I've always found charging to be an odd penalty. If they really called it by the book then plenty of hits on the forecheck would get called, especially in the playoffs.

Just seems like an unnecessary penalty, especially since there's already penalties for hits to the head, elbowing, hits from behind, etc.
- Nucker101

I think there is the borderline stuff where a guy might of taken an extra stride or two but the intent of the call is to prevent players from skating full tilt across the ice to deliver a hit, which is how Ferland was so effective during that series.

I think there is the borderline stuff where a guy might of taken an extra stride or two but the intent of the call is to prevent players from skating full tilt across the ice to deliver a hit, which is how Ferland was so effective during that series.
- belcherbd

Like a modern day Raffi Torres.

I think there is the borderline stuff where a guy might of taken an extra stride or two but the intent of the call is to prevent players from skating full tilt across the ice to deliver a hit, which is how Ferland was so effective during that series.
- belcherbd

Fair enough, I just miss seeing more physicality in the game, not the headshots, but just more body checks.

People need too let go of the LE trade pipedream.

Best case JB has the balls to waive him and then he bolts to the SHL mid-season or next year.
- Nucker101

I think the SHL is a much bigger pipedream than a trade. He might get waived but it won't be because he isn't still one of the 12th best forwards.

People need too let go of the LE trade pipedream.

Best case JB has the balls to waive him and then he bolts to the SHL mid-season or next year.
- Nucker101

They are just waiting another year to buy him out, he's not moving anywhere. I agree.

Fair enough, I just miss seeing more physicality in the game, not the headshots, but just more body checks.
- Nucker101

I think the shootout and interference penalties are responsible for that. Teams going with higher skill and refs calling it so you can't slow a guy down.

Considering it's nearly a crime analytically to block a shot or lay a body check i'm hardly surprised those skills are on the back burner.

I think the SHL is a much bigger pipedream than a trade. He might get waived but it won't be because he isn't still one of the 12th best forwards.
- belcherbd

If he's one of the top 12 forwards in camp and doesn't make the team then there's a really big problem with the coach.

I think the SHL is a much bigger pipedream than a trade. He might get waived but it won't be because he isn't still one of the 12th best forwards.
- belcherbd

If he gets sent down he wont pay Escrow. That would make the lazy fuk very happy

I think the SHL is a much bigger pipedream than a trade. He might get waived but it won't be because he isn't still one of the 12th best forwards.
- belcherbd

I think him getting fed up riding the buses in the AHL and playing more back to backs and 3 in 4 nights on the schedule is more likely than as team agreeing to take on his contract, unless it's a worse one, in which case, why would the Canucks do that?

If he does it after this year he gives up $4M per year over the next 2 years but I'm sure he can get $1M or so per year in the KHL or SHL and get to ride planes instead and be closer to home so that would soften the blow.

They are just waiting another year to buy him out, he's not moving anywhere. I agree.
- neem55

wasn't his contract setup so that the Canucks got little to no actual relief if they bought him out? I guess Benning could just do him a solid....

Fair enough, I just miss seeing more physicality in the game, not the headshots, but just more body checks.
- Nucker101

I agree. Adding not one but two guys to the top6 that can dish it out a bit really does change the complexion of the team quite dramatically. Once Roussel comes back, the lineup is actually one of the toughest in the west (I'm sure I will get some comments on this). Not alot of teams with three guys that can mix it up a bit in the top 9, it's just becoming more rare.

I agree. Adding not one but two guys to the top6 that can dish it out a bit really does change the complexion of the team quite dramatically. Once Roussel comes back, the lineup is actually one of the toughest in the west (I'm sure I will get some comments on this). Not alot of teams with three guys that can mix it up a bit in the top 9, it's just becoming more rare.
- neem55

Ferland and Roussel have had some injury issues that so it there might be a good chunk of games with only 1 of them in the lineup.

wasn't his contract setup so that the Canucks got little to no actual relief if they bought him out? I guess Benning could just do him a solid....
- Nucker101

Oh really? I'm not sure, in fact I didn't know that could be a contract feature. I just assumed they didn't want to buy out that many years when Spooner was an easy choice at 2x1 mill (saving 2 per year).

Ferland and Roussel have had some injury issues that so it there might be a good chunk of games with only 1 of them in the lineup.
- Nucker101

Ferland hasn't been as bad as many on here claimed 71 to 78 games out of 82 is still what 80% of the year? he's done that the last 4 years. Roussel for sure. The vast majority of the year I expect Miller and Ferland in. Pearson and Bo are not soft either, our second line looks to not be too fun to play against. Crazy to imagine the Nucks as being one of the bigger/heavier teams but you look at that roster and it's starting to be the case.

