Rick Dhaliwal‏ @DhaliwalSports 18h18 hours ago
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Benning "We have tough decisions to make. We'll meet Sunday morning after we see how certain guys play Saturday night.

So it comes down to tonight's game. I'm guessing the meetings they had went about as good as us trying to figure out the line up.

Agree. My theory is three fold on why they have been kept around.

They are getting vet treament being on roster most of last season plus played well for TG when on Comets.

Second, having had so many NHL games recently that they may stand out on waivers for a team that can use them now. So Canucks are playing waiver dance on timing.

Thirdly, they are hard workers and that pushed play of competition to make final cut decisions.
- Nuck4U

They are depth players. They didn't show enough last season to warrant extensions IMO. They also doubled the amount of NHL games they had ever played. Maybe if they got the chance this season they would be better.

They are depth players. They didn't show enough last season to warrant extensions IMO. They also doubled the amount of NHL games they had ever played. Maybe if they got the chance this season they would be better.
- manvanfan

Yes and I don't think they should or will stay up. Take the threefold theory in total and it also goes with JB's statement, as well, on waiting until Sunday to make final cut decisions.

My take is, they are weighing on factors of waivers for all who are left. The hard decisions are on options of set up. That is keep 8D or JV starting with DA & DD as extras to draw in on heavy games.

Signing DA also narrows contract limit options. Such as signing Guadette and EP before end of season. Plus trade or free agent adds before June. So they are probably trying to figure what they can live with as DA has made some noise he's ready to have an impact.

Ericksson-Horvat-Boeser (ericksson would be better for Boeser then Sven)
Sedin-Sedin-Virtanen (set Virtanen up to succeed, if he fails utica)
Baer-Granlund-Vanek (had good chemistry)
Arch-Sutter-Gagner (a 4th line who could chip in)
Dorsett

Playoffs

Ericksson-Horvat-Boeser (ericksson would be better for Boeser then Sven)
Sedin-Sedin-Virtanen (set Virtanen up to succeed, if he fails utica)
Baer-Granlund-Vanek (had good chemistry)
Arch-Sutter-Gagner (a 4th line who could chip in)
Dorsett

Playoffs
- phyllee

You want JV to tried and succeed with the Sedin's? Flip your second and third line RW and I totally agree with the entire line up.

You want JV to tried and succeed with the Sedin's? Flip your second and third line RW and I totally agree with the entire line up.
- manvanfan

I dont see why not, he has speed which Vanek does not, has a sweet shot, and isnt a complete wuss.

Ville Pokka on waivers.

Dot it Benning.

He walked into the worst prospect pool in the NHL. 4 drafts later, the prospect pool was ranked 7th. It might be top 3 by next summer. Someone else will get to see the fruits of his labour. Unfortunate.
Drafts aren't the only part of being a GM.
Did sign Bo to a good contract.
He has won more trades then lost. Especially when not handcuffed.
See serious signs of improvement in all aspects of him being a GM.
- manvanfan

Codes had a theory on JB's fate that am still trying to obsorb. Short summary of notion is tanking wins JB contract but making playoffs doesn't. Not quoting posts and he can correct me if that is not what he meant.

But still seems interesting as a theory. So, if team somehow bubbles to be in hunt at TDL and he doesn't sell vets then what's he locked into? But if he sells anyway and team tanks that gets him credit? A lotto win would be huge but does he get to stay around long enough for that? Either way does showcase of prospects garner support?

What mood FA will be given fan reaction on above is a factor too. Results or set objectives achieved on laid out internal plans should be the real meaure. Where is someone with the insider info to tell us what is expected by ownership/TL?

Ville Pokka on waivers.

Dot it Benning.
- Whiskey-Tango

No NHL games. What do you see in him?

https://www.nhl.com/player/ville-pokka-8476864

You saying grab him and flush out Pedan & Biega? Plus DA/JV.

No NHL games. What do you see in him?

https://www.nhl.com/player/ville-pokka-8476864

You saying grab him and flush out Pedan & Biega? Plus DA/JV.
- Nuck4U

Yep.
Would instantly become our best d prospect by miles, as sad as that is.

Yep.
Would instantly become our best d prospect by miles, as sad as that is.
- Whiskey-Tango

Prospect over OJ? How so?

