I don't really know what you mean by throwing the kids to the wolves? Like what do they need to do before they can be tested at the next level? Same as last year where they wait until someone gets injured? That didn't happen.

No one is asking these kids to play 22 minutes a night vs other teams top 2 lines.

Just asking for the simple progression in development plan, which is NHL game action.
- manvanfan

I don’t know about these other yahoo’s, but for me it’s that there is an expectation that 3 (or more) rookie Dmen are expected to contribute in a meaningful way. If it turns out that only (say) OJ actually plays a full season and the other 5 experienced NHL guys stay healthy it probably won’t be a big deal.

Is the top six better, worse or the same at the start of the coming season than it was at the end of the previous season? Given that there are no more significant changes to come prior to the start of the season, which could obviously change.
- 1970vintage

Boeser > Toffoli

So better because Boeser was not in the lineup at the end of last season.

Is the top six better, worse or the same at the start of the coming season than it was at the end of the previous season? Given that there are no more significant changes to come prior to the start of the season, which could obviously change.
- 1970vintage

To answer that is how much Petey Brock & JV improve. Miller & Bo & Pearson should be as good as last year collectively.

I don’t know about these other yahoo’s, but for me it’s that there is an expectation that 3 (or more) rookie Dmen are expected to contribute in a meaningful way. If it turns out that only (say) OJ actually plays a full season and the other 5 experienced NHL guys stay healthy it probably won’t be a big deal.
- 1970vintage

I have the expectation that one rookie defender makes the regular lineup, with a second one being number 7.

Geez I hope not with Eriksson, I am hopeful the guy has better options than putting Eriksson in the top 6.
- Makita

Puts JV in the spotlight once again. Hog could be a dark horse. Either way somebody has to step up other than LE.

Geez I hope not with Eriksson, I am hopeful the guy has better options than putting Eriksson in the top 6.
- Makita

"Certainly Jake is a more offensively capable player... but he's not someone I want to rely upon to play big minutes every night. It's either Jake or Loui in the top 6.." - Brendan Batchelor

Who?
- manvanfan

He is referring to Hoglander, he has been critical of his height.

Boeser > Toffoli

So better because Boeser was not in the lineup at the end of last season.
- Pres.cup

Doesn’t work that way.

Boeser + Toffoli <, > or = Boeser - Toffoli?

End of season compared to start of next season.

If you would like to pretend that Toffoli doesn’t exist, then how about:

Boeser + Madden vs Boeser - Madden (and a 2nd, which obviously won’t impact the coming season).

Edit, also, yes he (frank)ing was, don’t be stupid, your better than that.

Hodz, 5 for 8 and a quarter...
- Pres.cup

Here I thought it was 5'9.5"

I don’t know about these other yahoo’s, but for me it’s that there is an expectation that 3 (or more) rookie Dmen are expected to contribute in a meaningful way. If it turns out that only (say) OJ actually plays a full season and the other 5 experienced NHL guys stay healthy it probably won’t be a big deal.
- 1970vintage

There is no expectation 3 rookie D will step right in. 1 is certain with up to 2 others in & out as role players.

He is referring to Hoglander, he has been critical of his height.
- Makita

One has to be taller to face real criticism 😂

Is the top six better, worse or the same at the start of the coming season than it was at the end of the previous season? Given that there are no more significant changes to come prior to the start of the season, which could obviously change.
- 1970vintage

"I probably think that the Canucks have taken a smaller step back than people think. The net loss for me on forwards was Tyler Toffoli. The team would be a lot better with him. I think they've upgraded the top 4 on defence... it'll be as good or better. There's the question in goal... If Holtby can regain his career average form... and with Thatcher Demko, it's not really that big of a step back from last year, but we have to wait and see" - IMac

There is no expectation 3 rookie D will step right in. 1 is certain with up to 2 others in & out as role players.
- Nighthawk

Current roster D men with meaningful NHL experience:

Edler
Schmidt
Myers

Hughes - 1 season, though he’s a stud.

Benn - I think I might be the only person here who thinks Benn is a decent 5/6 guy, based on the comments last year.

Team typically carries 8 D. That’s 3 guys expected to be on the NHL roster with literally no experience.

"Certainly Jake is a more offensively capable player... but he's not someone I want to rely upon to play big minutes every night. It's either Jake or Loui in the top 6.." - Brendan Batchelor
- manvanfan

I don't know who Brendan Batchelor is, I'm guessing Sportnet or TSN, but personally I would never put Eriksson in the top 6, I would rely on Jake playing the big minutes, he would be heads and shoulders better than Eriksson.

