The strange thing is that we're actually saying the same thing: Jensen needs time to develop. I'm really not sure how that turned into me being an imbecile.
- khawk

Sorry. It seemed like a troll's post.

At this time of year here at HB it's like the beginning of rutting season. We're all just a little fired up in anticipation of the up-coming troll-a-thon.

As you are probably well aware of, canuck fans are just a little sensitive about their team's prospect group (which has been the main target of hater's scorn for years now). Any attempt to discredit will be met with extreme prejudice.

I think the claim that he's taken a big step was based on the rookie tournament, where (like he should) he dominated and showed that he was a step above the rest.
- KB3Point0

Even if the rookie tournament was any kind of meaningful comparable to actual professional experience at the SEL, AHL, or NHL levels (which it isn't and doesn't claim to be), Jensen had all of 1 point in 3 games and was tied for 9th on the team in scoring. For a guy who's entire claim to fame is scoring goals and as the Canucks' oldest 1st round pick at the tournament, that's just not a 'dominating' performance... especially when you consider that an 18 year-old Shinkaruk walked in and not only led the team in scoring, but scored in every game he played in.

I'm sure I'll hear about the late-season AHL stint where he scored 6 goals... but I'd rather hear some accounts for why his development has twice shown regression (2nd OHL season, 2nd AHL season), and he's coming off of a year where he had near-team worst +/- rankings in both the SEL and AHL.

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see some new blood in the Canucks' lineup, but not at the expense of game-ready secondary scoring in a year when they can still lay some claim to 'Stanley Cup contender' status. I just don't see what Jensen's done to this point to merit such an important role.
- khawk

I read Torts was really excited with the way Shinkaruk can fly and handle the puck. Is there any chance he has a lights out exhibition and cracks the top six??

I maintain my optimism for Jensen! Not only does he bring the size and offensive talent that the Nucks need right now, but he also has a fair amount of experience on the PK. If he can up his intensity and reach his potential in the aforementioned facets, I can see him being a favourite of Torts'.

Good luck to him!

Even if the rookie tournament was any kind of meaningful comparable to actual professional experience at the SEL, AHL, or NHL levels (which it isn't and doesn't claim to be), Jensen had all of 1 point in 3 games and was tied for 9th on the team in scoring. For a guy who's entire claim to fame is scoring goals and as the Canucks' oldest 1st round pick at the tournament, that's just not a 'dominating' performance... especially when you consider that an 18 year-old Shinkaruk walked in and not only led the team in scoring, but scored in every game he played in.
- khawk

There's no guarantees with any prospect and it's true that Jensen hasn't lit the world on fire with his latest performances. His AHL spell was blighted by consistently poor utilization, positioning, and line mates. Scott Arniel is a crap coach and much of Jensen's poor performances can be attributed to his crap coaching or, at the very least, he made it much more difficult for the kid to succeed.

But it's far too early to write Jenson off. even if he doesn't make the jump this season, there is still time for him to make good on his promise.

I read Torts was really excited with the way Shinkaruk can fly and handle the puck. Is there any chance he has a lights out exhibition and cracks the top six??
- flyerdude17

Or he could go and dominate in JRs again. If he is good enough and playing with Burrows and Kes that could be a fun line.

I read Torts was really excited with the way Shinkaruk can fly and handle the puck. Is there any chance he has a lights out exhibition and cracks the top six??
- flyerdude17

I was actually more excited about Shinkaruk being drafted than Horvat... and that's with all due respect to Horvat. I think Shinkaruk is the most dynamic forward in the Canucks' system, but I'm also wary of rushing players into the NHL - especially if they could be physically vulnerable. In many ways I'd like to see Shinkaruk get the call for the WJC, but I guess if he's ready for even more than it's certainly not impossible for him to start the year on the 2nd line - even if just to see how he does in a 9-game stint.

I didn't realize 20 AHL games count as a 'career'. Prospects need time to develop.

