Why does JB keep reiterating he won't ask players to waive their NTC's? Even when out of playoff contention? Makes zero sense.

You just don't get it, how is it that you and others can blame a specific issue as the sole reason for the performance of the team. And I have to swallow along with this one sided thinking.

The coaching has issues, I get it, done plain and simple. The talent on the team In My Opinion sucks more than anything else, Sven sucks, Grandlund sucks, Skille sucks, Chaput sucks, Megna sucks, Burrows sucks, Sutter is a 3rd line C, Bo is a 3rd line C, Eriksson is a 2nd line LW, the Sedins are 3rd line players, Gudbranson is a #4D, Hutton #5D, Stecher I'm not sure but certainly not better than #4.

It's no wonder WD is blamed.
- Makita

Like we get it. Your super angry at this team. Come up with something more then just depression. An AHL Toronto maple leafs last year came up with a few points less then Van is predicted this year.

We aren't disputing that some of the players on this team are playing outside what their role should be. It's been like that since like 2011.

Nico and Bo could be good compliments together as a 1-2 punch. A more offensive center would compliment Bo then another 200 foot. A LW is probably this teams biggest need. At least they have JV and Boeser on the right side. Nobody Behind Bo either. . Hope that Travis Green can grow some players like Michael Carcone in Utica into some 2nd or 3rd liner.
- manvanfan

I would like Nico or Nolan. Either one would be a good 1-2 punch with Bo. Nolan has a shorter offensive ceiling than Nico, but a much higher floor. The difference in offense may not even be that big to take Nico over Nolan.

This is the only thing I would disagree with. Bo was on pace as a low end 1C and currently still on pace as a solid 2C for points. He could do a lot more with better wingers, and more PP time. He should be having LE and someone else as his wingers. That would give us a legit 2nd line, but the problem is we really don't have a 3rd line if Sutter and LE are Bo's wingers, Hansen with twins. We would essentially have 2 2nd lines and 2 4th lines with everything after those 6.
- Retinalz

Yeah I could see Bo being a 2nd line C with the right personal on either side, but that's what I'm getting at...it's the talent that is being dressed.

I would like Nico or Nolan. Either one would be a good 1-2 punch with Bo. Nolan has a shorter offensive ceiling than Nico, but a much higher floor. The difference in offense may not even be that big to take Nico over Nolan.
- Retinalz

If we have bad lottery luck again. Should be top 3 this year. Gabriel Vilardi?

Like we get it. Your super angry at this team. Come up with something more then just depression. An AHL Toronto maple leafs last year came up with a few points less then Van is predicted this year.

We aren't disputing that some of the players on this team are playing outside what their role should be. It's been like that since like 2011.
- manvanfan

I guess I'm more surprised that there is nothing except excuses and complaints that the issues are WD ad nauseum, yesterday it was B2B and tough schedule, or whatever the reasons that are the flavour of the day, week, month.

So I like to point out that it's the talent deficient players and I'm accused of angry and depression. Maybe it's because I'm a ref and shouldn't have an opinion, but there is only so much WD bs I can stomach...it's the players with a dose of WD on top.

I would like Nico or Nolan. Either one would be a good 1-2 punch with Bo. Nolan has a shorter offensive ceiling than Nico, but a much higher floor. The difference in offense may not even be that big to take Nico over Nolan.
- Retinalz

The first time I ever saw Patrick as a 16 year old. I pretty much saw Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby's love child. He plays with the hockey IQ of Crosby but in Joe Thornton's body, a little less speed but more power forwardish,

If we have bad lottery luck again. Should be top 3 this year. Gabriel Vilardi?
- VanHockeyGuy

Really similar to Bo.

I guess I'm more surprised that there is nothing except excuses and complaints that the issues are WD ad nauseum, yesterday it was B2B and tough schedule, or whatever the reasons that are the flavour of the day, week, month.