This is just my opinion, but I'm no Brendan Batchelor.

To answer that is how much Petey Brock & JV improve. Miller & Bo & Pearson should be as good as last year collectively.
- Nighthawk

No doubt Millsey and Petey can/will do more. But Sutter/Beagle/Eriksson/Ferland/Roussel probably do worse, so six to the half.

"I probably think that the Canucks have taken a smaller step back than people think. The net loss for me on forwards was Tyler Toffoli. The team would be a lot better with him. I think they've upgraded the top 4 on defence... it'll be as good or better. There's the question in goal... If Holtby can regain his career average form... and with Thatcher Demko, it's not really that big of a step back from last year, but we have to wait and see" - IMac
- manvanfan

Imo it will come down to growth & what the kids worked on over the off season. Yes Toffoli would be nice & hindsight to not make the trade are convenient comments.

"I probably think that the Canucks have taken a smaller step back than people think. The net loss for me on forwards was Tyler Toffoli. The team would be a lot better with him. I think they've upgraded the top 4 on defence... it'll be as good or better. There's the question in goal... If Holtby can regain his career average form... and with Thatcher Demko, it's not really that big of a step back from last year, but we have to wait and see" - IMac
- manvanfan

Sorry, are you saying you are Ian Mac?

I’d agree with what he said. The forward group isn’t as good, or deep as last season, the D is better at the top, but also surrendered depth and the goaltending is a huge question mark. Demko could be Schneider or Cloutier, Holtby will certainly be Potvin...

I don't know who Brendan Batchelor is, I'm guessing Sportnet or TSN, but personally I would never put Eriksson in the top 6, I would rely on Jake playing the big minutes, he would be heads and shoulders better than Eriksson.

This is just my opinion, but I'm no Brendan Batchelor.
- Makita

He’s the radio play by play guy, works for the Canucks, sees all the games, talks to the players and coaches/managers daily.

Current roster D men with meaningful NHL experience:

Edler
Schmidt
Myers

Hughes - 1 season, though he’s a stud.

Benn - I think I might be the only person here who thinks Benn is a decent 5/6 guy, based on the comments last year.

Team typically carries 8 D. That’s 3 guys expected to be on the NHL roster with literally no experience.
- 1970vintage

I think Benn in his 2nd season will be fine.
I cannot complain about his signing & will agree he’s a 3rd pairing D man we can rely on ok.

I don't know who Brendan Batchelor is, I'm guessing Sportnet or TSN, but personally I would never put Eriksson in the top 6, I would rely on Jake playing the big minutes, he would be heads and shoulders better than Eriksson.

This is just my opinion, but I'm no Brendan Batchelor.
- Makita

He also calls Canuck games on the radio broadcast with Hirche doing color.

He is referring to Hoglander, he has been critical of his height.
- Makita

I have passed over a few prospects due to height requirements over the years. Admittedly being wrong on them.

I think just a reasonable expectation on his ceiling.

Is he going to put up points like Petey and Miller. It's highly unlikely unless he becomes the next Brad Marchand.

More reasonable expectations for the way Hoglander plays is Gallagher or Marchessault.

Maybe he becomes Gourde or Arvidsson. Still great if he reaches that level as an early 2nd round pick.

If he turns into Nic Petan or Cory Conacher, i'll be annoyed. (frank) Benning.

He’s the radio play by play guy, works for the Canucks, sees all the games, talks to the players and coaches/managers daily.
- 1970vintage

Ok thanks, still think he's off his rocker to want Eriksson in a top 6 role, but he would certainly be very informed over anyone here

I don't know who Brendan Batchelor is, I'm guessing Sportnet or TSN, but personally I would never put Eriksson in the top 6, I would rely on Jake playing the big minutes, he would be heads and shoulders better than Eriksson.

This is just my opinion, but I'm no Brendan Batchelor.
- Makita

Play by play man lol

He’s the radio play by play guy, works for the Canucks, sees all the games, talks to the players and coaches/managers daily.
- 1970vintage

He travels with the team on the road.... but not for covid thingy.

No doubt Millsey and Petey can/will do more. But Sutter/Beagle/Eriksson/Ferland/Roussel probably do worse, so six to the half.
- 1970vintage

Yup bottom 6 is a concern. Need a fresh face or 2.