Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks: Stage Set for Olympic Semifinal, Notes from Practice The Vancouver Canucks get back to work as Team Canada prepares to take on the U.S. on Friday in the men's hockey Olympic semifinal.

Can't wait for tomorrow's games!

Can't wait for tomorrow's games!
- Chest Rockwell

I'm pulling for Sedin to get a goal tomorrow! He's really helping out Detro..err.. Sweden!

That isn't true.

There's no need to mortgage the future, but that doesn't mean we have to dump our existing players and attempt to miss the playoffs. Successful franchises don't "rebuild," they "reload." You don't have to bottom out to be successful.
- KB3Point0

OK give me a scenario to retool in our current state. No scoring. 10 aging players with NTC. Only players without NTC have very little or no trade value. To retool to make the playoffs this year for the chance to dance means either picks or prospects will have to go for guys like Vanek or Jagr. Not saying we are getting them but they are what will be available. Pending UFA with scoring pedigree. If we go for guys that are not UFA then we are paying more. Again is it worth it. We are not a contending team. We might be a playoff team. To contend we need the veteran leadership and hustle and heart of the youth. But for the last little while we have been trading youth for leadership. We don't need leadership in this group. We need more heart, hustle, like our womens team today. This wont happen if we keep doing what we have been doing. I like the rebuild last year by getting Shink, Bo, Cassels, Subban, Jensen, Gaunce. Lets trade away some vets and get some more youth. Look at Chicago, Stl, Kings, Bruins. Every year they inject youth. The last time we had more then 1 rookie join the club was when Coho was a rookie. Maybe my statement about Cup or bust was a little over the top. But we need to get in the mindset that there is a difference between a contender and a qualifier.


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I REALLY hope Sweden wins, but I have this feeling that Finland is gonna come out on top.

That isn't true.

There's no need to mortgage the future, but that doesn't mean we have to dump our existing players and attempt to miss the playoffs. Successful franchises don't "rebuild," they "reload." You don't have to bottom out to be successful.
- KB3Point0

OK give me a scenario to retool in our current state. No scoring. 10 aging players with NTC. Only players without NTC have very little or no trade value. To retool to make the playoffs this year for the chance to dance means either picks or prospects will have to go for guys like Vanek or Jagr. Not saying we are getting them but they are what will be available. Pending UFA with scoring pedigree. If we go for guys that are not UFA then we are paying more. Again is it worth it. We are not a contending team. We might be a playoff team. To contend we need the veteran leadership and hustle and heart of the youth. But for the last little while we have been trading youth for leadership. We don't need leadership in this group. We need more heart, hustle, like our womens team today. This wont happen if we keep doing what we have been doing. I like the rebuild last year by getting Shink, Bo, Cassels, Subban, Jensen, Gaunce. Lets trade away some vets and get some more youth. Look at Chicago, Stl, Kings, Bruins. Every year they inject youth. The last time we had more then 1 rookie join the club was when Coho was a rookie. Maybe my statement about Cup or bust was a little over the top. But we need to get in the mindset that there is a difference between a contender and a qualifier.


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- Linden_4_Capt

Don't mistake my disdain for the whole concept of tanking to miss the playoffs as an urge to trade away youth, acquire aging UFA vets and hope to make a playoff run.

There's nothing wrong with trading away a few vets. I encourage it actually. But there's a big difference between trading away 1 - 3 vets for youth and the so-called #tanknation movement, which is a load of crap.

If the Canucks can make themselves better for next year by trading away a veteran player, they should do it.

I would actively be trying to trade one D-man (Edler or Garrison, whichever would net the most return) Burrows, Hansen, Booth (I've been saying the Islanders would be a good fit for him for the past year, even if you only get a late draft pick) and if he still wants out, Luongo.

But trading a couple of those guys isn't tanking to miss the playoffs. It should be an attempt to improve the team, inject some new blood, new chemistry, new role players, and hopefully some new youth.

The Canucks shouldn't have a single "untouchable" player. But that doesn't mean it should be a fire sale.

Has Gillis signed Natalie Spooner yet?

That isn't true.

There's no need to mortgage the future, but that doesn't mean we have to dump our existing players and attempt to miss the playoffs. Successful franchises don't "rebuild," they "reload." You don't have to bottom out to be successful.
- KB3Point0

OK give me a scenario to retool in our current state. No scoring. 10 aging players with NTC. Only players without NTC have very little or no trade value. To retool to make the playoffs this year for the chance to dance means either picks or prospects will have to go for guys like Vanek or Jagr. Not saying we are getting them but they are what will be available. Pending UFA with scoring pedigree. If we go for guys that are not UFA then we are paying more. Again is it worth it. We are not a contending team. We might be a playoff team. To contend we need the veteran leadership and hustle and heart of the youth. But for the last little while we have been trading youth for leadership. We don't need leadership in this group. We need more heart, hustle, like our womens team today. This wont happen if we keep doing what we have been doing. I like the rebuild last year by getting Shink, Bo, Cassels, Subban, Jensen, Gaunce.Lets trade away some vets and get some more youth. Look at Chicago, Stl, Kings, Bruins. Every year they inject youth. The last time we had more then 1 rookie join the club was when Coho was a rookie. Maybe my statement about Cup or bust was a little over the top. But we need to get in the mindset that there is a difference between a contender and a qualifier.


