So without an age marker we have 10 roster players who were 1st round picks. Plus Marky and Eriksson who went 31st and 33rd. That's more than half the roster. Weird.
- NorthNuck

Really weird, but kinda cool to look at the roster that way:

Henrik Sedin C 35 3rd OA
Daniel Sedin LW 35 2nd OA
Loui Eriksson RW 31 33rd OA
Alex Burrows RW 35 Undrafted
Brandon Sutter C 27 11th OA
Derek Dorsett RW 29 189 OA (7th round)
Jannik Hansen RW 30 287 OA (9th round)
Sven Baertschi LW 23 13th OA
Markus Granlund C 45th OA
Bo Horvat C 21 9th OA
Jake Virtanen RW 19 6th OA
Brendan Gaunce 22 26th OA
Emerson Etem LW 24 29th OA

Alexander Edler D 30 91 OA (3rd round)
Christopher Tanev 26 Undrafted
Luca Sbisa D 26 19th OA
Erik Gudbranson 24 3rd OA
Nikita Tryamkin D 21 66 OA (3rd round)
Ben Hutton D 23 147 OA (5th round)
Philip Larsen D 26 149 OA (5th round)
Andrey Pedan D 23 63 OA (3rd round)

Ryan Miller G 36 138 OA (5th round)
Jacob Markstrom 26 31st OA
Thatcher Demko 20 36th OA

I don't find a huge difference between a 26 yr old or 27 yr old. I guess Lefty does, seeing he was hell bent to prove the comment wrong.

My point is we have 7 first round players on the roster already so I don't find a big deal if we trade one years first round pick to aquire a 4 th overall pick. We also have 2 more first round picks that. Will both crack the roster in the next two years.

I get where some don't realize , but the rebuild is mostly done and now we will just add by development
- VANTEL

We used to be able to have fun chuckin poop at each other, now you're turning into a crusty old poophawk.

The rebuild is far from over, they just started, it'll be over when they provide results, at least that's how I see it. The Oilers rebuild isn't over, they haven't proven anything, neither have the Canucks.

If/when the Sedins retire this team would hit rock bottom as constructed, building is and should be a continual process.

So without an age marker we have 10 roster players who were 1st round picks. Plus Marky and Eriksson who went 31st and 33rd. That's more than half the roster. Weird.
- NorthNuck

I think if you check around the league most teams are chalked full of first rounders. The point is, Vantel was saying we have a bunch of you sub 26 year old guys, for the next generation of players...at least that's the way I read it.

Sutter is not a young next generation player, he's a veteran who turns 28 this season, Sbisa is a first rounder but he's at best a 5/6 defenceman, being drafted in the first round just means someone thought you had potential, doesn't mean you're a sure fire NHL star!

Gaunce isn't on the team yet, he was called up because of injury and sent back down when the Nucks couldn't win a game because he couldn't produce. I hope he makes it this year but he's not, as of yet, a full time NHL'er.

The truth is Benning has acquired some really good young prospects, but they're largely unproven. I'm still pretty pumped about the small group however! Benning needs to continue to add to Virtanen, Juloevi, Boeser, Gudbranson, Horvat, Hutton & Demko because there's still a lot of holes in the organization when Henrik and Daniel retire.

So without an age marker we have 10 roster players who were 1st round picks. Plus Marky and Eriksson who went 31st and 33rd. That's more than half the roster. Weird.
- NorthNuck

How many of those 1st round picks have proven to be impact players?

1 ?

Edit...I was still talking bout under 27 year old players.

If Benning trades our 1st rd pick there will be another riot. There's no way he does that.........


is there?

- storm88

I hope this is true...the cry fest would be epic around here

I hope this is true...the cry fest would be epic around here
- CanuckDon

Twitter would certainly be entertaining

I think if you check around the league most teams are chalked full of first rounders. The point is, Vantel was saying we have a bunch of you sub 26 year old guys, for the next generation of players...at least that's the way I read it.

Sutter is not a young next generation player, he's a veteran who turns 28 this season, Sbisa is a first rounder but he's at best a 5/6 defenceman, being drafted in the first round just means someone thought you had potential, doesn't mean you're a sure fire NHL star!

Gaunce isn't on the team yet, he was called up because of injury and sent back down when the Nucks couldn't win a game because he couldn't produce. I hope he makes it this year but he's not, as of yet, a full time NHL'er.

The truth is Benning has acquired some really good young prospects, but they're largely unproven. I'm still pretty pumped about the small group however! Benning needs to continue to add to Virtanen, Juloevi, Boeser, Gudbranson, Horvat, Hutton & Demko because there's still a lot of holes in the organization when Henrik and Daniel retire.
- LeftCoaster

At least he has managed to fill the age category we have been missing. I would say some of them have been pretty smart even though he gave up some extra picks to fill them. I'm still not totally sold on him as GM but he has been working hard and he can draft like nobody's business.(at least right now his drafting looks good)

I hope this is true...the cry fest would be epic around here
- CanuckDon

I might be in the minority but if a 1st and Sbisa is all it take to acquire Kane and Georges, I would be all over it.

The team would no doubt be better in the short term.

