Goalies:

Option 1 - sign Marky to multi year deal with zero expansion protection and protect Demko

Option 2 - sign Marky to a one year $8-9MM deal and ride two solid goalies for the shortened/weird 20/21 season. Protect Demko in expansion draft.

Option 3 (most likely) - Marky walks, keep Demko, sign or trade for a solid vet to help carry the load. The first two options are unlikely but possible give the unique nature/uncertainty of next season. So, if the first two options don’t work and given the teams current trajectory (strong core, young and developing), I think the team needs to let Marky walk and go with the younger Demko.

Don’t agree with trading Demko, kid has been too good at each level to think he won’t be a #1 in the NHL. Given the two month layoff, this was essentially the next season and we all saw how much better the young guys like Petey, QH, and Demko can get year to year.

I was just looking at the Islanders contracts . They have done an amazing job assembling a team. The contracts are all tidy and neat and seem to fit the player. They don't have contracts like 6.333 or 4.291 every thing is .000 or .500 .

Because the six million you’d tie up in Markstrom, who’s 31 in January, would be prohibitive in fixing the rest of the team because of the gross contracts given out by Jim Benning.

Demko’s succeeded at every level of hockey he’s ever played, he was too good for the AHL, it’s his time to be a starter. Sure he may falter now and again, no one is great for 82 games. Get him a backup and run with him.
- Pacificgem

I have no idea what Marky is going to ask contract wise and neither does anybody but his agent. The league is full of guys that have had success at every level of hockey and are too good for the A. Yet still can't maintain it over a heavy NHL schedule against the best in the world. Even the KHL is full of those types of players. So far Demko has proven nothing beyond he can get hot for 3 games. We can't bank on him just yet.

I have no idea what Marky is going to ask contract wise and neither does anybody but his agent. The league is full of guys that have had success at every level of hockey and are too good for the A. Yet still can't maintain it over a heavy NHL schedule against the best in the world. Even the KHL is full of those types of players. So far Demko has proven nothing beyond he can get hot for 3 games. We can't bank on him just yet.
- Load Management

That’s why you get him a good backup, there’s a bunch of reasonably priced backups to shoulder the load with him. My assumptions are Markstrom wants 6 million and that’s what’s driving my opinion.

I was just looking at the Islanders contracts . They have done an amazing job assembling a team. The contracts are all tidy and neat and seem to fit the player. They don't have contracts like 6.333 or 4.291 every thing is .000 or .500 .
- VANTEL

Barzal’s an RFA, he’s gonna cost 7 million per I’d guess.

Barzal’s an RFA, he’s gonna cost 7 million per I’d guess.
- Pacificgem

He deserves it. Same as Petey deserves 7 mil next year .

Islanders have some tweaking to do but are mostly set.

Matt Martin is an UFA . Slow and older now but could be effective for 2 more years. Teams still need to keep their heads up.

That’s why you get him a good backup, there’s a bunch of reasonably priced backups to shoulder the load with him. My assumptions are Markstrom wants 6 million and that’s what’s driving my opinion.
- Pacificgem

OK. I think I've also made my point. I'm not into signing a back-up. It's too risky for a team that relies heavily on strong Goaltending.

Defence:

Defence needs an upgrade but for next year (shortened season) I would lean towards stability and allowing the prospects one more year of development in the AHL and via NHL spot duty as required. Sign Tanev to 3 year deal if possible - good mentor and hopefully can be solid 5/6 D for 3rd year. If they can’t sign Tanev to a three year deal, then promote from within or add from outside via trade (UFA is unlikely and not the best option unless at a reasonable AAV - if they do go this route, should remain patient and see if a solid D goes unsigned later into the offseason and can be had on a show me contract).

Hughes Tanev
Edler Stecher
Fatty Myers

Goal for next season should be to develop prospects and hope to get one top four out of the group for the next season. Canucks should also be on the hunt via trade, UFA or draft.

Following year (with Tanev, Stecher, Myers being expendable if upgrades can be made).

