At least five of those teams have cap issues.
- VANTEL

The Hawks have had cap issues for 6 years, I think they'll be fine. They are on the downswing IMO but they have a ways to catch us.

I'll be surprised if we finish above 10th in the west next season.

That's what I'm salivating about.

The team has an opportunity to really shape a brand new team. There is no need to force things or spend money just b/c you have it.

Be patient and the team will have a brand new core starting to develop and the cap space yo sign more than 1 impact ufa. Plus if the prospects are developing like hoped, it becomes a better destination for high level free agents.
- RealityChecker

Look for value in signings now more than ever. No need to break the bank.

We draft 5th, a guy not even projected to make the league next season. The Jets draft 2nd, so likely Laine.

We have decent goaltending and we still give up more goals than most teams. We're like a pooptier version of the Habs without Price or PK.
- golfingsince

Not projected , yes but McCann played and he was drafted in the twenties. I could see Tkachuck making this years roster. I wouldn't say anyone else would

The Hawks have had cap issues for 6 years, I think they'll be fine. They are on the downswing IMO but they have a ways to catch us.

I'll be surprised if we finish above 10th in the west next season.
- golfingsince

Me too...because I don't see massive upgrades that are needed to even make them a bubble team. Unless Virtanen, McCann and Horvat take huge steps forward.

The Hawks have had cap issues for 6 years, I think they'll be fine. They are on the downswing IMO but they have a ways to catch us.

I'll be surprised if we finish above 10th in the west next season.
- golfingsince

I agree about the Hawks coming down a notch. We have been on a five year slide too . I think we will start moving up. The timeline is a guessing game..

Not projected , yes but McCann played and he was drafted in the twenties. I could see Tkachuck making this years roster. I wouldn't say anyone else would
- VANTEL

The point is they aren't really projected to have much of an impact. Anyone we draft in the top two rounds could make this sorry club.........other teams not so much.

However, the Oilers and Jets (in particular) pick ahead of us. I think the Oil will trade their pick in a package for an NHL player and the Jets will get someone who can score.

Point is, I think they both finish ahead of us.

Me too...because I don't see massive upgrades that are needed to even make them a bubble team. Unless Virtanen, McCann and Horvat take huge steps forward.
- LeftCoaster

That's asking too much from the kids IMO. If they were 2 years older then maybe......at this point.....yikes.

I agree about the Hawks coming down a notch. We have been on a five year slide too . I think we will start moving up. The timeline is a guessing game..
- VANTEL

What's gonna make them start moving up? Their best players are getting worse and there's little indication their three young players are gonna be better next year.

That's asking too much from the kids IMO. If they were 2 years older then maybe......at this point.....yikes.
- golfingsince

For the record I don't see huge strides by the kids, at least not for a few more years.

That's what I'm salivating about.

The team has an opportunity to really shape a brand new team. There is no need to force things or spend money just b/c you have it.

Be patient and the team will have a brand new core starting to develop and the cap space yo sign more than 1 impact ufa. Plus if the prospects are developing like hoped, it becomes a better destination for high level free agents.
- RealityChecker

I am being patient. I know it looks like here that I am not but I am.

I am suggesting sending a few guys back for development.

No need to bring back Burrows or Higgins find some more productive players at around the same cap hit that are younger. Make a trade. We are talking 4 players , not gutting a team.

I still want the young guys back Bo Sven Markstrom Tryamkin Tanev Etem Grandlund Rodin Larsen. That is a lot of young players.

I bet we make it next season.
- thundachunk

the possibility exists that trevor and JB (in their decision to retain WD and co) talked to him about what they need different in what he does. That could be a difference maker....If we had even a reasonable amount of points from games where it was lost on dumb coaching decisions we'd have made playoffs this season.

For the record I don't see huge strides by the kids, at least not for a few more years.
- LeftCoaster

I see big strides, just not as big as the gap. I think McCann will become better in his own end and in the dot....provide a bit more scoring. Same for Bo, become a bit more dominant night in and out.

Jake will be more consistent, more of an offensive presence.

The problem is.....we had one of the worst goal differentials in the league. Even with another good year from the twins we are a ways off.

What's gonna make them start moving up? Their best players are getting worse and there's little indication their three young players are gonna be better next year.
- LeftCoaster

That's why you don't extend the one time best players like Hamhuis . Handshake and thanks



Last year Daniel was the best offensive guy in the first half. Bo in the second half.

Out with old in with the new when it comes time

the possibility exists that trevor and JB (in their decision to retain WD and co) talked to him about what they need different in what he does. That could be a difference maker....If we had even a reasonable amount of points from games where it was lost on dumb coaching decisions we'd have made playoffs this season.
- SMBDragon

We missed the playoffs by 13 points including tiebreakers so I think you are well off in your assessments.

