Edler Tanev
Hutton Gudbrandson
Gorges Tryamkin

Pedan Larsen


Not bad
- VANTEL

No Kris Russell replacing Hammer?

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.
- LeftCoaster

Exactly !! I do like some of the prospects coming in soon but demko and Boeser aren't much help to this current team for probably 2/3 years ... But if guys like Sven, Rodin, tree, Hutton, etc can either come in and prove they are a part of the future or improve on last season then things start to look a little bit brighter

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
- WhiteLie

Bo Horvat was drafted three years ago, this will be his 4th season after his draft, he's still developing so I completely disagree with you. Playing games is meaningless, contributing is meaningful.

Barkov, MacKinnon, Lindholm & Monahan were the centers taken in front of Horvat, they took a few years to develop and they're some seriously talented players. Development takes time.

Exactly !! I do like some of the prospects coming in soon but demko and Boeser aren't much help to this current team for probably 2/3 years ... But if guys like Sven, Rodin, tree, Hutton, etc can either come in and prove they are a part of the future or improve on last season then things start to look a little bit brighter
- Redmile247

Sven and Hutton are on the upswing and will show more improvement IMO.

Tree and Rodin remain to be seen.

Sven and Hutton are on the upswing and will show more improvement IMO.

Tree and Rodin remain to be seen.
- LordHumungous

They both could ...but they both could see hiccups as well ...last year you had less proven depth ...so Sven and Hutton were given more rope than they will have this year ...with the additions that were made I think mistakes will be punished a bit harsher this year so a couple bad games could slide guys down the lineup ...which should make it more impressive if both succeed and improve

Bo Horvat was drafted three years ago, this will be his 4th season after his draft, he's still developing so I completely disagree with you. Playing games is meaningless, contributing is meaningful.

Barkov, MacKinnon, Lindholm & Monahan were the centers taken in front of Horvat, they took a few years to develop and they're some seriously talented players. Development takes time.
- LeftCoaster

Obviously each situation is different. I wont bother commenting on Mackinnon or Barkov as top 3 pick should be elite performers given the trend of the past decade. I will say though that Monahan came into the NHL right away and hasnt score less than 20 goals in each of his 3 seasons, Domi was a legitimate top 6 forward and has nearly caught Horvat in career points despite last year being his rookie season. You can look at Larkin, drafted a year after Horvat and his impact already as a mid-first rounder. Based on draft position, it is possible for the Canucks to select a player in the top 15 capable of being impact NHLer in less than your time frame

If you think the Sedins retire at the end of their contracts then the team is in trouble for bottoming out, but I really dont see it happening. Nor do I see a Naslund ending as the team will recognize the replacements aren't ready yet and wont let them walk. The Sedin ending wont be as dramatic of an impact as you fear, with natural progression/development and without adding any significant pieces, the team will likely still hover around the wildcard race until the new draft picks hit their strides

EDIT: and yes Horvat is still developing, but he put up 25 points in his draft+1 year, and 40 points in his draft+2 year. I know this piece is a year old but that puts him in low range 2C already. He could keep developing as he goes towards his prime years, but he is providing meaningful contributions while also learning the NHL game http://www.habseyesonthep...e-nhl-production-analysis

Exactly !! I do like some of the prospects coming in soon but demko and Boeser aren't much help to this current team for probably 2/3 years ... But if guys like Sven, Rodin, tree, Hutton, etc can either come in and prove they are a part of the future or improve on last season then things start to look a little bit brighter
- Redmile247

Do you mean projecting him as an impact top 6 player next season is a tad optimistic?

Do you mean projecting him as an impact top 6 player next season is a tad optimistic?
- golfingsince

On most teams yes ...but the Canucks ....maybe not

On most teams yes ...but the Canucks ....maybe not
- Redmile247

I would rather not heap unreasonable expectations on our prospects, and allow them to develop at their own pace instead of gifting them roster spots. I have no illusions that all of our young players will become impact players at this level.

Like Lefty, I think we are still quite a ways away from finishing this rebuild. We need to continue to draft and develop, and it could take some time. There are no quick fixes.

