Carol Schram: Will the Vancouver Canucks pursue Alex Kerfoot, Will Butcher on August 15? Local boy Alex Kerfoot and Hobey Baker winner Will Butcher both look like they're set to test free agency on August 15 after finishing out their NCAA college careers.

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Carol Schram: Will the Vancouver Canucks pursue Alex Kerfoot, Will Butcher on August 15?
Local boy Alex Kerfoot and Hobey Baker winner Will Butcher both look like they're set to test free agency on August 15 after finishing out their NCAA college careers.
- Carol Schram

Thanks Carol. Yeah there was a reference posted on Reddit there and no articles yesterday from a Canuck's perspective. Glad you picked that up.

They add to the prospect pool. They are more like the new NHL type player higher on speed plus pace and less on size. I don't think they have a chance to make the roster. But many didn't think Stecher did as a NCAA grad either. So who knows. Below shows how NCAA players are doing in making the NHL.

http://collegehockeyinc.c...entage-of-ncaa-alumni.php

But they would definitely add to improving the development of all prospects on the Comets. Which would improve the depth if called upon.

Free assets. Offer em a contract, see what happens.
Either way, neither would make the opening night roster.

Free assets. Offer em a contract, see what happens.
Either way, neither would make the opening night roster.
- Whiskey-Tango

Pump & dump?

Wow Carol...no Canucks in the top ten of most improved teams? Very disappointed in you...

On the NCAA note...they really have to change that rule. NCAA players should not be allowed to buck their draft teams without severe penalties or some compensation for the draft club.

It can't hurt to keep loading up in Utica, Theres gonna be more turnover in the next 2-3 years, so these are guys that would have a bit more time to develop which is exactly what they/we need.

Molino is another interesting guy, only had limited ice and 5gms last season, but showed flashes, tons of speed, and is exactly what this team needs. Hopefully he gets a longer look this year and with further development is ready to go in 2 years time with Gaudette.

Finally, I don't get the Stecher hate, this guy was essentially the only light in the back-end last year. This kid was thrown in over his head, he was top D scorer on a terrible team. Had never played that many games before, put in situations no rookie should ever be put in. Quarterbacked the PP. I think he fared out pretty well considering. Mind you, he got A LOT to learn but holy christ I think we should give him some leeway. I'm very interested to see if his situations/minutes are sheltered more this season and what he can do. Same goes for Hutton.

Wow Carol...no Canucks in the top ten of most improved teams? Very disappointed in you...

On the NCAA note...they really have to change that rule. NCAA players should not be allowed to buck their draft teams without severe penalties or some compensation for the draft club.
- LordHumungous

Yes. I agree. Like what RFA type compensation even though these are limited ELC contracts? Or perhaps they make the signing period like other drafted players but start the count from when leaving college.

What about CHL rule on limiting age entry to AHL, you think that should change for drafted players?

It can't hurt to keep loading up in Utica, Theres gonna be more turnover in the next 2-3 years, so these are guys that would have a bit more time to develop which is exactly what they/we need.

Molino is another interesting guy, only had limited ice and 5gms last season, but showed flashes, tons of speed, and is exactly what this team needs. Hopefully he gets a longer look this year and with further development is ready to go in 2 years time with Gaudette.

Finally, I don't get the Stecher hate, this guy was essentially the only light in the back-end last year. This kid was thrown in over his head, he was top D scorer on a terrible team. Had never played that many games before, put in situations no rookie should ever be put in. Quarterbacked the PP. I think he fared out pretty well considering. Mind you, he got A LOT to learn but holy christ I think we should give him some leeway. I'm very interested to see if his situations/minutes are sheltered more this season and what he can do. Same goes for Hutton.
- Brooks_Light

Without a doubt. Yes he needs work defensively but he was a bright spot for sure last year.

Yes. I agree. Like what RFA type compensation even though these are limited ELC contracts? Or perhaps they make the signing period like other drafted players but start the count from when leaving college.

What about CHL rule on limiting age entry to AHL, you think that should change for drafted players?
- Nuck4U

I think the draft eligibility year should be 19 period...regardless of AHL eligibility.

As far as NCAA players screwing their draft clubs if they choose to sign elsewhere that pick should be replaced with a pick of arguably equal value.

It can't hurt to keep loading up in Utica, Theres gonna be more turnover in the next 2-3 years, so these are guys that would have a bit more time to develop which is exactly what they/we need.

