in response to Bingo:

Everyone and their dog knows he wasn't huge this year. But I and everyone on here would be lying if they said anything other than we expected more minutes and responsibility out him next year. This guy has big upside (pun intended). It would be like saying don't be upset about losing Slavin after his first year in Carolina.

Dahlen signs
Thanks Carol, great work.

Hope TL gives Murray a look. Bylsma a hard pass.

Gillis

Not the first time you've prompted me with something out of left field while replying to one of my posts. Not a big deal, just a little weird. If you think I'm going to go back through past blogs looking for examples you're sadly mistaken
- NorthNuck

Then we will take that as a non valid retort.

Who you got for Caps v Leafs and Habs v Rangers?

Okay. Let's see. I didn't see any of those UFA types you mentioned sign with non-playoff teams and get traded last season. More often, Teams building for playoff push convince signings and when they fail dump what they can.

Let's talk during July to see what's there. I bet when we look at the specifics that avenue will be a dud. We'll get a Vrbata type maybe and nobody will want him for playoffs. Same with Prust types.

I get the cap space arguement. Works with floor teams. So many RFA's to sign here doubt we got the luxury. Need to trade off some high priced vets first. Sedins leaving may open that in 2018.
- Nuck4U

Over the last couple years it happens a fair bit. PA Parenteau. Winnik. Vanek. Stalberg. Stempniak. Fleischmann. Matthias.

It won't always happen, but its worth giving a roster spot or two to a player for. If they end up going into the tank you can waive them like the Kings did with Purcell or pull off some dumpster for dumpster trade and they are in and out of your press box.

I don't know who will be leftover this summer but I think its a much better option to go for "depth" that way and giving yourself options compared to just locking yourself into what is more or less the roster they finished the year with. Even if you don't end up trading those kind of guys, if you want "a winning culture" then guys like that go more towards it than playing Megna and Chaput 18 minutes a night or defenceman at forward.

in response to Bingo:

Everyone and their dog knows he wasn't huge this year. But I and everyone on here would be lying if they said anything other than we expected more minutes and responsibility out him next year. This guy has big upside (pun intended). It would be like saying don't be upset about losing Slavin after his first year in Carolina.
- neem55

Slavin averaged 21 minutes per night in his rookie season and had .32 points per game.

Tryamkin averaged 16:44 minutes per night, and had .14 points per game.

Not to say he isn't good, because he really can be, but we're not talking about the same thing here.

Dahlen signs
Thanks Carol, great work.

Hope TL gives Murray a look. Bylsma a hard pass.
- neem55

The one thing I disagree with when it comes to giving Murray a shot here is fit. He seems to be so similar to JB in terms of where their experiences define them. Both scouting guys that have been GM's. I think Murray deserves some credit for what he accomplished in Buffalo but I still don't think he is anything special.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...urprise-paying-attention/


I think they need more experience in the front end. A business guy and/or GM that can either assist JB or work in tandem together to share the load. I liked the idea of the pipe dream that is Krueger as Head Coach and Asst.GM. Maybe that isnt enough to persuade him to come here and another role may be possible.

I don't blame NT for leaving if it was due to family. Imagine your fiancee sitting home all by herself when he's on another 10 day road trip? I'm sure the other GF and wives tried to make her feel comfortable but they have families and lives of their own too and can only do so much. Vancouver is a big city to be alone in. Especially if their is a language barrier. Who knows he may be back in 2 or 3 years when we get competitive again and I'll welcome him with open arms.

As for Jonathon Dahlin. I would be ok if he stayed in Sweden and played in the top mens league there. Then we can really see where he's at. Unless he hits the gym hard this summer. He may be a tad on the small side to play in the AHL.

Slavin averaged 21 minutes per night in his rookie season and had .32 points per game.

Tryamkin averaged 16:44 minutes per night, and had .14 points per game.

Not to say he isn't good, because he really can be, but we're not talking about the same thing here.
- BINGO!

My bad I thought he was like 18 minutes and 20 points over 80 in year one, my point was: It's his potential, not his current production

Over the last couple years it happens a fair bit. PA Parenteau. Winnik. Vanek. Stalberg. Stempniak. Fleischmann. Matthias.