QH Tanev
xxx Stecher
xxx Myers

That’s why you get him a good backup, there’s a bunch of reasonably priced backups to shoulder the load with him. My assumptions are Markstrom wants 6 million and that’s what’s driving my opinion.
- Pacificgem

Expansion exposure likely a big issue

Defence:

Defence needs an upgrade but for next year (shortened season) I would lean towards stability and allowing the prospects one more year of development in the AHL and via NHL spot duty as required. Sign Tanev to 3 year deal if possible - good mentor and hopefully can be solid 5/6 D for 3rd year. If they can’t sign Tanev to a three year deal, then promote from within or add from outside via trade (UFA is unlikely and not the best option unless at a reasonable AAV - if they do go this route, should remain patient and see if a solid D goes unsigned later into the offseason and can be had on a show me contract).

Hughes Tanev
Edler Stecher
Fatty Myers

Goal for next season should be to develop prospects and hope to get one top four out of the group for the next season. Canucks should also be on the hunt via trade, UFA or draft.

Following year (with Tanev, Stecher, Myers being expendable if upgrades can be made).

QH Tanev
xxx Stecher
xxx Myers
- CoolerHeads

I don't want Fatty back next year I would prefer to see OJ and Luke Schenn

Expansion exposure likely a big issue
- CoolerHeads

I know TO are looking for a goalie and have cap problems . I would do Demko for their first this year and Mikheyev

Forwards:

For next year, definitely lean towards the team promoting from within (especially in bottom six). Canucks have a very tight knit group and don’t want to see them lose that.

Goals for next year should be (1) to push development gains over another offseason (two month layoff was huge for QH, Petey, Demko, etc.) and (2) remove as much dead cap weight as possible (although that will be much easier the following offseason once contracts expire, bonuses have been paid out and there is only one year left on the LE, Beagle and Rouss deals).

Next year

Miller Petey xxx
Pearson Bo Boeser
Rouss Gaudette Leivo
Motte xxx Mac

The rest of the team not listed above should be made available. Would love to see guys like Lind, Hoggs, etc. get some time in the show.

Everyone is on Jake but I would be fine with them bringing him back on a show me bottom six contract.

I like TT but don’t see him back unless it is a 1 or 2 (maybe 3) year deal. Best to start hunting for a true top line right wing for Petey (truly believe this spot is made for Podz - guy is playing against men and is relentless just like Petey).

I don't want Fatty back next year I would prefer to see OJ and Luke Schenn
- VANTEL

Fatty could still be a perfect number seven guy - works hard, doesn’t complain and provides steady mins. Don’t have to lock him into top six.

Fatty could still be a perfect number seven guy - works hard, doesn’t complain and provides steady mins. Don’t have to lock him into top six.
- CoolerHeads

Benn is still under contract though and can play both sides. If they move Benn sure why not.

I agree. We also saw how important Edler and Tanev still are and neither 1 is getting younger.

They also need to maintain their level of goaltending so they'll need to either re-sign Markstrom or find someone on the market good enough for 40-50 quality starts. My biggest question for Markstrom is if he's going to be comfortable with relinquishing the net at some point moving forward. He might be open to taking a shorter deal . I think he wants to be here and wants to win which is ideal right now.

I think with a compressed schedule having 2 goalies will be even more paramount next season. I actually like MTL's move to trade for Allen.
- golfingsince

No way Demko doesn't get snagged in the expansion draft. If they resign Markstrom Demko has to be moved at the TD wouldn't you think?

I know TO are looking for a goalie and have cap problems . I would do Demko for their first this year and Mikheyev
- VANTEL

IMHO I think keeping Demko is the right move given the teams current trajectory. I think he can grow into the #1 goalie they need, when they need it. Love Marky but would rather keep/protect Demko.

Another offseason should do wonders for the young core. If the team keeps building from within (with some smart additions if it makes sense) over the next year, it will put them in a great position for the 21/22 season.

IMHO I think keeping Demko is the right move given the teams current trajectory. I think he can grow into the #1 goalie they need, when they need it. Love Marky but would rather keep/protect Demko.

Another offseason should do wonders for the young core. If the team keeps building from within (with some smart additions if it makes sense) over the next year, it will put them in a great position for the 21/22 season.
- CoolerHeads

I am not against that, nor am I against moving him if the price is high enough. TBH I am just looking at all scenarios but am definitely on the side of accepting what the teams decision is. I think they have done a really good job of building and know what goes on a lot more than we do.

