Ummm...they stopped paying torts when he became the blue jackets coach
- Bullfrog77

Are you sure about that?

Edit
Tortorella was signed to an expensive five-year deal back in the summer of 2013, and the Canucks will reportedly still be paying a portion of Tortorella's salary somehow.

Ummm...they stopped paying torts when he became the blue jackets coach
- Bullfrog77

I think it was reported they (Canucks) paid half his salary for the remainder of his contract with the Canucks? But don't quote me on that.

Are you sure about that?

Edit
Tortorella was signed to an expensive five-year deal back in the summer of 2013, and the Canucks will reportedly still be paying a portion of Tortorella's salary somehow.
- manvanfan

From my understanding once a coach or gm takes another job, the team that fired him no longer pays his salary.

I think it was reported they (Canucks) paid half his salary for the remainder of his contract with the Canucks? But don't quote me on that.
- LeftCoaster

My best friends company does business with FA. He asked him if he was going to fire WD because he cut him twice from Medicine Hat in junior and he said something about already paying enough coaches.

From my understanding once a coach or gm takes another job, the team that fired him no longer pays his salary.
- Scooby_Doo

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...ackets-hiring-tortorella/

My best friends company does business with FA. He asked him if he was going to fire WD because he cut him twice from Medicine Hat in junior and he said something about already paying enough coaches.
- manvanfan

Both Benning and Desjardins have one year left on their four year deals they signed, hopefully they're both fired and Linden steps down.

Both Benning and Desjardins have one year left on their four year deals they signed, hopefully they're both fired and Linden steps down.


- LeftCoaster

I have no problem with Benning. He has given this team lots of potential. As long as FA and others stop meddling. I don't even know what Linden does. He is like media relations and not very good at it.

i don't think they do. can't label him a #1. but you for sure can't say he can't be.......

which is probably what your saying haha.
- storm88

#1 is a really subjective thing, every team has a number one center, however, if you lump them all together you start to see dividing lines between the superstars, the stars, the really good and the good centres.

To me we need a star center to win a Cup, say like John Tavares, a superstar like Crosby or Malkin would be nice but they're a rare breed. In my mind Tavares is a "star", Horvat won't ever be that good but he'd sure look sweet behind him.

That's all I'm saying....somehow me wanting Benning to draft a star center makes me impatient

#1 is a really subjective thing, every team has a number one center, however, if you lump them all together you start to see dividing lines between the superstars, the stars, the really good and the good centres.

To me we need a star center to win a Cup, say like John Tavares, a superstar like Crosby or Malkin would be nice but they're a rare breed. In my mind Tavares is a "star", Horvat won't ever be that good but he'd sure look sweet behind him.

That's all I'm saying....somehow me wanting Benning to draft a star center makes me impatient
- LeftCoaster

Normally to get a Tavares calibre you need a top 3 pick otherwise you are getting another Bo calibre.
Benning has returned from his scouting of Europeans. Benning has said he won't draft anyone he hasn't seen play. So CHL top prospects game. World juniors and a trip to Europe. Most likely he will attend the u18 summer tourney.

Normally to get a Tavares calibre you need a top 3 pick otherwise you are getting another Bo calibre.
Benning has returned from his scouting of Europeans. Benning has said he won't draft anyone he hasn't seen play. So CHL top prospects game. World juniors and a trip to Europe. Most likely he will attend the u18 summer tourney.
- manvanfan

Sure be nice if they got lucky and snuck a star center out of the draft if they don't get a top three pick. As for Horvat, he's great, love the kid, but I'm not sure at this point he's gonna be a star center, he very well may be, but I just don't see it at this point....doesn't mean it won't happen.

I'm sure Vantel will point to him playing in the All-Star game which mandates every team must be represented lol.

And he'll probably continue to point out that he's beating Henrik's early point totals but omitting the fact that Henrik was playing behind Morrison in his prime and the WCE line as well as Linden who was the second line center when Hank was 21.

Henrik averaged 13, 12 & 13 minutes his first three years. Bo has averaged 13, 17 & 17 minutes so far this year and he's playing behind a 37 year old washed up center and an offensively challenged 28 year old center who's had 40 points once in his eight year career. Meaning his opportunities to produce offence are slightly higher.

Just sayin...

Jarvis is starting to make a difference with special teams, it's taken long enough though.

Willie has the team fighting to the end every game, regardless of the assumptions that some think that Jarvis has changed the culture, BS, WD is responsible.

But regardless of that, I'm still thinking top 5 pick
- Makita

You are correct, sir. Willie & Lidster have done a fantastic job getting this team of prospects, fringe NHLers, and slowing & aging veterans battling hard almost every game. I've heard several players being interviewed saying that Willie is an excellent teacher. The players really respect him.

Is there any chance that you have a link to this interview? I have searched but only come up with Jarvis has special teams. I would like to credit the appropriate people but until there is definitive proof I think WD gets credit for anything not special teams oriented, that's where Jarvis gets credit and criticism, Lidster is defense, Maholtra is faceoffs.
- Makita

There is no interview.

Sure be nice if they got lucky and snuck a star center out of the draft if they don't get a top three pick. As for Horvat, he's great, love the kid, but I'm not sure at this point he's gonna be a star center, he very well may be, but I just don't see it at this point....doesn't mean it won't happen.

I'm sure Vantel will point to him playing in the All-Star game which mandates every team must be represented lol.