It won't always happen, but its worth giving a roster spot or two to a player for. If they end up going into the tank you can waive them like the Kings did with Purcell or pull off some dumpster for dumpster trade and they are in and out of your press box.

I don't know who will be leftover this summer but I think its a much better option to go for "depth" that way and giving yourself options compared to just locking yourself into what is more or less the roster they finished the year with. Even if you don't end up trading those kind of guys, if you want "a winning culture" then guys like that go more towards it than playing Megna and Chaput 18 minutes a night or defenceman at forward.
- Lindenis#1

Yeah it's a hit or miss. But those guys thought those teams had a playoff chance and signed. Dumped when it didn't work. No one thinks the Nucks have a chance.

Megna amd Chaput were signed for the AHL. It was lack of depth there that caused the issues with injury. Plus WD's love of hard working plugs.

Anyway, JB isn't signing anyone like that this season as he's brought in a lot of young guys to develop and provide depth. Like MacEwen and Molino. Not to mention prospects from Dhalen to JV.

I don't blame NT for leaving if it was due to family. Imagine your fiancee sitting home all by herself when he's on another 10 day road trip? I'm sure the other GF and wives tried to make her feel comfortable but they have families and lives of their own too and can only do so much. Vancouver is a big city to be alone in. Especially if their is a language barrier. Who knows he may be back in 2 or 3 years when we get competitive again and I'll welcome him with open arms.

As for Jonathon Dahlin. I would be ok if he stayed in Sweden and played in the top mens league there. Then we can really see where he's at. Unless he hits the gym hard this summer. He may be a tad on the small side to play in the AHL.
- Itsjustarash

I just saw on twitter that he as the same clause that Tryamkin got. If the team sends him down, he can go back to Europe for the season.

I wonder if its more that they really want to get him into their summer program and give him a few games in camp to see where he's at. Promote a few clips to make the fanbase smile and be excited.

Thanks Carol! Great article as always!

JB and TL had to convince and "sell" it to Tyamkin to get him to come over and give it a shot. I think they gave him ample opportunity with the way his contract was structured, which most guys don't get. The fact that he doesn't see the KHL as a lesser league tells you right there he really missed his home. The NHL is the best league in the world and most guys would give their left testy to have the same opportunity as him.

As for him coming back, I do find it hard to believe that will be the case and I am hoping I am wrong. The reason why I say that is because the conditions on why he left will not change....foreign country, different language, no family etc. Besides, would JB or new GM give him the same structured contract? Having the ability to leave when he wants? i have to think it would be different next time a round, which wouldn't be to his advantage.

Considering Larsen is a superstar in the KHL that might not be accurate
- CanuckDon

Remember Markus granlund is a superstar in Vancouver ....

The one thing I disagree with when it comes to giving Murray a shot here is fit. He seems to be so similar to JB in terms of where their experiences define them. Both scouting guys that have been GM's. I think Murray deserves some credit for what he accomplished in Buffalo but I still don't think he is anything special.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...urprise-paying-attention/


I think they need more experience in the front end. A business guy and/or GM that can either assist JB or work in tandem together to share the load. I liked the idea of the pipe dream that is Krueger as Head Coach and Asst.GM. Maybe that isnt enough to persuade him to come here and another role may be possible.
- WhatTheNuck

Coach AND assistant GM?! WHat a bizarre combo. One or the other man, you can't do both at once this isn't the 80's or 90's. Murray did really well in both Buffalo and Ottawa IMO, as Ottawa drafted very well with him in the lineup. While I agree he and JB have similar experiences, they come from very different mentorships styles. I'd be really happy with him or Krueger joining. I have no idea what they should do for coach, Krueger is the best option IMO but does he even want to coach? If yes, sign him stat!

Remember Markus granlund is a superstar in Vancouver ....
- Redmile247

he is a 20 goal scorer, how's shinkaruk doing?

I have a tough time getting upset about Tryamkin, or any player using their collectively bargain rights, to do what they feel is best. Especially after things seemed so spotty with the team here.

I wouldn't be surprised if he's back for the kickoff of 2018. Takes a year away to see how things have developed in Vancouver, gets a shot at playing in the Olympics for Russia, has an easier time with a young family for a year, and he probably develops pretty well while he's over there too.

