You guys realize how tight the West is? The margin between the top 10 teams is extremely small.

I dont see Vancouver putting up 111 points again this year. I see them mid-high 90's along with Colorado, Minny and Edmonton. Yes Thats right. Edmonton. Mid 90's. Who will take the division? It's a toss up. Time will tell.
- Iggysbff

Most nucks fans will agree that they aren't putting up 111 again, but I'm not sure anyone else in the NW breaks 100. I'd be willing to bet Vancouver gets at least 103 and that will be better than everyone else in the division.

They will be a top 3 seed.

People said that about everyone else so far. Once Parise and Suter decide. then nothing happened. Once Nash is traded. Then nothing happened. Once Weber is signed. Again, Nothing.

The only thing I can see happening after Doan is Bobby Ryan. The Ducks are in DESPERATE need of upgrading their prospect pool at forward (2nd line centre) and they'll wait for Doan to sign somewhere so everyone that misses out can potentially start a bidding war.
- ILoveLamp

The dominoes are falling. Just in a very slow deliberate manner.

Andrei Kostitsyn... stay away from him...
- Canuckfan2006

Well for sure you can count the Preds in the NO column. Poile was asked yesterday during a radio interview about bringing him back and the answer was a quick, curt NO! He didnt directly say it but his comments were definitely that AK46 is NOT a team player. It was his opinion that AK46 being with PReds last season was even determential to little brother SK74.

RE Arnott, buyer beware, his melon is veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy soft. you can count on him missing several (at least 9 or more since 07-08) games each season due to being concussed. He is also definitely not the swiftest skater in the barn.

A 7th is better than nothing.

My point was that Gillis will move Ballard in a crap deal/minors before he moves Lu in a crap deal. That is a much better option for Vancouver.
- IanEsplen

I don't believe that Gillis will trade anyone in a "crap deal". Howson might believe he got what he wanted, but most think he got burned. I think it is safe to say that Gillis and Howson approach their job much differently. IF the Canucks sign doan, Luongo would likely be for picks/prospects, if Canucks don't sign Doan Luongo would most likely be for Player pick/prospect. We're still 3 mill under the cap, I don't think Ballard goes anywhere, he'll be the most expensive 3rd pairing dman in the league...

You guys realize how tight the West is? The margin between the top 10 teams is extremely small.

I dont see Vancouver putting up 111 points again this year. I see them mid-high 90's along with Colorado, Minny and Edmonton. Yes Thats right. Edmonton. Mid 90's. Who will take the division? It's a toss up. Time will tell.
- Iggysbff

Edm improved, but they're still a few years from challenging for the NW. Cal, Col, and Min didn't improve enough either. Canucks are a lock for a top 3 finish in the WC.

You've done nothing but bash the Canucks since you've joined. Why don't you try some polite conversation, and you might get some in return.

I don't believe that Gillis will trade anyone in a "crap deal". Howson might believe he got what he wanted, but most think he got burned. I think it is safe to say that Gillis and Howson approach their job much differently. IF the Canucks sign doan, Luongo would likely be for picks/prospects, if Canucks don't sign Doan Luongo would most likely be for Player pick/prospect. We're still 3 mill under the cap, I don't think Ballard goes anywhere, he'll be the most expensive 3rd pairing dman in the league...
- 1970vintage

I would say if Lu has to go for prospects, would Vancouver fans consider Morin and McNeill from Chicago for Lu? If I am Stan Bowman with over 8 mil in cap space and a stable of prospects I at least try to make a deal of McNeill, Frolik, and Morin for Lu and a 3rd. If the Canucks get Doan, they are up against the cap so if they HAVE to unload Lu, I would think Chicago would offer something comparable to the Morin and McNeill (2 good prospects) for Lu and a pick. Thoughts? Keep in mind I am keeping this hypothetical based on Esplen's blog about ony wanting prospects. With the over hype of Saad by Hawk management I would think he is untouchable.

Dude, what little credibility you might have had is gone. You're clearly trolling. This is your final warning.
- micah555

You guys realize how tight the West is? The margin between the top 10 teams is extremely small.

I dont see Vancouver putting up 111 points again this year. I see them mid-high 90's along with Colorado, Minny and Edmonton. Yes Thats right. Edmonton. Mid 90's. Who will take the division? It's a toss up. Time will tell.
- Iggysbff

I think the Oilers are on the right track, but I don't think it's reasonable to expect a playoff appearance this season.

