The Sedin's will hurt Gagner.
- manvanfan

Stick with hockey talk.
- Argue4U

You're a beautiful creature, I hope you live yourself as much as I love myself!

Development. I don't like the idea of bringing kids into a team that they aren't supported by. I would rather see JV make strides in the AHL then possibly become stagnant in the NHL on a bad team.
- manvanfan

This is the part I find a little hypocritical. Differences in opinion have nothing to do with it.

This is the part I find a little hypocritical. Differences in opinion have nothing to do with it.
- Renidrag

Does JV drive offence like BB? I would say no.

You managed to piss off the entire Oilers blog yesterday. I'm surprised you are still around today.
- manvanfan

There are no mods willing to go into Henderson's blog, it's the Wild West in there.

Does JV drive offence like BB? I would say no.
- manvanfan

He never will either!

Does JV drive offence like BB? I would say no.
- manvanfan

That isn't what we were talking about. Does a prospect/young player have to be as good at driving offense as Boeser to make it to the NHL, I think not.

Wow, looks like one of my hockey posts!

- Argue4U

I think that your right, except that you don't ask any questions or call anyone an idiot.

He never will either!
- LeftCoaster

Never say never my hefty friend.

That isn't what we were talking about. Does a prospect/young player have to be as good at driving offense as Boeser to make it to the NHL, I think not.
- Renidrag

So what does Virtanen bring to the team? I'll remind you about his 4th line duties that basically ruined his confidence. Now he has confidence again playing in a more scoring role. Is he going to get that in the NHL this year? I think not.

(frank) it looks like the Oilers are gonna have a really good team, I don't care what anyone says about Chiarelli, he changed the culture of that team in a hurry and drafted really well.

Sure he got McDavid giftwrapped to him, and even Puljujarvi for that matter, not to mention McTavish got lucky when Buffalo took Sam Reinhart instead of Draisaitl, but still, those wieners have assembled a good team.

Hopefully the Canucks can follow suit after a few more good drafts!!
- LeftCoaster

No luck getting McDavid & still talking rebuild. Lucic signed elsewhere.
Chiarelli only gets credit when or if he wins a cup.

He never will either!
- LeftCoaster

He doesn't have too but right now is he going to be propped up by line mates. I don't think this line up has enough extra talent to be spread around. Boeser is like Bo, players playing with him are going to be better.

So what does Virtanen bring to the team? I'll remind you about his 4th line duties that basically ruined his confidence. Now he has confidence again playing in a more scoring role. Is he going to get that in the NHL this year? I think not.
- manvanfan

What doesn't virtanan bring you this team?
I'll remind you that you're not that informed about coach green and how great of a coaching staff we have this year! Best staff ever! If TG 88pts Jake on the 4th line ours the best thing four his development, period. You're misinformed and sound ignorant if you disagree with me, you don't understand the role coaching plays and if you did then I'd listen, BUT YOU DON'T SO QUIT TALKING ABOUT IT AS IF YOU DO. Now if Jake played 0.73 of each game on the line and the rest, how do you think he'll do?
I respect your ability to course player development so if you comment I'll listen, nobody else does.
Jake opens up lanes that Brock slides into, whay else does Jake do? Discuss

He's used to being the bully in the room, he's 70 years old and that's never going to change.

He doesn't like that they're kneeling, it's his God-given American right to say so. Just like it's the people who are kneeling have every right to peacefully bring awareness to something they feel is an important issue.
- LeftCoaster

God given what bs. Which god? The American one & no other?

So what does Virtanen bring to the team? I'll remind you about his 4th line duties that basically ruined his confidence. Now he has confidence again playing in a more scoring role. Is he going to get that in the NHL this year? I think not.
- manvanfan

Virtanen brings speed, physicality, decent defensive ability, puck possession, and net front presence, so I guess he has absolutely nothing to offer this team.
His lack of conditioning last year probably had more to do with his"lack of confidence" than him playing 4th line. Although I believe he should have been returned to juniors that 1st year.
Again, if Virtanen is a top 12 forward at camp, then he should be on the team, if he isn't then he goes back to Utica, same with any player breaking into league.

Virtanen brings speed, physicality, decent defensive ability, puck possession, and net front presence, so I guess he has absolutely nothing to offer this team.
His lack of conditioning last year probably had more to do with his"lack of confidence" than him playing 4th line. Although I believe he should have been returned to juniors that 1st year.
Again, if Virtanen is a top 12 forward at camp, then he should be on the team, if he isn't then he goes back to Utica, same with any player breaking into league.
- Renidrag

Why break up speed and chemistry to try to insulate two 37 year olds ? Let these other lines begin new partnerships . Let the old guys play out the year against other teams third lines and give them their solid silver hockey stick on the last game as a retirement present.

Don't delay yet another year.
- VANTEL

Yes let's stop worrying about the Sedins. Let's worry about the next generation now

Yes let's stop worrying about the Sedins. Let's worry about the next generation now
- CanuckDon

Gaunce

Virtanen brings speed, physicality, decent defensive ability, puck possession, and net front presence, so I guess he has absolutely nothing to offer this team.
His lack of conditioning last year probably had more to do with his"lack of confidence" than him playing 4th line. Although I believe he should have been returned to juniors that 1st year.
Again, if Virtanen is a top 12 forward at camp, then he should be on the team, if he isn't then he goes back to Utica, same with any player breaking into league.
- Renidrag

Well then we see a difference of opinion. I don't want to see Virtanen in a 4th line role.

Gaunce
- thundachunk

Maybe

I would consider it a successful season if 2 young players were integrated into the lineup.
As a supporter of Jake, I am hoping he and Brock make this team.
For me it is not so much about this season, it is about drafting and developing over the next 3 seasons, although good drafting is a must always.
- Reubenkincade

That is a bang on & pragmatic way of looking at it.
Too much distraction over the players who won't be here when it matters.
In the present we need to work on special teams & get more offense from D.
Let the process work & hope we see good signs & results.
BB is already garnering a ton of notice here & elsewhere.
The prospects r off to a flying start in Jr & the SHL.
Utica will be stocked up like never before.
JV has his doubters but even they r impressed more & more.

Well then we see a difference of opinion. I don't want to see Virtanen in a 4th line role.
- manvanfan

I dont care what line hes on. As long as he gets more then 12 minutes of ice a game and is put in some offensive situations ill be happy.

All the waiver eligible players should go to Utica.

Only got to see him once last season and then during summer, he plays a smart game and looks like he should be a Centre.
Does he play any shifts as a Centre in Kelowna?
- Renidrag

Seldom if at all but he has a 200' game & busts his ass.
Thats not normal for young kids & looks great going forward for us.

Personally I believe Virtanen made big strides in AHL last year, he no longer runs around trying to plow guys and drives harder to the net.
Developing can be as simple as working on some weaknesses.
- Reubenkincade

What i think JV learned in Utica & from TG last year & this preseason is talent alone means nothing. Using his speed size & skills with a purpose is what it means to be a pro. The off ice training is just as important tas the on ice performance. Practice like u play is old school anology but it has always worked to this day.

It's fashionable to get your hate on early, and around here twin hate is the best hate.
- Dragon4U

As great as the twins have been for us in every way its time to be more critical of them. I may seem harsh but they both cannot avoid the limelight & ops will see them & check them as the 1st line & say who will hurt us when we shut them down. Its on them to be leaders whether 37 or 27 its unavoidable. They have immense pride but its results now while they r in their twilight. What they leave behind when retired is more important than what only this season amounts to.