That's one game, a snapshot. The season to date suggests that the case is that he actually averages TOI based on a 4th line role. Again I will suggest that what is seen from the bench is different then what you can see on TV. If the coaching staff don't like what they see from a player regarding their play away from the puck, they aren't likely to receive additional ice. I don't know, I wasn't there.

Anyway, I think the team will look much different next season, another injection of youth and another parting with vets. Hopefully JB gets something for expiring contracts, I think they can replace the minutes internally for anyone they trade.
- 1970vintage

It just comes down to Willie trusting vets when he deems things are on the line, despite how well a younger player may or may not be playing, my observation.

Secondly, Dorsetts TOI for forwards 5 on 5 is only behind the below, that does not suggest he's playing a fourth line role. Baertschi seems to have found his stride so his numbers should increase though.

Daniel 564:19 (42 games)
Henrik 541:14 (40 games)
Hansen 530:04 (41 games)
Vrbata 500:39 (40 games)
Horvat 497:36 (42 games)
Dorsett 493:92 (42 games)

Hawks not looking so good. Play calls are not there.
- Scooby_Doo

go vikes !

Higgins will be traded in the next couple days according to Linden.

It's on Twitter now
- VANTEL

I see. seems a bit odd to issue a press release, but whatevs. I'm saying Caps for a 6th rounder.

Linden just said at the townhall that Higgins is up for trade.
- VANTEL

Don't tease me

Linden just said at the townhall that Higgins is up for trade.
- VANTEL

That should increase his value ( or perceived value ).

That should increase his value ( or perceived value ).
- Marwood

Wait, he has value?

That should increase his value ( or perceived value ).
- Marwood

We're focusing on the wrong thing. Vantel must be devastated.

That should increase his value ( or perceived value ).
- Marwood

Any value is great value

go vikes !
- SMP8719

Go Seahawks!!!!

We're focusing on the wrong thing. Vantel must be devastated.
- CubanBuffet

It just comes down to Willie trusting vets when he deems things are on the line, despite how well a younger player may or may not be playing, my observation.

Secondly, Dorsetts TOI for forwards 5 on 5 is only behind the below, that does not suggest he's playing a fourth line role. Baertschi seems to have found his stride so his numbers should increase though.

Daniel 564:19 (42 games)
Henrik 541:14 (40 games)
Hansen 530:04 (41 games)
Vrbata 500:39 (40 games)
Horvat 497:36 (42 games)
Dorsett 493:92 (42 games)
- LeftCoaster

That list looks about right to me though? You want Virtanen playing more? Higgins? Burrows? If you'll recall, I did suggest that Baertschi should be getting more ice... I think it is absolutely true that WD trusts his vets more then the young players. Show me a coach in the league who doesn't.

Vey is building steam. I know he gets a hard time in here, but I like what I am seeing.
- VANTEL

Agreed Vey is showing promise.

Linden just said at the townhall that Higgins is up for trade.
- VANTEL

Serious?

That list looks about right to me though? You want Virtanen playing more? Higgins? Burrows? If you'll recall, I did suggest that Baertschi should be getting more ice... I think it is absolutely true that WD trusts his vets more then the young players. Show me a coach in the league who doesn't.
- 1970vintage

We could freak out now or we can see how the minutes spread by the end of the season. Perhaps Horvat & Baer see more minutes. Sutter certainly will when he returns. Maybe McCann or Virtanen will get more. Or we could freak out now.

The team isn't playing that good that there will be a problem slotting them in.
- Makita

Sorry for flagging stupid comments.

Serious?
- LordHumungous

Yes all over Twitter . Even Elliot Freidman says unusual press release.

We could freak out now or we can see how the minutes spread by the end of the season. Perhaps Horvat & Baer see more minutes. Sutter certainly will when he returns. Maybe McCann or Virtanen will get more. Or we could freak out now.
- Marwood

Why wait for spring when you can do it now. I want to avoid the rush so I suggest we all start now

We could freak out now or we can see how the minutes spread by the end of the season. Perhaps Horvat & Baer see more minutes. Sutter certainly will when he returns. Maybe McCann or Virtanen will get more. Or we could freak out now.
- Marwood

I just tuned in to twitter, some serious hysteria about announcing they are trying to trade him. I guess after calling 29 GM's and asking if they are interested in Higgins, and getting 29 "no thanks", they wanted to let the fans know they are actually trying to do something about the situation. I'm sure they talked to Higgins first. JB said in the off season that if a young player outplayed a vet they would make room, well, it's happened twice now *still pissed at TO about Corrado*

Yes all over Twitter . Even Elliot Freidman says unusual press release.
- VANTEL

I think it's for the fans. I bet every team in the league has already said no.

Yes all over Twitter . Even Elliot Freidman says unusual press release.
- VANTEL

The courtesy before waiving, anybody want him?

I just tuned in to twitter, some serious hysteria about announcing they are trying to trade him. I guess after calling 29 GM's and asking if they are interested in Higgins, and getting 29 "no thanks", they wanted to let the fans know they are actually trying to do something about the situation. I'm sure they talked to Higgins first. JB said in the off season that if a young player outplayed a vet they would make room, well, it's happened twice now *still pissed at TO about Corrado*
- 1970vintage

It sets up the situation that they can place him on waivers and can use the excuse we tried but there were no takers

The courtesy before waiving, anybody want him?
- hillbillydeluxe

Exactly

I think it's for the fans. I bet every team in the league has already said no.
- 1970vintage

Yup

He should help the Comets who are struggling

It sets up the situation that they can place him on waivers and can use the excuse we tried but there were no takers
- VANTEL

Some good news:

Brad ZiemerVerified account ‏@BradZiemer 4m4 minutes ago Vancouver, British Columbia
Etem skating with Vey and Virtanen in practice today #Canucks