Sven hasnt lit it up exactly but he is doing what every coach rewards ice time for... playing defensively solid. What gets young players demoted is sloppy play... I have not seen a coach that didnt put sound D ahead of scoring. History doesnt lie.
- boonerbuck

really? I've noticed him consistently losing the puck and losing puck battles, as he seems weak on the puck in general to me. Maybe I have been missing some good d play.

Ignoring the playoffs is easier said than done. I am pretty sure JB sold FA on his ability to balance building a team- drafting and development, while making the playoffs or at least contending for the playoffs.

I agree with many of the moves you outline, but if the management group sticks to the script, these moves will take a while. BUT, I'm surprised with how many prospects that have seen their first games in the NHL. Maybe the publicly stated strategy and execution aren't all the same.
- hillbillydeluxe

Never said IGNORE but said not be encumbered n pretty much it doesn't matters in the big picture. We have been spoiled pretty much for years. No teams misses the playoffs on purpose n i don't claim they miss the playoffs as it is in such a weak division.

Pedan. (tempering expectations, will have limited opportunity if he even gets in a game)
- hillbillydeluxe

Let's hope that bringing in some size and aggression gives canuck games some life and emotion. A lot of games these past few seasons have been a bit blah when watching. I loved it when other teams hated our guts. It really made the product on the ice much more fun to watch.

Sven hasn't done anything to earn top-6 minutes IMO. Frankly neither has Virtanen, but I do think has been much better all around than Sven. Patience doesn't mean putting kids together and giving them 16 minutes a night, it means letting them earn minutes by playing well and not rushing them. I agree JM has earned more minutes, looks to me he's getting pp time and more icetime. I think WD did a pretty good job with Bo and knows what he is doing. Agree with the trade though!
-neem55

I disagree Virtanen is playing better than Sven. JV is all flash whereas Sven is playing where he is supposed to. Neither have been consistent, but you notice JV's speed, his few hits. He also makes a lot of turnovers and is out of position quite a bit. Sven isnt always noticeable but makes smart outlet passes, is generally in good defensive position. He gets noticed for losing a few battles, which is a fair complaint, and hasn't produced points at the expected amounts. He'll break through quicker than JV will though. I would've picked him for the PS to help him out over Vrbata

Let's hope that bringing in some size and aggression gives canuck games some life and emotion. A lot of games these past few seasons have been a bit blah when watching. I loved it when other teams hated our guts. It really made the product on the ice much more fun to watch.
- bloatedmosquito

Ahhhh not enough hate, come on JB make a hate trade, bring back Kesler, Bieksa and Kassian.

Let's hope that bringing in some size and aggression gives canuck games some life and emotion. A lot of games these past few seasons have been a bit blah when watching. I loved it when other teams hated our guts. It really made the product on the ice much more fun to watch.
- bloatedmosquito

I hope that Tryamkin can provide that, i have little hope for any further D prospects from Utica this year, happy to be proven wrong mind you

I disagree Virtanen is playing better than Sven. JV is all flash whereas Sven is playing where he is supposed to. Neither have been consistent, but you notice JV's speed, his few hits. He also makes a lot of turnovers and is out of position quite a bit. Sven isnt always noticeable but makes smart outlet passes, is generally in good defensive position. He gets noticed for losing a few battles, which is a fair complaint, and hasn't produced points at the expected amounts. He'll break through quicker than JV will though. I would've picked him for the PS to help him out over Vrbata
- WhiteLie

Agree, I really like Sven's passing. I would have sent out McCann for the PS.

Agree, I really like Sven's passing. I would have sent out McCann for the PS.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Sven probably would have done well with a shoot-first centre like Kesler..

McCann would've been my other choice on the PS. Schneider is a top goalie for a reason, guy probably does a lot of homework on teams he is facing, Sven and JM would've been a more difficult read

Canucks defined as average

http://www.tsn.ca/vancouv...in-first-quarter-1.398532

Idk about JB but i'm itching for trades asap lol

I've no problem at all jeopordizing a playoff run.
Idc that the Aquilinis don't have enough liquid assets.
While looking for a buyer get on with changing the roster.
- Nighthawk

Playoff run?

