"People don’t realize how lucky (Toronto) got (in 2016 when they won the lottery and Auston Matthews). What we saw today was more a continuation of that. People say the more you lose the better your chances, but you’re talking about such a fine line."
-Trevor Linden


It was always the most likely result: the Canucks had a 64.7 per cent chance of *not* picking in the top three, after all.

Why tanking in the new lotto system is a flawed plan. Plan to improve and develop. Draft smart. Rebuild using all resources possible.

Signing plugs to destroy seasons to stay at the bottom is a recipe for prolonged ineptitude. Pump and dump UFA's @ TDL is another losing formula. Most teams don't buy at TDL and if they do they go for strong resumes. If the team is failing then likely that loser UFA looking for a rebound is also as well. Good UFA's don't sign show me deals on bad teams.

So draft, develop, trade and look to win. Then sign guy's to do that more. Only way to break the cycle of losing and improve.
- Nuck4U

I don't think I'd call it "lucky" that Toronto and Edmonton won drafts and Van keeps losing them.

I sort of feel relieved . If Benning went up with the first over all and selected Liljegren we would be hearing about it all year
- VANTEL

Glass, Mittlestadt, in that order for me. A bigger than top 3 win for me would be finding a way to acquire another pick to snag Foote.

I don't think I'd call it "lucky" that Toronto and Edmonton won drafts and Van keeps losing them.
- manvanfan

Yeah I don't think it is Lucky at all . It is funny that teams that need the most help end up winning every year. Basketball also.

That's fine finish last next year and get a top 4 pick

Glass, Mittlestadt, in that order for me. A bigger than top 3 win for me would be finding a way to acquire another pick to snag Foote.
- VanHockeyGuy

Islanders are drafting 15 and have a boatload of young players. They might have interest in a package ? Tanev Gudbrandson Stecher or Hutton might get them talking

Islanders are drafting 15 and have a boatload of young players. They might have interest in a package ? Tanev Gudbrandson Stecher or Hutton might get them talking
- VANTEL

Any one of them imo. That would be a huge win coming out of the draft with a top 5C and stud D-man.

Islanders are drafting 15 and have a boatload of young players. They might have interest in a package ? Tanev Gudbrandson Stecher or Hutton might get them talking
- VANTEL

I dont think foote will be there at 15, but if were talking package with the islanders, Barzal

Jim Benning live reaction video:

Glass, Mittlestadt, in that order for me. A bigger than top 3 win for me would be finding a way to acquire another pick to snag Foote.
- VanHockeyGuy

What about Villardi?

For those saying never tank again, well if we hadn't, we would be picking 8th.

What about Villardi?

For those saying never tank again, well if we hadn't, we would be picking 8th.
- Scooby_Doo

I was thinking that last night, if they'd have finished third we'd be picking 7th. Chayka looked pissed when they said Arizona picking 7th.

What about Villardi?

For those saying never tank again, well if we hadn't, we would be picking 8th.
- Scooby_Doo

I'm trying to keep my list to 2.

I was thinking that last night, if they'd have finished third we'd be picking 7th. Chayka looked pissed when they said Arizona picking 7th.
- LeftCoaster

(frank) them! They've been at the trough long enough.

I don't think I'd call it "lucky" that Toronto and Edmonton won drafts and Van keeps losing them.
- manvanfan

It's just random, there's no conspiracies going on, that's just so ridiculous.

It's just random, there's no conspiracies going on, that's just so ridiculous.
- LeftCoaster

Whats ridiculous is out of 7 teams in the new system, toronto has been the only one unaffected, its hard to think its not rigged

Yeah I don't think it is Lucky at all . It is funny that teams that need the most help end up winning every year. Basketball also.

That's fine finish last next year and get a top 4 pick
- VANTEL

I know it's to stop teams from tanking but if this is what is going to happen again and again. Teams outside the top 5 keep winning you're going to start seeing teams be bad for 10 plus years. It could get ugly really.

(frank) them! They have been at the trough long enough.
- VanHockeyGuy

They actually haven't, the Canucks have had better picks than they have over the past five drafts....it just seems like they've been at the "trough" for a long time because the franchise is always in disarray.

2012 - Arizona 27th Canucks 26th
2013 - Arizona 12th Canucks 9th (via trade)
2014 - Arizona 12th Canucks 6th
2015 - Arizona 3rd Canucks 23rd
2016 - Arizona 7th Canucks 5th

Whats ridiculous is out of 7 teams in the new system, toronto has been the only one unaffected, its hard to think its not rigged
- phyllee

No...it's really not if you know how little the odds are of you actually winning.

Islanders are drafting 15 and have a boatload of young players. They might have interest in a package ? Tanev Gudbrandson Stecher or Hutton might get them talking
- VANTEL

There are 5 good centres in the draft. Depending if JB thinks he can get one lower, a trade down with Buffalo if a bunch of D go infront.

I know it's to stop teams from tanking but if this is what is going to happen again and again. Teams outside the top 5 keep winning you're going to start seeing teams be bad for 10 plus years. It could get ugly really.
- manvanfan

This is why is vitally important to have good management in all facets of the building process. Any jackass can pick at the top of the first round, you have to be good throughout the entire draft, use your cap space wisely, win trades, develop kids properly, etc. etc.

I was thinking that last night, if they'd have finished third we'd be picking 7th. Chayka looked pissed when they said Arizona picking 7th.
- LeftCoaster

Coyotes got screwed again, but they deserved it. As did the Avs.

I'm trying to keep my list to 2.
- VanHockeyGuy

Buttons draft has us getting Glass. But he has Dallas taking a random d man, so who knows if that's how it plays out.

I'm thinking despite what happens ahead of us, we are getting Glass, Villardi or Middlestadt. Unless of course Benning (frank)s up and take a dman.

Buttons draft has us getting Glass. But he has Dallas taking a random d man, so who knows if that's how it plays out.

I'm thinking despite what happens ahead of us, we are getting Glass, Villardi or Middlestadt. Unless of course Benning (frank)s up and take a dman.
- Scooby_Doo

It sure looks like a D will be gone. I'm okay with any of the ones listed.

Whats ridiculous is out of 7 teams in the new system, toronto has been the only one unaffected, its hard to think its not rigged
- phyllee

Of course it's rigged.

Buttons draft has us getting Glass. But he has Dallas taking a random d man, so who knows if that's how it plays out.

I'm thinking despite what happens ahead of us, we are getting Glass, Villardi or Middlestadt. Unless of course Benning (frank)s up and take a dman.
- Scooby_Doo

I hope thats the case, i just got a feeling Benning with screw right up and draft Lilejgrin