I'd counter realistic pov not narrow. You had to go back to Linden to find and example? It's pretty rare. Whally barely plays center. I don't care that he played a few games in highschool Folks that have spent a lot of time scouting him (not me) do not think he will play center in the NHL.
- CanuckDon

I've only watched him a couple times but there's nothing to me that says he can't play center. What I do agree with you is having another Boeser that can skate better is certainly ok with me.

I was walking the dog when I typed that. I mean that can skate well and has good passing skills, which Wahlstrom has.
- LeftCoaster

Wahlstrom isn't the right type of skater for the new nhl center.

What are we arguing about today? How tall Boqvist will be after he is drafted by Vancouver?
- manvanfan

5'11 1/2 165 pounds at the combine. height is a non-factor, needs to put on muscle for sure. Concussions are the issue. He's one of the youngest guys in the draft, has a huge boom-bust factor. I'm a gambler and would have no problem with the pick, not a fan of playing it safe.

Wahlstrom isn't the right type of skater for the new nhl center.
- manvanfan

oh shut up for God's sake.

I guess going on four years with the talk of trading the 7th overall and going into this draft, so far, with less than their seven picks, I get a little irritated they still won't commit to the draft. At least not full out.
- LeftCoaster

You can't 'commit' solely to the draft, that's a recipe for disaster, you need to look at every available option to improve your team. Whether that means drafting, trading for players that fit your team's system/philosophy or signing a UFA. You can't just say let's dump all our UFA for picks and hope to hell that they all reach their potential because hell, life/injuries/chemistry issues can derail even the most promising prospects careers. It's not something you can foresee or guard against because we're talking 17-18 year old kids who aren't fully developed mentally, emotionally and physically.

The fact is, I'm open to trading the 7OA IF the deal makes sense and upgrades us in the back end which we BADLY need more than any other position. I'm not saying that trading for Hanifin or whoever is that upgrade, but it certainly needs to be looked at and evaluated. There's no such thing as a perfect rebuild and chances are, this crop of players aren't going to be able to be competitive enough to contend for the Cup and you can't assume it either. You need to be proactive and do everything in your power to make the team better otherwise you end up being an Edmonton or Calgary or NYI or better example Arizona that has amazing prospect depth/rankings but never can do better than the bottom rung of the standings.

It didn't work out, but I give Edmonton credit for at least TRYING to fix the problems with their team by giving up Hall and Eberle, sure those deals were bad but at least Chia Pet was willing to swing for the fences while McDavid was just entering his prime.

He misses on avg about 10 games a year. Last year without the freak accident, it probably would have been about the same. His PPG has been improving yearly. If he does have a good season, sure hope he is sold and not re-signed.
- manvanfan

Best case scenario: He plays really well (and stays healthy) right up to the TDL, Canucks deal him for a late first or a solid looking prospect. Maybe you package him.

You can't 'commit' solely to the draft, that's a recipe for disaster, you need to look at every available option to improve your team. Whether that means drafting, trading for players that fit your team's system/philosophy or signing a UFA. You can't just say let's dump all our UFA for picks and hope to hell that they all reach their potential because hell, life/injuries/chemistry issues can derail even the most promising prospects careers. It's not something you can foresee or guard against because we're talking 17-18 year old kids who aren't fully developed mentally, emotionally and physically.

The fact is, I'm open to trading the 7OA IF the deal makes sense and upgrades us in the back end which we BADLY need more than any other position. I'm not saying that trading for Hanifin or whoever is that upgrade, but it certainly needs to be looked at and evaluated. There's no such thing as a perfect rebuild and chances are, this crop of players aren't going to be able to be competitive enough to contend for the Cup and you can't assume it either. You need to be proactive and do everything in your power to make the team better otherwise you end up being an Edmonton or Calgary or NYI or better example Arizona that has amazing prospect depth/rankings but never can do better than the bottom rung of the standings.

It didn't work out, but I give Edmonton credit for at least TRYING to fix the problems with their team by giving up Hall and Eberle, sure those deals were bad but at least Chia Pet was willing to swing for the fences while McDavid was just entering his prime.
- DariusKnight

I never said "solely", I said fully, completely different things.

- A_SteamingLombardi

You can't 'commit' solely to the draft, that's a recipe for disaster, you need to look at every available option to improve your team. Whether that means drafting, trading for players that fit your team's system/philosophy or signing a UFA. You can't just say let's dump all our UFA for picks and hope to hell that they all reach their potential because hell, life/injuries/chemistry issues can derail even the most promising prospects careers. It's not something you can foresee or guard against because we're talking 17-18 year old kids who aren't fully developed mentally, emotionally and physically.

The fact is, I'm open to trading the 7OA IF the deal makes sense and upgrades us in the back end which we BADLY need more than any other position. I'm not saying that trading for Hanifin or whoever is that upgrade, but it certainly needs to be looked at and evaluated. There's no such thing as a perfect rebuild and chances are, this crop of players aren't going to be able to be competitive enough to contend for the Cup and you can't assume it either. You need to be proactive and do everything in your power to make the team better otherwise you end up being an Edmonton or Calgary or NYI or better example Arizona that has amazing prospect depth/rankings but never can do better than the bottom rung of the standings.

