I didn't basically say bonino is better than kes but that the addition of bonino and vrbata makes the canucks better . Both players had a dozen or so mor points than kesler . Vancouver needs to put the puck in the back of the net kesler has a hard time hitting the net . Booth was a disaster from the start. Agree tho spending the money on miller wasn't the smartest thing , woulda been better using it on a scoring winger.

Kuli is a great 2nd-3rd line forward, he'll be missed in TO. He's not flashy and if you're just into stats, they're not great. But if you watch the games he's a very effective two way forward that does his job, works hard and is appreciated on the team. Islanders got a good player.
- 13sundin13

Actually, that's an area in which he actually fair relatively well in. When not being force fed tough minutes on a line with McClement, he was actually a strong possession player (again relative to other Toronto players).

It's the principle of the thing. Nothing is worse than tanking, especially in a league with a salary cap: you have to spend a lot of money to get to the floor, to try to flop is cynical and embarrassing. That's why I totally approve the Miller signing. You start off with the best goalie you can get and work from there. The Sedins have a lot of life left in them (now that Torts can't abuse them anymore) and trying for the playoffs should always be the goal. The Islander signings seem OK and the money is about what everybody expected those players to get. They will have a role on the team. Comparing what other teams got for the same money doesn't really work.

I agree on Miller to an extent. The media pressure will eat him alive. Hiller for 1.5 million less and 1 less year seemed more plausible. But 3 years isn't as bad as it could have been. Vrbata 2 years as well.

I disagree on the Canucks becoming the next Flames/Leafs debacle. Simply put, they've had 4 1st rd picks in the last 2 drafts. They have youth coming. They aren't trading away picks (like a few years back) anymore and Benning has so far shown himself as a hard working and competent GM. The real problem this team has is:

No matter if the Sedins and Company return to form or not, there is no next wave of elite 1st line talent on the horizon. Alot of good players are on the way...But this team needs what the Pens/Kings/Hawks/Lightning etc, all have had.....and not be stuck in no mans land come draft time.

That all being said, I hope they finish at the bottom. #McDavid #Eichel
- storm88

Kiss that dream goodbye. Miller will pull you guys out of the bottom five.

Actually, that's an area in which he actually fair relatively well in. When not being force fed tough minutes on a line with McClement, he was actually a strong possession player (again relative to other Toronto players).
- MaximumBone

No one is saying Kulemin is a bad player. as a 3rd line role player he is great for 2 million for a few years. 4 million for 4 years?

Disagree on the note of Kulemin and Grabovski. With those signings, they turned what was already good forward depth into excellent forward depth; among the best in the league, I'd argue. Grabo will slide perfectly into the 2C role and give them another scoring line to follow Nelson(?)- JT- Okposo while giving Neilsen's line the tough matchups. His signing will also afford them the option to ease Strome into the a scoring line role while playing wing rather than forcing him right into the role and thus needing to shelter his line.

Secondly, I disagree with everything you said about Kulemin. Komarov is superior in nearly every way? You mean aside from offensive awareness, his shot, skating ability, two-way presence, size, and NHL experience? All Komarov brings more of (if he's the same player he was back in 2012-13) is energy and physicality. You don't give him enough credit for the work he did in Toronto.
- MaximumBone

Can people stop calling Kulemin a "Two-Way" forward? He hasn't scored in double digits in 4 years. Two-way means offense as well as defense. The guy has been an offensive black-hole since his 30 goal season.

The Leafs were smart. Winnik and Santorelli both outscored Kulemin last season and COMBINED make half of what Kulemin will this season.

Overpaying for supporting pieces in a cap world is a mistake. Thank god Tallon offered Bolland more.

Yes, it is probably too early. Of course these moves could all work out wonderfully. I just figure, as of right now , they seem like misguided decisions.
Secondly, I don't think Torts had anything to do with Vancouver not being a good team. The role of the coach is overrated. I doubt they have any more points if Mike Babcock was their coach. Finally, I don't see why Lack needs time to develop - goalies basically are as good as their team. My biggest problem with this signing is that they might has well of just kept Luongo in this situation and it's going to force them to get rid of a young goalie who perhaps will be quite good.
- James_Tanner

Well I absolutely refuse to believe that every veteran on the team is on the decline to the degree we saw last season. Again, I don't expect the twins to be the players of old - that's clear but I think it's way too coincidental that the twins, Edler, Burrows, Hansen, Kesler, Bieksa, Hamhuis and Garrison regressed under torts style of play. And I strongly disagree that the coach isn't that influential. He sets the tone and dictates a certain style of play. He wore out his welcome in NY and poop the bed in Vancouver. NY looks like a completely different team without Torts at the helm.

Many of the top goalies in the league required a season or two to develop and learn behind a legitimate #1 goalie. I see nothing wrong with that.