I am not against that, nor am I against moving him if the price is high enough. TBH I am just looking at all scenarios but am definitely on the side of accepting what the teams decision is. I think they have done a really good job of building and know what goes on a lot more than we do.
- VANTEL

I think the Canucks are a bit of the victims of their own success right now. IMO, they need one more year of development before they're ready to start their push: Demko needs a year splitting games, Hoglander/Rafferty/Rathbone/Juolevu need a year to evaluate where they are, Podkolzin needs a year to get out of the KHL... unfortunately there's this gap with the Canucks' UFAs that's causing problems. Their playoff run showed that they can be ready now, but that's going to cause some heads to swell trying to make this time right now the one.

I am not against that, nor am I against moving him if the price is high enough. TBH I am just looking at all scenarios but am definitely on the side of accepting what the teams decision is. I think they have done a really good job of building and know what goes on a lot more than we do.
- VANTEL

It's great he had a bit of a breakthrough for 3 games when he was the most rested guy on the ice. Let's not forget that he was faltering pretty badly down the stretch after 2/3 of a full season. I'm not against moving on from either guy when the time is right. This is not the right time to run with an unproven starter with this group, period.

I think the Canucks are a bit of the victims of their own success right now. IMO, they need one more year of development before they're ready to start their push: Demko needs a year splitting games, Hoglander/Rafferty/Rathbone/Juolevu need a year to evaluate where they are, Podkolzin needs a year to get out of the KHL... unfortunately there's this gap with the Canucks' UFAs that's causing problems. Their playoff run showed that they can be ready now, but that's going to cause some heads to swell trying to make this time right now the one.
- NewYorkNuck

I get what you are saying .

Start with the forwards Hoglander Lind Zack may need one more year . Sutter Spooner Sven Pearson's contract run out in a year. 3 in 4 out.

I think OJ will play next year but if he doesn't it takes an extra year that is fine. You could use Fantenber one more year. The funny thing about the 17 mil showing on Cap Friendly has Rathbone as part of Canuks roster when you send him down it goes up to 18 mil and he will more than likely be replaced with OJ or Fantenberg. One less spot to fill and still have your 17 mil without even touching Ferlands LTIR.

If they do send Loui down there is another mil and probably replaced by Zack. Another spot filled.

It is only my opinion but I think they timed it well. If Sutter plays next year or gets moved or goes on IR , I am okay with it.

It's great he had a bit of a breakthrough for 3 games when he was the most rested guy on the ice. Let's not forget that he was faltering pretty badly down the stretch after 2/3 of a full season. I'm not against moving on from either guy when the time is right. This is not the right time to run with an unproven starter with this group, period.
- Load Management

I agree . I expect screaming one way or the other but I keep saying I trust Canucks judgement. I believe they will be top 10 next year and I am okay with that.

I think the Canucks are a bit of the victims of their own success right now. IMO, they need one more year of development before they're ready to start their push: Demko needs a year splitting games, Hoglander/Rafferty/Rathbone/Juolevu need a year to evaluate where they are, Podkolzin needs a year to get out of the KHL... unfortunately there's this gap with the Canucks' UFAs that's causing problems. Their playoff run showed that they can be ready now, but that's going to cause some heads to swell trying to make this time right now the one.
- NewYorkNuck

IMO their current playoff success can be taken with a grain of salt, it was an extenuating set of circumstances that got a mediocre team into the second round and they’re a team with a poor makeup that relies so heavily on goaltending it’s ridiculous.

Again, imo, you’re not ready to compete when your O Zone possession is 1/3 of your opposition and you’re getting outshoot 50-25 almost every game.

The Canucks have a great young core but they have massive work to do in building a sustainable competitive contender.

I agree . I expect screaming one way or the other but I keep saying I trust Canucks judgement. I believe they will be top 10 next year and I am okay with that.
- VANTEL

True. This next season is going to be another weird one as far as scheduling and how teams adapt. That's without adding expansion to the mix.

True. This next season is going to be another weird one as far as scheduling and how teams adapt. That's without adding expansion to the mix.
- Load Management

I like when there is chaos

IMO their current playoff success can be taken with a grain of salt, it was an extenuating set of circumstances that got a mediocre team into the second round and they’re a team with a poor makeup that relies so heavily on goaltending it’s ridiculous.

Again, imo, you’re not ready to compete when your O Zone possession is 1/3 of your opposition and you’re getting outshoot 50-25 almost every game.

The Canucks have a great young core but they have massive work to do in building a sustainable competitive contender.
- Pacificgem

Very well put.