I hope this is true...the cry fest would be epic around here
- CanuckDon

Kane is not worth our 1st next year.

We used to be able to have fun chuckin poop at each other, now you're turning into a crusty old poophawk.

The rebuild is far from over, they just started, it'll be over when they provide results, at least that's how I see it. The Oilers rebuild isn't over, they haven't proven anything, neither have the Canucks.

If/when the Sedins retire this team would hit rock bottom as constructed, building is and should be a continual process.
- LeftCoaster

If the Sedins retired today, you would be correct. But I think what Vantel's stance is (and I see it similarly) is that JB has bridged the age gap and acquired pieces that still have room to grow/develop that complete the depth of the team for the time they do retire. I am not sure if management believes that Horvat/JV are future top line players (I believe they feel Boeser is one), so adding a young top line talent like Kane is needed.

Personally, I think as long as JB hits on his 1st round picks he should be able to fill that Sedin role within the next several years, or at least have quality forwards in the top 6 capable of platooning the top line roles

I might be in the minority but if a 1st and Sbisa is all it take to acquire Kane and Georges, I would be all over it.

The team would no doubt be better in the short term.
- belcherbd

I think we make the playoffs with that roster and that would be exciting...Still think it's not happening.

If the Sedins retired today, you would be correct. But I think what Vantel's stance is (and I see it similarly) is that JB has bridged the age gap and acquired pieces that still have room to grow/develop that complete the depth of the team for the time they do retire. I am not sure if management believes that Horvat/JV are future top line players (I believe they feel Boeser is one), so adding a young top line talent like Kane is needed.

Personally, I think as long as JB hits on his 1st round picks he should be able to fill that Sedin role within the next several years, or at least have quality forwards in the top 6 capable of platooning the top line roles
- WhiteLie

We still don't have any players in that " age gap " that have proven to be more than complimentary players. I don't understand why people are so quick to congratulate Benning on picking up players who haven't yet reached expectations just because they in that age range.

At least he has managed to fill the age category we have been missing. I would say some of them have been pretty smart even though he gave up some extra picks to fill them. I'm still not totally sold on him as GM but he has been working hard and he can draft like nobody's business.(at least right now his drafting looks good)
- thundachunk

Agreed....he's done an admirable job trying to close the generational gap with his acquisitions of some young players like Baertschi, Vey & Pedan. He gave up a young player, Jensen, to acquire another young player in Etem so I'm not sure that counts?

Etem is on a show me contract like Vey was, he's got a lot to prove and at this point it's not outta the question they cut ties with him if he doesn't produce! Just like Vey.

I guess I just don't see or articulate everything with rose coloured glasses on, I comment on the reality of what I've seen with my own two eyes. To me the truth is this organization has a long way to go in the building process, those who say it's mostly done are completely outta touch with the reality of the situation.

I've continually said if Benning is given enough time he'll draft a winner here, but he's just started for Christ sakes! He's not a miracle worker in that he can't fix the Nonis and Gillis years in 24 months, he's got a long ways to go, there's a lot of unknowns and a lot of holes to plug.

We still don't have any players in that " age gap " that have proven to be more than complimentary players. I don't understand why people are so quick to congratulate Benning on picking up players who haven't yet reached expectations just because they in that age range.
- belcherbd

Thats what I have acknowledged, these young guys acquired are NHLers but the depth of the team (with an outside shot of something more based on their draft potential). I am not counting on these guys to be impact players, I expect JB to get those guys through the draft, but they are capable NHLers that the team needed in a younger age gap

If the Sedins retired today, you would be correct. But I think what Vantel's stance is (and I see it similarly) is that JB has bridged the age gap and acquired pieces that still have room to grow/develop that complete the depth of the team for the time they do retire. I am not sure if management believes that Horvat/JV are future top line players (I believe they feel Boeser is one), so adding a young top line talent like Kane is needed.

Personally, I think as long as JB hits on his 1st round picks he should be able to fill that Sedin role within the next several years, or at least have quality forwards in the top 6 capable of platooning the top line roles
- WhiteLie

It takes awhile to develop young players, two to three years IMO. That's where my head is as far as when the twins retire, thus, he hasn't currently got the pieces in place to stop the free-fall in two years should the twins retire.

a few tweets from 1130

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 1h1 hour ago
The agent for Sam Gagner says a number of teams including the #Canucks are still in the mix. Gagner is getting closer to signing.

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 1h1 hour ago
Been told #Canucks gm Jim Benning called Chris Tanev and his agent this week to shoot down recent trade rumours. #Canucks

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 1h1 hour ago
Benning told the Tanev camp that he doesn't want to trade him but there was also no guarantee made. #Canucks

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 46m46 minutes ago
Rodin on expectations : " I want to play my best, be the player I was in Sweden. I'm ready and way more prepared for the NHL." #Canucks

Agreed....he's done an admirable job trying to close the generational gap with his acquisitions of some young players like Baertschi, Vey & Pedan. He gave up a young player, Jensen, to acquire another young player in Etem so I'm not sure that counts?