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- Linden_4_Capt

This whole topic is difficult to discuss considering the semantics involved.

But I'm curious as to why you think this is a "rebuild" move rather than a "retool."

A rebuild involves the trading of the majority of the veteran core and involves a huge roster turnover in a short amount of time.

This takes a very long time to come to fruition.

The moves you mention typify a "retool."

They traded Schneider--a starting goaltender, which was a position of strength since they had another one in Luongo, for a valuable future asset.

Considering this, a retool would involve trading more replaceable players from positions of strength, like top-4 D and grinding forwards, for future pieces that you inject into the lineup to supplement the vets.

Less turnover, less drop in quality of play, and less time as a middling team (rather than a basement dweller).

As for my post that your "cup or bust" comment was in response to;

My comment was based on the "#tanknation" notion that fans are actually hoping their team loses games.

That's what I call a "fair weather" fan. You cheer when the team is doing well, but you're hoping they lose when things aren't going well.

Since only one team wins the cup every year, I'm well aware there is greater chance it's NOT going to be my team than the chance it will.

But I still enjoy watching my team win, and I still enjoy playoff hockey, no matter how short the stretch is.

I'd much rather get a 15-30th overall pick and watch at least four playoff games than not watch any playoff games and get the 8th-14th overall pick the Canucks will likely get if they miss.

what is the utlility spot for in the pool?

This whole topic is difficult to discuss considering the semantics involved.

But I'm curious as to why you think this is a "rebuild" move rather than a "retool."

A rebuild involves the trading of the majority of the veteran core and involves a huge roster turnover in a short amount of time.

This takes a very long time to come to fruition.

The moves you mention typify a "retool."

They traded Schneider--a starting goaltender, which was a position of strength since they had another one in Luongo, for a valuable future asset.

Considering this, a retool would involve trading more replaceable players from positions of strength, like top-4 D and grinding forwards, for future pieces that you inject into the lineup to supplement the vets.

Less turnover, less drop in quality of play, and less time as a middling team (rather than a basement dweller).

As for the my post that your "cup or bust" comment was in response to;

My comment was based on the "#tanknation" notion that fans are actually hoping their team loses games.

That's what I call a "fair weather" fan. You cheer when the team is doing well, but you're hoping they lose when things aren't going well.

Since only one team wins the cup every year, I'm well aware there is greater chance it's NOT going to be my team than the chance it will.

But I still enjoy watching my team win, and I still enjoy playoff hockey, no matter how short the stretch is.

I'd much rather get a 15-30th overall pick and watch at least four playoff games than not watch any playoff games and get the 8th-14th overall pick the Canucks will likely get if they miss.
- Fosco

Tavarez is done how about a 2nd for him?

what is the utlility spot for in the pool?
- pker2theend

A player of any position except G.

Tavarez is done how about a 2nd for him?
- pker2theend

I've turned down some very solid offers even since he's been injured.

I countered with a young star forward of slightly less value than Tavares, a good offensive young D in his prime who also picks up good peripheral stats, and a 1st round pick.

I was turned down, but that should give you an idea of how much I value him.

Considering his age, his injury doesn't diminish what I'm asking at all.

Full price

I've turned down some very solid offers even since he's been injured.

I countered with a young star forward of slightly less value than Tavares, a good offensive young D in his prime who also picks up good peripheral stats, and a 1st round pick.

I was turned down, but that should give you an idea of how much I value him.

Considering his age, his injury doesn't diminish what I'm asking at all.

Full price
- Fosco

After I beat you next week you will change your mind . I will start by passing vantel to make your first rounder useless

After I beat you next week you will change your mind . I will start by passing vantel to make your first rounder useless
- pker2theend

I traded my 1st rounder for Spezza earlier in the year.

It's already useless as far as I'm concerned

I traded my 1st rounder for Spezza earlier in the year.

It's already useless as far as I'm concerned
- Fosco

You still have another

#UpWeGo

Edit: oh......well this sucks

I've turned down some very solid offers even since he's been injured.
I countered with a young star forward of slightly less value than Tavares, a good offensive young D in his prime who also picks up good peripheral stats, and a 1st round pick.

I was turned down, but that should give you an idea of how much I value him.

Considering his age, his injury doesn't diminish what I'm asking at all.

Full price
- Fosco

Let's me guess: Nucker offered you Letang as part of a package for him...

Let's me guess: Nucker offered you Letang as part of a package for him...
- Chest Rockwell

Who hasn't he offered letang to?

This whole topic is difficult to discuss considering the semantics involved.

