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

The Detroit model is ancient now. Top 10 players in the draft usually come close to ready. In the old days kids started playing when they were six and eight. Now kids start playing at4.

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

Great bait... you just need to bend it a little to get the right roll and possibly troll a little bit faster. There's some big nuckers out there if you dial it all in.

NHL.com has Sbisa making team Europe and Edler not making Team Sweden.

Which is more surprising?
- belcherbd

You're surprised ? We're not

Sbisa > Edler

Great bait... you just need to bend it a little to get the right roll and possibly troll a little bit faster. There's some big nuckers out there if you dial it all in.



- boonerbuck

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

I look at it like there is a new set of skills required to be an enforcer. You have to be able to skate and at least play something that resembles hockey. I agree that the knuckle draggers are a thing of the past tho...

Ya I'm certainly not that surprised but I would have him before Ericsson, Larsson, Brodin and Lindholm for sure. Enstrom and Hjarlmarsson maybe not.

They had Hedman, OEL, Kronwall, Hjarlmarsson, Karlsson, Stralman and Klingberg. Pretty hard to argue with that list, I thought Klingberg was the best rookie let alone rookie D last year so I can understand why he would be there.
- belcherbd

No Forsling?

Now you're being EMO
- A_SteamingLombardi

I like you

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

Agree

The Detroit model is ancient now. Top 10 players in the draft usually come close to ready. In the old days kids started playing when they were six and eight. Now kids start playing at4.
- VANTEL

Agreed. Top 10 guys are generally fairly good off the shelf.

Although to be fair to Detroit, they don't get top 10 picks, so their model still seems to work just fine with later picks that need some rounding to their games.

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

Benning said if a player cannot be moved they can be sent down

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

I think you are very close

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.
- fiveandagame

Burrows and Virtanen can both play left wing

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

He checks also. he made some big hits . he can play a bit, he is not just a knuckle dragger

Prust will not be playing with the twins
- fiveandagame

He scored with them the other day

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.
- fiveandagame

Within two years replaces Prust

Agreed. Top 10 guys are generally fairly good off the shelf.

Although to be fair to Detroit, they don't get top 10 picks, so their model still seems to work just fine with later picks that need some rounding to their games.
- AlexF

The funny thing is that these teams who find these late round gems aren't using rocket science, they just draft CHL players who produce and have good Euro scouts.

He checks also. he made some big hits . he can play a bit, he is not just a knuckle dragger
- VANTEL

He can barely handle the puck, Sestito is more skilled than him.

Benning said if a player cannot be moved they can be sent down
- VANTEL

He's always selling at the wrong times. It's hard to move 3rd liners during the summer and in training camp. Way easier at the TDL.

It's typically a seller's market during the TDL and buyer's market during the summer or Sept.

He can barely handle the puck, Sestito is more skilled than him.
- Nucker101

You are going to go nuts when you see him in Canucks gear

He can barely handle the puck, Sestito is more skilled than him.
- Nucker101

He did flail a lot at the puck, but I have to admit he is a much better skater than I gave him credit for. That was Sestito's biggest problem he couldn't skate well enough to stay in the play.

He can barely handle the puck, Sestito is more skilled than him.
- Nucker101

Incorrect, plus he started hockey when he was 11. I fully expect he will play some 4th minutes in a few years. Steal for a 7th rounder.

You are going to go nuts when you see him in Canucks gear
- VANTEL

I'm not holding my breath.

He did flail a lot at the puck, but I have to admit he is a much better skater than I gave him credit for. That was Sestito's biggest problem he couldn't skate well enough to stay in the play.
- belcherbd

This is new to him , he is learning quickly . When he is not fighting , he is hitting and at least trying to be involved. He does skate well , I agree

He can barely handle the puck, Sestito is more skilled than him.
- Nucker101

But Sestito couldn't skate or make a hit to justify his place in the lineup.
He did score 40+ goals in junior, so you're right he might have had more skill in that sense...although Mack played D until last week, so....

He did flail a lot at the puck, but I have to admit he is a much better skater than I gave him credit for. That was Sestito's biggest problem he couldn't skate well enough to stay in the play.
- belcherbd

Keep in mind the level of competition they both played. I'll be thrilled if he becomes as good as Sestito.