So I like to point out that it's the talent deficient players and I'm accused of angry and depression. Maybe it's because I'm a ref and shouldn't have an opinion, but there is only so much WD bs I can stomach...it's the players with a dose of WD on top.
- Makita

We complain, you complain with such angry and hate.

Why does JB keep reiterating he won't ask players to waive their NTC's? Even when out of playoff contention? Makes zero sense.
- VanHockeyGuy

Because last year he claimed everyone was for sale and no one wanted them, now he's trying to say we want to keep them to make them more attractive.

I guess I'm more surprised that there is nothing except excuses and complaints that the issues are WD ad nauseum, yesterday it was B2B and tough schedule, or whatever the reasons that are the flavour of the day, week, month.

So I like to point out that it's the talent deficient players and I'm accused of angry and depression. Maybe it's because I'm a ref and shouldn't have an opinion, but there is only so much WD bs I can stomach...it's the players with a dose of WD on top.
- Makita

My only point is, New Jersey after Neidemeyer left and Minnesota for years under Lemaire were able to compete with rosters that were comparable to the Canucks (NJ having Brodeur still) and never bottomed out. Anyone can see that the team has very little talent on it, the question always is, is WD effectively maximizing what little he has? Sure, there's not much you can do when your roster is filled with players that have stone hands and cement skates, but is he deploying them in places and situations where they can make the most of what little they have.

Could another coach do better? That's always been my question, I'd like to see someone with a little more experience take over this team and see what they can do, maybe not this year, but next year when it's the final year of the Sedins contract and whatever pieces at the draft and FA JB can assemble and with Bo, JV, Boeser, Juolevi (possibly), Hutton, Stecher, Demko (longshot) having had this year to improve.

With the present players, it seems as if both methods are being deployed. They are trying to be competitive, but then they dress a bunch of AHL players, they have skill to squeak out a win here and there, but overall it seems like tanking on purpose.
- Makita

I would like to believe that but the Eriksson contract won't let me.

The first time I ever saw Patrick as a 16 year old. I pretty much saw Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby's love child. He plays with the hockey IQ of Crosby but in Joe Thornton's body, a little less speed but more power forwardish,
- manvanfan

That's a hell of a scouting report. That assessment would make him what, the best player ever?

We complain, you complain with such angry and hate.
- manvanfan

No anger or hate when I'm posting, in fact I'll go to lengths to be facetious. I guess that's how you read it, I think it's because I don't swallow your views.

The first time I ever saw Patrick as a 16 year old. I pretty much saw Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby's love child. He plays with the hockey IQ of Crosby but in Joe Thornton's body, a little less speed but more power forwardish,
- manvanfan

Does he have that kind of offensive upside? Most reports I've seen put him on par with someone like a RNH or Duchene; obviously very nice players to have, but not at the same level as a Crosby or Jumbo.

Liljegren is definitely one to watch IMO - looks like he has the potential to be a top guy on D, and being a righty is always good too. A pairing of OJ/Liljegren would have you well set for many years (though I want him to play with Rielly of course!!!)

My only point is, New Jersey after Neidemeyer left and Minnesota for years under Lemaire were able to compete with rosters that were comparable to the Canucks (NJ having Brodeur still) and never bottomed out. Anyone can see that the team has very little talent on it, the question always is, is WD effectively maximizing what little he has? Sure, there's not much you can do when your roster is filled with players that have stone hands and cement skates, but is he deploying them in places and situations where they can make the most of what little they have.

Could another coach do better? That's always been my question, I'd like to see someone with a little more experience take over this team and see what they can do, maybe not this year, but next year when it's the final year of the Sedins contract and whatever pieces at the draft and FA JB can assemble and with Bo, JV, Boeser, Juolevi (possibly), Hutton, Stecher, Demko (longshot) having had this year to improve.
- DariusKnight

I will agree wholeheartedly, WD has made several questionable moves/choices and eventually that will be his demise, but I will also contend that give this group to your favourite coach out there, and the results may be somewhat better, but instead of 65 pts, maybe you'll get 78-80 points.