Molino is another interesting guy, only had limited ice and 5gms last season, but showed flashes, tons of speed, and is exactly what this team needs. Hopefully he gets a longer look this year and with further development is ready to go in 2 years time with Gaudette.

Finally, I don't get the Stecher hate, this guy was essentially the only light in the back-end last year. This kid was thrown in over his head, he was top D scorer on a terrible team. Had never played that many games before, put in situations no rookie should ever be put in. Quarterbacked the PP. I think he fared out pretty well considering. Mind you, he got A LOT to learn but holy christ I think we should give him some leeway. I'm very interested to see if his situations/minutes are sheltered more this season and what he can do. Same goes for Hutton.
- Brooks_Light

I'll respond, first off not sure how you define Stecher hate?

If by hate, you mean me questioning his defensive capabilities, or lack of them. Stating that he could use more development time, less responsibilities thrown on him. Proper time to be coached on how to defend, something I believe a defense man should know...defending, to go along with his offensive skills.\

It's not how I define hate, but I also don't wear rose coloured glasses either, the kid has skills and should be developed properly to become a better all-round player.

Every time someone brings up changing the NCAA rule, I don't understand it. We are talking about kids who haven't made the NHL yet 4-5 years after they have been drafted. For the most part they are not very good players and regardless of where you are playing, if you haven't been signed by your NHL team that drafted you at 23, you can become a free agent.

We see stars refuse to sign with the team that drafted them as well, players have a few choices that they can use to dictate where they end up but for the most part NHL teams have all the power. Don't blame Vesey for exercising his right, if Nashville had wanted to ensure they kept him, I imagine they could of signed him after his first season or two.

I think the draft eligibility year should be 19 period...regardless of AHL eligibility.

As far as NCAA players screwing their draft clubs if they choose to sign elsewhere that pick should be replaced with a pick of arguably equal value.
- LordHumungous

I disagree. I know it isnt the same, but the NBA moved the draft age to 19 and did nothing of value to the sport. That being said, the creation of the draft was to evenly disperse players that would have otherwise been bought by the richer teams. In the salary cap era I think its unnecessary to have it, its created a league of contenders and tankers

Normally I on the side of NCAA draft picks that wait 4 years earn their right to pick, but a pick compensation is something I wouldnt oppose

I noticed the Canucks are not one of your 10 most-improved teams!...

Every time someone brings up changing the NCAA rule, I don't understand it. We are talking about kids who haven't made the NHL yet 4-5 years after they have been drafted. For the most part they are not very good players and regardless of where you are playing, if you haven't been signed by your NHL team that drafted you at 23, you can become a free agent.

We see stars refuse to sign with the team that drafted them as well, players have a few choices that they can use to dictate where they end up but for the most part NHL teams have all the power. Don't blame Vesey for exercising his right, if Nashville had wanted to ensure they kept him, I imagine they could of signed him after his first season or two.
- belcherbd

Every time someone brings up changing the NCAA rule, I don't understand it. We are talking about kids who haven't made the NHL yet 4-5 years after they have been drafted. For the most part they are not very good players and regardless of where you are playing, if you haven't been signed by your NHL team that drafted you at 23, you can become a free agent.

We see stars refuse to sign with the team that drafted them as well, players have a few choices that they can use to dictate where they end up but for the most part NHL teams have all the power. Don't blame Vesey for exercising his right, if Nashville had wanted to ensure they kept him, I imagine they could of signed him after his first season or two.
- belcherbd

I think you are missing the point. Teams aren't intentionally not signing those players who are in college, teams CAN'T sign those players. If the player wants to finish his degree, he must stay with the college and is in illegible to sign an NHL contract. If that player decides that after the end of his degree, that he doesn't want to sign and play in the American league or for the NHL team that drafted him, it's his choice to wait until he can sign elsewhere. It's a players right, but its a right that is ridiculous as it is only offered in the NCAA route. Teams TRY and sign players in the college route, regardless if they have finished their schooling. Benning tried to pry Boeser and Demko early, and they also had talks with Gaudette to sign but he decided to go back for another year.

RE: 4-5 years after they are drafted. Depending on the length of the program/degree, 4 to 5 years of college is pretty standard to get a degree lol

Pump & dump?
- A_SteamingLombardi

Goes without saying

Every time someone brings up changing the NCAA rule, I don't understand it. We are talking about kids who haven't made the NHL yet 4-5 years after they have been drafted. For the most part they are not very good players and regardless of where you are playing, if you haven't been signed by your NHL team that drafted you at 23, you can become a free agent.