It didn't work out, but I give Edmonton credit for at least TRYING to fix the problems with their team by giving up Hall and Eberle, sure those deals were bad but at least Chia Pet was willing to swing for the fences while McDavid was just entering his prime.
- DariusKnight

I don't think Larsson was as bad as Strome. At least Larsson is a guy worth keeping. Strome for Eberle has me wondering how Chia has a job. Yes Hall is way better than Larsson, but Strome is a borderline AHL guy at this point.

JB clearly didn't get trading in his apprenticeship in Boston. I like a couple of his moves, the overall picture is troubling. The Burrows trade is his only clear win IMO.

As to your other point, I agree it is impossible to build solely through the draft. But you need some new core pieces to emerge, so far we have two and that's not enough. Yes eventually we can trade for core pieces, I even think Hanafin could be that guy (happy either way though). Stockpile talent, then you have assets to move as well because that's our other issue: nothing of value to make a real trade happen. Our best way to stockpile talent is through the draft, need to insulate guys but also ought to aquire picks. Your saying don't gut the whole team. Fine. But so far they haven't traded for any picks. Look at NYR, DET, BUF. These are teams committed to rebuilding IMO. JB needs to nut up and pull the trigger, make some tough choices.

You can't 'commit' solely to the draft, that's a recipe for disaster, you need to look at every available option to improve your team. Whether that means drafting, trading for players that fit your team's system/philosophy or signing a UFA. You can't just say let's dump all our UFA for picks and hope to hell that they all reach their potential because hell, life/injuries/chemistry issues can derail even the most promising prospects careers. It's not something you can foresee or guard against because we're talking 17-18 year old kids who aren't fully developed mentally, emotionally and physically.

The fact is, I'm open to trading the 7OA IF the deal makes sense and upgrades us in the back end which we BADLY need more than any other position. I'm not saying that trading for Hanifin or whoever is that upgrade, but it certainly needs to be looked at and evaluated. There's no such thing as a perfect rebuild and chances are, this crop of players aren't going to be able to be competitive enough to contend for the Cup and you can't assume it either. You need to be proactive and do everything in your power to make the team better otherwise you end up being an Edmonton or Calgary or NYI or better example Arizona that has amazing prospect depth/rankings but never can do better than the bottom rung of the standings.

It didn't work out, but I give Edmonton credit for at least TRYING to fix the problems with their team by giving up Hall and Eberle, sure those deals were bad but at least Chia Pet was willing to swing for the fences while McDavid was just entering his prime.
- DariusKnight

Well said.

On the Oilers Hall was an issue in the room and needed to go. Eberle was completely invisible in the PO's so it's tough to hang those on Chia even though he has made a few odd moves like every GM.

Oil will be back in the PO's next season.

I don't think Larsson was as bad as Strome. At least Larsson is a guy worth keeping. Strome for Eberle has me wondering how Chia has a job. Yes Hall is way better than Larsson, but Strome is a borderline AHL guy at this point.

JB clearly didn't get trading in his apprenticeship in Boston. I like a couple of his moves, the overall picture is troubling. The Burrows trade is his only clear win IMO.
- neem55

Most trades end up to be washes anyways, Guddy is partial win seeing as McCann is a replacement level player for Florida and Guddy at least is a top 6 defenseman. Baertschi is a win because again Shinkaruk is in the AHL and some nights can barely make their AHL lineup. Dorsett was also a win because until his injury he was a beast on our 4th line. Vey was a loss, so was Etem I'll give you those. Burrows for Dahlen was a win, Hansen for Goldy TBD. The Sutter deal is a bit of a miss based on what they were expecting him to be and I don't think it's fair to judge him on the Kesler trade due to his hands being tied. His UFA signings though are horrible in the extreme and I will give you that one for sure.

Most trades end up to be washes anyways, Guddy is partial win seeing as McCann is a replacement level player for Florida and Guddy at least is a top 6 defenseman. Baertschi is a win because again Shinkaruk is in the AHL and some nights can barely make their AHL lineup. Dorsett was also a win because until his injury he was a beast on our 4th line. Vey was a loss, so was Etem I'll give you those. Burrows for Dahlen was a win, Hansen for Goldy TBD. The Sutter deal is a bit of a miss based on what they were expecting him to be and I don't think it's fair to judge him on the Kesler trade due to his hands being tied. His UFA signings though are horrible in the extreme and I will give you that one for sure.
- DariusKnight

Ya that's fair. Kesler trade was a win considering. Not Dorsett. Sorry no. I'm happy you all love him, but he was a garbage fire defensively and I am very glad he's gone. Baer was a win, yeah ok. Granlund wasn't IMO. That was a high 2nd. Sutter was a loss, and I like Sutter.

