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Coaches…Yikes…

So, word leaked out that Vancouver is also looking at both Jacques Martin and John Tortorella for their coaching position.

As far as Martin goes, my answer is NO. There is no doubt the guy can win games, but I honestly don't think I've ever thought of his teams as exciting. I don't want to watch paint dry and I really don't want to see the Sedins dry up into 50 point players over night.

Now Torts is a bit of a different story because I really like the guy and love the heart his teams show. I also love the fire he coaches with, but my main concern is whether he a little too fiery to coach in today's NHL. Because the fire looked to be a little out of control in NYC I can't imagine what Danny or Hank would do the first time yelled at them or jacked them up in a press conference. I can hear it now…

"Why weren't the Sedins on the PP tonight?"

"Because they stink. I'd love to put them out there but the honest truth is the PP is 1 for 30 in the past 10 games with them out there. It just didn't make sense to have them out there."

And while if that day comes I am a bit afraid of what may happen in that locker room, I am intrigued as to what Torts brings to the table. As fans, most of us want more fire and accountability and Torts is certainly that. I'm not sure he is a long-term type of guy, but it might be fun to see what he can do with this group for a year or two. After all, he can't do a whole lot worse.

And one more thing regarding Torts, he is a big fan of Luongo. He wanted him when he was in Tampa and if he comes to Vancouver maybe it makes moving Schneider for a better return all that more easy for Gillis and fans to swallow.

Would you hire Torts or Martin?


UFA of the Day
Matthew Corrente

While he has only played 34 games at the NHL level, I am still a real big fan of this guys upside as an NHL defenceman. What I like about him most is his skating and no nonsense physical play. In a lot of ways he reminds me a little of Kevin Bieksa, although he still has a ways to go to develop into the player Juice is. Add to that, the bonus that he is a right-handed shot and he would be a very nice addition to Vancouver's blueline at a relatively cheap price. He could very likely slot in as a 6/7/8 D next year and do a better job than Barker of Alberts.

Like Benn yesterday, 2yr/ 750K per

Would you like to see Corrente on the Canucks roster next year?


Draft links

I recently did some work around the NHL draft for the Calgary Journal. Check out my story on 2013 Draft prospect Jamal Watson of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, ranked 137th by NHL Central Scouting. Feedback is always welcome, so let me know what you think.

I have another two coming soon:
- one on Hunter Shinkaruk
- A Q&A with the Flames Tod Button


Well that's a wrap.

Ian


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