Yes. Sure. But how do you know that's not happening? That earning it is so subjective. How it's applied among others who get a pass or preferential treatment.
- Nuck4U

Who gets this pass or preferential treatment?

do tell me, how many goons are in the league? Cause that's what you're describing.

It's 2016 you gotta be a hockey player first
- Crazybagoham

2.6 million for the second leading fighting majors guy is too much. What I'm describing isn't just any goon, it's the most overpaid goon in the history of the sport. The guy is awful, he's got clubs for hands. I'm happy he can skate, but he's not good. If vegas claims him I will send them a thank you letter.

It's 2016, paying Drosett 2.6 million is one of the worst contracts around. Matt Martin is the same at 2.5 over in laff land. These guys are major defensive liabilities, with nowhere near that kind of value. Jordan Tootoo gets paid 750 k, Upshall 900k, Reaves 1.25, Jordan Nolan 950k. They are all as good or better tough guys and there are a lot of other examples.

Yes. Sure. But how do you know that's not happening? That earning it is so subjective. How it's applied among others who get a pass or preferential treatment.
- Nuck4U

They are professionals with years of experience and we, merely the fans of hockey, are debating whether they are picking the waiver wire player who is earning their chance?

I get the idea of questioning things, but I dont know when Willie has been wrong to use a player or not? Virtanen was barely getting played in the NHL and now isnt doing a whole lot at the AHL, Tryamkin was getting in shape and his first few games were mediocre (though much better now), Rodin played sparingly and sat a whole game while dressed (turns out his body wasnt quite ready and needs a rest), he even stuck with Sven-Horvat combo last year despite poor production and now look at them.

He does some questionable things, but as we have all commented before, he is coaching for his job and wouldnt put preferential treatment over someone that would help him win

They are professionals with years of experience and we, merely the fans of hockey, are debating whether they are picking the waiver wire player who is earning their chance?

I get the idea of questioning things, but I dont know when Willie has been wrong to use a player or not? Virtanen was barely getting played in the NHL and now isnt doing a whole lot at the AHL, Tryamkin was getting in shape and his first few games were mediocre (though much better now), Rodin played sparingly and sat a whole game while dressed (turns out his body wasnt quite ready and needs a rest), he even stuck with Sven-Horvat combo last year despite poor production and now look at them.

He does some questionable things, but as we have all commented before, he is coaching for his job and wouldnt put preferential treatment over someone that would help him win
- WhiteLie

They are professionals with years of experience and we, merely the fans of hockey, are debating whether they are picking the waiver wire player who is earning their chance?

I get the idea of questioning things, but I dont know when Willie has been wrong to use a player or not? Virtanen was barely getting played in the NHL and now isnt doing a whole lot at the AHL, Tryamkin was getting in shape and his first few games were mediocre (though much better now), Rodin played sparingly and sat a whole game while dressed (turns out his body wasnt quite ready and needs a rest), he even stuck with Sven-Horvat combo last year despite poor production and now look at them.

He does some questionable things, but as we have all commented before, he is coaching for his job and wouldnt put preferential treatment over someone that would help him win
- WhiteLie

The crazy thing is it appears some on here honestly believe they could out coach Willie

well it was just a joke


Hysteria? am I supposed to know you? rofl
- Crazybagoham

You got that right on the resident Queen of drama who wants to control all. Did you forget to kiss his ring

The crazy thing is it appears some on here honestly believe they could out coach Willie

- CanuckDon

Out of curiosity it would interesting to know who here r or were competitive athletes or coaches. Those who don't fit that curiosity will struggle to understand the many nuances & subtleties that go on. Analyzing sports anyone can chime in but not in total depth.

The crazy thing is it appears some on here honestly believe they could out coach Willie

- CanuckDon

Absolutely, the guy knows these players like they're his own kids and we are speculating despite never watching practice, sitting in meetings, or reviewing video with them.

