Where would he play? We need size on our 3rd line not another small forward. Rodin and Bae are our small forward and we have reached our quota
- CanuckDon

I was thinking with bo and sven. Then sutter, rodin and hansen as a shut down line that can all skate well, are good defensively and can still chip in. Then have a 4th line of Etem, Gaunce and Dorsett.

I had no problem with the pick other than Calgary was for sure taking a forward it would have been nice to grab a 2nd or 3rd rounder from Calgary especially since they had so many and drop back a spot.

Good read about him on the canucks website saying only 7 dmen have played as 17 year olds on World JR team.

http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=888591&navid=DL|VAN|home


- mauryballstein

Good read (and some nice highlights), thanks for sharing. The thing that really impressed me in the highlight package was Juolevi's ability to get the puck on net, despite being pressured at the blue line. That's something we sorely need from our defenseman, especially on the power play. And that's a talent that you either have or don't, as it's more of an intuitive type of play. It's nice to see him getting praise from Hunter as being a great team guy as well as having individual success. As is pointed out, playing against guys like Mariner, Tkachuk, Dvorak, on a regular basis in practice, can only help to elevate your game, something which Juolevi obviously embraced.

I would like to add him too. He plays all 3 forwards spots and for a cheap deal on a 1 or 2 year term get it done. If he doesnt work out flip him at the deadline with nothing lost but a pick gained. Would likely be better than burrows, etem etc
- mauryballstein

I'd definitely take Etem over Pirri. More size and upside. Better than Burrows? Probably...but I'm not sure the team wants to buy him out

I'd definitely take Etem over Pirri. More size and upside. Better than Burrows? Probably...but I'm not sure the team wants to buy him out
- CanuckDon

Well, Pirri scored 22 games one season and Etem has 22 career goals, so I'm not sure upside is the right word there. But if the guy is too injured to play, that's obviously an issue.

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905
- micah555

Well, Pirri scored 22 games one season and Etem has 22 career goals, so I'm not sure upside is the right word there. But if the guy is too injured to play, that's obviously an issue.
- micah555

Sure, if you focus only on goal scoring Etem may not have more upside. Etem is younger and has less experience. If he can figure out his consistency issues he can be a fast and physical 15 goal scorer. Pirri, what you see is likely what you get. A small forward with a knack for scoring goals but not a guy than can drive play or set up his teammates. That being said, I am not an expert on Pirri. In the limited times I have watched Florida he never stood out so I didn't notice him but I obviously wasn't focused on him. If Benning feels there is still untapped potential then it's worth a contract spot if the salary is reasonable.

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905
- micah555

Who's calling the kettle black, isn't a TO homer, they're going to be bad for several more years since they didn't get Stamkos. I doubt they'll be able to sign Tavares next year either so they sign all the marginal free agents' makes them better, weird?

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905
- micah555

I see where they are coming from. I wanted the full rebuild and I think that is what they are referring to. Basically saying the team wont make the playoffs so why hand cuff yourself with eriksons contract. Instead they should have been signing the younger guys who didnt receive qualifying offers and signed them to cheap short term deals much like toronto did and then use those guys to acquire more picks.

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905
- micah555

They are just stating the obvious.

Vancouver signs a player for 6 years to the most out of the sedins for 2 years.

Who's calling the kettle black, isn't a TO homer, they're going to be bad for several more years since they didn't get Stamkos. I doubt they'll be able to sign Tavares next year either so they sign all the marginal free agents' makes them better, weird?
- allsports

I would be shocked to see JT leave for Toronto.

NYI not only have a very solid team but have a very good prospect base with some being very close to NHL ready. To bad they lost a couple guys through free agency though.

- Marwood

I know, I know. It's just that he gets paid to analyse transactions and he can't even come up with an analysis. Seems lazy: "Their team is bad. Good player, won't help."

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905
- micah555

The centre of the universe has determined the Canucks need to tank and rebuild.

