David Bolland makes 5.5 million for another three years

No matter what GM you're talking about, they all have their white elephants.

I wouldn't mind getting Demers or Benn from them. Sign one of(in this order) Stamkos, Kopitar, Okposo, Boedker, Ladd, Staal(If he'd take a contract based off of his play in recent years instead of his name), Eriksson. For Defense Buf(if good price tag) otherwise Demers, Benn, Schenn. If we could trade Miller and sign Reimer .
- Retinalz

Don't see any of these guys signing on to a team starting a rebuild.

Package Vrbata and Burrows to them?
- Retinalz

Whoever they can move, they should. Will they? doesn't sound like it.

I was just trying to contribute to the conversation, where Burrows could end up. Vancouver is a great place to play when the team is doing well. With aging players, I'd think they'd waive to go to a contender or maybe to go to another fringe team if they will be under less scrutiny.

Vrbata was feeling the heat at the start of the season, he was even getting it from his kid.

So many factors involved that might not mean much to us but could have a bearing on any decisions.

They've proven, at the pro level, that they deserve on opportunity. That's why they have training camp.

Small sample size I know but neither looked out of place in their few NHL games with limited minutes.
- LeftCoaster

I disagree, they haven't proven anything. Training camp, playing pre-season games against other bubble players isn't proof that they can maintain their level of play in the NHL.

Now, don't for one minute take my stance as pro Higgins. I just like to argue. But until one of these guys can demonstrate that they are a better option in the NHL then guys like Higgins or Burrows etc I'd rather ride it out and see the change happen gradually, as you keep advocating. But seeing all those guys in the lineup next year seems too extreme to me.

Keep in mind, whoever they draft this year isn't going to help the team for a few years, so they've gotta play the hand they have in the AHL and sign one good top six winger.

Development is so important.

Keep in mind, whoever they draft this year isn't going to help the team for a few years, so they've gotta play the hand they have in the AHL and sign one good top six winger.

Development is so important.
- LeftCoaster

The thing is, the only "good top 6" wingers available to sign are guys just like Vrbata. You're not going to get a Benn or a Stamkos, at least the Canucks aren't.

I disagree, they haven't proven anything. Training camp, playing pre-season games against other bubble players isn't proof that they can maintain their level of play in the NHL.

Now, don't for one minute take my stance as pro Higgins. I just like to argue. But until one of these guys can demonstrate that they are a better option in the NHL then guys like Higgins or Burrows etc I'd rather ride it out and see the change happen gradually, as you keep advocating. But seeing all those guys in the lineup next year seems too extreme to me.
- 1970vintage

patience is the word but when you know a player like Higgins isn't part of the future, you just want to move on.

Seasoning in Utica can't hurt and might be a better way to manage young players and their contracts. looking back we will question whether Jake and JM should have been sent back to jr this season.

Don't see any of these guys signing on to a team starting a rebuild.
- Bullfrog77

Some of them may look for a payday, some of them are from here and my be willing to play for the team they watched growing up. Some may even be dumb enough to believe JB when he tells them we are closer to a rebuild than we are.

Whoever they can move, they should. Will they? doesn't sound like it.

I was just trying to contribute to the conversation, where Burrows could end up. Vancouver is a great place to play when the team is doing well. With aging players, I'd think they'd waive to go to a contender or maybe to go to another fringe team if they will be under less scrutiny.

Vrbata was feeling the heat at the start of the season, he was even getting it from his kid.

So many factors involved that might not mean much to us but could have a bearing on any decisions.
- hillbillydeluxe

Maybe we should start a twitter bashing like what happened to Bieksa to get them out.

I disagree, they haven't proven anything. Training camp, playing pre-season games against other bubble players isn't proof that they can maintain their level of play in the NHL.

Now, don't for one minute take my stance as pro Higgins. I just like to argue. But until one of these guys can demonstrate that they are a better option in the NHL then guys like Higgins or Burrows etc I'd rather ride it out and see the change happen gradually, as you keep advocating. But seeing all those guys in the lineup next year seems too extreme to me.
- 1970vintage

My answer is twofold - one, to say they "haven't proven anything" is ridiculous, they've played five years of pro hockey. Each getting better every year. In order to prove yourself at the NHL level, as a later pick, you first have to prove yourself at lower levels. Which they've done. Thus the callups earlier this year.

Secondly - you can't prove yourself at the NHL level unless you earn a look or outplay some one in camp. Again, they've both done that in my eyes. Unless you make room for them by getting rid of older players, what's the point in developing?

Travis Green said they've both earned a look, that's how the system works. On a 23 man roster you don't have the luxury of keeping 46 guys around to see if the younger ones can outplay the older ones.

The thing is, the only "good top 6" wingers available to sign are guys just like Vrbata. You're not going to get a Benn or a Stamkos, at least the Canucks aren't.
- 1970vintage

Depends on your definition of good. I'd rather have Ladd or Lucic seven days a week because they're harder to play against and still provide offence.

Maybe we should start a twitter bashing like what happened to Bieksa to get them out.
- Retinalz

I was just talking to someone the other day about when Wilson was fired, crowd chanting at the game, and a few games later the crowd was chanting fire Burke, and BB stopped attending games.

If a social media campaign can have that much influence, then we likely have the wrong management group in place.

Patience is required but not enjoyable, except we see some bright spots on the horizon.

I disagree, they haven't proven anything. Training camp, playing pre-season games against other bubble players isn't proof that they can maintain their level of play in the NHL.