Sven probably would have done well with a shoot-first centre like Kesler..

McCann would've been my other choice on the PS. Schneider is a top goalie for a reason, guy probably does a lot of homework on teams he is facing, Sven and JM would've been a more difficult read
- WhiteLie

Once Sutter gets back we'll have a shoot first centre again.

I hope that Tryamkin can provide that, i have little hope for any further D prospects from Utica this year, happy to be proven wrong mind you
- dbot

Would love to see the big Russian in our lineup. but will he ever come over to North America? You would think the Canucks would bring him over in the summer for a tour of the area and Rogers arena.

Playoff run?
- vancity787

I don't need this team in the playoffs this year. I've already got my reward, the kids.
Hutton - what a great surprise, I just want him to get more secure in his position on this squad. I'm really looking forward to his 1st goal and I love that smile that's always on his face.
Virtanen - his 1st goal is a great memory, the smile on his face was also great and how his team mates reacted to his 1st.
McCann - his defensive game is improving, this kid has great skill but I was worried that he might not learn as quick at this level. JM has changed my mind. I just wish he could put on muscle at the rate Horvat has.
Gaunce and Shink getting a game is great, rewarding them for their good play on the farm is great. Stick and carrot, I just hope Vey, Jensen and Kenins are paying attention.

Ahhhh not enough hate, come on JB make a hate trade, bring back Kesler, Bieksa and Kassian.
- A_SteamingLombardi

it's as simple as that. When teams hate each other you'll create memorable games; Chi vs Van, Bos vs Van, LA vs Van, Cal vs Van, etc.

Playoff run?
- vancity787

That's why I laughed at that comment on the first page. A playoff run only benefits a few; good experience for rookie coach and players, fills Aquaman's pockets. It screws everyone and everything else; including the fans.

By playoff run I meant making them. Oops
Playoffs r irrelevant this year for me.
Good year to make more tweaks n judge the kids more on their 2nd 1/2 of the season. Anytime soon i wanna see them featured a lil more. JM n JV need 12-14mins a game. JV takes note of how Hansen plays n JV keep on status quo. Sven is playing solid n is ahead of the other kids n needs to keep bustin his ass the goals will come.

Mission is keep the tempo high n sustained every game.

By playoff run I meant making them. Oops
Playoffs r irrelevant this year for me.
Good year to make more tweaks n judge the kids more on their 2nd 1/2 of the season. Anytime soon i wanna see them featured a lil more. JM n JV need 12-14mins a game. JV takes note of how Hansen plays n JV keep on status quo. Sven is playing solid n is ahead of the other kids n needs to keep bustin his ass the goals will come.

Mission is keep the tempo high n sustained every game.
- Nighthawk

Ok. Understood. I couldn't understand why anyone would want a long playoff run. Seems counter-productive to a rebuild/retool or whatever the canucks are (frank)ing calling it.

Spitballin time...

Hamhuis for Drouin if TB moves Bishop for cap space

Vrbata for Tinordi/2nd..cap dump n give Tinordi a fresh start
or
Vrbata/3rd for Yandle..this one is a big stretch

Higgins for 3rd

Some wishful thinking lol

I wonder if Frank Corrado was still here would our D be any better.
- Beatle_john

No

Would love to see the big Russian in our lineup. but will he ever come over to North America? You would think the Canucks would bring him over in the summer for a tour of the area and Rogers arena.
- hillbillydeluxe

I think he will come here . He just won't give up a 1 mil KHL salary for a 60 K AHL salary

I don't need this team in the playoffs this year. I've already got my reward, the kids.
Hutton - what a great surprise, I just want him to get more secure in his position on this squad. I'm really looking forward to his 1st goal and I love that smile that's always on his face.
Virtanen - his 1st goal is a great memory, the smile on his face was also great and how his team mates reacted to his 1st.
McCann - his defensive game is improving, this kid has great skill but I was worried that he might not learn as quick at this level. JM has changed my mind. I just wish he could put on muscle at the rate Horvat has.
Gaunce and Shink getting a game is great, rewarding them for their good play on the farm is great. Stick and carrot, I just hope Vey, Jensen and Kenins are paying attention.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Amen

Seeking retaliation last night is horse crap. You do it that night . If not that shift the following shift when that player returns. This teams core are cowards when it comes to fighting and sticking up for teammates.

