I think Kassian will be on the team for sure. Where he ends up on the depth chart is up to him. Based on who we have right now, Kassian will be given a shot in the top 6 unless he is outplayed by either Jensen or Shirkaurk. If he loses a top 6 spot to one of them he slots in on the bottom 6.

I think Tanev will be on the team for sure as well.

As much as I liked Corrado last year I'm not sure how he would look over a 82 game schedule. I would be more comfertable signing a vet or 2 to be able to step in if Corrado has a regression. There are plenty of solid #6 guys still available. Unless Gillis is thinking that guys is Weber. I wouldn't mind signing Alberts again or a guy like him.

I think the 3rd line center will be Schroeder this year unless he is outplayed in camp by either Gaunce or Horvat.

Santorilli could be a wild card. He had good chemistry with Booth a couple of years ago so there could be some magic there. Or he could be the 13th forward.
- fiveandagame

Agree with pretty much all of this. That was my point really, there aren't a lot of spots to fill, and I for one would like to see how the prospects fair before signing a bunch more "vets" on one way contracts. Defence depth is always an issue, I could see MG signing a few more guys for under $1million each if they don't stick with the Canucks they can play in the AHL ($900k and below). Would like to see Alberts back for $1m or so.

I think this will lead to more teams passing on qualifying offers as the risk of a big reward for fringe players (i.e. Weise)
- 1970vintage

I guess it depends on how much guys get in their hearings this season.

If it looks like the arbiters are favouring the players on a regular basis, I think you're totally right...

Yah, but I wouldn't have stayed here for 8+ years now if it was a dump.

It's a pretty good town, with good fans and a bit of a smalltown feel.
- IanEsplen

Don't get me wrong, I think Calgary is a decent town, especially in the summer time. A bit too quiet for my liking and lacking in scenery, unless you're driving up to the Rockies in which case it's spectacular. On the strength of the city alone I wouldn't place it at #30 (that would be reserved for Detroit most probably, flanked by Edmonton, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, etc). But neither would I place it in the top half of the 30.

I guess it depends on how much guys get in their hearings this season.

If it looks like the arbiters are favouring the players on a regular basis, I think you're totally right...
- Fosco

When I say "big rewards" I'm talking about $1million for a guy like Weise. I don't think the Canucks can afford him given their cap situation if he gets a 1 year award over $900k, but that's just my opinion.

I think Kassian will be on the team for sure. Where he ends up on the depth chart is up to him. Based on who we have right now, Kassian will be given a shot in the top 6 unless he is outplayed by either Jensen or Shirkaurk. If he loses a top 6 spot to one of them he slots in on the bottom 6.

I think Tanev will be on the team for sure as well.

As much as I liked Corrado last year I'm not sure how he would look over a 82 game schedule. I would be more comfertable signing a vet or 2 to be able to step in if Corrado has a regression. There are plenty of solid #6 guys still available. Unless Gillis is thinking that guys is Weber. I wouldn't mind signing Alberts again or a guy like him.

I think the 3rd line center will be Schroeder this year unless he is outplayed in camp by either Gaunce or Horvat.

Santorilli could be a wild card. He had good chemistry with Booth a couple of years ago so there could be some magic there. Or he could be the 13th forward.

I still think there are lots of UFA's available that would upgrade the 4th line to the point where they can play more then 6 minutes a game and acctually contribute. The last half dozen cup teams have had very effective 4th line. Sestitio and Wiese are not going to cut it.
- fiveandagame

Agree with pretty much all of this.

Might be a bit higher on Corrado than you, as I think he'll be a better bottom pairing D than anything we could get for a similar price. But they do need depth in case he doesn't pan out.

Santorelli could fit in a number of spots in the lineup. Will be interesting to see if he wins a regular spot or floats around as a utility player.

One of Weise or Sestito on the 4th line is OK, but both definitely isn't. One more solid established player with some size who won't be a liability would be nice.

I agree. I'd take him on my team as a 3rd liner. See if he's motivated to get his career back on track?

Is Malhotra done? He seems to still want to play.
- djamon

Now that Gillis has publicly stated that Malhotra doesn't look like he's healthy enough to protect himself on the ice (and Hitchcock publicly agreed) you gotta think it's a huge liability for any team to sign him. Could the team be liable if he got severely injured?

When I say "big rewards" I'm talking about $1million for a guy like Weise. I don't think the Canucks can afford him given their cap situation if he gets a 1 year award over $900k, but that's just my opinion.
- 1970vintage

If a good number of "fringe" players start getting salaries like that, you'll likely be right with your prediction.

