The problem is Benning and Green are too stupid to realize they can’t make him into what they want him to be. I’m not his (Virtanen) biggest fan either but at what point do you just realize and accept what you have. They picked him too high in the draft, that’s not his fault.
- Pacificgem

I think they do realize he is a bottom 6 guy . They paid him 2.5 and have him playing with Motte and Sutter.

Jake makes his own problems by some of his choices outside the rink.

No one is routing against him but he is missing out on some big opportunities. Hopefully he smartened up.

Maybe they should try something different with Virtanen instead of the tough love. He is a millennial
- manvanfan

Ha...so true! I mean, just accept him for what he is, he was fifth on the team in terms of goals last year and he’s played nearly 300 games in the league. He just is what he is. Ray Ferraro called it correctly when he said he’s a Jannik Hansen type of player, just use them in that capacity because he’s a useful middle six player.

David Quadrelli
@QuadreIli
“I thought we were past that point,” said Elias Pettersson when asked about his weight. “I’m 176, if that’s your question.” #Canucks

I think they do realize he is a bottom 6 guy . They paid him 2.5 and have him playing with Motte and Sutter.

Jake makes his own problems by some of his choices outside the rink.

No one is routing against him but he is missing out on some big opportunities. Hopefully he smartened up.
- VANTEL

They are not doing themselves, or Virtanen, any favours by constantly calling him out in the media. It’s just not a productive thing to do.

They are not doing themselves, or Virtanen, any favours by constantly calling him out in the media. It’s just not a productive thing to do.
- Pacificgem

Feelings are important

Ha...so true! I mean, just accept him for what he is, he was fifth on the team in terms of goals last year and he’s played nearly 300 games in the league. He just is what he is. Ray Ferraro called it correctly when he said he’s a Jannik Hansen type of player, just use them in that capacity because he’s a useful middle six player.
- Pacificgem

Not really different than showing Trymakin video's of how to play mean like Chris Pronger.

Let the guy play his best game and make the very most of it. If he can't contribute then get rid of him.

That 2014 draft was pretty bad. MDC one spot earlier, Nick Ritchie at 10 is worse than JV, Brandon Perlini at 12 is barely in the league anymore. Tuch at 18OA is better than JV only when it matters.

None of them deserved to be a top 20 pick in a re-draft.

I bet Gillis would hire a feelings coach.

Not really different than showing Trymakin video's of how to play mean like Chris Pronger.

Let the guy play his best game and make the very most of it. If he can't contribute then get rid of him.

That 2014 draft was pretty bad. MDC one spot earlier, Nick Ritchie at 10 is worse than JV, Brandon Perlini at 12 is barely in the league anymore. Tuch at 18OA is better than JV only when it matters.

None of them deserved to be a top 20 pick in a re-draft.
- manvanfan

What about using Jake as a penalty killer. Giving him a defined role might finally put all the controversy to rest.

Brendan Batchelor
@BatchHockey
·
52s
"With Beags, it was surprising the first time...it's kind of expected out of him now. He's always in great shape. He's a great example for young guys." - Travis Green on Jay Beagle's conditioning

--------------------------------------------

Beagle

Mentoring 101
- VANTEL

What about using Jake as a penalty killer. Giving him a defined role might finally put all the controversy to rest.
- Shuswap Wap

I think the defensive side of Jake's game probably isn't up to penalty kill levels.... right now

I think the defensive side of Jake's game probably isn't up to penalty kill levels.
- manvanfan

But they want to try Gaudette there, who is the worst defensive player on the team.

I bet Gillis would hire a feelings coach.
- VANTEL

And a hitman.

What about using Jake as a penalty killer. Giving him a defined role might finally put all the controversy to rest.
- Shuswap Wap

Needs a hockey IQ for that.

But they want to try Gaudette there, who is the worst defensive player on the team.
- Reubenkincade

I don't remember if Jake played PK in junior but Gaudette at least played it in college.