Obviously each situation is different. I wont bother commenting on Mackinnon or Barkov as top 3 pick should be elite performers given the trend of the past decade. I will say though that Monahan came into the NHL right away and hasnt score less than 20 goals in each of his 3 seasons, Domi as a rookie has nearly caught Horvat in career points despite last year being his rookie season and was a legitimate top 6 forward. You can look at Larkin, drafted a year after Horvat and his impact already as a mid-first rounder. Based on draft position, it is possible for the Canucks to select a player in the top 15 capable of being impact NHLer in less than your time frame

If you think the Sedins retire at the end of their contracts then the team is in trouble for bottoming out, but I really dont see it happening. Nor do I see a Naslund ending as the team will recognize the replacements aren't ready yet and wont let them walk. The Sedin ending wont be as dramatic of an impact as you fear, with natural progression/development and without adding any significant pieces, the team will likely still hover around the wildcard race until the new draft picks hit their strides
- WhiteLie

Hey….I hope more than anyone else on the planet that they hit with a center on draft day, trust me, I want that to happen so bad!

As for the Sedins, they'll be 37 turning 38 when their contracts expire, I just don't see them wanting to play any more than MAYBE one year as 38 year olds. Which gives them an extra year to develop.

To be honest, as much as I love the twins and think they're amazing people and players, I want the Vancouver Canucks to move on from them when their current contracts expire. I like that they're here to currently insulate the kids, but the longer they stay, the longer ownership and management continue to get stuck in the win now mode.

Sven and Hutton are on the upswing and will show more improvement IMO.

Tree and Rodin remain to be seen.
- LordHumungous

That's reasonable to expect but foolish to assume.

Obviously each situation is different. I wont bother commenting on Mackinnon or Barkov as top 3 pick should be elite performers given the trend of the past decade. I will say though that Monahan came into the NHL right away and hasnt score less than 20 goals in each of his 3 seasons, Domi was a legitimate top 6 forward and has nearly caught Horvat in career points despite last year being his rookie season. You can look at Larkin, drafted a year after Horvat and his impact already as a mid-first rounder. Based on draft position, it is possible for the Canucks to select a player in the top 15 capable of being impact NHLer in less than your time frame

If you think the Sedins retire at the end of their contracts then the team is in trouble for bottoming out, but I really dont see it happening. Nor do I see a Naslund ending as the team will recognize the replacements aren't ready yet and wont let them walk. The Sedin ending wont be as dramatic of an impact as you fear, with natural progression/development and without adding any significant pieces, the team will likely still hover around the wildcard race until the new draft picks hit their strides

EDIT: and yes Horvat is still developing, but he put up 25 points in his draft+1 year, and 40 points in his draft+2 year. I know this piece is a year old but that puts him in low range 2C already. He could keep developing as he goes towards his prime years, but he is providing meaningful contributions while also learning the NHL game http://www.habseyesonthep...e-nhl-production-analysis
- WhiteLie

I think that it's a mistake to expect certain production from young players based on where they were drafted. It's a case by case basis. Some can step right in, but others develop slower and that's fine.

Hey….I hope more than anyone else on the planet that they hit with a center on draft day, trust me, I want that to happen so bad!

As for the Sedins, they'll be 37 turning 38 when their contracts expire, I just don't see them wanting to play any more than MAYBE one year as 38 year olds. Which gives them an extra year to develop.

To be honest, as much as I love the twins and think they're amazing people and players, I want the Vancouver Canucks to move on from them when their current contracts expire. I like that they're here to currently insulate the kids, but the longer they stay, the longer ownership and management continue to get stuck in the win now mode.
- LeftCoaster

I'd like the twins to stick around as secondary players if they remain effective.

I would rather not heap unreasonable expectations on our prospects, and allow them to develop at their own pace instead of gifting them roster spots. I have no illusions that all of our young players will become impact players at this level.

Like Lefty, I think we are still quite a ways away from finishing this rebuild. We need to continue to draft and develop, and it could take some time. There are no quick fixes.
- golfingsince

It's hard to find players with top line skill or potential legit starter skill ...you found them now don't (frank) them up ...let them develop into these roles

Hey….I hope more than anyone else on the planet that they hit with a center on draft day, trust me, I want that to happen so bad!