And whats worse is we think that using Megna, Chaput, Boucher, Rodin or any other waiver wire player makes any difference at all. I really cant remember the last time a guy was claimed off waivers and became an impact top 6, its as you say S C R A P S

They are professionals with years of experience and we, merely the fans of hockey, are debating whether they are picking the waiver wire player who is earning their chance?

I get the idea of questioning things, but I dont know when Willie has been wrong to use a player or not? Virtanen was barely getting played in the NHL and now isnt doing a whole lot at the AHL, Tryamkin was getting in shape and his first few games were mediocre (though much better now), Rodin played sparingly and sat a whole game while dressed (turns out his body wasnt quite ready and needs a rest), he even stuck with Sven-Horvat combo last year despite poor production and now look at them.

He does some questionable things, but as we have all commented before, he is coaching for his job and wouldnt put preferential treatment over someone that would help him win
- WhiteLie

He plays it safe. That seems to be the pattern over choices. Only injury forces his hand to take risks. They have worked with players of note like Tree and Stecher. Others not and yet they stay in those roles. Lack of vision or adjusting is the knock. You can disagree with that opinion. None of us are professionals here.

For those that think JB doesn't draft players with Hockey IQ

Boeser Demko Juolevi Lockwood Brisebois

JB picked one guy with the IQ of a piece of lumber and now he is labeled



Toughness : The only time this team fights is pretty much in retaliation . They never instigate the fight by crashing a goalie or a huge hit on another team .There is usually a few players that will go out and fight a team mates battle in retaliation.

Will continue to be like that until the Country Club members leave.

Out of curiosity it would interesting to know who here r or were competitive athletes or coaches. Those who don't fit that curiosity will struggle to understand the many nuances & subtleties that go on. Analyzing sports anyone can chime in but not in total depth.
- Nighthawk

Whatever level any of us have or not is irrelevant. It's just bragging to even assert that knowledge. Reality is none of us are in the NHL coaching now and on the inside to know those factors on this club. That's the point. Whether we question the players or coaches or whoever it's just mere speculation and opinion. None of us know for sure either way.

Hope I don't get to annoying posting this but...
Only 119 games to go.

Absolutely, the guy knows these players like they're his own kids and we are speculating despite never watching practice, sitting in meetings, or reviewing video with them.

And whats worse is we think that using Megna, Chaput, Boucher, Rodin or any other waiver wire player makes any difference at all. I really cant remember the last time a guy was claimed off waivers and became an impact top 6, its as you say S C R A P S
- WhiteLie

You know how much I love SCR APS

For those that think JB doesn't draft players with Hockey IQ

Boeser Demko Juolevi Lockwood Brisebois

JB picked one guy with the IQ of a piece of lumber and now he is labeled



Toughness : The only time this team fights is pretty much in retaliation . They never instigate the fight by crashing a goalie or a huge hit on another team .There is usually a few players that will go out and fight a team mates battle in retaliation.

Will continue to be like that until the Country Club members leave.
- VANTEL

He plays it safe. That seems to be the pattern over choices. Only injury forces his hand to take risks. They have worked with players of note like Tree and Stecher. Others not and yet they stay in those roles. Lack of vision or adjusting is the knock. You can disagree with that opinion. None of us are professionals here.
- Nuck4U

"Safe" as you refer to it, has the team in the playoff hunt which is where a lot of us didn't expect the team to be. I dont really call it safe, I think guys work all year and a new guy isnt coming in to replace them right away, the new guy has to earn it just like the rest of them. If they are truly better, that shouldnt take them long.

Willie is regarded as a player coach, which as Carol noted in the blog is why these guys keep playing for him. It might seem like preferred treatment, but in my view I see it as jobs have to be taken. Get to the level Willie expects and then take a job from someone, keep the players hungry

Who gets this pass or preferential treatment?
- Nighthawk

The list of players has been a running joke for years. But it's okay they earned it.