I think him getting fed up riding the buses in the AHL and playing more back to backs and 3 in 4 nights on the schedule is more likely than as team agreeing to take on his contract, unless it's a worse one, in which case, why would the Canucks do that?

If he does it after this year he gives up $4M per year over the next 2 years but I'm sure he can get $1M or so per year in the KHL or SHL and get to ride planes instead and be closer to home so that would soften the blow.
- Nucker101

They are just waiting another year to buy him out, he's not moving anywhere. I agree.
- neem55

His contract is 78% signing bonus and signing bonuses cant be bought out they must be paid in full.

I think him getting fed up riding the buses in the AHL and playing more back to backs and 3 in 4 nights on the schedule is more likely than as team agreeing to take on his contract, unless it's a worse one, in which case, why would the Canucks do that?

If he does it after this year he gives up $4M per year over the next 2 years but I'm sure he can get $1M or so per year in the KHL or SHL and get to ride planes instead and be closer to home so that would soften the blow.
- Nucker101

We can only hope.

I think FA tipped his hat who the Captain will be in his letter to the fans. He said that Bo had emerged as the team leader.... hard to disagree with that.

EP has requested less media contact so he can concentrate on improving his game. I agree. He not a good fit yet. He needs time.

I think FA tipped his hat who the Captain will be in his letter to the fans. He said that Bo had emerged as the team leader.... hard to disagree with that.

EP has requested less media contact so he can concentrate on improving his game. I agree. He not a good fit yet. He needs time.
- boonerbuck

Bo is an alpha amongst betas

EP is an alpha amongst alphas

Naturally, your escape from Krypton pretty much ensures it.
- golfingsince

Absolutely

Bo is an alpha amongst betas

EP is an alpha amongst alphas
- Nucker101

How is EP an "Alpha"?

People forget how much leadership Bo showed in the NHL playoffs in his rookie season. He was their most determined player when the list of Canucks leadership was choking. Last season he solidified his leadership without the Sedins.

EP hasnt been to the NHL playoffs yet. I really don't know what people are basing any of this on?

Benning did a pretty good job of making the top 6 potentially better and the forwards overall grittier however, the team SORELY lacks enough fighters to protect the stars and with Rousell out.

The top 4 defence is questionable. Myers is solid but no star. Edler is Alexander OLDER. That slowing Volvo has a lotta mileage on it and WAY too many accidents. Stecher is solid. Tanev was a crash test dummy. Solid when healthy but, like Edler, not mobile enough to avoid the psycho forecheckers who get a nice long run at them with the 2 line off side pass eliminated. Juolevi and Hughes BOTH have bright futures, however they are extra green rookies. REMEMBER. DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. Canucks fans generally DON'T GET THIS BASIC CONCEPT. There are multiple generations of gambling d men in the Canucks past giving the opposition chance after glorious chance to make our goalies cry themselves to bed. On a positive note, if Benning can actually ship out some excess capspace, the Canucks have the assets to trade for a legit top 2 Left D man like Werenski. Columbus NEEDS a #1 goalie and could use some scoring depth.

His contract is 78% signing bonus and signing bonuses cant be bought out they must be paid in full.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this year was his last substantial signing bonus with maybe one more at 1 million next year and none in the final year.

Benning did a pretty good job of making the top 6 potentially better and the forwards overall grittier however, the team SORELY lacks enough fighters to protect the stars and with Rousell out.

The top 4 defence is questionable. Myers is solid but no star. Edler is Alexander OLDER. That slowing Volvo has a lotta mileage on it and WAY too many accidents. Stecher is solid. Tanev was a crash test dummy. Solid when healthy but, like Edler, not mobile enough to avoid the psycho forecheckers who get a nice long run at them with the 2 line off side pass eliminated. Juolevi and Hughes BOTH have bright futures, however they are extra green rookies. REMEMBER. DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. Canucks fans generally DON'T GET THIS BASIC CONCEPT. There are multiple generations of gambling d men in the Canucks past giving the opposition chance after glorious chance to make our goalies cry themselves to bed. On a positive note, if Benning can actually ship out some excess capspace, the Canucks have the assets to trade for a legit top 2 Left D man like Werenski. Columbus NEEDS a #1 goalie and could use some scoring depth.
- fatty_mcmanboobs

Canucks do not, at all, have the assets to trade for Warenski unless Bo, BB, EP or Hughes are involved.

If EP is this super Alpha like people are suggesting, I can tell you he really doesn't give a (frank) if he's wearing the C or not. He's only going to care if that C toting bastard doesn't come close to deserving that.

Bo is your natural C, and a year ago I don't think anyone would have disputed that. We're talking public speaking, both with officials and the media. Also, in case the team has a problem with a coach, trainer, manager......you name it.

Alpha leaders are leaders, regardless of the jersey designation. I've played on many teams where the true leader didn't have a letter.