As for the Lou situation, who cares - different GM and I'm ready to move on from it. I wish Schneider was in Vancouver instead of Miller but at the same rate, if Horvat can slide into the #3 role as many expect this season, I'm happier about their 1-4 centre situation than last season.

No one is saying Kulemin is a bad player. as a 3rd line role player he is great for 2 million for a few years. 4 million for 4 years?
- JVR_42_PK81

You mean except for the guy that started his post with "Kuli sucks."?

I agree on Miller to an extent. The media pressure will eat him alive. Hiller for 1.5 million less and 1 less year seemed more plausible. But 3 years isn't as bad as it could have been. Vrbata 2 years as well.

I disagree on the Canucks becoming the next Flames/Leafs debacle. Simply put, they've had 4 1st rd picks in the last 2 drafts. They have youth coming. They aren't trading away picks (like a few years back) anymore and Benning has so far shown himself as a hard working and competent GM. The real problem this team has is:

No matter if the Sedins and Company return to form or not, there is no next wave of elite 1st line talent on the horizon. Alot of good players are on the way...But this team needs what the Pens/Kings/Hawks/Lightning etc, all have had.....and not be stuck in no mans land come draft time.

That all being said, I hope they finish at the bottom. #McDavid #Eichel
- storm88

You mean luck Because that's what it is. Notice you failed to mention Florida, Columbus, Edmonton because "Tanking" involves luck and perfect timing.

And once Miller was signed, the Mcdavid race ended for Vancouver.

Can people stop calling Kulemin a "Two-Way" forward? He hasn't scored in double digits in 4 years. Two-way means offense as well as defense. The guy has been an offensive black-hole since his 30 goal season.
- RogerRoeper

He still has the capability to do so. He's definitely more of a defensive forward but part of him becoming an offensive blackhole after his 30 goal season could have to do with the fact that he started being pushed into playing against top competition. Like I've said a number of times, given the opportunity, I think he's capable of putting up between 35-45 points.

He still has the capability to do so. He's definitely more of a defensive forward but part of him becoming an offensive blackhole after his 30 goal season could have to do with the fact that he started being pushed into playing against top competition. Like I've said a number of times, given the opportunity, I think he's capable of putting up between 35-45 points.
- MaximumBone

"He Could" doesn't translate to being called a good "Two-way Forward". His offensive game stinks.

You mean except for the guy that started his post with "Kuli sucks."?
- MaximumBone

Its his contract that sucks. Way too much for Kulemin. If your going to overpay for Kulemin and Grabo for 9.5 mil why not just overpay to bring Moulson back? An impact player.

You mean except for the guy that started his post with "Kuli sucks."?
- MaximumBone

Its his contract that sucks. Way too much for Kulemin. If your going to overpay for Kulemin and Grabo for 9.5 mil why not just overpay to bring Moulson back? An impact player.

Its his contract that sucks. Way too much for Kulemin. If your going to overpay for Kulemin and Grabo for 9.5 mil why not just overpay to bring Moulson back? An impact player.
- JVR_42_PK81

Is he a driver? Always seemed like a good complimentary player much like Smyth, Holmstrom, Stumpy Thomas, etc...

Its his contract that sucks. Way too much for Kulemin. If your going to overpay for Kulemin and Grabo for 9.5 mil why not just overpay to bring Moulson back? An impact player.
- JVR_42_PK81

Yeah, it's fine to question the guys contract, but when you start using it as justification to argue why he sucks you're in the wrong.

Yeah, it's fine to question the guys contract, but when you start using it as justification to argue why he sucks you're in the wrong.
- MaximumBone

He dosnt suck. He was one of my fav players on the Leafs. As a 3rd line player. I really wanted him back for 2-2.5mil for 2 years. Im happy we didn't sign him for 4x4. We would never hear the end of it for the next 4 years if we did.

He is definitely an NHL player who could make any team at least on the 4th line and contribute in a bottom 6 role. But the money is too much.

Well I absolutely refuse to believe that every veteran on the team is on the decline to the degree we saw last season. Again, I don't expect the twins to be the players of old - that's clear but I think it's way too coincidental that the twins, Edler, Burrows, Hansen, Kesler, Bieksa, Hamhuis and Garrison regressed under torts style of play. And I strongly disagree that the coach isn't that influential. He sets the tone and dictates a certain style of play. He wore out his welcome in NY and poop the bed in Vancouver. NY looks like a completely different team without Torts at the helm.

Many of the top goalies in the league required a season or two to develop and learn behind a legitimate #1 goalie. I see nothing wrong with that.

As for the Lou situation, who cares - different GM and I'm ready to move on from it. I wish Schneider was in Vancouver instead of Miller but at the same rate, if Horvat can slide into the #3 role as many expect this season, I'm happier about their 1-4 centre situation than last season.
- Canuckleafer

I don't think goalie graveyard really applies to Vancouver anymore. after having Lou here for a nice run and then the development and emergence of Schnieds and Lack with his upside... really doesn't carry that rep anymore. Obsolete catch phrase that is just filler.