Most trades end up to be washes anyways, Guddy is partial win seeing as McCann is a replacement level player for Florida and Guddy at least is a top 6 defenseman. Baertschi is a win because again Shinkaruk is in the AHL and some nights can barely make their AHL lineup. Dorsett was also a win because until his injury he was a beast on our 4th line. Vey was a loss, so was Etem I'll give you those. Burrows for Dahlen was a win, Hansen for Goldy TBD. The Sutter deal is a bit of a miss based on what they were expecting him to be and I don't think it's fair to judge him on the Kesler trade due to his hands being tied. His UFA signings though are horrible in the extreme and I will give you that one for sure.
- DariusKnight

Vanek was a win.

Well said.

On the Oilers Hall was an issue in the room and needed to go. Eberle was completely invisible in the PO's so it's tough to hang those on Chia even though he has made a few odd moves like every GM.

Oil will be back in the PO's next season.
- LordHumungous

Not without some moves. Mcjesus and Hans Gruber can't do it alone.

Vanek was a win.
- LordHumungous

Motte, so hot right now.

Edit: oH you meant as a signing , yeah that was a good one. Hope they do the same. Hartnell would be nice on a 1 year IMO.

Well said.

On the Oilers Hall was an issue in the room and needed to go. Eberle was completely invisible in the PO's so it's tough to hang those on Chia even though he has made a few odd moves like every GM.

Oil will be back in the PO's next season.
- LordHumungous

Yeah, asking to be a leader in the locker room is totally an issue for a team that is void of it and asked a 20 year old to do it instead.

Not without some moves. Mcjesus and Hans Gruber can't do it alone.
- neem55

Agreed of course. I think Chia will make the necessary moves to get them back in. Something on defence for sure.

Well...my shortest explanation would be that the team badly needs two things, a skilled defenseman, a right shooting one, and a center. So with that in mind, I'd take Wahlstrom, Dobson or Hughes with the pick before I'd even consider trading it for Hanifin.

I don't like his offensive upside (Hanifin) so I'd rather use the picks to get a dman whose more offensive from the blue line or get a forward who can skate and play center.
- LeftCoaster

You dodged my question/scenario. Only Hughes is available in the scenario I presented out of those 3 players. You'd take Hughes over Hanifin... but what about the other two?

We are on the same page as the 3 we would definitely take over Hanifin. That's been established.

I felt a lot better about the Hanifin deal at first, but now I'm starting to lean toward keeping the pick.
- Nucker101

You take Boqvist over Hanifin?

Agreed of course. I think Chia will make the necessary moves to get them back in. Something on defence for sure.
- LordHumungous

Yeah. He's in a fortunate position where who wouldn't want to play with those two kids up the middle. I'd say one of Cole, Carlson or Karlsson end up there much as I wish for them to suck forever.

Ya that's fair. Kesler trade was a win considering. Not Dorsett. Sorry no. I'm happy you all love him, but he was a garbage fire defensively and I am very glad he's gone. Baer was a win, yeah ok. Granlund wasn't IMO. That was a high 2nd. Sutter was a loss, and I like Sutter.
- neem55

Dorsett was on a incredible shut down line last season. He's been on other quality shut down lines in his career. He was an excellent forechecker... always in fast applying pressure and turn overs. It's far from love. It's acceptance of what he was. A excellent 4rth liner willing to sacrifice himself no matter the punishment.

Dorsett was on a incredible shut down line last season. He's been on other quality shut down lines in his career. He was an excellent forechecker... always in fast applying pressure and turn overs. It's far from love. It's acceptance of what he was. A excellent 4rth liner willing to sacrifice himself no matter the punishment.
- boonerbuck

Well, none of his stats suggest he was at all good at defence and/or "shut down" as opponents got more shots and puck possession when he was on the ice. He was scrappy, I get why people love that. But let's not go putting lipstick on a pig. He was scrappy, would stick up for his teammates and was a good forchecker. Nothing more.

Dorsett was on a incredible shut down line last season. He's been on other quality shut down lines in his career. He was an excellent forechecker... always in fast applying pressure and turn overs. It's far from love. It's acceptance of what he was. A excellent 4rth liner willing to sacrifice himself no matter the punishment.
- boonerbuck

Neem is usually fairly reasonable but I think his pure hatred for Dorsett blinds him of his assets.
Maybe I'm biased because Dorsett was my favourite Canuck.

Well, none of his stats suggest he was at all good at defence and/or "shut down" as opponents got more shots and puck possession when he was on the ice. He was scrappy, I get why people love that. But let's not go putting lipstick on a pig. He was scrappy, would stick up for his teammates and was a good forchecker. Nothing more.
- neem55

So the Sutter line was that bad when Dorsett was on it? I really don't remember that as they were doing so well. I remember the tire fires when he played with no one but AHL and ECHL players though.

35 mins of crap before they drop the puck?