I think the Oilers are on the right track, but I don't think it's reasonable to expect a playoff appearance this season.
- TaterNuts

Well if they're not "on the right track" after being in position to draft a franchise player 1st overall in each of the last 3 offseasons, then they never will be. There should be a re-build rule... If you get a 1st overall pick, then your OWN 1st rounder can be no higher than 5th the following season.

I think the Oilers are on the right track, but I don't think it's reasonable to expect a playoff appearance this season.
- TaterNuts

Most Oiler fans would agree with you. Offence should be fine, but goaltending is a question mark and the D needs improvment. I'm hoping for an 11 place finish. That would be a huge improvment.

Well if they're not "on the right track" after being in position to draft a franchise player 1st overall in each of the last 3 offseasons, then they never will be. There should be a re-build rule... If you get a 1st overall pick, then your OWN 1st rounder can be no higher than 5th the following season.
- GhostOfDCT

- TaterNuts

... Or we could just allow teams to choose 5 year periods where they "mail it in" and count on failure to re-stock their roster.

In other words...no one is left. Van has no more options so they will go into the season with the team they have and will have trouble with the rest of the NW this season.

You can take Kristian Useless, Arnott, Omarra or Coliacavo but they will not be an upgrade to your team. You are not getting Doan.

I see the Nucks finishing no higher than 5th in the west this year.
- Iggysbff

Really, dude?

Like them or not, Vancouver is still the class of the Northwest (God I feel dirty for saying that, but it's true). For how long is anyone's guess?

While the NW appears to have gotten a little tighter, Vancouver should still come out on top of the division which makes them top 3 in the West. I see the division:
1. Vancouver: 101-105 pts.
2. *Colorado: 94-99 pts.
3. *Minnesota: 92-97 pts.
4. Calgary: 85-90 pts.
5. Edmonton: 76-81 pts.

*COL and MIN could easily flip here

That said, Vancouver will be in the running for the West with LA, STL and possiblty CHI if their goaltending improves, but I don't see the Canucks winning the President's trophy for a 3rd year in row.

I would say if Lu has to go for prospects, would Vancouver fans consider Morin and McNeill from Chicago for Lu? If I am Stan Bowman with over 8 mil in cap space and a stable of prospects I at least try to make a deal of McNeill, Frolik, and Morin for Lu and a 3rd. If the Canucks get Doan, they are up against the cap so if they HAVE to unload Lu, I would think Chicago would offer something comparable to the Morin and McNeill (2 good prospects) for Lu and a pick. Thoughts? Keep in mind I am keeping this hypothetical based on Esplen's blog about ony wanting prospects. With the over hype of Saad by Hawk management I would think he is untouchable.
- ikeane

I could see McNeill, Frolik, and Morin for Lu

I think I'd want a D instead of 3 forwards but as far as value goes it's a decent deal.

Really, dude?

Like them or not, Vancouver is still the class of the Northwest (God I feel dirty for saying that, but it's true). For how long is anyone's guess?

While the NW appears to have gotten a little tighter, Vancouver should still come out on top of the division which makes them top 3 in the West. I see the division:
1. Vancouver: 101-105 pts.
2. *Colorado: 94-99 pts.
3. *Minnesota: 92-97 pts.
4. Calgary: 85-90 pts.
5. Edmonton: 76-81 pts.

*COL and MIN could easily flip here

That said, Vancouver will be in the running for the West with LA, STL and possiblty CHI if their goaltending improves, but I don't see the Canucks winning the President's trophy for a 3rd year in row.
- As_I_See_It

PLUS with the 1st rounder, top prospect and top 6 forward that they'll AT LEAST get for Luongo, they'll be set for many o' years.

Really, dude?

Like them or not, Vancouver is still the class of the Northwest (God I feel dirty for saying that, but it's true). For how long is anyone's guess?

While the NW appears to have gotten a little tighter, Vancouver should still come out on top of the division which makes them top 3 in the West. I see the division:
1. Vancouver: 101-105 pts.
2. *Colorado: 94-99 pts.
3. *Minnesota: 92-97 pts.
4. Calgary: 85-90 pts.
5. Edmonton: 76-81 pts.

*COL and MIN could easily flip here

That said, Vancouver will be in the running for the West with LA, STL and possiblty CHI if their goaltending improves, but I don't see the Canucks winning the President's trophy for a 3rd year in row.
- As_I_See_It

Reasonable predictions here. I think here in Vancouver most of us are counting on and content with a top 3 seeding. And when was the last time anyone won the President's 3 years in a row? I was surprised we won it last year.