Trying to remain competitive means you lack direction.

I have said it before, it is like Fox News talking points when it comes to the Canucks. It has all been determined buy someone, they wrote it down, and everyone is repeating it.

At the end of last season, beyond all the injuries, it was evident we needed more scoring and a bit more grit.

Scoring was added with Eriksson and grit was added with Gudbranson.

was it enough? we are going to find out in the fall.

the media is fecked.

I know, I know. It's just that he gets paid to analyse transactions and he can't even come up with an analysis. Seems lazy: "Their team is bad. Good player, won't help."
- micah555

I know the Sedins will be 2 years older and the lineup has changed quite a bit, but Vrbata's first season here he scored 30 and we made the playoffs.

If Eriksson can score 30 and Daniel can chip in 25... who knows?

Our Defense looks better than last season.

The playoffs aren't out of the question if we don't see the same rash of injuries we saw last season.

Maybe I am delusional but I think there is a chance. if we miss, I hope we sell and drop some spots for a better pick.

I see where they are coming from. I wanted the full rebuild and I think that is what they are referring to. Basically saying the team wont make the playoffs so why hand cuff yourself with eriksons contract. Instead they should have been signing the younger guys who didnt receive qualifying offers and signed them to cheap short term deals much like toronto did and then use those guys to acquire more picks.
- mauryballstein

That isn't a proven metric for creating a competitive hockey team though. Clearly the Canucks are still trying to compete for a playoff spot and they are adding talent to do that. The other option of singing plugs to fill in while they lose or hanging younger players out to dry in rolls they aren't necessarily ready to fill has ruined or hampered a lot of talent over the years. I just find it odd how dismissive they are to consider the impact the moves could have. The Canucks missed the playoffs 3 seasons ago, shocked all the pundits to make them 2 years ago and then crashed and burned last year. I's not unlikely they'll been an improved team over the one that finished 28th.

The centre of the universe has determined the Canucks need to tank and rebuild.

Trying to remain competitive means you lack direction.

I have said it before, it is like Fox News talking points when it comes to the Canucks. It has all been determined buy someone, they wrote it down, and everyone is repeating it.

At the end of last season, beyond all the injuries, it was evident we needed more scoring and a bit more grit.

Scoring was added with Eriksson and grit was added with Gudbranson.

was it enough? we are going to find out in the fall.

the media is fecked.

- hillbillydeluxe

I agree the media loves to stroked the leafs and deflate the Canucks because weve been so solid for so long in comparison, but I kinda agree with them here. Erikkson and Guddy make us a bubble team, not a legit threat. Barring a big leap season from Bo or JV, I don't see this team making it to the dance.

This being said, we are a better team and teams should be trying to get better and younger. I kinda wanted to see one more tank before this, but am happy to see a better quality roster this year cause it will make the games better to watch.
I expect more growing pains as the roster figures out its chemistry with so many changes in two years.
This Kane/Landeskog rumor is kind of fun, I feel like we just don't have the parts to make theat kind of deal work, but would love that kkind of grit in the top-6

I see where they are coming from. I wanted the full rebuild and I think that is what they are referring to. Basically saying the team wont make the playoffs so why hand cuff yourself with eriksons contract. Instead they should have been signing the younger guys who didnt receive qualifying offers and signed them to cheap short term deals much like toronto did and then use those guys to acquire more picks.
- mauryballstein

Easy for you and the eastern media to say that we should gut the team and do a long rebuild. Aqulini is running a business and won't sign up for continual losing and empty seats. This isn't Toronto who have the benefit of a large population base and limitless corporate support. The Leafs decided a full tear down was the way to go and now the Eastern media has determined that's the only course of action for all teams that are near the bottom of the standings. Since when did emulating the Leafs become the popular/ right thing to do? Let's see them make the playoffs before we anoint Lou and Shanny geniuses

please lets stay away from players nobody seems to want to keep.
Russel, pirri, gagner.
at 26 gagners been traded countless times....the last as a "we'll take on Prongers useless contract but in return you have to take gagner"......not good. Word out of philly previously after his 1st stint with them was that he has a nasty drinking problem

No thanks
- SMBDragon

Sam Gagner and Simon Gagne are not the same person...

