That would be 3 more years of drafting 20 th with no playoff success. I guess after 41 what's another 3 years.

There will be a list of UFAs after this year that teams will be looking twice at . Not every upcoming UFA will extend with their cuurent club, so we really do not know who will be available at free agency. I would like to at least have the opportunity to see what is out there and maybe a change of direction, seeing the last two years have been a bit of a bust.
- VANTEL

The past two years of playoff failure is a function of poor coaching and the lack of a top six forward IMO. That falls squarely on AV and Gillis.

I wanna see changes to some faces as much as the next guy, but I don't think the Sedins are the problem. Booth/Raymond Kesler and whomever fits on right wing has been the problem.

The past two years of playoff failure is a function of poor coaching and the lack of a top six forward IMO. That falls squarely on AV and Gillis.

I wanna see changes to some faces as much as the next guy, but I don't think the Sedins are the problem. Booth/Raymond Kesler and whomever fits on right wing has been the problem.
- LeftCoaster

We let Raymond go and brought in Richardson. You know yourself that is not a Stanley Cup tweak,so we have to assume it is just another year of the same thing,but from an older club. We had better goaltending last year also.

Let's see how thrilled the new coach is to see 45 seconds of cycling behind the net on the 1 st PP unit.

We let Raymond go and brought in Richardson. You know yourself that is not a Stanley Cup tweak,so we have to assume it is just another year of the same thing,but from an older club. We had better goaltending last year also.

Let's see how thrilled the new coach is to see 45 seconds of cycling behind the net on the 1 st PP unit.
- VANTEL

that is his PP system, so it's perfect!

that is his PP system, so it's perfect!
- rangerdanger94

Are you guys ready for that unsuspecting drop pass that surprises eveyone on the PP ?

Are you guys ready for that unsuspecting drop pass that surprises eveyone on the PP ?
- VANTEL

you guys did have an awful powerplay last season, but the season prior you were in the top-5 and the season before that you were #1 in the entire league. the year before that, you were in the top 10.

honestly, AV is an upgrade to torts offensively in every single way.

We let Raymond go and brought in Richardson. You know yourself that is not a Stanley Cup tweak,so we have to assume it is just another year of the same thing,but from an older club. We had better goaltending last year also.

Let's see how thrilled the new coach is to see 45 seconds of cycling behind the net on the 1 st PP unit.
- VANTEL

I still maintain it's the "secondary" scoring that's the issue, not the twins.

I've got a fix, trade Kesler, Higgins and a first round pick to Dallas for Jamie Benn? (overpayment yes but I want it bad)

Daniel Hank Kass
Benn Horvat Burrows
Jensen Gaunce Hansen
Sestito Richardson Weiner-face

you guys did have an awful powerplay last season, but the season prior you were in the top-5 and the season before that you were #1 in the entire league. the year before that, you were in the top 10.

honestly, AV is an upgrade to torts offensively in every single way.
- rangerdanger94

I do actually think it is cute that you believe AV will coach. He leaves coaching to the players.

Are you guys ready for that unsuspecting drop pass that surprises eveyone on the PP ?
- VANTEL

ya I think they need to mix it up!!! New coaches brother. We'll see what happens.

ya I think they need to mix it up!!! New coaches brother. We'll see what happens.
- LeftCoaster

NYR will be the new owners of the drop pass not us.

I still maintain it's the "secondary" scoring that's the issue, not the twins.

I've got a fix, trade Kesler, Higgins and a first round pick to Dallas for Jamie Benn? (overpayment yes but I want it bad)

Daniel Hank Kass
Benn Horvat Burrows
Jensen Gaunce Hansen
Sestito Richardson Weiner-face
- LeftCoaster

interesting. I think there would be a lot less Canuck fans complaining if you removed the first round pick.

Agreed. They are not greedy players. They don't nee 6 mil they need a cup to finish the legacy. Take a paycut and bring in assistance.
- VANTEL

Or take a paycut and go somewhere else that already wins cups to be the assistance. Vancouver should just pay them IMO, unless they are giving up on the current core. Canucks really can't afford to watch them both walk away for nothing because Canucks aren't willing to pay them anymore than say Detroit is.

