In the present structure with which they're dealing with, I'm ok with them trying to be competitive, what frustrates me is when they trade draft picks to try an be competitive, it's counter-productive IMO.

Draft and develop is my M.O. that's how I like to roll, regardless of your draft position, just draft well. The Canucks current two best NON-NHL players are Demko and Boeser, one was drafted in the second round the other late in the first.

You don't need to draft top five to grab a great player, but if the opportunity presents itself, then run with it obviously.
- LeftCoaster

well articulated. i largely agree. however, i don't like depending on finding a hidden gem. it seems that benning has that ability but i'd rather him have the highest pick in every round for a couple of years. with those picks and the talent already in place, i don't see an edmonton type longevity at the bottom.

It is the centre of the universe filter. We have seen Toronto miss the playoffs but finish strong, the following summer it is all about contending for a cup, and we hear that more from the media than the org. Toronto decides to blow it up so every Canadian team should blow it up.

If you aren't doing what the Leafs are doing, then you are obviously doing it wrong.

When the Leafs start winning and making the playoffs then I will acknowledge they are doing something right. Until then, it is like those guys from SCTV, they done blew it up real good.

I am starting to realize it is more the Toronto media that I don't like than the fans but, wait for it...
- hillbillydeluxe

It's both.

Trading down
- MaWLz

It is the centre of the universe filter. We have seen Toronto miss the playoffs but finish strong, the following summer it is all about contending for a cup, and we hear that more from the media than the org. Toronto decides to blow it up so every Canadian team should blow it up.

If you aren't doing what the Leafs are doing, then you are obviously doing it wrong.

When the Leafs start winning and making the playoffs then I will acknowledge they are doing something right. Until then, it is like those guys from SCTV, they done blew it up real good.

I am starting to realize it is more the Toronto media that I don't like than the fans but, wait for it...
- hillbillydeluxe

- RealityChecker

- Marwood

they done blowed it up real good.

reporting for tsn, we are bob mackenzie and darren dreger.

The reason why the media is so gun ho about what Toronto is doing because they have a clear plan, they are tanking, they are stock piling draft picks.

Van's plan is still muttered to most. Some believe this team can still be good and others think it's a tear down.

I've yet to see concrete proof on which plan is better. Trying to win or trying to lose.
- manvanfan

Edmonton did the same exact thing as Toronto is doing and how has that worked out so far? It's easy to say that Toronto has a clear plan and Vancouver doesn't have one, but until one or the other wins a Cup with the management/coaching/player core group they have, it's silly to speculate on who's doing things better.

Personally, I'd prefer to stay competitive, I've seen how bad this franchise has got in the late 70's through to the mid 90's and then until the WCE days. When you have teams that can consistently find players that contribute in their system that can overcome the talent that teams stacked with high first round picks have, tanking isn't as viable as it was previously.

Would anyone just trade 5OA for Drouin or Morgan Reilly

Would anyone just trade 5OA for Drouin or Morgan Reilly
- phyllee

I'd do it for Drouin, but I'd want TB to add their 1st/2nd since we still need to recoup a pick or two. We don't need Reilly at this point and more to the point, Toronto will never trade him.

Would anyone just trade 5OA for Drouin or Morgan Reilly
- phyllee

Sorry, but the 5OA is nowhere near enough for Rielly

Sorry, but the 5OA is nowhere near enough for Rielly
- As_I_See_It

He went 5th overall.
That's as fair as a trade gets.

He went 5th overall.
That's as fair as a trade gets.
- Scooby_Doo

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Rielly has elite skills is going to be a (frank)ing STUD in this league for years to come. I'd also be willing to bet that there's a good chance that he plays with the big boys on Team Canada someday.

Add in the cost certainty of an excellent contract for the next 6 years with an AAV of $5m AND the fact that he's a good ol' Vancouver boy and the premium there.

All that for a "?" at #5?

Scenario: Van starts the first 30 games very poorly. How fast does WD get fired and JB if things don't get better.
- manvanfan

Good topic.

I'll buy a Canucks jersey if Gudbranson scores more than 7 goals.
- Panthers88

Defenseman play the position of defense, whose priority is to defend. I've always thought the title self-explanatory, but there is some clarification. Going to be interesting how you fill the d out around Ekblad, I think you're going to notice a large hole next year.

He went 5th overall.
That's as fair as a trade gets.
- Scooby_Doo

Except that Rielly is a proven NHL player, has 2 full seasons under his belt.
Not at all a fair trade, but I would love it.

Defenseman play the position of defense, whose priority is to defend. I've always thought the title self-explanatory, but there is some clarification. Going to be interesting how you fill the d out around Ekblad, I think you're going to notice a large hole next year.
- neem55

Got a real good starting point right there

Got a real good starting point right there
- phyllee

Sometimes you gotta break down real simple like for the people down south

More on the prospect of trading the fifth pick, Arthur Griffiths into B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, and a Conn Smythe poll, in the new blog.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ths-Joining-HOF/194/77455

Would you guys entertain an idea like

5OA(+?) for 9OA+Nathan Beaulieu+39OA?

Maybe throw Higgins in as a cap dump.

Than trade Edler for a top 15 draft pick(if he waives)

Both trades would require Edler to waive first.

AKA... Just phucking with you!
- manvanfan

lol

They should get raises if that's the case. Why don't people get the fact that when you are rebuilding or retooling, it doesn't happen over night. You don't fire your gm because you miss the playoffs for two years in a rebuild...he's doing his job.

Benning has 5 years, Willie is just a puppet going through the motions at this point. Hopefully teaching the young kids how to play the pro game, but other than that, Willie won't be here to see this thing play out.
- Scooby_Doo

You might wanna prepare yourself for the fact that IF this club makes the playoffs next year somehow Willie will be back for awhile. Something we may all wanna wrap our heads around here...

Going in 2 different directions.

Get your higher end players that take less years to develop. As long as you draft well you should have players in the minors that are developing and can complement the more skilled players.

Rust and Knuhuckel are both 2010 mid round picks for the penguins.

Trading draft picks and young players is for when you have a need and are competitive, not a move for the future. Time Van is back to being competitive Gudbranson could be 30 and lost all value.
- manvanfan

30 and no value?


How does that make sense?

Usually a prime time for a D man...