year to dominate in junior. No point in rushing him now. Would rather see Gaunce get his shot.
- we_are_all_canucks

I see JV staying the year for many reasons, but mostly he will put more butts in the seats than Vey Higgins and Kenins combined