But I'm curious as to why you think this is a "rebuild" move rather than a "retool."

A rebuild involves the trading of the majority of the veteran core and involves a huge roster turnover in a short amount of time.

This takes a very long time to come to fruition.

The moves you mention typify a "retool."

They traded Schneider--a starting goaltender, which was a position of strength since they had another one in Luongo, for a valuable future asset.

Considering this, a retool would involve trading more replaceable players from positions of strength, like top-4 D and grinding forwards, for future pieces that you inject into the lineup to supplement the vets.

Less turnover, less drop in quality of play, and less time as a middling team (rather than a basement dweller).

As for my post that your "cup or bust" comment was in response to;

My comment was based on the "#tanknation" notion that fans are actually hoping their team loses games.

That's what I call a "fair weather" fan. You cheer when the team is doing well, but you're hoping they lose when things aren't going well.

Since only one team wins the cup every year, I'm well aware there is greater chance it's NOT going to be my team than the chance it will.

But I still enjoy watching my team win, and I still enjoy playoff hockey, no matter how short the stretch is.

I'd much rather get a 15-30th overall pick and watch at least four playoff games than not watch any playoff games and get the 8th-14th overall pick the Canucks will likely get if they miss.
- Fosco

I am not sure what I expect in terms of public statements or demeanor from GMMG, but his inaction is frustrating when we see the team struggling and think it is time to unload a d or Lack (assuming there is no plan to buyout or trade Lou) for some scoring.

I am not really sure how many people are on the #tanknation wagon but when you don't see any change it is hard to really root for the home team. I am a fan and pvr/watch every game. Gillis should be canned if he can't make a simple move to bring in some legit scoring help. If he can't trade a d, bring in someone who can. I know this is a sort of in between year to some, but they really need a top 6 forward who can either score or setup plays for others to score- until our recent crop of prospects develop into regular nhlers, fingers crossed.

We have missed the pmd since Ehrhoff, maybe trade Hamhuis for Subban, the are both Olympians...

OK give me a scenario to retool in our current state. No scoring. 10 aging players with NTC. Only players without NTC have very little or no trade value. To retool to make the playoffs this year for the chance to dance means either picks or prospects will have to go for guys like Vanek or Jagr. Not saying we are getting them but they are what will be available. Pending UFA with scoring pedigree. If we go for guys that are not UFA then we are paying more. Again is it worth it. We are not a contending team. We might be a playoff team. To contend we need the veteran leadership and hustle and heart of the youth. But for the last little while we have been trading youth for leadership. We don't need leadership in this group. We need more heart, hustle, like our womens team today. This wont happen if we keep doing what we have been doing. I like the rebuild last year by getting Shink, Bo, Cassels, Subban, Jensen, Gaunce. Lets trade away some vets and get some more youth. Look at Chicago, Stl, Kings, Bruins. Every year they inject youth. The last time we had more then 1 rookie join the club was when Coho was a rookie. Maybe my statement about Cup or bust was a little over the top. But we need to get in the mindset that there is a difference between a contender and a qualifier.


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- Linden_4_Capt

Contrary to what KB3 says, you can't "reload" unless you have the assets to do so (which requires a few lean years) or you start trading away expiring contracts for younger players and draft picks.

We have seen neither of those in past several years.

Edit: trading a player like Corey Schneider is exactly what GMMG should be doing IMO.

Who hasn't he offered letang to?
- pker2theend

He tried to get me just as the Letang story was unravelling on twitter, it was quite amusing!

Let's me guess: Nucker offered you Letang as part of a package for him...
- Chest Rockwell

No, but I did trade him Letang as part of the deal to get Tavares in the first place

No, but I did trade him Letang as part of the deal to get Tavares in the first place
- Fosco

Contrary to what KB3 says, you can't "reload" unless you have the assets to do so (which requires a few lean years) or you start trading away expiring contracts for younger players and draft picks.

We have seen neither of those in past several years.

Edit: trading a player like Corey Schneider is exactly what GMMG should be doing IMO.
- LeftCoaster

I don't think that's at all what KP3.0 was stating.

Contrary to what KB3 says, you can't "reload" unless you have the assets to do so (which requires a few lean years) or you start trading away expiring contracts for younger players and draft picks.

We have seen neither of those in past several years.
- LeftCoaster

I liked Fosco's retool explanation. We have depth on d, so that is what you trade for forward scoring. I think trading one of the 4 top salary guys is the way to go but if that isn't going to happen because of ntc/nmc then you have to look at trading Tanev or Stanton for some picks or forward prospects.

I like Lack, and think he performs better than many backups, but he may be worth more in a trade for forward help than as a backup goalie, but it seems nobody likes to pay a lot for a goalie...

I don't think that's at all what KP3.0 was stating.
- Fosco

I may be focusing on only one part of his statement? He's wrong in my opinion that successful franchises don't rebuild, they reload. ALL successful teams win because of some form of suckage.