I was pretty sure I heard one of the reasons he signed in Winnipeg is that he DIDN'T want to play on the same team as his brother ....
- the end

oh I had not heard that. I do know that Benning did not even meet with Brandon Tanev though so there was no interest from the Canucks side.

So we need to trade our top two d-men for picks that may pan out to be as good, worse, or maybe better than they are in 2-5 years time? That's quite the strategy

Selling off assets where we're weakest isn't in line with what JB has sort of laid out. He's bringing in a few more d this year, so let's see how those guys pan out before clearing out what we have.
- NewYorkNuck

Trade Edler, sign Hammer. Dev youngins.

I have always wondered if we could somehow do a deal with WPG that involved Tanev.
His brother is obviously signed there, and they are going to run into trouble with signing Trouba since the Byfuglien signing. Another prospect that I am wondering if they are looking to get a return on is Josh Morrissey. Where does he fit into their back end? The Jets have a cupboard full of prospects.
- Codes1087

Brother aside, the Jets have a playoff worthy roster, a bunch of top prospects and one of Laine/Matthews on the way. They are a team I try to talk to if I am JB and see who I can pry away. I dont want picks if I can avoid it, but Morrissey is a good prospect to target.

Tough thing is the way they are set up, Enstrom, Stuart and Myers have a few more years left on their deals, Buff resigned, Trouba is RFA on the back end. Scheifle is due for a big raise too. I just think if they want to take on $4.5m or $5m in salary, they would give that to those two long term than have Tanev/Edler

Brother aside, the Jets have a playoff worthy roster, a bunch of top prospects and one of Laine/Matthews on the way. They are a team I try to talk to if I am JB and see who I can pry away. I dont want picks if I can avoid it, but Morrissey is a good prospect to target.

Tough thing is the way they are set up, Enstrom, Stuart and Myers have a few more years left on their deals, Buff resigned, Trouba is RFA on the back end. Scheifle is due for a big raise too. I just think if they want to take on $4.5m or $5m in salary, they would give that to those two long term than have Tanev/Edler
- WhiteLie

yah I don't see how it would work CAP wise with WPG but they are definitely a team that Benning needs to be talking to.

How? I have continued to state that if we can get 1st round picks for Either Edler or Tanev, we do it. I have stated that since Edler and Tanev have been our top pairing D-men on the Canucks for the last two years, we have been a 1st round exit team AND and 28th overall team. I also think we are atleast 3 years away from being competitive SO trading them away and drafting and developing good young D-men is a route I would MORE than welcome.

And if you think Canada is icing their top 6 D-men from the NHL in:

Reilly - Tanev
Murray - Ceci
Dumba - Hutton
Matheson

Then maybe I am not the one who is conflicted.....
- Codes1087

Just giving you a hard time. A continuation from yesterday's disagreement after Leftcoaster suggested they trade Tanev+5OA to get ARI's 7th and 22nd.

Tanev is a top 4 D man (not a true top pairing) and was free via NCAA UFA, and we are in the midst of a rebuild. If you can get a mid-round 1st for him, you take that every time.
- Codes1087

You and I clearly disagree on Tanev's value. You say he's top 4 but not top pairing. It all depends on what you define as a top pairing guy. If you're saying he's not Burns, Doughty, Karlsson, Keith, or Weber you're absolutely right. If you're saying he wouldn't even make a good partner for an elite guy like that, I'd say you're wrong. He already plays against the top lines in the league and holds his own. You want more offence out of him, you're going to have to pair him with someone who's better at that than Edler.

Trading a 26 year old quality player for a marginal draft pick might sound exciting at this time of year, but there's a good chance a 22nd overall won't ever amount to much. (cough, cough Jarred Tinordi, cough.)

yah I don't see how it would work CAP wise with WPG but they are definitely a team that Benning needs to be talking to.
- Codes1087

If I were Winnipeg, I would just stand pat. They have an influx of young talent coming in and also have some contracts coming off the books after next season that will add more flexibility up front. They have a really good top 4, but need to improve in net. With so much of their talent on ELC's they are looking good for the next 2-5 years

That being said, its Winnipeg and I am sure there is pressure being applied for them to take that next step (though their division is tough as hell) and if I am JB I remind them of that and try to get them to sell off some assets to get established NHLers to fortify the lineup and speed up their playoff push

Just giving you a hard time. A continuation from yesterday's disagreement after Leftcoaster suggested they trade Tanev+5OA to get ARI's 7th and 22nd.