Etem is on a show me contract like Vey was, he's got a lot to prove and at this point it's not outta the question they cut ties with him if he doesn't produce! Just like Vey.

I guess I just don't see or articulate everything with rose coloured glasses on, I comment on the reality of what I've seen with my own two eyes. To me the truth is this organization has a long way to go in the building process, those who say it's mostly done are completely outta touch with the reality of the situation.

I've continually said if Benning is given enough time he'll draft a winner here, but he's just started for Christ sakes! He's not a miracle worker in that he can't fix the Nonis and Gillis years in 24 months, he's got a long ways to go, there's a lot of unknowns and a lot of holes to plug.
- LeftCoaster

To me a rebuild is over when you know you have 5/6 top 6 and 3/4 top 4 and your goalie ...and none of them are prospects who project to be or you hope can be but they are all in your lineup producing in those roles ...the rest of the peices are easy or easier to obtain to fill your team

We still don't have any players in that " age gap " that have proven to be more than complimentary players. I don't understand why people are so quick to congratulate Benning on picking up players who haven't yet reached expectations just because they in that age range.
- belcherbd

This is what I take issue with!! Just because you're a young first rounder means jack poop if you're nothing more than a middle or bottom six player. I don't get that.

Etem has been traded twice, he's 23, he's largely STILL a question mark. Gaunce is another one, he's a bottom six complimentary player who hasn't cracked the roster yet, why are we listing him like he's made the team even? Pedan has played what, 15 NHL games and he'll probably be a 5/6/7 guy his whole career, again, why are we singing praises for acquiring him? Vey has already been cut loose because he didn't pan out.

There's a lot of work to be done to make the team competitive down the road, but I like the direction Benning is taking them with his drafting.

I think we make the playoffs with that roster and that would be exciting...Still think it's not happening.
- CanuckDon

Ya I agree on all fronts.

To me a rebuild is over when you know you have 5/6 top 6 and 3/4 top 4 and your goalie ...and none of them are prospects who project to be or you hope can be but they are all in your lineup producing in those roles ...the rest of the peices are easy or easier to obtain to fill your team
- Redmile247

When you've got some young players, such as Bennett, Monahan, Gaudreau, Hamilton & Brodie, who've proven themselves at the NHL level, then you can say you're on your way.

Results matter! The Canucks haven't got there yet.

This is what I take issue with!! Just because you're a young first rounder means jack poop if you're nothing more than a middle or bottom six player. I don't get that.

Etem has been traded twice, he's 23, he's largely STILL a question mark. Gaunce is another one, he's a bottom six complimentary player who hasn't cracked the roster yet, why are we listing him like he's made the team even? Pedan has played what, 15 NHL games and he'll probably be a 5/6/7 guy his whole career, again, why are we singing praises for acquiring him? Vey has already been cut loose because he didn't pan out.

There's a lot of work to be done to make the team competitive down the road, but I like the direction Benning is taking them with his drafting.
- LeftCoaster

Even Gudbranson and Baertschi who I like, are still just complementary players at this point. I'll pat his back when they can prove they are more than that.

I might be in the minority but if a 1st and Sbisa is all it take to acquire Kane and Georges, I would be all over it.

The team would no doubt be better in the short term.
- belcherbd

Not me, not a chance. For sure they would be better, considering they stay healthy, but this team still doesn't have the depth to absorb injuries to key players. And if that happens that first round pick is too valuable.

It takes awhile to develop young players, two to three years IMO. That's where my head is as far as when the twins retire, thus, he hasn't currently got the pieces in place to stop the free-fall in two years should the twins retire.
- LeftCoaster

Normally I would agree, but the kids these days are coming up well groomed and prepared for the NHL (Sprong a 2nd rounder last year was in 18 NHL games ). There will be growing pains, but every year you see more and more first round picks playing NHL games. I believe if Boeser left college, he would make the Canucks roster but by delaying he should have a more polished game and wouldnt be surprised if 5 or 6 from this past draft make their NHL debuts.

I kinda see JB's approach (admittedly optimistically ) as the opposite of the Oilers, who bottomed out and were drafting pieces to build around. Instead JB has acquired young depth pieces and now has the insulation for young talent to join into

a few tweets from 1130

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 1h1 hour ago
The agent for Sam Gagner says a number of teams including the #Canucks are still in the mix. Gagner is getting closer to signing.

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 1h1 hour ago
Been told #Canucks gm Jim Benning called Chris Tanev and his agent this week to shoot down recent trade rumours. #Canucks

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 1h1 hour ago
Benning told the Tanev camp that he doesn't want to trade him but there was also no guarantee made. #Canucks

NEWS 1130 Sports ‏@NEWS1130Sports · 46m46 minutes ago
Rodin on expectations : " I want to play my best, be the player I was in Sweden. I'm ready and way more prepared for the NHL." #Canucks
- hillbillydeluxe

Even Gudbranson and Baertschi who I like, are still just complementary players at this point. I'll pat his back when they can prove they are more than that.
- belcherbd

I was really disappointed when they traded McCann, kid was skilled! But I completely understand the need to fix the backend and the absolute need for a physical presence back there.

Build from the net out then get yourself TWO legit top six centers.