It's possible he was selected but declined.
- YeOldTimer

Uhm no
- VANTEL

Thank you for your posts, I enjoy all and agree with most.

What I have found frustrating this season is the lack of hitting/checking and grit. Dorsett has come on of late, since Prust hasn't been around and has been playing most games like someone pi$$ed him off. Prust was a disappointment too, didn't seem to check much, but I guess he didn't mind dropping the gloves.

It is funny for a team battling for a playoff spot (earlier in the season) hits so little.

I have been disappointed to see Hansen and Burrows often turn away from some easy checks, opposing dmen never looking rushed or panicked with them bearing down. Not sure if it has been injuries or what that stops our forwards from checking. But we certainly aren't a hard team to play against.

This team needs a new identity, more push back. You'd thing with jobs on the line, we'd see more battle from some of our guys. It is almost like the team doesn't want to agitate the opposing team, don't wake the bear, even if the other team is having their way.

JV has been pretty good with his physical game, the other team has to be aware of him on the ice. less time for them to make plays.

I think I felt the same way after the playoffs last season, we still need more grit in the lineup.
- hillbillydeluxe

Prust was either too lazy or too slow to hit anybody. Not really big enough to leave a mark whenever he did. Dorsett is a misfit. He's fast and a good forechecker, but doesn't have enough skill or finish to be a third liner. He's overpaid and not big enough to be a fourth liner. Gotta admire his moxy though, and in the end I think that's the primary reason he's on the team.

I think the Canucks do avoid getting into a rough and tumble style of game because they're just completely overmatched when it comes to that. Don't see that changing for at least a couple of years.

Prust was either too lazy or too slow to hit anybody. Not really big enough to leave a mark whenever he did. Dorsett is a misfit. He's fast and a good forechecker, but doesn't have enough skill or finish to be a third liner. He's overpaid and not big enough to be a fourth liner. Gotta admire his moxy though, and in the end I think that's the primary reason he's on the team.

I think the Canucks do avoid getting into a rough and tumble style of game because they're just completely overmatched when it comes to that. Don't see that changing for at least a couple of years.
- YeOldTimer

In - pedan Larsson Tryamkin Gaunce grenier
Out - Hamhuis Bart weber vey Vrbata

If both the big guys on D can make it toughness may not be an issue. Gaunce and grenier aren't overly physical but they have good size

In - pedan Larsson Tryamkin Gaunce grenier
Out - Hamhuis Bart weber vey Vrbata

If both the big guys on D can make it toughness may not be an issue. Gaunce and grenier aren't overly physical but they have good size
- CanuckDon

Id say only Gaunce and Pedan actually look NHL ready out of that list. I'm all about giving kids a shot, but it needs to be at the right time. I really hope Trymakin is open to playing in the A, Grenier I've never been impressed by I think he might be a career AHLer myself. Larsson is a maybe out of training camp, but clearly needs to try to bulk up.

Calgary throwing in Hiller to tank against Buffalo

Id say only Gaunce and Pedan actually look NHL ready out of that list. I'm all about giving kids a shot, but it needs to be at the right time. I really hope Trymakin is open to playing in the A, Grenier I've never been impressed by I think he might be a career AHLer myself. Larsson is a maybe out of training camp, but clearly needs to try to bulk up.
- neem55

I don't like Grenier but anybody is an upgrade on Vrbata. Tryamkin and Larsson will both be on 1 way contracts...and that's ok. Youth will be served

Yeah I can see people's comments on that side. I just cant be mad or question a player that still respects his family. You hear so much about the Keslers and O'Brien who scum up the nightlife, that its easy to forget that there are some good guys in the league and they are real people. If you are gone for weeks at a time, or you go to a morning skate/practice, then you take a nap then back to the rink at night for your game, your kids and family hardly see you as it is. Tack on another 3-4 months away cant be easy.

The other angle I look at it is that maybe he thinks he is helping some of the guys. We dont know what goes on in the room, but maybe he has taken Hutton or Sbisa under his wing and they talk a lot or review video together? If so, why would he ditch some of the people that could really benefit and build from? Maybe he doesnt want to win at all costs personally, but hes been around Vancouver and followed the Canucks long enough that I am sure he wants to help in any way possible to deliver the Canucks a cup, regardless if he is still around or not
- WhiteLie

I have a son (peewee player - defense) and would I want him to turn out like Dan, absolutely, no friggin doubt at all.

But for my pro hockey team that has never won the cup and are in full rebuild mode I think he may have done a disservice to them - perhaps unintentional, but still. And now, with some of the kids deserving a spot, he may not even be back...so still has to move, but with no cup.

which is why it's hard - do you want him back next year?