We see stars refuse to sign with the team that drafted them as well, players have a few choices that they can use to dictate where they end up but for the most part NHL teams have all the power. Don't blame Vesey for exercising his right, if Nashville had wanted to ensure they kept him, I imagine they could of signed him after his first season or two.
- belcherbd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXvWVRB-Ek

Wow Carol...no Canucks in the top ten of most improved teams? Very disappointed in you...


- LordHumungous

I thought someone might pick up on that.

I guess that's a subject for a future blog. Short version: I think the Canucks' roster is about equal to last year after all the offseason changes + losing Burrows & Hansen. The two wild cards for next season—Travis Green and injuries.

I think you are missing the point. Teams aren't intentionally not signing those players who are in college, teams CAN'T sign those players. If the player wants to finish his degree, he must stay with the college and is in illegible to sign an NHL contract. If that player decides that after the end of his degree, that he doesn't want to sign and play in the American league or for the NHL team that drafted him, it's his choice to wait until he can sign elsewhere. It's a players right, but its a right that is ridiculous as it is only offered in the NCAA route. Teams TRY and sign players in the college route, regardless if they have finished their schooling. Benning tried to pry Boeser and Demko early, and they also had talks with Gaudette to sign but he decided to go back for another year.

RE: 4-5 years after they are drafted. Depending on the length of the program/degree, 4 to 5 years of college is pretty standard to get a degree lol
- Codes1087

Its not limited to them. We assume its automatic because CHL players have limited options but those players can also refuse to sign with their drafting team and reenter the draft after only 2 years. Depending on their age though, they might not be eligible for the draft anymore and end up as UFA's at 21

Its not limited to them. We assume its automatic because CHL players have limited options but those players can also refuse to sign with their drafting team and reenter the draft after only 2 years. Depending on their age though, they might not be eligible for the draft anymore and end up as UFA's at 21
- WhiteLie

CHL players only really play until 20 (as over-agers) and generally have signed their ELC (if the club thinks they are worth it). If they don't get signed, they re-enter, but are not privileged to sign with a specific club of their choice. I am not against the NCAA rule, I don't really like it, but its a rule and its not going to change. I am just simply countering Belchers claim of teams not actually trying to sign prolific college kids who wait to become free agents. It's not often you hear these kids not get offers from the club that drafted them prior to them becoming free agents after Aug 15.

Thank you for the timely blog Carol. It was getting tiring reading about the Sword and the Hand. Bro Chill out.
As for the argument of NCAA players. I believe as a GM and a scout need to do their due diligence and interview college kids. Get a sense of whether they will sign in the 3 years or are they hell bent on completing their degree. If the prospect is dead set on completing their degree then don't waste your top 100 picks on them unless they are of Toews caliber. Be prepared to lose them should they choose not to sign. Benning took a huge risk with BB. I remember the interview BB had at the draft after he was selected and he said flat out that he is going to complete his degree. He was not signing till his education is over. I was surprised that he decided to leave a year early and sign. If the GM does not do their jobs properly then don't blame a player for doing what is in their right. if anything owners should dock the pay of the GM if a player selected by them decides not to sign and go to fa.

Thank you for the timely blog Carol. It was getting tiring reading about the Sword and the Hand. Bro Chill out.
As for the argument of NCAA players. I believe as a GM and a scout need to do their due diligence and interview college kids. Get a sense of whether they will sign in the 3 years or are they hell bent on completing their degree. If the prospect is dead set on completing their degree then don't waste your top 100 picks on them unless they are of Toews caliber. Be prepared to lose them should they choose not to sign. Benning took a huge risk with BB. I remember the interview BB had at the draft after he was selected and he said flat out that he is going to complete his degree. He was not signing till his education is over. I was surprised that he decided to leave a year early and sign. If the GM does not do their jobs properly then don't blame a player for doing what is in their right. if anything owners should dock the pay of the GM if a player selected by them decides not to sign and go to fa.
- Linden_4_Capt

why would a kid choose the college route if they aren't planning on finishing their degree?

Its not limited to them. We assume its automatic because CHL players have limited options but those players can also refuse to sign with their drafting team and reenter the draft after only 2 years. Depending on their age though, they might not be eligible for the draft anymore and end up as UFA's at 21
- WhiteLie

Combines exists for this reason. It is an opportunity to interview the players. Get a read on them. It is not to see how many effing pull ups an 18year old kid can do.