Also, the best coach in the league according to many experts finished last.

Not projected , yes but McCann played and he was drafted in the twenties. I could see Tkachuck making this years roster. I wouldn't say anyone else would
- VANTEL

yes I believe he has the potential to make the team immediately.

tkachuk Bo JV could make quite the formidable line....Im sure he'd get a look w sedins of course as well.

I see big strides, just not as big as the gap. I think McCann will become better in his own end and in the dot....provide a bit more scoring. Same for Bo, become a bit more dominant night in and out.

Jake will be more consistent, more of an offensive presence.

The problem is.....we had one of the worst goal differentials in the league. Even with another good year from the twins we are a ways off.
- golfingsince

The defence needs a complete makeover and the kids growth will IMO be incremental.

back to square one

Serious question why would you ( Canucks) want to keep the same top three( Edler Tanev and Hamhuis ) that has won four playoff games in five years. General question, not aimed at you.
- VANTEL

You mean the same group that have won three of the last six playoff series that they have played in? that's like a fifty fifty shot of winning, right?

Bonino is way better than Sutter. Yet we added a top defensive prospect and a second round pick. Wtf is our gm smoking?

Fire benning.

The defence needs a complete makeover and the kids growth will IMO be incremental.
- LeftCoaster

In a perfect world, I could see a wildcard position.

That means a stellar year from the twins, the addition of a sniper and a top 4 D. No major injuries to key players and solid growth from the youth.

Aside from that, start playing the simulator now.

That's why you don't extend the one time best players like Hamhuis . Handshake and thanks



Last year Daniel was the best offensive guy in the first half. Bo in the second half.

Out with old in with the new when it comes time
- VANTEL

But you need real offensive growth from JM, JV & Baertschi...I'm not sure you're gonna get it? Hopefully it happens though, I'm just skeptical.

Bonino is way better than Sutter. Yet we added a top defensive prospect and a second round pick. Wtf is our gm smoking?

Fire benning.
- Scooby_Doo

no he's not, zip it son!

We missed the playoffs by 13 points including tiebreakers so I think you are well off in your assessments.
Also, the best coach in the league according to many experts finished last.
- golfingsince

I honestly dont see babcock as the best in the nhl. Def good. Top coach in nhl? well no probably not. Its been quite some time since his cup win and hasnt won playoffs rounds in a while either.

13 points...only 7 games is 14....dumb moves where responsible for more than just 7 loses.

But for memory you dont see the coaching connection...thats ok. But just because you dont see it doesnt make it untrue either. We are prob better off not discussing that, we didnt get anywhere before. Dead end.

I believe you said once you are in Ontario? I grew up out there....hows the weather?

I honestly dont see babcock as the best in the nhl. Def good. Top coach in nhl? well no probably not. Its been quite some time since his cup win and hasnt won playoffs rounds in a while either.

13 points...only 7 games is 14....dumb moves where responsible for more than just 7 loses.

But for memory you dont see the coaching connection...thats ok. But just because you dont see it doesnt make it untrue either. We are prob better off not discussing that, we didnt get anywhere before. Dead end.

I believe you said once you are in Ontario? I grew up out there....hows the weather?
- SMBDragon

I'm on the east coast now. Weather is inconsistent.

Wether or not we agree with it Babcock is a top 5 coach in the league. Even then, i'm sure some of his decisions cost his team losses. That is coaching.

Every other team ahead of us lost points because of decisions made by their HC as well. IF you truly believe that a simple coaching change all of a sudden makes us a playoff team then there isn't really much to say.

WD did fine guiding us to a 100+ point season his first year here but the truth is we don't have a whole lot of talent. Again, if we have a year without any significant injuries and some growth from the youth I see a lower seed as a possibility with the addition of a couple of FA's.

Aside from that, expect more of the same.

That's another reason why I want a tank. Forget the top 5 pick. Benning gets Hugh picks in every round.

And just b/c I want to poke the bear (the bear being you), that's why it's frustrating watching Benning give picks away. If you're a master drafter, keep the draft picks dummy!
- RealityChecker

He's a good drafter because he can scout and make proper assignments for his scouts. So when JB trades for a young player and gives up a pick.... the very same st of skills is in play. It's not as damaging as you make it sound.

If they don't earn their spot out of camp they absolutely should start in the AHL, same goes fo the rest of the kids. That should always be the case with young players,.
- belcherbd

No question.
Just wondering why 2 players who showed growth, perhaps beyond expectation, should start the season on the farm.
No debate about earning spots on the team. They've already played an entire season in the NHL, why are they being slotted to start in Utica next season?