Reasonable predictions here. I think here in Vancouver most of us are counting on and content with a top 3 seeding. And when was the last time anyone won the President's 3 years in a row? I was surprised we won it last year.
- AlexF

Quietest Presidents trophy win ever.

I could see McNeill, Frolik, and Morin for Lu

I think I'd want a D instead of 3 forwards but as far as value goes it's a decent deal.
- IanEsplen

From the games that I saw of CHI last year I honestly think Frolik is somewhere between mediocre and lousy, hence why he seems to pop up in every other trade proposal on the CHI thread, kinda like Raymond for us. Speaking of which, if we get Frolik we'd need to dump Raymond somewhere.

Quietest Presidents trophy win ever.
- Juice

Yeah it really was a situation down the stretch where it seemed like nobody wanted it, and Vancouver just ended up with it.

Quietest Presidents trophy win ever.
- Juice

They definitely backed into that the same way Chicago did into the playoffs two years ago (with Dallas losing their final game to miss) St Louis or NYR should have won the Pres last year.

They definitely backed into that the same way Chicago did into the playoffs two years ago (with Dallas losing their final game to miss) St Louis or NYR should have won the Pres last year.
- 1970vintage

But that kind of luck happens to good teams. Good teams tend to have the most luck because it's really not luck but just overall persistence and consistency.

From the games that I saw of CHI last year I honestly think Frolik is somewhere between mediocre and lousy, hence why he seems to pop up in every other trade proposal on the CHI thread, kinda like Raymond for us. Speaking of which, if we get Frolik we'd need to dump Raymond somewhere.
- AlexF

yah but, he is younger than Raymond and I believe has some upside to be a 60 point guy. He has good size and he had only 6 turnovers last year. 6 turnovers is a good game for Mason, lol.

I'd take him in a deal and then move Raymond.

If the Hawks had an interst in Raymond maybe

to Van- Johns, McNiell, Frolik and a 2nd
for
to Chi- Luongo and Raymond

I would say if Lu has to go for prospects, would Vancouver fans consider Morin and McNeill from Chicago for Lu? If I am Stan Bowman with over 8 mil in cap space and a stable of prospects I at least try to make a deal of McNeill, Frolik, and Morin for Lu and a 3rd. If the Canucks get Doan, they are up against the cap so if they HAVE to unload Lu, I would think Chicago would offer something comparable to the Morin and McNeill (2 good prospects) for Lu and a pick. Thoughts? Keep in mind I am keeping this hypothetical based on Esplen's blog about ony wanting prospects. With the over hype of Saad by Hawk management I would think he is untouchable.
- ikeane

I don't pretend to know enough about Chicago's prospect pool to make an educated guess about your proposal, what I would say is that if I were GM, and my back was against the proverbial wall, I would be looking for a solid centre to play third line minutes, nothing fancy, a guy that will up 20 points, be above 50% in the circle and a little nasty, even if this player is young and fighting for the job this year; a depth defence prospect, a guy that would likely play in Chicago for the Wolves this year and a draft pick (maybe conditional depending on Lu's year...40 wins it's a first, less its a second?). If I had to sweeten the pot with a Raymond or swapping picks to make it more appealing I would consider that.

I would be more interested in quality individuals with potential to fill a need on the NHL roster over the next 2-3 years, not necessarily "all star" guys. Gillis said he wanted to get younger and bigger throughout the lineup, so allowing guys like Malholtra, Higgins Alberts etc to move on as their contracts expire is not such a bad thing.

You already had Mike Duco. He was a restriced free agent and Gillis didn't give him a qualifying offer.

He comes out to play sometimes in my men's league in Scarborough (Eastern suburb in Toronto) in A division on Tuesday nights along with Chris Stewart. Wayne Simmonds has came out before too, but not this year. I'm in the next division below them or else I would of played against him.



http://stats.adultrechock...son_id=63&tournament_id=0

They're team is ridiculous, they haven't lost one game. I actually played rep with their leading scorer as well. Apparently he's a snipeshow now

But that kind of luck happens to good teams. Good teams tend to have the most luck because it's really not luck but just overall persistence and consistency.
- Juice

I agree, just that down the stretch when the Canucks were something stupid like 11-3-2 or whatever, it was goaltending that kept them in every game, we barely scored any goals, and while there were plenty of "shut up, the sky isn't falling" posters here, there were many who recognized this problem. They weren't as good as their record indicated, in this case, there was a little more luck, and a little less good...