Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks Game Review: Ben Hutton Dazzles, Roster Decisions Loom The Vancouver Canucks are seeing serious battles for their last few roster spots after dropping a 4-2 decision to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night at Rogers Arena.

Great Blog Carol.

Go Flames.

It looks to me like Stecher is going to be another Hutton and that is good news. I think Stecher and his mobility and hockey sense will see him full time with the Canucks this year. Not impressed with the big Russian at this point. Puck moving skill is need in every pair and to me Stecher and Hutton should be paired with Edler and Gudbranson in the top four. Don't give up on Subban either because once he works on his play without the puck he could be really good. Hurry up and let get the season underway, coming down to the game on the 15th, go Nucks!

Just want to say thank you Carol for such a great job you are doing. Your blogs are getting to the Bill Meltzer quality and maybe even more enjoyable. Keep up the good work Sunshine, lol.

It will be interesting to see how Jake handles Utica if he's indeed assigned there to start the season.

Great Blog Carol.

Go Flames.
- DuranDuran

Great blog Carol, Flames suck, go canucks

Just want to say thank you Carol for such a great job you are doing. Your blogs are getting to the Bill Meltzer quality and maybe even more enjoyable. Keep up the good work Sunshine, lol.
- joegreif17

Flagged for calling our blogger sunshine.

It will be interesting to see how Jake handles Utica if he's indeed assigned there to start the season.
- golfingsince

I agree that will be interesting. To me I think Jake best it in the nhl will be as a physical third line player. He just does not have the hockey sense to match his physical strength and powerful skating. He will have to really work on using his teammates better because right now he is fairly predictable. That being said I hope I am wrong and he lites it up nhl style.

It looks to me like Stecher is going to be another Hutton and that is good news. I think Stecher and his mobility and hockey sense will see him full time with the Canucks this year. Not impressed with the big Russian at this point. Puck moving skill is need in every pair and to me Stecher and Hutton should be paired with Edler and Gudbranson in the top four. Don't give up on Subban either because once he works on his play without the puck he could be really good. Hurry up and let get the season underway, coming down to the game on the 15th, go Nucks!
- joegreif17

Great blog Carol - thanks!!!

Stecher looks really great - we really need his offensive mindedness as well as Hutton who clearly looks to be in good shape as well.
Tram definitely looked like he lacks intensity but isn't that because he's so calm? I think once the season starts and games mean a little more his grittier side will show itself. At least I'm hoping - I find myself routing for these two guys to succeed - Rodin too!!

Great blog! I think Carols forward lineup is very close if not exactly what we will see opening night, with Etem as 13th. It would be a waste to play Jake on the 4th line or as 13th forward.

Also didn't want to admit it but I am now on board with Tree going to the AHL for a short time to get his game going.

Flagged for calling our blogger sunshine.
- Scooby_Doo

My bad Scooby, intentions were complimentary only. Have you not ever said Good morning sunshine to someone you like, seriously.

Great blog Carol, Flames suck, go canucks
- joegreif17

Carol I think this is your best blog ever. Flames rule Canucks Drool.

It will be interesting to see how Jake handles Utica if he's indeed assigned there to start the season.
- golfingsince

where is he at with his "shoulder injury"? I haven't heard much lately?

Great blog! I think Carols forward lineup is very close if not exactly what we will see opening night, with Etem as 13th. It would be a waste to play Jake on the 4th line or as 13th forward.
- NorthNuck

I am not impressed with Etem at this point. If he makes the team is shows how much improvement is need to make the playoffs. Jake needs to start in the minors and gain experience and let him become a star down there and just maybe it follows him to the nhl. I love Jake but would love to see him more than a third liner. This is not possible without ahl seasoning.

Carol I think this is your best blog ever. Flames rule Canucks Drool.
- DuranDuran

Duran Duran We will settle this on Saturday Oct. 15th lol

Hopefully Johnny Hockey will be in the lineup so we can kick your butt with your best player in the lineup.. haha

I am going to the game and would be disappointed not to see the little f'er

where is he at with his "shoulder injury"? I haven't heard much lately?
- Brooks_Light

No idea, it's not like you ever get the truth anyways.

Well done Carol.

Etem looks to be heading down with JV.

Not so bad with the opening night line up you posted.

Gonna be an interesting year.

Great Blog Carol.

Go Flames Canucks Oilers Jets Sens and Habs.
- DuranDuran

Will one of these teams please make the PO's.

No one cares about the leafs.

Duran Duran We will settle this on Saturday Oct. 15th lol

Hopefully Johnny Hockey will be in the lineup so we can kick your butt with your best player in the lineup.. haha

I am going to the game and would be disappointed not to see the little f'er
- joegreif17

Sounds like a plan Mr. Joegrief17. We might have to do an Avatar bet just to make things interesting!

Looks like there is some good news for Flames fans as far as the JG contract goes so you might get your wish!

Great stuff Carol

I am not impressed with Etem at this point. If he makes the team is shows how much improvement is need to make the playoffs. Jake needs to start in the minors and gain experience and let him become a star down there and just maybe it follows him to the nhl. I love Jake but would love to see him more than a third liner. This is not possible without ahl seasoning.
- joegreif17

I think Etem should be on waivers asap, and assigned to Utica.
I think he would clear easily at this point, but maybe not as the season gets closer...

I'd rather see Ruutu as the 13th forward at this point. He's more versatile and looks hungry for a job. Plus, if his effectiveness fades, he's fairly disposable, would likely clear waivers or if he does get claimed he was a surprise, free asset anyways, so no loss.

On defense, Sbisa has to go. Somehow.
They could use his contract spot to sign Ruutu and still have 2 spots open.
Stetcher has made a strong case to stay and Pedan deserves a job here more than Sbisa at this point. Here's hoping Benning can somehow get rid of Sbisa and bring some clarity to the D picture, because right now there is a $3.6mil/year roadblock making a mess of things.

"Is Stetcher better than Larsen"

From Kuzma's article in the paper today.


It’s the storyline that won’t go away, and a one-word summation by Desjardins only fuelled the roster speculation fire Monday. When asked if his expected third defensive pairing is set — Luca Sbisa to provide the muscle and Philip Larsen the power play creativity — he didn’t hesitate.

“No,” said Desjardins. “(Troy) Stecher has thrown a wrench into it — we didn’t expect him to be in that (competitive) spot yet and he’s played well. We’ll have eight defencemen but then it’s which six are playing, and there are two battles going on in that.”

The obvious one is Stecher versus Larsen. You could argue that Stecher would be a raw NHL rookie and better off in Utica for now. Or that he’s done everything to make the team. He’s been good at both ends of the ice, is feisty and his gap control was better Monday. Larsen was quiet.

I wasn't impressed with Tryamkin last night either, as Desjardins mentioned, he needs to pick up his intensity in a big way!!

Nice recap.
I like that opening lineup!
Heard TL between periods mentioning Tree might be best suited to start with Utica, and I cant say I disagree.