Calgary throwing in Hiller to tank against Buffalo
- VANTEL

We need a 3 point game!

We need a 3 point game!
- CanuckDon

We need a 3 point game!
- CanuckDon

it's moot unless we lose.

I have a son (peewee player - defense) and would I want him to turn out like Dan, absolutely, no friggin doubt at all.

But for my pro hockey team that has never won the cup and are in full rebuild mode I think he may have done a disservice to them - perhaps unintentional, but still. And now, with some of the kids deserving a spot, he may not even be back...so still has to move, but with no cup.

which is why it's hard - do you want him back next year?
- PopCanBong

I think his impact at the TDL was minimal. The return Calgary got was nice, but it wasnt going to alter the franchise at all. They need a top D prospect and that wasnt offered and if the conditional second (or first) becomes one, no one would see it for several seasons.

I am indifferent to him being back. I think his experience and knowledge is very valuable to young defenders, but at the same time he takes away icetime from them gaining experience on their own. I trust management to have a transition plan for him if they let him return, but its a tough call. Remember the Sedin's attribute their success and mannerisms to Trevor and Naslund and neither of them won cups. Maybe that trend needs to stop, but I think it has some good for the young guys

it's moot unless we lose.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Winning would be poor asset management

I think his impact at the TDL was minimal. The return Calgary got was nice, but it wasnt going to alter the franchise at all. They need a top D prospect and that wasnt offered and if the conditional second (or first) becomes one, no one would see it for several seasons.

I am indifferent to him being back. I think his experience and knowledge is very valuable to young defenders, but at the same time he takes away icetime from them gaining experience on their own. I trust management to have a transition plan for him if they let him return, but its a tough call. Remember the Sedin's attribute their success and mannerisms to Trevor and Naslund and neither of them won cups. Maybe that trend needs to stop, but I think it has some good for the young guys
- WhiteLie

I don't think it's that tough a call. You sign veteran D men to keep pucks out of your net and get pucks on the other team's net. Coaching, teaching and mentoring young D men is the responsibility of other members of your organization.

Hamhuis has been a great player for the team for several years, but he should no longer be taking up a spot. Prior to his injury he was quite mistake-prone and he still isn't generating any offence at all. None. His shots are routinely blocked or batted away by defenders' sticks and rarely make it through to the net. Give a chance to someone who is more likely to improve and get better rather than a player on the decline.

Winning would be poor asset management
- CanuckDon

Playing Vrbata would be poor asset management.

Winning would be poor asset management
- CanuckDon

I believe that has been deemed a forbidden phrase.

Playing Vrbata would be poor asset management.
- A_SteamingLombardi

- Marwood

Come on!! I haven't smoked anything all day.

In - pedan Larsson Tryamkin Gaunce grenier
Out - Hamhuis Bart weber vey Vrbata

If both the big guys on D can make it toughness may not be an issue. Gaunce and grenier aren't overly physical but they have good size
- CanuckDon

What about Rodin?

We need a 3 point game!
- CanuckDon

Does anyone know what the Draft Lottery tie breakers are? Canucks are currently in 8th but do they jump to 6th based on their record if/when they lose those games in hand?

Only Toronto has fewer ROW's and Edmonton has the same number. Could this potentially vault them into the top 5 if they're tied for points with a few other teams after game 82?

Come on!! I haven't smoked anything all day.
- A_SteamingLombardi

somethings amiss here

In - pedan Larsson Tryamkin Gaunce grenier
Out - Hamhuis Bart weber vey Vrbata

If both the big guys on D can make it toughness may not be an issue. Gaunce and grenier aren't overly physical but they have good size
- CanuckDon

Size and toughness aren't the same thing. Canucks need more players who are difficult to play against and are able to pressure their opponents into making mistakes. Ferland is the easiest example to point to for the desired cause and effect relationship, but he's not exactly the type of player I'd be looking for. Guys with more skill who have that component to their game. Virtanen could turn out to be that type of player, but they need more than one in their lineup.

What about Rodin?
- we_are_all_canucks

Yup and Boeser the next year

Size and toughness aren't the same thing. Canucks need more players who are difficult to play against and are able to pressure their opponents into making mistakes. Ferland is the easiest example to point to for the desired cause and effect relationship, but he's not exactly the type of player I'd be looking for. Guys with more skill who have that component to their game. Virtanen could turn out to be that type of player, but they need more than one in their lineup.
- YeOldTimer

I think Sutter is this type.

WHat do you guys think of Jason Demers as a UFA signing? RHD, seems to have put together a solid year in Dallas and 27 years old.