Or take a paycut and go somewhere else that already wins cups to be the assistance. Vancouver should just pay them IMO, unless they are giving up on the current core. Canucks really can't afford to watch them both walk away for nothing because Canucks aren't willing to pay them anymore than say Detroit is.
- Antilles

Detroit's core are older than the Golden Girls. There needs to be a combination of core talent and cap space. Not to many Cup contenders have 12-14 mil sitting aside to take on UFAs.

OFF TOPIC QUESTION:


Does anyone know is NHL 14 will have the new kids Bo and Hunter in the game?
- CanUSA17

I don't see why not, they were in NHL 13

surprised how many people are psyched at the idea of JBO. I think Hammer has a much better, well rounded game IMHO

surprised how many people are psyched at the idea of JBO. I think Hammer has a much better, well rounded game IMHO
- vancity787

That's what I was thinking. Ever since he left Florida, the lad just hasn't looked the same. Not sure if that is due to his environment (being on a fairly poor team in Calgary - although, he was on a poor team in Florida), getting older (seems ludicrous to think that for someone who is only 30), or other personal issues behind the scenes. I do hope he turns it around, however.......but of course not at the expense of Hamuis

Oh... Well, I guess I'll respect your opinion. Personally, I don't think he is. J-Bo is a much better skater and passer, and has shown more offensive flair in his career while also maintaining lots of minutes and strong defensive play.
- Flyers_V88

I respect your opinion, but I have to say J bo is so overated and always has been because of his draft position and size, Hamhuis is solid and understated yet also drafted high. Hamhuis is just as safe for arguements sake, but just better all-round. Scores more then 15 to 20 points per year. Boumeester played in 2004 and 2006 then totally fell off there radar for a reason, can only live on potential for so long. Has he done anything to now be an olympian that he didnt to make 2010?Compare there +/-, PP production, and just overall gamesmanship, Hamhuis adds an element Boumeester doesn't, besides Flordia, Boumeester is esentially a player that produces nothing offensively, and is virtually useless on the PP. Eric Brewer 2.0. Calgary even gave up on him on the PP. Sure he's a safe player but.. He never played in the Playoffs till this year. Not saying thats his fault entirely but he lacks that background, where Hamhuis has never missed the playoffs I believe and has showed acumen on the large ice at Worlds of past years. Esplen lives in Calgary and follows the Flames. I watch alot of Flames games and live in Alberta myself. Boumeester is one of the softest overated players in the league in my opinion, the Sedins rough him up. At least Hamhuis has other elements to his game, hip checking, grit etc. As for intellegence and poise, passing, there is no doubt that Hamhuis is a more complete player then Boumeester. Hamhuis actually can play on the PP, skate and pass, drop a hit, make a one timer, does everything well. Boumeester is big but doesnt play it, passes well and is safe, but thats it, cant even shoot good anymore. Hamhuis is smaller but plays bigger, has more offensive polish, and just more edge and grit. Boumeester would be a mistake. Marc Staal would also be ahead of Boumeester in my opinion as would Brian Campbell. Also Pietrangelo is not a lock, he had an average year and is one of those overhyped players again that hasnt done alot to merit it like a Doughty example, and Canada is loaded on the right side, Subban is ahead of Pietroangelo. As for the guy saying Seabrook is a lock before Hamhuis, your missing the point, Seabrook is a right shot, the only reason you consider Hamhuis, Staal etc is because of the comfort on the left side. There'd be like 5 guys ahead of Seabrook on the right side. And to the guy that mentioned Dion Phaneuf, I question your knowledge of hockey. Dion is the anti-thesis of a safe player. Theres a reason no one even mentions him as having a serious chance. The guy handles the puck like a grenade under pressure.