Don't get me wrong, I think Calgary is a decent town, especially in the summer time. A bit too quiet for my liking and lacking in scenery, unless you're driving up to the Rockies in which case it's spectacular. On the strength of the city alone I wouldn't place it at #30 (that would be reserved for Detroit most probably, flanked by Edmonton, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, etc). But neither would I place it in the top half of the 30.
- AlexF

The rankings were based on a 30ish year old player who was going to sign a contract for the next few years (say 3) and takes into account the team's ability to win the cup in those years, the city, the arena, the fan base etc.

I think the author probably hasn't actually been to Calgary, as there are plenty of "big city" amenities, but from the perspective of a player wanting to compete for the cup, there's not a lot there in the next few seasons.

Agree with pretty much all of this.

Might be a bit higher on Corrado than you, as I think he'll be a better bottom pairing D than anything we could get for a similar price. But they do need depth in case he doesn't pan out.

Santorelli could fit in a number of spots in the lineup. Will be interesting to see if he wins a regular spot or floats around as a utility player.

One of Weise or Sestito on the 4th line is OK, but both definitely isn't. One more solid established player with some size who won't be a liability would be nice.
- Fosco

A lot will also depend on how Tortorella wants to structure his lines. He has a few options.

Tortorella definitely isn't afraid to play smaller players (look what he did with St. Louis) so Schroeder could be the other center, but my bet is still Gaunce or Horvat.

Agree with pretty much all of this.

Might be a bit higher on Corrado than you, as I think he'll be a better bottom pairing D than anything we could get for a similar price. But they do need depth in case he doesn't pan out.

Santorelli could fit in a number of spots in the lineup. Will be interesting to see if he wins a regular spot or floats around as a utility player.

One of Weise or Sestito on the 4th line is OK, but both definitely isn't. One more solid established player with some size who won't be a liability would be nice.
- Fosco

I really like Corrado and I think he will be a great player. I just don't want to give him a spot in the line up, have him struggle and keep in there becasue there is not a better option. That is the exact scenario where other promising prospects have been ruined. If he can handle it then great, let him play. If he needs a year in the AHL, I'm Ok with bringing in vet to hold down the fort for a year.

A lot will also depend on how Tortorella wants to structure his lines. He has a few options.

Tortorella definitely isn't afraid to play smaller players (look what he did with St. Louis) so Schroeder could be the other center, but my bet is still Gaunce or Horvat.
- KB3Point0

I think its going to be a fun camp this year. Guys like Gaunce, Horvat, Jensen, Shrikurak and Corrado acctually have a shot of making the team. You know that wouldn't be the case under AV.

A lot will also depend on how Tortorella wants to structure his lines. He has a few options.

Tortorella definitely isn't afraid to play smaller players (look what he did with St. Louis) so Schroeder could be the other center, but my bet is still Gaunce or Horvat.
- KB3Point0

My vote is Horvat. MG was spoke high of him when asked about drafting him during the draft.

As long as the 1 way deals are under $900K.
- A_SteamingLombardi

exactly

The rankings were based on a 30ish year old player who was going to sign a contract for the next few years (say 3) and takes into account the team's ability to win the cup in those years, the city, the arena, the fan base etc.

I think the author probably hasn't actually been to Calgary, as there are plenty of "big city" amenities, but from the perspective of a player wanting to compete for the cup, there's not a lot there in the next few seasons.
- 1970vintage

I realize that. My comment was exclusively on the attractiveness of the city to a UFA. Worth noting also is that these guys are on the road for so much of the year so their exposure to the city is somewhat limited. That's not the case for the wives though, as Pronger can attest...

A lot will also depend on how Tortorella wants to structure his lines. He has a few options.

Tortorella definitely isn't afraid to play smaller players (look what he did with St. Louis) so Schroeder could be the other center, but my bet is still Gaunce or Horvat.
- KB3Point0

Anyone think Torts might really look to shake things up and break up the Sedins?

A lot will also depend on how Tortorella wants to structure his lines. He has a few options.

Tortorella definitely isn't afraid to play smaller players (look what he did with St. Louis) so Schroeder could be the other center, but my bet is still Gaunce or Horvat.
- KB3Point0

Zuccarello and Hagelin, as well, although not near the same scale as MSL.

I think it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Schroeder is with the big club this year, since he's no longer waiver exempt—basically, wherever he starts the year, is where he'll finish, whether it's Vancouver or Utica. Could even try him on the wing again.

Unless he get's traded of course...

I'd definitely wager that Gillis will not risk losing his longest serving 1st round pick for nothing, though.

Really want to see Horvat back with London this season.

Mike Hunter (knights GM) says the plan is to play him on a line with Domi and McCarron this upcoming season.

That will be a hell of a line, and will do wonders for Horvat's offense.

I really like Corrado and I think he will be a great player. I just don't want to give him a spot in the line up, have him struggle and keep in there becasue there is not a better option. That is the exact scenario where other promising prospects have been ruined. If he can handle it then great, let him play. If he needs a year in the AHL, I'm Ok with bringing in vet to hold down the fort for a year.
- fiveandagame

IMO, he showed enough in his 7 games last season.