You and I clearly disagree on Tanev's value. You say he's top 4 but not top pairing. It all depends on what you define as a top pairing guy. If you're saying he's not Burns, Doughty, Karlsson, Keith, or Weber you're absolutely right. If you're saying he wouldn't even make a good partner for an elite guy like that, I'd say you're wrong. He already plays against the top lines in the league and holds his own. You want more offence out of him, you're going to have to pair him with someone who's better at that than Edler.

Trading a 26 year old quality player for a marginal draft pick might sound exiting at this time of year, but there's a good chance a 22nd overall won't ever amount to much. (cough, cough Jarred Tinordi, cough.)
- YeOldTimer

The bigger plus for Tanev is his reasonable contract on a long term. Edler is a little older but has a decent contract, but Tanev brings good value that a contender should covet regardless of his labelled role

Just giving you a hard time. A continuation from yesterday's disagreement after Leftcoaster suggested they trade Tanev+5OA to get ARI's 7th and 22nd.



You and I clearly disagree on Tanev's value. You say he's top 4 but not top pairing. It all depends on what you define as a top pairing guy. If you're saying he's not Burns, Doughty, Karlsson, Keith, or Weber you're absolutely right. If you're saying he wouldn't even make a good partner for an elite guy like that, I'd say you're wrong. He already plays against the top lines in the league and holds his own. You want more offence out of him, you're going to have to pair him with someone who's better at that than Edler.

Trading a 26 year old quality player for a marginal draft pick might sound exciting at this time of year, but there's a good chance a 22nd overall won't ever amount to much. (cough, cough Jarred Tinordi, cough.)
- YeOldTimer

Yep, add Cowen to the list of 1st round D-man busts. Tanev to me, is a great shut down d-man with little to no offensive instinct that we got for free and is on a great contract. I really like Tanev, but I am all for grabbing a great return for him if we can.

@DarrenDreger
Travel spies have Minny GM Chuck Fletcher in California today. Quietly meeting with Bruce Boudreau is my speculation.


I sincerely wish the Canucks brass would entertain the thought of hiring Boudreau.
- LeftCoaster

Why? So we can make the playoffs and be bounced in the first round by an inferior team?

Because of his systems, he took a defensively challenged team in Anaheim and turned them into one of the top two (Washington being the other) teams in the league in terms of goals against.

Two years ago Anaheim was in the bottom half of the league, he challenged the players to be more defensively responsible or they weren't going to win. Sure they didn't win this year but they were favourites going into the playoffs.

He'll teach our young players to play the right way as they grow. One of the top five coaches in the league, Anaheim should've fired their GM, not their coach.
- LeftCoaster

No thanks. Play WD to the first half of the season. If he falters, let him go and bring in Travis Green from Utica.

Why? So we can make the playoffs and be bounced in the first round by an inferior team?
- we_are_all_canucks

We already have that in WD

No thanks. Play WD to the first half of the season. If he falters, let him go and bring in Travis Green from Utica.
- we_are_all_canucks

Green will be picked up before next season starts.

Ben Hutton playing 3rd pair defense with Matt Dumba for Team Canada
Chris Tanev on the top pair with Morgan Reilly

GREAT experience for the young Hutton
- Codes1087

Vancouver doesn't have an awful defense. It isn't elite. But it's average or better. Tanev doesn't get enough press. There is only a couple teams he wouldn't be too pairing.
Hutton is on the brink of top 4.
Edler is a #3 on most teams.
Tree is budding top 4
Sbisa is a 4/5

As for coachingbi believe the best guy Vancouver could hire is Travis Green. If WD isn't the worst coach is the league he's close to it.
Boudreau should go to edm. He really should. Edm should just bite the bullet and go full retard. You boys can't/won't play any D. Fine (frank) it.

Just giving you a hard time. A continuation from yesterday's disagreement after Leftcoaster suggested they trade Tanev+5OA to get ARI's 7th and 22nd.