That is why you need some tough forwards like Brouwer Ward Simmonds LUcic .

COrrado was not even number 8 on the team depth. If it was not the Asshats from TO it would be a non issue. As I said get them back in the summer with their RFAs and drive up the prices with Offer sheets one right after the other , and do it for a couple of years. Nothing says screw you more than taking away prospects or cap space.

They did a poll today on team 1040 this morning and the question was Should they trade the Sedins. Last I heard it was 57% saying yes. Corey Hirsch also brought it up last night.

No question our best players. Their value is sky high right now. We would get a top pick because we would suck the rest of this year. We would get at least two # 1 picks and at least two very good prospects. Plus we would have 14 mil to go shopping. Or we can have two more years of their talent. To me it is a no brainer, but in here especially it is a taboo subject.

I hated the passe attitude in the last three minutes . I seen in the last blog some of you talking about it. I want more urgency . Too many passes, not enough shooting. We had 6 men , 2 crowd the net , pass pass shoot rebound. Repeat until goal is scored. This eternal passing drives me nuts.

I know some here say the rookies are learning from the leaders. I sure hope the hell they are not.

That's it. I do like the direction

Spitballin time...

Hamhuis for Drouin if TB moves Bishop for cap space

Vrbata for Tinordi/2nd..cap dump n give Tinordi a fresh start
or
Vrbata/3rd for Yandle..this one is a big stretch

Higgins for 3rd

Some wishful thinking lol
- Nighthawk

Hamhuis for Drouin

Yandle has been very quiet since joining NY no need for giving up any prospects

Seeking retaliation last night is horse crap. You do it that night . If not that shift the following shift when that player returns. This teams core are cowards when it comes to fighting and sticking up for teammates.

That is why you need some tough forwards like Brouwer Ward Simmonds LUcic .

COrrado was not even number 8 on the team depth. If it was not the Asshats from TO it would be a non issue. As I said get them back in the summer with their RFAs and drive up the prices with Offer sheets one right after the other , and do it for a couple of years. Nothing says screw you more than taking away prospects or cap space.

They did a poll today on team 1040 this morning and the question was Should they trade the Sedins. Last I heard it was 57% saying yes. Corey Hirsch also brought it up last night.

No question our best players. Their value is sky high right now. We would get a top pick because we would suck the rest of this year. We would get at least two # 1 picks and at least two very good prospects. Plus we would have 14 mil to go shopping. Or we can have two more years of their talent. To me it is a no brainer, but in here especially it is a taboo subject.

I hated the passe attitude in the last three minutes . I seen in the last blog some of you talking about it. I want more urgency . Too many passes, not enough shooting. We had 6 men , 2 crowd the net , pass pass shoot rebound. Repeat until goal is scored. This eternal passing drives me nuts.

I know some here say the rookies are learning from the leaders. I sure hope the hell they are not.

That's it. I do like the direction

- VANTEL

Pretty tough to trade $14m in cap space. Not many contenders that the Sedins would waive to be traded too would have the room for them. But dare to dream.

Pretty tough to trade $14m in cap space. Not many contenders that the Sedins would waive to be traded too would have the room for them. But dare to dream.
- PetrolSexual

I think if they were asked they would do what's best for the team. Finding a partner is a different story.

Right now the remainder of this year it would be close to 10 -11 mil right now in space required. A team like Nashville who needs scoring has 7 mil left in space. I am sure with the players coming back it would be close to 3 mil