They had Goldy try in Utica to play PK. That drove him from the league completely.

Umm its training camp.
I dont see Joe staying on the top line on a regular basis. But if he does, great.

Toronto should win the division, but its not a lock, agreed. Gonna be tough. I think the top 3 teams will only be a point or two apart.


Good luck this year people.
Should be fun.
- Fakepartofme

Pretty much a homer take, Toronto should place 3rd, behind Edmonton and Vancouver, Dubas is fucking up the only great talent our team has had in years and surrounding them with grandparents and mediocre entry level talent. I’m somewhat surprised that PJ Stock and his supply of depends hasn’t been signed, Jumbo Joe will need the support.

Pretty much a homer take, Toronto should place 3rd, behind Edmonton and Vancouver, Dubas is fucking up the only great talent our team has had in years and surrounding them with grandparents and mediocre entry level talent. I’m somewhat surprised that PJ Stock and his supply of depends hasn’t been signed, Jumbo Joe will need the support.
- Nuckerwhatever

Pretty much a homer take, Toronto should place 3rd, behind Edmonton and Vancouver, Dubas is fucking up the only great talent our team has had in years and surrounding them with grandparents and mediocre entry level talent. I’m somewhat surprised that PJ Stock and his supply of depends hasn’t been signed, Jumbo Joe will need the support.
- Nuckerwhatever

OH you are right, it's time to open the book.

Predictions on how the final standings for the North division will go.
1. Edmonton
2. Toronto
3. Winnipeg
4. Vancouver
5. Montreal
6. Calgary
7. Ottawa

So far no one has puked at bag skate. Stecher is still the last to do so. Might be the most notable memory of his stay. That and challenging Matt Martin

- Reubenkincade

There are enough arrogant homers in this blog, you don’t need some guy with fake parts bring his homerisms from Toronto.

I don't remember if Jake played PK in junior but Gaudette at least played it in college.

They had Goldy try in Utica to play PK. That drove him from the league completely.
- manvanfan

It is only a defensive structure it can be easily taught, not like offense that is extremely difficult to teach.

There are enough arrogant homers in this blog, you don’t need some guy with fake parts bring his homerisms from Toronto.
- Nuckerwhatever

I like your takes, you should post more often.👍

Pretty much a homer take, Toronto should place 3rd, behind Edmonton and Vancouver, Dubas is fucking up the only great talent our team has had in years and surrounding them with grandparents and mediocre entry level talent. I’m somewhat surprised that PJ Stock and his supply of depends hasn’t been signed, Jumbo Joe will need the support.
- Nuckerwhatever

Thomas Drance
@ThomasDrance
·
3m
The tricks and hand-eye are what excites most fans about Nils Hoglander, but watching this training camp session it’s really the lateral speed that gives him a shot at making noise at this camp.

I don’t read much into what I see in drills on Day 1, but his edges are incredible.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I can't imagine a prospect coming into camp and playing second line

The problem is Benning and Green are too stupid to realize they can’t make him into what they want him to be. I’m not his (Virtanen) biggest fan either but at what point do you just realize and accept what you have. They picked him too high in the draft, that’s not his fault.
- Pacificgem

I don’t get the impression that they are trying to remake him - they just want him to be in shape and maintain a consistent effort. If he does that, he will be a solid player who can score. Won’t live up to being #6 but has a different skill set that can add value in the playoffs (if the consistent effort is there).

Ha...so true! I mean, just accept him for what he is, he was fifth on the team in terms of goals last year and he’s played nearly 300 games in the league. He just is what he is. Ray Ferraro called it correctly when he said he’s a Jannik Hansen type of player, just use them in that capacity because he’s a useful middle six player.
- Pacificgem

He is not like Hansen except for the skating. Hansen was all effort but had hands of stone (got somewhat better at the end). Great role player.

Jake is big and has a great shot but lacks effort.

Totally different players.