We needed toughness
- VANTEL

What's the point of having him losing in the NHL while he can be winning and tearing up the AHL. That is why I think he is not in the NHL, but I could be wrong. I'm sure Shanahan, Lamerello, Hunter, Babcock ect. Know what they are doing, so you could go ask them.
- BoTtLePoLiCe

Virtanen didn't have that chance , he was too young to tear it up on the farm club. Next year when he is that age he can go there and tear it up too.

No need to ask Shanny or Babcock, they are not the know it all over here in this thread telling us how to draft

I said before management said they would send Virtanen to the WJC that it was a bad idea. Players are either coming off a big high or a big low and in this case Virtanen is coming off a huge low. Different ice different level. Not a good situation to sending players currently learning (<--key word) a system in the NHL and sending them to venue that imo is only going to hinder them under their current system. Focus shifting is not a good situation.
- thundachunk

I read somewhere that JB is bringing JV back to the Canucks when he gets back from the juniors. This should be a good confidence booster for JV. The NHL should be the only thing that matters for JV, moving forward.

What's the point of having him losing in the NHL while he can be winning and tearing up the AHL. That is why I think he is not in the NHL, but I could be wrong. I'm sure Shanahan, Lamerello, Hunter, Babcock ect. Know what they are doing, so you could go ask them.
- BoTtLePoLiCe

And once he learns to keep his head up he can go back to tearing up the A.

Why is Nylander not tearing up the NHL this year?
- VANTEL

That's a matter of record. Shannahan has said many times that he wants players to learn how to be professionals in the AHL (and if necessary, ECHL) before they step foot into the NHL. A couple of years in the AHL will allow kids to turn into men while also ensuring that they get another year or two of RFA status. It would take somebody of generational talent to get them to change that approach.

That's a matter of record. Shannahan has said many times that he wants players to learn how to be professionals in the AHL (and if necessary, ECHL) before they step foot into the NHL. A couple of years in the AHL will allow kids to turn into men while also ensuring that they get another year or two of RFA status. It would take somebody of generational talent to get them to change that approach.
- lumlums

Do you think if Virtanen had the opportunity he wouldn't be playing in the AHL this year?

And once he learns to keep his head up he can go back to tearing up the A.
- fiveandagame

Even if his head is up if doesn't stop a blindside.

And once he learns to keep his head up he go back to tearing up the A.
- fiveandagame

Ah, yes. Victim blaming.


Good job

That's a matter of record. Shannahan has said many times that he wants players to learn how to be professionals in the AHL (and if necessary, ECHL) before they step foot into the NHL. A couple of years in the AHL will allow kids to turn into men while also ensuring that they get another year or two of RFA status. It would take somebody of generational talent to get them to change that approach.
- lumlums

Like Marner?

Do you think if Virtanen had the opportunity he wouldn't be playing in the AHL this year?
- VANTEL

I'm not sure. He likely would, and there really needs to be something done about that AHL/CHL agreement to allow exceptional 18/19 year olds to play AHL. That said, I'd rather bring up a kid to the NHL one year too late than one year too early.

Like Marner?
- fiveandagame

Nope. I'm talking McDavid, Crosby... players from the CHL who can't go to the AHL but are good enough and strong enough to hold their own in the NHL.

EDIT: I do really like Marner. Though personally I'd have selected Hanifin in the 4 spot if I was the Leafs. Either way there's a good talent on our hands though.

Even if his head is up if doesn't stop a blindside.
- BoTtLePoLiCe

How is it a blindside he skated right into it?

I'm not sure. He likely would, and there really needs to be something done about that AHL/CHL agreement to allow exceptional 18/19 year olds to play AHL. That said, I'd rather bring up a kid to the NHL one year too late than one year too early.
- lumlums

I think it should be allowed for 1st round picks

I'm not sure. He likely would, and there really needs to be something done about that AHL/CHL agreement to allow exceptional 18/19 year olds to play AHL. That said, I'd rather bring up a kid to the NHL one year too late than one year too early.
- lumlums

They definitely does need change. Both JV and WN need time in the AHL they will both be decent NHL players.

People that see JV as a bust are just dumb. The kid just turned 19. His game is a lot different than Nylander Ehlers and McCann. I am sure all 4 will turn out fine

How is it a blindside he skated right into it?
- fiveandagame

Okay you're right. Clean hit, he's a bust. Can't keep his head up, too small. JV>Nylander.

I think it should be allowed for 1st round picks
- fiveandagame

Agreed. They need some sort of role for that.

Virtanen's body may be ready but he still has the mind of a 14 year old.

I'm not sure. He likely would, and there really needs to be something done about that AHL/CHL agreement to allow exceptional 18/19 year olds to play AHL. That said, I'd rather bring up a kid to the NHL one year too late than one year too early.
- lumlums

If this team wasn't lacking so much depth neither Jake or Jared would be in the NHL this season. To defend JB and WD I think they know these 2 guys will be NHL regulars in the near future and its more about getting them the proper diet and training. The on ice skills will develop when the body is getting the proper growth. They have good leaders in the room to help these kids and it doesn't hurt to let them learn.

So is there any chance JV gets sent back to jr? Sounds like McCann is here to stay with some kind of development program and more scheduled days off/scratches.

I don't see the harm in sending JV back to jr. Wouldn't mind McCann going back either but don't see it happening.

Okay you're right. Clean hit, he's a bust. Can't keep his head up, too small. JV>Nylander.
- BoTtLePoLiCe

Finally, you are starting to get it.

Virtanen's body may be ready but he still has the mind of a 14 year old.
- golfingsince

He is still young. This might be one of the reasons Benning doesn't want to send him back to junior. Maybe he wants him to learn how to be a pro from guys like the Sedins.

Finally, you are starting to get it.
- fiveandagame

Remember the Kadri Frattin and a first rounder(which was Biggs I believe) for Luongo offer? Leafs should of taken it.

Remember the Kadri Frattin and a first rounder(which was Biggs I believe) for Luongo offer? Leafs should of taken it.
- BoTtLePoLiCe

Yeah for as much crap as the Canucks got for the trade to Florida, Markstrom is looking like he could be a very good goalie.

Nope. I'm talking McDavid, Crosby... players from the CHL who can't go to the AHL but are good enough and strong enough to hold their own in the NHL.

EDIT: I do really like Marner. Though personally I'd have selected Hanifin in the 4 spot if I was the Leafs. Either way there's a good talent on our hands though.
- lumlums

Yeah, you've got some good prospects who may or may not do anything in the NHL, the same as ours and everyone else's. But the number of Leaf fans who have come through here today talking about how bright their future is like its a sure thing is crazy. Honestly, what a ridiculous thing to brag about.

Yeah for as much crap as the Canucks got for the trade to Florida, Markstrom is looking like he could be a very good goalie.

- fiveandagame