Trade Tanev for a piece that helps now. Landeskog example.
Called up Virtanen
Get rid of WD.
and things probably won't change.
- manvanfan

Tanev for Landeskog.
Call up Virtanen.
Fire the non playoff coach.

Why does JB keep reiterating he won't ask players to waive their NTC's? Even when out of playoff contention? Makes zero sense.
- VanHockeyGuy

He's trolling the drama queens.

Tanev for Landeskog.
Call up Virtanen.
Fire the non playoff coach.
- Marwood

Virtanen's all developed now. He's ready to put this team on his back and skate it into the playoffs. He's also picked up some tips from Travis Green, so he's going to be helping WD behind the bench as well.

Virtanen's all developed now. He's ready to put this team on his back and skate it into the playoffs. He's also picked up some tips from Travis Green, so he's going to be helping WD behind the bench as well.
- CubanBuffet

This is great, a couple of lucky bounces and playoff bound.

With the present players, it seems as if both methods are being deployed. They are trying to be competitive, but then they dress a bunch of AHL players, they have skill to squeak out a win here and there, but overall it seems like tanking on purpose.
- Makita

This is it. With guys like Jooris available for next to nothing we continue to roll with 6 AHL guys in the lineup. I'd have to agree at this point they are looking at another high pick.

Megna - AHL
Chapoo - AHL
Gaunce - AHL
Baertchi - AHL
Hutton - AHL
Skille - AHL (for the most part)

How are we going to beat top 10 teams consistently with those 6 constantly in the lineup?

I will agree wholeheartedly, WD has made several questionable moves/choices and eventually that will be his demise, but I will also contend that give this group to your favourite coach out there, and the results may be somewhat better, but instead of 65 pts, maybe you'll get 78-80 points.
- Makita

Ya around 80-85 seems realistic.

My only point is, New Jersey after Neidemeyer left and Minnesota for years under Lemaire were able to compete with rosters that were comparable to the Canucks (NJ having Brodeur still) and never bottomed out. Anyone can see that the team has very little talent on it, the question always is, is WD effectively maximizing what little he has? Sure, there's not much you can do when your roster is filled with players that have stone hands and cement skates, but is he deploying them in places and situations where they can make the most of what little they have.

Could another coach do better? That's always been my question, I'd like to see someone with a little more experience take over this team and see what they can do, maybe not this year, but next year when it's the final year of the Sedins contract and whatever pieces at the draft and FA JB can assemble and with Bo, JV, Boeser, Juolevi (possibly), Hutton, Stecher, Demko (longshot) having had this year to improve.
- DariusKnight

Tough call. Maybe someone like Gallant could squeeze 5-6 more wins out of this club but that still doesn't mean PO's. Once the Sedins Edler Tanev Burrows and Hansen are gone we can really look forward...until then...

My only point is, New Jersey after Neidemeyer left and Minnesota for years under Lemaire were able to compete with rosters that were comparable to the Canucks (NJ having Brodeur still) and never bottomed out. Anyone can see that the team has very little talent on it, the question always is, is WD effectively maximizing what little he has? Sure, there's not much you can do when your roster is filled with players that have stone hands and cement skates, but is he deploying them in places and situations where they can make the most of what little they have.

Could another coach do better? That's always been my question, I'd like to see someone with a little more experience take over this team and see what they can do, maybe not this year, but next year when it's the final year of the Sedins contract and whatever pieces at the draft and FA JB can assemble and with Bo, JV, Boeser, Juolevi (possibly), Hutton, Stecher, Demko (longshot) having had this year to improve.
- DariusKnight

Those underdog teams that scrap/trap away a winning season has become even less since the missed season lockout. Some of the coaching advocates around here are living in the past, they changed the rules of the game to open it up and limit the chokehold the coaches put on the game in the 90's and let the player's ability shine through

Tanev for Landeskog.
Call up Virtanen.
Fire the non playoff coach.
- Marwood

there has to be a way to pry one of those talents out of COL...