I know the Sedins will be 2 years older and the lineup has changed quite a bit, but Vrbata's first season here he scored 30 and we made the playoffs.

If Eriksson can score 30 and Daniel can chip in 25... who knows?

Our Defense looks better than last season.

The playoffs aren't out of the question if we don't see the same rash of injuries we saw last season.

Maybe I am delusional but I think there is a chance. if we miss, I hope we sell and drop some spots for a better pick.
- hillbillydeluxe

I think we all hope that.

We've got decent goaltending, the forward group should be improved, the prospects will hopefully come ready to compete harder and we've added a big piece to both forward and defence. Fighting for a playoff spot is a very realistic goal. We already know the Oilers have dibbs on the top spot, so why would we want to tank from game 1?

Sam Gagner and Simon Gagne are not the same person...
- Vanoxy

Aren't they? Has anyone ever seen them in the same room together?

I think we all hope that.

We've got decent goaltending, the forward group should be improved, the prospects will hopefully come ready to compete harder and we've added a big piece to both forward and defence. Fighting for a playoff spot is a very realistic goal. We already know the Oilers have dibbs on the top spot, so why would we want to tank from game 1?
- micah555

Exactly, I don't think we are that far removed from the playoff picture. We are an improved team and there are 82 games to play. If we are struggling near the deadline move as many assets as possible and aim for another top 10 pick. The Canucks owe it to their fans and veteran players to at least try icing a competitive team.

I know, I know. It's just that he gets paid to analyse transactions and he can't even come up with an analysis. Seems lazy: "Their team is bad. Good player, won't help."
- micah555

Guys from the east are best not to comment on teams that they may watch once or twice a season.
Calling it 'lazy analysis' is being polite.

Does anyone else notice that the talking heads at TSN (and around hockey in general) give no credence to the idea that team and player performances aren't static? Case in point, Scott Cullen says Eriksson isn't a good idea in Vancouver because the Canucks aren't good, so why sign a good player?

http://www.tsn.ca/statist...fit-in-vancouver-1.519309

It's like the fact that they are not trying to just get run over for a bunch of years is apparently beyond consideration.

And then in this clip, they say signing Eriksson is a sign that Benning doesn't know what he's doing. I find it very fatalistic of them to assume teams are just going to fail year after year.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vid...ds-nhl-free-agency~903905
- micah555

Scott Cullen is a moron

Easy for you and the eastern media to say that we should gut the team and do a long rebuild. Aqulini is running a business and won't sign up for continual losing and empty seats. This isn't Toronto who have the benefit of a large population base and limitless corporate support. The Leafs decided a full tear down was the way to go and now the Eastern media has determined that's the only course of action for all teams that are near the bottom of the standings. Since when did emulating the Leafs become the popular/ right thing to do? Let's see them make the playoffs before we anoint Lou and Shanny geniuses
- CanuckDon

Tearing it down and building through the draft was an idea long, long, long before the Leafs did it.

In fact, the joke was that the Leafs refused to do a proper rebuild.

This method wasn't invented by the Leafs, nor did it become popular just because the Leafs are currently employing said strategy. This goes back quite a while.

Tearing it down and building through the draft was an idea long, long, long before the Leafs did it.

In fact, the joke was that the Leafs refused to do a proper rebuild.

This method wasn't invented by the Leafs, nor did it become popular just because the Leafs are currently employing said strategy. This goes back quite a while.
- walshyleafsfan

I am referring to the eastern media views on a rebuild not saying the Leafs are doing anything unique. Lets see if Toronto can accomplish what Edmonton couldn't