I respect your opinion, but I have to say J bo is so overated and always has been because of his draft position, Hamhuis is solid and understated. Boumeester played in 2004 and 2006 then totally fell off there radar for a reason, can only live on potential for so long. Has he done anything to now be an olympian that he didnt to make 2010?Compare there +/-, PP production, and just overall gamesmanship, Hamhuis adds an element Boumeester doesn't, besides Flordia, Boumeester is esentially a player that produces nothing offensively, and is virtually useless on the PP. Eric Brewer 2.0. Calgary even gave up on him on the PP. He never played in the Playoffs till this year. Not saying thats his fault entirely but he lacks that background, where Hamhuis has never missed the playoffs I believe. Esplen lives in Calgary and follows the Flames. I watch alot of Flames games and live in Alberta myself. Boumeester is one of the softest overated players in the league in my opinion. At least Hamhuis has other element to his game, hip checking etc. As for intellegence and poise, passing, there is no doubt that Hamhuis is a more complete player then Boumeester. Hamhuis actually can play on the PP, skate and pass, drop a hit, does everything well. Boumeester is big but doesnt play it, passes well and is safe, but thats it. Hamhuis is smaller but plays bigger, has more offensive polish, and just more edge and grit. Boumeester would be a mistake. Marc Staal would also be ahead of Boumeester in my opinion as would Brian Campbell. Also Pietrangelo is not a lock, he had an average year and is one of those overhyped players again that hasnt done alot to merit it like a Doughty example, and Canada is loaded on the right side, Subban is ahead of Pietroangelo. As for the guy saying Seabrook is a lock before Hamhuis, your missing the point, Seabrook is a right shot, the only reason you consider Hamhuis, Staal etc is because of the comfort on the left side. There'd be like 5 guys ahead of Seabrook on the right side.
- gunner2233

Some good points, indeed

I confess I didn't know that much about Hamhuis when he was playing with Nashville (other than he was a fairly decent defenseman, and that he has a personal link with my friend's family). Since he's been in Vancouver, though, I've come to like him more and more and have been quite impressed with his game. His skating ability, defensive acumen, great first-pass vision (not to mention the occasional gritty edge to his game), and now, some offensive input, make him a fantastic asset to the club. I'm really routing for him for that Olympic spot, and feel he wouldn't look out of place on such a big stage.

surprised how many people are psyched at the idea of JBO. I think Hammer has a much better, well rounded game IMHO
- vancity787

Either one is a good choice. When it comes to the Olympics I don't care what crest they had 2 weeks prior, I want the one that will medal

Some good points, indeed

I confess I didn't know that much about Hamhuis when has playing with Nashville (other than he was a fairly decent defenseman, and that he has a personal link with my friend's family). Since he's been in Vancouver, though, I've come to like him more and more and have been quite impressed with his game. His skating ability, defensive acumen, great first-pass vision (not to mention the occasional gritty edge to his game), and now, some offensive input, make him a fantastic asset to the club. I'm really routing for him for that Olympic spot, and feel he wouldn't look out of place on such a big stage.
- Zogg

It seems so obvious to you and I, but unfortunately politics plays alot into these decisions. Ken Hitchcock will definately have pull and a bias both being Edmonton guys in the same NHL organization. Yet I have faith in Yzerman to make the right call, Yzerman is a class act pro, he knows who the pretenders are. Yzerman had the stones to not take Stamkos last time.

It seems so obvious to you and I, but unfortunately politics plays alot into these decisions. Ken Hitchcock will definately have pull and a bias both being Edmonton guys in the same NHL organization. Yet I have faith in Yzerman to make the right call, Yzerman is a class act pro, he knows who the pretenders are. Yzerman had the stones to not take Stamkos last time.
- gunner2233

Very true, politics and nepotism have been a staple of hockey (and business etc in general, for that matter), in particular at the higher levels. Like yourself, I'm confident, though, that Yzerman will not be swayed into making a decision he is not fully comfortable with, and make the proper assessment based on needs, skill, chemistry, and most optimal fit on the squad.