As for the Sedins, they'll be 37 turning 38 when their contracts expire, I just don't see them wanting to play any more than MAYBE one year as 38 year olds. Which gives them an extra year to develop.

To be honest, as much as I love the twins and think they're amazing people and players, I want the Vancouver Canucks to move on from them when their current contracts expire. I like that they're here to currently insulate the kids, but the longer they stay, the longer ownership and management continue to get stuck in the win now mode.
- LeftCoaster

I have some optimism but don't want to turn my back on reality...
thinking a smooth transition when the Sedins retire is a year or two of missing the playoffs and some high quality picks and then hopefully whoever we have in the system starts producing by then.

there is a chance Bo continues to develop into a #1 centre or we draft one in the next couple of years.

and plan b is a free agent acquisition. Sedins retire, we have some salary cap to pursue a high end ufa if there is one available. even if we don't get that stand out franchise #1 centre, it might not be the end of the world if we have 2 good wingers to surround who ever we do see as #1 centre. (thinking Brendan Morrison type of 1c)

I know we aren't there yet, but I think JB has started to make his mark.

That's reasonable to expect but foolish to assume.
- CubanBuffet

Not assuming anything...just expecting.

Obviously each situation is different. I wont bother commenting on Mackinnon or Barkov as top 3 pick should be elite performers given the trend of the past decade. I will say though that Monahan came into the NHL right away and hasnt score less than 20 goals in each of his 3 seasons, Domi was a legitimate top 6 forward and has nearly caught Horvat in career points despite last year being his rookie season. You can look at Larkin, drafted a year after Horvat and his impact already as a mid-first rounder. Based on draft position, it is possible for the Canucks to select a player in the top 15 capable of being impact NHLer in less than your time frame.

If you think the Sedins retire at the end of their contracts then the team is in trouble for bottoming out, but I really dont see it happening. Nor do I see a Naslund ending as the team will recognize the replacements aren't ready yet and wont let them walk. The Sedin ending wont be as dramatic of an impact as you fear, with natural progression/development and without adding any significant pieces, the team will likely still hover around the wildcard race until the new draft picks hit their strides

EDIT: and yes Horvat is still developing, but he put up 25 points in his draft+1 year, and 40 points in his draft+2 year. I know this piece is a year old but that puts him in low range 2C already. He could keep developing as he goes towards his prime years, but he is providing meaningful contributions while also learning the NHL game http://www.habseyesonthep...e-nhl-production-analysis
- WhiteLie

It is definitely possible. It just isn't likely to happen, for every Dylan Larkin there is significantly more players who either don't make it or take longer to make it.

Horvat has developed very nicely so far and IMO is one of those guys who has exceed expectations so far.

Here is a list of centres drafted between 4-20 (not in the elite top 3 spots although I would argue it is generally top 5) between 2009-2013 and their production in their first 2 seasons in the NHL.

Ive bolded those that have IMO developed quicker than expected. Ironically they are all from the 2013 year.

Schenn 20
Kadri 19
Glennie 0
Holland 6
Josefson 19
Johansen 33
Burmistov 48
Granlund 49
Hishon 1
Watson 11
Bjugstad 22
Strome 44
Zibanejad 14
Scheifele 1
Couturier 42
Miller 8
McNeill 0
Forsberg 6
Grigorenko 9
Faksa 12
Girgensons 52
Hertl 56
Lindholm 78
Monahan 125
Horvat 65
Domi 52
Wennberg 60
Lazar 35

Edit. Couturier should really be included as well considering his injury his 2nd season as he would of likely hit that 60 pt mark.

I have some optimism but don't want to turn my back on reality...
thinking a smooth transition when the Sedins retire is a year or two of missing the playoffs and some high quality picks and then hopefully whoever we have in the system starts producing by then.

there is a chance Bo continues to develop into a #1 centre or we draft one in the next couple of years.

and plan b is a free agent acquisition. Sedins retire, we have some salary cap to pursue a high end ufa if there is one available. even if we don't get that stand out franchise #1 centre, it might not be the end of the world if we have 2 good wingers to surround who ever we do see as #1 centre. (thinking Brendan Morrison type of 1c)

I know we aren't there yet, but I think JB has started to make his mark.
- hillbillydeluxe

Realistically I think that is what will happen, but not bottoming out, and the missed playoffs are a result of the new core taking its growing pains being the new go-to guys

It is definitely possible. It just isn't likely to happen, for every Dylan Larkin there is significantly more players who either don't make it or take longer to make it.