And he'll probably continue to point out that he's beating Henrik's early point totals but omitting the fact that Henrik was playing behind Morrison in his prime and the WCE line as well as Linden who was the second line center when Hank was 21.

Henrik averaged 13, 12 & 13 minutes his first three years. Bo has averaged 13, 17 & 17 minutes so far this year and he's playing behind a 37 year old washed up center and an offensively challenged 28 year old center who's had 40 points once in his eight year career.

Just sayin...
- LeftCoaster

I don't disagree. I don't think Bo will ever become elite. Getting a second version of him and a good cast around him though could spell some cups. Will take a bit of patentience

You are correct, sir. Willie & Lidster have done a fantastic job getting this team of prospects, fringe NHLers, and slowing & aging veterans battling hard almost every game. I've heard several players being interviewed saying that Willie is an excellent teacher. The players really respect him.
- Marwood

This is what I don't get. WD has his best year when he had no kids other then Bo. Then he had a bunch of youth and he tanked. Back to a mix where he prefers the vets and it's .500 hockey.

This is what I don't get. WD has his best year when he had no kids other then Bo. Then he had a bunch of youth and he tanked. Back to a mix where he prefers the vets and it's .500 hockey.
- manvanfan

Last years team was awful. This years is marginally better. Marginally.

Last years team was awful. This years is marginally better. Marginally.
- Marwood

The only reason is some of the younger players are doing just a bit better then the previous year. Older guys are doing worse.

The only reason is some of the younger players are doing just a bit better then the previous year. Older guys are doing worse.
- manvanfan

It's going to takes years before they turn this pile of poop around with younger players, and that's fine, that's what it takes!

Benning hasn't injected any forwards through the draft into the current group yet, no one, he traded for Baertschi and Grandlund but that's different. Even on the defence he's only drafted one guy who's playing in the NHL thus far, Tryamkin, building takes time.

I would suggest they're gonna be a bottom ten/five team for another three years, which is great, if they draft well it increases their chances of success down the road exponentially.

The only reason is some of the younger players are doing just a bit better then the previous year. Older guys are doing worse.
- manvanfan

Pretty much. If Eriksson and/or Gubranson improve and Dorsett comes back healthy and the young players keep improving it could make up for the assumed glacial pace of the Sedins and assuming Burrows is not extended, they might be marginally better next season. Or not.

I hope Willie gets extended next season purely for the entertainment value from the epic freak outs and hissy fits in here!

It's going to takes years before they turn this pile of poop around with younger players, and that's fine, that's what it takes!

Benning hasn't injected any forwards through the draft into the current group yet, no one, he traded for Baertschi and Grandlund but that's different. Even on the defence he's only drafted one guy who's playing in the NHL thus far, Tryamkin, building takes time.

I would suggest they're gonna be a bottom ten/five team for another three years, which is great, if they draft well it increases their chances of success down the road exponentially.
- LeftCoaster

It's going to takes years before they turn this pile of poop around with younger players, and that's fine, that's what it takes!

Benning hasn't injected any forwards through the draft into the current group yet, no one, he traded for Baertschi and Grandlund but that's different. Even on the defence he's only drafted one guy who's playing in the NHL thus far, Tryamkin, building takes time.

I would suggest they're gonna be a bottom ten/five team for another three years, which is great, if they draft well it increases their chances of success down the road exponentially.
- LeftCoaster

You are a good poster, Lefty.

You are a good poster, Lefty.
- Marwood

Don't patronize me

Benning draft picks with a real chance, yet no guarantee, to make the NHL are Demko, Juolevi, Boeser and Virtanen. When the veterans leave, hopefully 🙏🏻, they're gonna need a lot more than that to turn this ship around.

The next few (3) drafts are extremely important for the franchise! Drafts are always important but these will set a foundation moving forward for the team.

Pretty much. If Eriksson and/or Gubranson improve and Dorsett comes back healthy and the young players keep improving it could make up for the assumed glacial pace of the Sedins and assuming Burrows is not extended, they might be marginally better next season. Or not.

I hope Willie gets extended next season purely for the entertainment value from the epic freak outs and hissy fits in here!
- Marwood

Eriksson is usually a slow starter with teams. Dorsett with Gaunce on the 4th line. A good center which Chaput hasn't been all that bad as a 4th liner.

Need 2 players to replace the Sedins declining production. Good supporting cast.

So 2-3 more years if JB has good drafts and Van should be back to the playoffs. Never really know.

WD better changes his ways then. If he wants an extension.

Both Benning and Desjardins have one year left on their four year deals they signed, hopefully they're both fired and Linden steps down.


- LeftCoaster

All will be extended...might wanna wrap yer head around it big guy...

Eriksson is usually a slow starter with teams. Dorsett with Gaunce on the 4th line. A good center which Chaput hasn't been all that bad as a 4th liner.

Need 2 players to replace the Sedins declining production. Good supporting cast.

So 2-3 more years if JB has good drafts and Van should be back to the playoffs. Never really know.

WD better changes his ways then. If he wants an extension.
- manvanfan

With Boeser here (hopefully) next year the priority is a top centre and another top dman as we don't really know where Juolevi will be.

Replacing the Sedins as 40-50 pt players should not be all that difficult. Wouldn't be shocked if they resign here for one season for third line duties.

All will be extended...might wanna wrap yer head around it big guy...


- LordHumungous

to be honest it doesn't matter, winning isn't important right now, building is. Here's where I'm hopeful Benning can do a better job with his higher picks, because it's my opinion they're about to have some good picks for the next few years.