You and I clearly disagree on Tanev's value. You say he's top 4 but not top pairing. It all depends on what you define as a top pairing guy. If you're saying he's not Burns, Doughty, Karlsson, Keith, or Weber you're absolutely right. If you're saying he wouldn't even make a good partner for an elite guy like that, I'd say you're wrong. He already plays against the top lines in the league and holds his own. You want more offence out of him, you're going to have to pair him with someone who's better at that than Edler.

Trading a 26 year old quality player for a marginal draft pick might sound exciting at this time of year, but there's a good chance a 22nd overall won't ever amount to much. (cough, cough Jarred Tinordi, cough.)
- YeOldTimer

unless we are getting a 1st + i say Tanev stays. What a great guy to have when you are trying to develop D. He always and I mean always makes his partners mistakes look minimal.

We already have that in WD
- Codes1087

Ha ha, touche.

Just not a big fan of a complete system change at every downturn. Something to be said for stability. If it continues next season, then plan accordingly. There are always coaches in rotation anyway.

Green will be picked up before next season starts.
- Codes1087

Meh, he should be. But this yr looks like the coaching marrigoround. Everybody hires somebody's dead weight. How the (frank) does Mike Yep get another sniff at a job? I'd question whether he should be coaching 12 yr olds.

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/v...bois-and-tkachuk-1.482822

Bob Mac says Tkachuk more entrenched in top 5 rankings, Dubois a little more variance. Tkachuk the grittier of the two, good down low and good scorer below the hashmarks. Dubois better off the rush and 200ft game, versatility of position, also really good scoring close to the net. With the disappointment of the lottery fading, I am getting more excited by the potential of our #5 guy

Vancouver doesn't have an awful defense. It isn't elite. But it's average or better. Tanev doesn't get enough press. There is only a couple teams he wouldn't be too pairing.
Hutton is on the brink of top 4.
Edler is a #3 on most teams.
Tree is budding top 4
Sbisa is a 4/5

As for coachingbi believe the best guy Vancouver could hire is Travis Green. If WD isn't the worst coach is the league he's close to it.
Boudreau should go to edm. He really should. Edm should just bite the bullet and go full retard. You boys can't/won't play any D. Fine (frank) it.
- Bieksa#3

I agree regarding our D. It isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be. Which defense won't suffer when you lose your top pair for half the season? Addition by subtraction this summer

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/v...bois-and-tkachuk-1.482822

Bob Mac says Tkachuk more entrenched in top 5 rankings, Dubois a little more variance. Tkachuk the grittier of the two, good down low and good scorer below the hashmarks. Dubois better off the rush and 200ft game, versatility of position, also really good scoring close to the net. With the disappointment of the lottery fading, I am getting more excited by the potential of our #5 guy
- WhiteLie

Yep, add Cowen to the list of 1st round D-man busts. Tanev to me, is a great shut down d-man with little to no offensive instinct that we got for free and is on a great contract. I really like Tanev, but I am all for grabbing a great return for him if we can.
- Codes1087

This is my point. You're suggesting trading Tanev, a D-man "on a great contract" who you know is very good right now and will be for at least the next 4-5 years, for a chance to select the rights to someone who may or may not be as good as Cowen or Tinordi in 4-5 years. That's not a great return and very, very poor asset management. That strategy makes you less competitive now and creates a terrible environment for developing young players.

I also have to say I don't understand the "we got for free" part of your argument. They signed him as a 'free agent' but that doesn't in any way impact his value in a trade.

Vancouver doesn't have an awful defense. It isn't elite. But it's average or better. Tanev doesn't get enough press. There is only a couple teams he wouldn't be too pairing.
Hutton is on the brink of top 4.
Edler is a #3 on most teams.
Tree is budding top 4
Sbisa is a 4/5

As for coachingbi believe the best guy Vancouver could hire is Travis Green. If WD isn't the worst coach is the league he's close to it.
Boudreau should go to edm. He really should. Edm should just bite the bullet and go full retard. You boys can't/won't play any D. Fine (frank) it.
- Bieksa#3

I will have to respectfully disagree. I think Hamhuis is a 2nd pairing, Edler a 2nd pairing, Tanev 2nd pairing, Ben Hutton (currently) is a bottom pairing, and nothing stands out for me to believe that Tryamkin is anything more than a bottom pairing (currently). We all know where Sbisa stands.