Now, don't for one minute take my stance as pro Higgins. I just like to argue. But until one of these guys can demonstrate that they are a better option in the NHL then guys like Higgins or Burrows etc I'd rather ride it out and see the change happen gradually, as you keep advocating. But seeing all those guys in the lineup next year seems too extreme to me.
- 1970vintage

HOw can they ever do that with those 2 taking their spot?

The thing is, the only "good top 6" wingers available to sign are guys just like Vrbata. You're not going to get a Benn or a Stamkos, at least the Canucks aren't.
- 1970vintage

If we dump Burrows and Higgins to another team, we will be one of the few with the money to sign them now. Contenders won't have the cap for a Stamkos. They all have RFA's and UFA's to resign.

I was just talking to someone the other day about when Wilson was fired, crowd chanting at the game, and a few games later the crowd was chanting fire Burke, and BB stopped attending games.

If a social media campaign can have that much influence, then we likely have the wrong management group in place.

Patience is required but not enjoyable, except we see some bright spots on the horizon.
- hillbillydeluxe

I mean, it got Bieksa to agree to waive. Maybe MSMT wants to move Burrows but he won't waive.

I mean, it got Bieksa to agree to waive. Maybe MSMT wants to move Burrows but he won't waive.
- Retinalz

You never know what is going on. He has to be a little frustrated this season.

Didn't realize that was the reason Bieksa waived. I know he was likely feeling some heat, but the whole team was struggling and he was the focus of some negativity... he wasn't the sole reason for the struggles as we are still struggling...

Who knows if Burrows would like a change in scenery? Players have to be tight lipped and appear loyal and invested with the team they are with or feel the heat.

You never know what is going on. He has to be a little frustrated this season.

Didn't realize that was the reason Bieksa waived. I know he was likely feeling some heat, but the whole team was struggling and he was the focus of some negativity... he wasn't the sole reason for the struggles as we are still struggling...

Who knows if Burrows would like a change in scenery? Players have to be tight lipped and appear loyal and invested with the team they are with or feel the heat.
- hillbillydeluxe

I only assume with Bieksa. He went from "I will never leave this team" to " Get me out of here" not long after the twitter bashing.

My answer is twofold - one, to say they "haven't proven anything" is ridiculous, they've played five years of pro hockey. Each getting better every year. In order to prove yourself at the NHL level, as a later pick, you first have to prove yourself at lower levels. Which they've done. Thus the callups earlier this year.

Secondly - you can't prove yourself at the NHL level unless you earn a look or outplay some one in camp. Again, they've both done that in my eyes. Unless you make room for them by getting rid of older players, what's the point in developing?

Travis Green said they've both earned a look, that's how the system works. On a 23 man roster you don't have the luxury of keeping 46 guys around to see if the younger ones can outplay the older ones.
- LeftCoaster

Huh?

Brendan Gaunce - 2nd season pro hockey
Alex Grenier - 3rd season pro hockey

You mean combined?

I don't think they outplayed the competition in training camp, but that's just me, oh, and the coaching and management...

I think they'll get their shot, I just don't think placing NHL players on waivers so you can see if these guys can play is a smart thing to do. Biega is a great example of a guy who got a shot, and proved he belongs. I wonder why they brought up Kenins instead? Because of experience, role, current play? Must be a reason, even if it isn't one we agree with...

Huh?

Brendan Gaunce - 2nd season pro hockey
Alex Grenier - 3rd season pro hockey

You mean combined?

I don't think they outplayed the competition in training camp, but that's just me, oh, and the coaching and management...

I think they'll get their shot, I just don't think placing NHL players on waivers so you can see if these guys can play is a smart thing to do. Biega is a great example of a guy who got a shot, and proved he belongs. I wonder why they brought up Kenins instead? Because of experience, role, current play? Must be a reason, even if it isn't one we agree with...
- 1970vintage

Combined you turkey

You're right, training camp they didn't, but their progress to date and Higgins decline should give you a clearer picture.

I only assume with Bieksa. He went from "I will never leave this team" to " Get me out of here" not long after the twitter bashing.
- Retinalz

yeah, might have been a bigger factor than I realized at the time, remember people saying he unfriended lots of people or un twittered or is it just blocked?

But with Burrows slumping, maybe he wants a change in scenery and a different role with a different club?

The thing is, the only "good top 6" wingers available to sign are guys just like Vrbata. You're not going to get a Benn or a Stamkos, at least the Canucks aren't.
- 1970vintage

Why would Jordie Benn not sign in his hometown?

HOw can they ever do that with those 2 taking their spot?
- Retinalz

Why is it their spot? Because they were drafted by the Canucks? Because they are younger? If you want that job then you have to perform better. In 31 games this year Grenier has 6 goals, playing against "inferior" competition. Does this justify a promotion to the NHL? How about Gaunce, he has 9 in 20 games.

I don't get the love affair with these guys, they are fringe NHL'ers, who if they make it will be as bottom 6 players, which in general are easily replaceable.

Combined you turkey

You're right, training camp they didn't, but their progress to date and Higgins decline should give you a clearer picture.
- LeftCoaster

I'm not interested in change for the sake of change, I'm interested in change for the sake of improvement. If these guys equal an improvement then I'm all for it. I haven't seen them as an upgrade yet.

Why would Jordie Benn not sign in his hometown?
- VANTEL

Vancouver is not his home town. And why would he? Higher cost of living, higher taxes, constant rain, more pressure and for what, a "home town discount".

Vancouver is not his home town. And why would he? Higher cost of living, higher taxes, constant rain, more pressure and for what, a "home town discount".
- 1970vintage

Yes life is certainly better in Texas where everyone carries a gun. Don't mess with with Texas I guess

I would offer him a very decent contract seeing he is currently better than any of our Dmen. No hometown discount