(this is really in response to the blog, just replied to your post because it mentions goalies. I am not really happy about the term of Miller's contract and wonder what the details are of his ntc, and that is the same for any player that has one.)

I don't think goalie graveyard really applies to Vancouver anymore. after having Lou here for a nice run and then the development and emergence of Schnieds and Lack with his upside... really doesn't carry that rep anymore. Obsolete catch phrase that is just filler.
- hillbillydeluxe

The Kevin Weekes "Goalie of the Future" malarkey is in the past now.

It's a little too early to declare which moves are the worst yet, isn't it?

I can't see Vancouver declining from last season. Almost every player on the team had a poor season and Torts had to be a major reason. Sure the twins aren't going to put up 90 points anymore and I'm not naive enough to think that this team will battle for top spot in the division, but I'd expect them to be in contention for a playoff spot.

While I'm not entirely happy about the Miller singing - it could end up giving Lack time to develop just like Cory did behind Lou.
- Canuckleafer

Yes, we know how THAT worked out. Great job of developing Cory behind Lou. Now BOTH play elsewhere and the Nucks pay 6 million for Miller. Heck, isn't Luongo's "Terrible" contract even less than 6 million?. Yup...Nucks know how to develop goalies, too bad they don't know how to treat players and drive them all away....actually..no, it is a good thing....

Yes, we know how THAT worked out. Great job of developing Cory behind Lou. Now BOTH play elsewhere and the Nucks pay 6 million for Miller. Heck, isn't Luongo's "Terrible" contract even less than 6 million?. Yup...Nucks know how to develop goalies, too bad they don't know how to treat players and drive them all away....actually..no, it is a good thing....
- hawk35

Might also have something to do with locker room infidelity. Just a rumor but if it's true I can only imagine the urgency needed to move one of the involved players. Not saying GMMG handled it perfectly and hind sight is 20/20 but he did seem to act rather quickly.

The Kevin Weekes "Goalie of the Future" malarkey is in the past now.
- Jeropotato

Much of this stuff is, if not created by, hyped to the extreme by the media and then it's appearance becomes reality.

Like agreed upon talking points.

Anyway, everyone is looking forward to the training camps and what the teams are going to look like.

Watching the sports roundups, I can't believe with all the sports channels that not one of them could air the Ivan Hlenka U18 games? I think they would be shocked by the ratings. (I didn't miss them did I? )

Yes, we know how THAT worked out. Great job of developing Cory behind Lou. Now BOTH play elsewhere and the Nucks pay 6 million for Miller. Heck, isn't Luongo's "Terrible" contract even less than 6 million?. Yup...Nucks know how to develop goalies, too bad they don't know how to treat players and drive them all away....actually..no, it is a good thing....
- hawk35

I also said in another post that I'd really like to still have Schneider. I think it was a big mistake to trade him, but it is what it is. Playing Schneider behind Lou worked out extremely well for Schneider's development as I think he'll prove he's an elite level goalie this season.

The rest of your comment is irrelevant as #1, the contract situations are substantially different this time around and #2, the management team is completely different. It's OK to live in the past and give nonsensical biased opinions due to your hatred towards the team but it's not even close to being the same situation.

And for the last time, the cap hit was not the issue with Lou's contract, it was the term and cap recapture issues.

I also said in another post that I'd really like to still have Schneider. I think it was a big mistake to trade him, but it is what it is. Playing Schneider behind Lou worked out extremely well for Schneider's development as I think he'll prove he's an elite level goalie this season.

The rest of your comment is irrelevant as #1, the contract situations are substantially different this time around and #2, the management team is completely different. It's OK to live in the past and give nonsensical biased opinions due to your hatred towards the team but it's not even close to being the same situation.

And for the last time, the cap hit was not the issue with Lou's contract, it was the term and cap recapture issues.
- Canuckleafer

I like your loyalty. But the Luongo/Schneider situation was played about as awful as could be. To end up with NEITHER, and get little in return....brutal! Anyway, as long as y'all are happy with your team's progress, all is good. See you in the playoffs...oh wait....maybe not....

I like your loyalty. But the Luongo/Schneider situation was played about as awful as could be. To end up with NEITHER, and get little in return....brutal! Anyway, as long as y'all are happy with your team's progress, all is good. See you in the playoffs...oh wait....maybe not....
- hawk35

And I like that you can't seem to grasp the point of my original comment. No where did I state that I was happy with the outcome of the Lou/Schneider trade. But what can you going to do about it now?

I only indicated that it's generally not a terrible idea to have a young goalie learn behind an established starter - say Rask behind Thomas for another example.

I don't agree with James that goalies basically are as good as their team. Every player on the team develops and gets better with experience until they peak - this goes for goaltenders as well.

Being a fan of a team means that you can question and get upset at certain moves a team makes, but I wouldn't stop cheering for a team because of a couple of decisions made by a former GM.