As for Dahlen, I really hope he starts and stays in the AHL for a good while next year. Him and Boeser for at least like 40-ish games. Free up a couple roster spots in the top 9 to try and pump and dump a few guys like Boucher or whoever the Hudlers/Versteegs of the world are in FA signings. Plus with a healthy lineup, at least to start the year, it'll be a little tight for top9 ice.
- Lindenis#1

Same.
It sucks as a fan, but nothing personal.
It's similar to when fans get bent out of shape about a player using their NMC that they earned.

Russian Factor.

Willy and Lidster are gone and he still decided to leave.
- Codes1087

if they were gone earlier perhaps we'd still have him.
This is an example of why you dont wait on firing

I don't blame NT for leaving if it was due to family. Imagine your fiancee sitting home all by herself when he's on another 10 day road trip? I'm sure the other GF and wives tried to make her feel comfortable but they have families and lives of their own too and can only do so much. Vancouver is a big city to be alone in. Especially if their is a language barrier. Who knows he may be back in 2 or 3 years when we get competitive again and I'll welcome him with open arms.

As for Jonathon Dahlin. I would be ok if he stayed in Sweden and played in the top mens league there. Then we can really see where he's at. Unless he hits the gym hard this summer. He may be a tad on the small side to play in the AHL.
- Itsjustarash

It contrast to Tryamkin, I am glad he didnt force an outclause into his contract but it certainly isnt unprecedented to have some of these guys go back to Europe for a year instead of the AHL.

I do think JB thinks he is ready for the AHL though. Personally I think if Nylander could do it, I think Dahlen can too. Not much difference in size and about 15 pounds from draft weight

I think its more being fresh into his marriage and he and his wife are probably going for kids. Probably a lot easier to do that first year, maybe 2, where you have a lot of options for family support and also you actually speak the local language fluently.

And your bosses aren't showing you video of some dude and saying "do that" and then trying to send you to the AHL when you got a contract they gave you that says they can't do that.
- Lindenis#1

absolutely

Then we will take that as a non valid retort.

Who you got for Caps v Leafs and Habs v Rangers?
- Nuck4U

I highly doubt I'm the only one who has gotten that from you, you tend to be all over the place with ideas

Caps and Rangers. Toronto has been impressive so far but I don't think they could close a series vs. Washington. Habs NYR I got into in the last blog. Basically Rangers are underachieving and the series is neck and neck. They're easily the superior team.

Slavin averaged 21 minutes per night in his rookie season and had .32 points per game.

Tryamkin averaged 16:44 minutes per night, and had .14 points per game.

Not to say he isn't good, because he really can be, but we're not talking about the same thing here.
- BINGO!

today I'd take Slavin over Tree .....in 5/6 years could be the other way around

Necas or Nico? Different players.

Hischeir is a lot faster than RNH was at his draft. Looks more like Robert Lang than either of those two. Just my opinion. Robert Lang rocked though.

Holy cow Martin Necas is so effing quick.

I have a feeling you guys will take Mittelstadt and regret it. This face just screams "Jim Benning Bad Decision". Not trying to troll.


- fry

Right. It's not trolling. A pic is evidence of hockey talent.

Remember Markus granlund is a superstar in Vancouver ....
- Redmile247

Only 2 guys on the Flames scored more then Granlund last yr, and they are a playoff team not 29th in the league!

he is a 20 goal scorer, how's shinkaruk doing?
- neem55

I have a buddy who used to always take leafs in hockey pools in the later rounds and everyone laughed at him ...he would say I know they are awful but someone has to score for them ...

if they were gone earlier perhaps we'd still have him.
This is an example of why you dont wait on firing
- SMBDragon

There's not much to suggest this is the case.
All evidence points to family decision.

Donnie has speculated dressing room rifts (sedins/sutter didn't like him), which are a player issue not a coach (although I have a feeling you think the coach somehow controls this like everything else).

I have heard some rumblings of he and lidster not liking eachother, I doubt it is anything more than a minor factor personally. Lidster was fired before he left, surely he would have considered staying if this was the big issue.