Whatever level any of us have or not is irrelevant. It's just bragging to even assert that knowledge. Reality is none of us are in the NHL coaching now and on the inside to know those factors on this club. That's the point. Whether we question the players or coaches or whoever it's just mere speculation and opinion. None of us know for sure either way.
- Nuck4U

100%

For those that think JB doesn't draft players with Hockey IQ

Boeser Demko Juolevi Lockwood Brisebois

JB picked one guy with the IQ of a piece of lumber and now he is labeled



Toughness : The only time this team fights is pretty much in retaliation . They never instigate the fight by crashing a goalie or a huge hit on another team .There is usually a few players that will go out and fight a team mates battle in retaliation.

Will continue to be like that until the Country Club members leave.
- VANTEL

"Safe" as you refer to it, has the team in the playoff hunt which is where a lot of us didn't expect the team to be. I dont really call it safe, I think guys work all year and a new guy isnt coming in to replace them right away, the new guy has to earn it just like the rest of them. If they are truly better, that shouldnt take them long.

Willie is regarded as a player coach, which as Carol noted in the blog is why these guys keep playing for him. It might seem like preferred treatment, but in my view I see it as jobs have to be taken. Get to the level Willie expects and then take a job from someone, keep the players hungry
- WhiteLie

That gets lost on too many ppl 😂😂👍

The list of players has been a running joke for years. But it's okay they earned it.
- Nuck4U

Too vague & unsubstantiated.
The Canucks r the sole team with this concocted problem?

For those that think JB doesn't draft players with Hockey IQ

Boeser Demko Juolevi Lockwood Brisebois

JB picked one guy with the IQ of a piece of lumber and now he is labeled



Toughness : The only time this team fights is pretty much in retaliation . They never instigate the fight by crashing a goalie or a huge hit on another team .There is usually a few players that will go out and fight a team mates battle in retaliation.

Will continue to be like that until the Country Club members leave.
- VANTEL[/quote]


I get all your points above. But this last one wasn't that what was used when Linden was the Captain and dethroned for Mr. Leader Messier? Do you see players floating or just used in a way not preferred?

2.6 million for the second leading fighting majors guy is too much. What I'm describing isn't just any goon, it's the most overpaid goon in the history of the sport. The guy is awful, he's got clubs for hands. I'm happy he can skate, but he's not good. If vegas claims him I will send them a thank you letter.

It's 2016, paying Drosett 2.6 million is one of the worst contracts around. Matt Martin is the same at 2.5 over in laff land. These guys are major defensive liabilities, with nowhere near that kind of value. Jordan Tootoo gets paid 750 k, Upshall 900k, Reaves 1.25, Jordan Nolan 950k. They are all as good or better tough guys and there are a lot of other examples.
- neem55

He's not a goon.
He skates, is good on the forecheck, stands up for teammates and is willing to drop em (even though he shouldn't most of the time...because he's not a goon).

The crazy thing is it appears some on here honestly believe they could out coach Willie

- CanuckDon

I think Dragon is the only one that thinks that, I just always scratch my head at 4th line on ice for 1-3 shifts in last 5 mins when we are down by a goal. WD is the only coach I see do this. All others seem to play their top 2 lines to death and have the 3rd give them breaks.

He's not a goon.
He skates, is good on the forecheck, stands up for teammates and is willing to drop em (even though he shouldn't most of the time...because he's not a goon).
- dbot

"Safe" as you refer to it, has the team in the playoff hunt which is where a lot of us didn't expect the team to be. I dont really call it safe, I think guys work all year and a new guy isnt coming in to replace them right away, the new guy has to earn it just like the rest of them. If they are truly better, that shouldnt take them long.

Willie is regarded as a player coach, which as Carol noted in the blog is why these guys keep playing for him. It might seem like preferred treatment, but in my view I see it as jobs have to be taken. Get to the level Willie expects and then take a job from someone, keep the players hungry
- WhiteLie

Others may say Canucks could have done better and missed opportunities. But it's all conjecture. Just pointing out the pattern observed is that once WD picks his team only injury forces change. It's loyalty and players respond to it which works out somewhat. Though this game doesn't stand still and adapting to it seems to be key for success.