So if I had to rank our D, I would have to say:

Vacant - Vacant
Edler - Tanev - Hamhuis (most likely gone)
Bartkowski (gone) - Biega - Sbisa - Hutton - Tryamkin - Pedan

This is my point. You're suggesting trading Tanev, a D-man "on a great contract" who you know is very good right now and will be for at least the next 4-5 years, for a chance to select the rights to someone who may or may not be as good as Cowen or Tinordi in 4-5 years. That's not a great return and very, very poor asset management. That strategy makes you less competitive now and creates a terrible environment for developing young players.

I also have to say I don't understand the "we got for free" part of your argument. They signed him as a 'free agent' but that doesn't in any way impact his value in a trade.
- YeOldTimer

You are right, the "free" part is irrelevant but what I mean to say, is that Tanev is on a good contract, and IMO, has a ceiling of being a top 4 and nothing else. I understand the want to bring up prospects in a winning environment, but the fact still remains, that we will not be in a winning environment with who we currently have on the back end. I am not saying we push Edler and Tanev out of VAN by any means, I am just saying that if they can return a 1st round pick for either, you HAVE to entertain those trades if you are Jim Benning (IMO). This conversation is all for nothing anyway as management wants to try and stay competitive every year and make the most of the default # of draft picks they get in the draft.

Because of his systems, he took a defensively challenged team in Anaheim and turned them into one of the top two (Washington being the other) teams in the league in terms of goals against.

Two years ago Anaheim was in the bottom half of the league, he challenged the players to be more defensively responsible or they weren't going to win. Sure they didn't win this year but they were favourites going into the playoffs.

He'll teach our young players to play the right way as they grow. One of the top five coaches in the league, Anaheim should've fired their GM, not their coach.
- LeftCoaster

Hi,

Bob Hartley's firing, Travis Green's NHL candidacy, Drake Caggiula and Vancouver Giants moving to Langley, in the new blog...

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...Move-to-Langley/194/76760

I will have to respectfully disagree. I think Hamhuis is a 2nd pairing, Edler a 2nd pairing, Tanev 2nd pairing, Ben Hutton (currently) is a bottom pairing, and nothing stands out for me to believe that Tryamkin is anything more than a bottom pairing (currently). We all know where Sbisa stands.

So if I had to rank our D, I would have to say:

Vacant - Vacant
Edler - Tanev - Hamhuis (most likely gone)
Bartkowski (gone) - Biega - Sbisa - Hutton - Tryamkin - Pedan
- Codes1087

Not likely to get two top pairing guys any time soon. But I do think Edler settles down and is more effective as a second pairing guy. I think the really big holes are your top left side and 2nd right side.

Vacant - Tanev
Edler - Vacant
Hutton - Tryamkin

Sbisa
Larssen
Pedan
Biega
Stecher


Unfortunately at Sbisa's cap hit he's not sitting out as your number 7 and probably can't be moved unless he's included in a package. That and the lack of a true number 1 guy bumps Edler back up to the first pairing. Having Sbisa in your top 4 is more detrimental than having Tanev in your top pairing.

The Canucks are probably going to have to trade for someone to fill that #2 RHD spot. If they get a guy who can shoot the puck and generate 40 points there, that's likely the single biggest improvement they could make to the team.

Tryamkin isn't quite ready yet but needs the playing time. Ideally he should be getting top pairing minutes in Utica to accelerate his development but apparently that's not going to happen with his KHL>AHL clause. I think they should really be making a push to convince him to start the year there and come back up when injuries allow it.

Larssen will probably get an extended look at training camp and exhibition season to see if he can fill that #4 spot, but I'd say he's a long shot right now.

Pedan also looks like he's not ready yet. Not sure if his contract allows him to go back down without clearing waivers so he may end up being traded.

Beiga is really only good enough for emergency callups so if he clears waivers at the start of the year then he should be in Utica.

I'd expect Stecher to play in Utica next season as well for his first year of pro.

If they want to get better and be competitive, there's really no room for Hamhuis. Time to move on, sorry.

Weber and Bartkowski should be loaded into the world's largest t-shirt cannons and launched as far away as possible.