The Canucks already gave him higher minutes versus stronger competition than Tanev has gotten in over two years.

Obviously if he struggles you send him down, which could very well happen, but the spot is his to lose, IMO.

From what I've seen of this kid, I just can't see him playing poorly enough to lose it.

But anything could happen, and you do need to have a backup plan if he's not able.

Zuccarello and Hagelin, as well, although not near the same scale as MSL.

I think it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Schroeder is with the big club this year, since he's no longer waiver exempt—basically, wherever he starts the year, is where he'll finish, whether it's Vancouver or Utica. Could even try him on the wing again.

Unless he get's traded of course...

I'd definitely wager that Gillis will not risk losing his longest serving 1st round pick for nothing, though.

Really want to see Horvat back with London this season.

Mike Hunter (knights GM) says the plan is to play him on a line with Domi and McCarron this upcoming season.

That will be a hell of a line, and will do wonders for Horvat's offense.
- Fosco

If Gaunce, Horvat and Shinkaruk don't make the team this year it would make the WJCH a little more exciting for Canucks fans this year.

IMO, he showed enough in his 7 games last season.

The Canucks already gave him higher minutes versus stronger competition than Tanev has gotten in over two years.

Obviously if he struggles you send him down, which could very well happen, but the spot is his to lose, IMO.

From what I've seen of this kid, I just can't see him playing poorly enough to lose it.

But anything could happen, and you do need to have a backup plan if he's not able.
- Fosco

Agreed.

IMO, he showed enough in his 7 games last season.

The Canucks already gave him higher minutes versus stronger competition than Tanev has gotten in over two years.

Obviously if he struggles you send him down, which could very well happen, but the spot is his to lose, IMO.

From what I've seen of this kid, I just can't see him playing poorly enough to lose it.

But anything could happen, and you do need to have a backup plan if he's not able.
- Fosco

I think they have Corrado penciled in to play with Edler.

Like you said, if he has issues, he'll be sent down. But for now he's the Canukcs No. 4 guy.

And I think that has something to do with why Gillis isn't worrying about Tanev.

I know I'm not too worried.

If Gaunce, Horvat and Shinkaruk don't make the team this year it would make the WJCH a little more exciting for Canucks fans this year.
- fiveandagame

All three could very likely make it. Although it will be a battle between Gaunce and Horvat since they play similar roles.

Either way, I'll be a bit more interested in the WJC this season

Cederholm might have an outside shot with Sweden, as well.

I think they have Corrado penciled in to play with Edler.

Like you said, if he has issues, he'll be sent down. But for now he's the Canukcs No. 4 guy.

And I think that has something to do with why Gillis isn't worrying about Tanev.

I know I'm not too worried.
- IanEsplen

Agreed.

I've seen some propose pairing Garrison on the right side with Edler, since he switched over so seamlessly last season.

That would be a steady defensive presence on with Edler, and quell the anger of those fans who say "can't have a $4.5m D on the 3rd pairing", although I'm not sure that's as much of an issue to the team as it is a small minority of fans...

On the flip side, it could also eliminate having Garrisons big shot on his natural side at even strength, and would also likely mean two RHD on the bottom pairing, which isn't ideal...

It'll be interesting to see what Tortorella and Sullivan come up with....I just can't see the pairings being as much of a poop show as last season, though...

Here's the line up I'd like to see (after signing both Tim Brent and Chad LaRose for around $750K each)

Sedin,Sedin,Burrows
Booth, Kesler, Kassian
Higgins, Gaunce or Horvat (whoever has a better camp), Hansen
Richardson, Brent, LaRose
Santorelli 13th forward

Hamhuis, Bieksa
Edler, Tanev
Garrison, Weber or Corrado (whoever has a better camp)

Luongo
Lack

All three could very likely make it. Although it will be a battle between Gaunce and Horvat since they play similar roles.

Either way, I'll be a bit more interested in the WJC this season

Cederholm might have an outside shot with Sweden, as well.
- Fosco

Hard to say. I believe Sweden has some rule where they don't like to take guys for NA.

Here's the line up I'd like to see (after signing both Tim Brent and Chad LaRose for around $750K each)

Sedin,Sedin,Burrows
Booth, Kesler, Kassian
Higgins, Gaunce or Horvat (whoever has a better camp), Hansen
Richardson, Brent, LaRose
Santorelli 13th forward

Hamhuis, Bieksa
Edler, Tanev
Garrison, Weber or Corrado (whoever has a better camp)

Luongo
Lack
- Chest Rockwell

That 2nd line looks like the No Chemistry line but that said I doubt they'll all be healthy for that long to find out.

No love for Schroeder?