Horvat has developed very nicely so far and IMO is one of those guys who has exceed expectations so far.

Here is a list of centres drafted between 4-20 (not in the elite top 3 spots although I would argue it is generally top 5) between 2009-2013 and their production in their first 2 seasons in the NHL.

Ive bolded those that have IMO developed quicker than expected. Ironically they are all from the 2013 year.

Schenn 20
Kadri 19
Glennie 0
Holland 6
Josefson 19
Johansen 33
Burmistov 48
Granlund 49
Hishon 1
Watson 11
Bjugstad 22
Strome 44
Zibanejad 14
Scheifele 1
Couturier 42
Miller 8
McNeill 0
Forsberg 6
Grigorenko 9
Faksa 12
Girgensons 52
Hertl 56
Lindholm 78
Monahan 125
Horvat 65
Domi 52
Wennberg 60
Lazar 35

Edit. Couturier should really be included as well considering his injury his 2nd season as he would of likely hit that 60 pt mark.
- belcherbd

Granlund at 9OA looks pretty good too considering his first season was about 20-30 games.

I know the odds are more likely to find a slower developing player than a Larkin, but seeing the guys you've highlighted I think supports my theory of the new generation of prospects being a little more NHL ready (also depending on draft class as some are obviously weaker).

If we compiled this list after next season to include the 2014 draft in the same range, it would probably include Fabbri, Larkin, and McCann (cases could be made for Bennett/Nylander depending on your expectations) as your quick developers. It would be interesting to see if any others break through this year

Not assuming anything...just expecting.
- LordHumungous

Fans can do either, all you're risking is disappointment. Management is a different story.

I have some optimism but don't want to turn my back on reality...
thinking a smooth transition when the Sedins retire is a year or two of missing the playoffs and some high quality picks and then hopefully whoever we have in the system starts producing by then.

there is a chance Bo continues to develop into a #1 centre or we draft one in the next couple of years.

and plan b is a free agent acquisition. Sedins retire, we have some salary cap to pursue a high end ufa if there is one available. even if we don't get that stand out franchise #1 centre, it might not be the end of the world if we have 2 good wingers to surround who ever we do see as #1 centre. (thinking Brendan Morrison type of 1c)

I know we aren't there yet, but I think JB has started to make his mark.
- hillbillydeluxe

He's already made a bigger mark than Gillis did. Gillis inherited most of his impact players.

He's already made a bigger mark than Gillis did. Gillis inherited most of his impact players.
- CubanBuffet

To be honest, so has Benning at this point.

Granlund at 9OA looks pretty good too considering his first season was about 20-30 games.

I know the odds are more likely to find a slower developing player than a Larkin, but seeing the guys you've highlighted I think supports my theory of the new generation of prospects being a little more NHL ready (also depending on draft class as some are obviously weaker).

If we compiled this list after next season to include the 2014 draft in the same range, it would probably include Fabbri, Larkin, and McCann (cases could be made for Bennett/Nylander depending on your expectations) as your quick developers. It would be interesting to see if any others break through this year
- WhiteLie

I didn't include Granlund because we were talking about developing earlier than that 2-3 year window. His first season was split in the AHL/NHL.

If I set it at Draft +2 season we would see even more players not qualify either.

I think players do arrive more NHL ready but don't think that there has been a huge difference between that period of time. I think 2013 was just a really good year for those top ranked Centres.

Those guys you mentioned might make it.....but might not as well. Some of them fall out of that range that I was using. If you want to go 4-30 or whatever your number of players not making it in that window also increases significantly.

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
- WhiteLie

This explained why our D sucked last year. Our highest drafted D was Sbisa. Benning suck! Should have kept Cam Barker. 3OA. #assetmanagement #firebenning

Happy holiday weekend!

Don't sweat the Kane talk, and some news on Horvat, Etem and Max Lapierre in the new blog:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...om-Horvat--Etem/194/78415