I do actually think it is cute that you believe AV will coach. He leaves coaching to the players.
- VANTEL

i think you guys might have been spoiled by a really good coaching staff that peaked one year (stanley cup final vs bruins) and never got to that point again (getting to the SCF, imo, takes a lot of "luck"/fortuitous bounces going your way). a lot of you poop on AV, and i understand that he has his problems (not playing/trusting rookies, giving too much power to his players, etc.), but you need to understand that the torts that coached the NYR was just abysmal. AV is an upgrade in every offensive aspect (even though a lot of you say that AV is a defensive coach) of the game from powerplay to offense to transition game to the offensive system in general, compared to the NYR torts.

if torts coaches the same way he did in new york, then you guys are in for an exceptionally-painful-to-watch season. there's the potential for a successful season under NYR torts for sure, and i think he will adjust to the vancouver roster and change his philosophy slightly (he will still be an extremely defensive-minded coach, moreso than AV has even been, but he won't require all 5 forwards on the ice to skate in front of the net and block shots as if there are 5 extra goalies on the ice) but he will be a less offensive coach than AV. from the amount you talk down AV's offensive system, you guys are in for a REALLY rude awakening if the NYR torts is the same torts that is running the canucks.

while last season AV might've seemed like he lost control of his room/didn't have a solid system that the team bought into, the other 6 years he was coaching vancouver, he coached a team that won the division title multiple times, had a top 5 and #1 overall powerplay in the league during the regular season, and got 1 win away from the stanley cup. yes, the last year might've been troublesome, but that's because the team tuned him out. not because he's a bad coach, but because his time was simply up, the same way it was with torts in NY. torts and AV are both great, elite coaches in the league...they just ran their course in their respective teams.

i think you guys might have been spoiled by a really good coaching staff that peaked one year (stanley cup final vs bruins) and never got to that point again (getting to the SCF, imo, takes a lot of "luck"/fortuitous bounces going your way). a lot of you poop on AV, and i understand that he has his problems (not playing/trusting rookies, giving too much power to his players, etc.), but you need to understand that the torts that coached the NYR was just abysmal. AV is an upgrade in every offensive aspect (even though a lot of you say that AV is a defensive coach) of the game from powerplay to offense to transition game to the offensive system in general, compared to the NYR torts.

if torts coaches the same way he did in new york, then you guys are in for an exceptionally-painful-to-watch season. there's the potential for a successful season under NYR torts for sure, and i think he will adjust to the vancouver roster and change his philosophy slightly (he will still be an extremely defensive-minded coach, moreso than AV has even been, but he won't require all 5 forwards on the ice to skate in front of the net and block shots as if there are 5 extra goalies on the ice) but he will be a less offensive coach than AV. from the amount you talk down AV's offensive system, you guys are in for a REALLY rude awakening if the NYR torts is the same torts that is running the canucks.

while last season AV might've seemed like he lost control of his room/didn't have a solid system that the team bought into, the other 6 years he was coaching vancouver, he coached a team that won the division title multiple times, had a top 5 and #1 overall powerplay in the league during the regular season, and got 1 win away from the stanley cup. yes, the last year might've been troublesome, but that's because the team tuned him out. not because he's a bad coach, but because his time was simply up, the same way it was with torts in NY. torts and AV are both great, elite coaches in the league...they just ran their course in their respective teams.
- rangerdanger94

AV got the Sedins in their prime. He's a good coach, but I hope you dont think hes an offensive mastermind. The guys defence first, and risk averse.

He won me over in the 3rd period of game 7 against the Bruins.
- dshiddy

Hamhuis didn't get past game 4..all joking aside Hamhuis is a longshot to make this team. He is a solid, dependable D-man, but just too much star power on team Canada.

Keith - Weber
Boumeester - Pietrangelo
Staal - Letang
Doughty - Subban

That Kes was a worldwide talent , but he doesn't like Canadians
- VANTEL

I don't blame him.

I don't see why not, they were in NHL 13
- Chest Rockwell

Really? I didn't even think to look. Thanks for info.