Prospect over OJ? How so?
- Nuck4U

He's further along in development and in a pure offensive sense, put up similar numbers in the AHL as O.J managed in the OHL.

Long story short, he's free and has much better upside than the likes of Pedan, Biega etc.

He's further along in development and in a pure offensive sense, put up similar numbers in the AHL as O.J managed in the OHL.

Long story short, he's free and has much better upside than the likes of Pedan, Biega etc.
- Whiskey-Tango

Then how come he isn't making the Chicago team?

He's further along in development and in a pure offensive sense, put up similar numbers in the AHL as O.J managed in the OHL.

Long story short, he's free and has much better upside than the likes of Pedan, Biega etc.
- Whiskey-Tango

I'd pick him up and ship Biega down

I'd pick him up and ship Biega down
- Pres.cup

You would also have to send one of Pedan/Wiercioch too or both if keeping DA/JV.

Then how come he isn't making the Chicago team?
- manvanfan

If i had to guess:

Maybe they are going to give Franson a contract and unlike the Canucks, Chicago is actually a contender and isn't comfortable developing a young D on the back end this season.

Maybe they'll waive Sutter to make room for Rodin.
- golfingsince

That would be the smart move.

You would also have to send one of Pedan/Wiercioch too or both if keeping DA/JV.
- Nuck4U

Who the (frank) cares. We are talking about sending down garbage for the potential of acquiring a potentially less garbage like player.

Pokka was rumored to be the main piece in both the potential Kesler/Hamhuis trades to Chicago. Clearly Benning likes the kid.

Who the (frank) cares. We are talking about sending down garbage for the potential of acquiring a potentially less garbage like player.

Pokka was rumored to be the main piece in both the potential Kesler/Hamhuis trades to Chicago. Clearly Benning likes the kid.
- Whiskey-Tango

So we shall see if JB claims him or not.

Who the (frank) cares. We are talking about sending down garbage for the potential of acquiring a potentially less garbage like player.

Pokka was rumored to be the main piece in both the potential Kesler/Hamhuis trades to Chicago. Clearly Benning likes the kid.
- Whiskey-Tango

Quinvelle said Pokka had a good camp and nice development at 23. But Hawks are in win now mode with:

Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Connor Murphy, Michal Kempny, Gustav Forsling, Cody Franson, Jordan Oesterle and Jan Rutta. Rutta has played well and seems like a lock, while Forsling, Franson and Oesterle have all done enough to stick around.

Who knows Pokka could be the RD QB whale JB seeks. Could later pair with OJ after his Finnishing school.

Then how come he isn't making the Chicago team?
- manvanfan

Because he sucks.... still better then Biega.... think Subban offensive skills without the feelings and slightly better defence

You would also have to send one of Pedan/Wiercioch too or both if keeping DA/JV.
- Nuck4U

Archie goes down... sign him to a two way contract and send him down...

Edit, send him down then sign him to a two way contract.

Because he sucks.... still better then Biega.... think Subban offensive skills without the feelings and slightly better defence
- Pres.cup

I know what he plays like. He's also now 23 years old and still has never played an NHL game. Reason why Subban isn't getting a shot. I would guess it would be the same as Pokka. I really don't think he's that far down the deep charts on Chicago's D.

You want JV to tried and succeed with the Sedin's? Flip your second and third line RW and I totally agree with the entire line up.
- manvanfan

Burmistrov will make the team. I think Vanek is on the bubble.

So we shall see if JB claims him or not.
- manvanfan

Let's play waiver dance on Pokka. Tuesday deadline for NHL roster. Canucks have a week until they play first game.

So waive Chaput & Megna asap. Then technically they can send DA down for games with agreement to sign him to NHL contract. JV on paper assign to Comets as waiver exempt. Keep around for practice or also send for Comet games until season begins.

By Tuesday waive Biega. That plus above buys time after Tuesday for more leverage on 3 roster spots to decide how to deal with D set up.

Option one, keep 8 D. Keep NHL experienced Wiercoch and prospect Pokka. Option two, go with one extra D and two forwards. Flush Pedan and Wiercioch after Tuesday when teams already locked up. Keep Pokka only for core potential.