You obviously need time to become smarter. Please use your time wisely. You got a lot of work ahead of you.
- bloatedmosquito

I read Torts was really excited with the way Shinkaruk can fly and handle the puck. Is there any chance he has a lights out exhibition and cracks the top six??
- flyerdude17

I doubt it but anythings possible. Epecially since raymond is out of the picture

I doubt it but anythings possible. Epecially since raymond is out of the picture
- vancity787

Thank Christ

Thank Christ
- Whiskey-Tango

Is he our new GM?

This kid has all the tools to become a good two-way 20+ goal scorer, I hope he seizes the opportunity!!!

This kid has all the tools to become a good two-way 20+ goal scorer, I hope he seizes the opportunity!!!
- LeftCoaster

I see him as a solid 30 goal guy. But he has to work on his consistancy and effort. Could be a bust.

I'm not sure that Jensen's development has really been that peachy - there was virtually no improvement from his draft year while in the OHL, and in spite of scoring some goals for a very average team in Sweden his debut in the AHL was mediocre at best. In fact, his late-season call-up was considered by many to be wholly undeserved, and maybe even more of a trade showcase than a legitimately earned taste of the NHL.

That said, opportunity often breeds success - and the team obviously wants to put Jensen in a position to succeed. But with just 4 career AHL points in 20 games to go along with an abysmal +/- ranking, I think Jensen still has a lot to prove before he gets his chance at a regular spot.
- khawk

To be fair he got injured in Sweden and it carried over here. No excuse for his production being as low as it was but you have to take his 6 goals in his first 8 AHL games into consideration. He had a really good start to the year than fizzled. I think he starts in Utica will be first in line for a call up.

This kid has all the tools to become a good two-way 20+ goal scorer, I hope he seizes the opportunity!!!
- LeftCoaster

I see Jensen as being an above average second liner who's on the first unit powerplay as a triggerman. His shot is pretty lethal. By far his best attribute next to his puck protection.

So going by your blog we have given up on Kassian after two seasons. Inconstant play when he gets moved to limited line time?

If the majority of you hold the rest of the rookies to the same standard I think you will be in for disappointment.

So going by your blog we have given up on Kassian after two seasons. Inconstant play when he gets moved to limited line time?

If the majority of you hold the rest of the rookies to the same standard I think you will be in for disappointment.
- rune_74

Kassian is going to have a huge year along side the Sedins.

Kassian is going to have a huge year along side the Sedins.
- Boinker

I really hope so!! I wonder what the second line is going to look like come opening day??

Interesting that Shinkaruk was playing with Kesler and Burrows today in camp.
- Nucker101

He was always the hardest worker on the ice in Penticton, he is with the best teachers.

I really hope so!! I wonder what the second line is going to look like come opening day??
- LeftCoaster

My guess is: Burrows-Kesler-Jensen or Burrows-Kesler-Shinkaruk

My guess is: Burrows-Kesler-Jensen or Burrows-Kesler-Shinkaruk
- CanUSA17

I don't think Shinkaruk has the size yet, that said, smallish players with talent & heart have made it before.

I don't think Shinkaruk has the size yet, that said, smallish players with talent & heart have made it before.
- LeftCoaster

He sounds like he is a bit of a chippy guy might fit in we'll

He sounds like he is a bit of a chippy guy might fit in we'll
- VANTEL

Ya it sounds like he has a bit of an "edge" to his game, I like that! And so will Torts if Shinkaruk uses it to his advantage.

Ya it sounds like he has a bit of an "edge" to his game, I like that! And so will Torts if Shinkaruk uses it to his advantage.
- LeftCoaster

I haven't really seem him play but I hear he has speed and good hands,that could be good with Kes and Bur.

I don't think Shinkaruk has the size yet, that said, smallish players with talent & heart have made it before.
- LeftCoaster

I like the attitude Kesler is showing right now. I have a good feeling he's going to have a big year. I loved seeing him answer the questions the way he did:That's a sh!tty question. It's just sh!t...love it...(frank) the media and the doubters.