A few weeks back Botch said Bennimg asked Burrows to waive
- VANTEL

How credible is Botchford? I've seen both positive and negative comments about his reporting.

If that is the case, though, I can officially say I'm not a fan (of Benning). I could live with the ridiculous Miller thing, I could live with the semi-ridiculous Vrbata thing, I could live through the Booth buy out, but when a Manager singles our your real only heart and soul player to trade, that's where I pretty much draw the line (I know you all absolutely needed to hear that and can somehow go on with your lives now

Ok, so back to the Miller/Vrbata rants it is

#freeFosco

I have to say it won't be the same without Fosco - could he really have so easily given up his prestigious involvement in one of THE most important forums in our lifetimes? Oh, the wonderful late night talks of chocolates and chocolate possibilities (he wanted to make the world's largest chocolate hockey stick but binged one night and ate all his supplies ) Reminiscing about the chocolate stained coach which his significant other found hidden inside the swimming pool (where a pack of voles now made their home). The reems and reems of information and fan-dom for he who is of the number 23. His passion for fine turnip vinos and 180 proof yak juice. The many times we found him passed out behind a strip joint, wearing his "I *heart* Gillis" t-shirt

@#$ really, Nucker, is he coming back or what is the r@#$@# deal?

#freeFosco

#freeFosco

I have to say it won't be the same without Fosco - could he really have so easily given up his prestigious involvement in one of THE most important forums in our lifetimes? Oh, the wonderful late night talks of chocolates and chocolate possibilities. Reminiscing about the chocolate stained coach which his significant other found hidden inside the swimming pool (where a pack of voles now made their home). The reems and reems of information and fan-dom for he who is of the number 23. His passion for fine turnip vinos and 180 proof yak juice. The many times we found him passed out behind a strip joint, wearing his "I *heart* Gillis" t-shirt

@#$ really, Nucker, is he coming back or what is the r@#$@# deal?

#freeFosco
- Zogg

With nothing going on there's only so many times you can go over the hypotheticals. At this point I'm just curious when our fantasy draft will be taking place.

With nothing going on there's only so many times you can go over the hypotheticals. At this point I'm just curious when our fantasy draft will be taking place.
- AlexF

Where have you been hiding? hunkered down in some cave going over player stats n such?

Yah, looking forward to it - I think Nucker should have more details shortly.

#freeFosco

I have to say it won't be the same without Fosco - could he really have so easily given up his prestigious involvement in one of THE most important forums in our lifetimes? Oh, the wonderful late night talks of chocolates and chocolate possibilities. Reminiscing about the chocolate stained coach which his significant other found hidden inside the swimming pool (where a pack of voles now made their home). The reems and reems of information and fan-dom for he who is of the number 23. His passion for fine turnip vinos and 180 proof yak juice. The many times we found him passed out behind a strip joint, wearing his "I *heart* Gillis" t-shirt

@#$ really, Nucker, is he coming back or what is the r@#$@# deal?

#freeFosco
- Zogg

I thought he was just taking some time away. He has made a few appearances when he sees something that pi$$es him off. He will come back. You can't just walk away.

Where have you been hiding? hunkered down in some cave going over player stats n such?

Yah, looking forward to it - I think Nucker should have more details shortly.
- Zogg

Been traveling a bit and enjoying the summer. As much as I like shooting the sh!t with you guys sometimes it's good to step away for a bit, especially when absolutely nothing Canuck related is going on.

Looking forward to camp though.

I thought he was just taking some time away. He has made a few appearances when he sees something that pi$$es him off. He will come back. You can't just walk away.
- thundachunk

I agree, once you are ensconced within the HockeyBuzz Vancouver Board culture, there's no going back

You can always try and take the deviants (I say that with affection of course) out of hockey buzz, but you can never take the hockey-buzz out of the deviants (again, said with affection but also with a bit of fear)

Been traveling a bit and enjoying the summer. As much as I like shooting the sh!t with you guys sometimes it's good to step away for a bit, especially when absolutely nothing Canuck related is going on.

Looking forward to camp though.
- AlexF

It has been quiet in here for a while. Most of us enjoying the summer

If there is truth to this, you have to wonder how many other players Benning discussed their ntc clauses with, was it in person or though an agent? Is that due diligence by a new GM when assessing his roster and how everyone is situated?

It sounds like a delicate subject but if handled properly may seem routine as in a how are you?, "I noticed there was a ntc in your contract, do you still feel the same way with what has transpired in the past couple seasons and the new direction of the team?"

Maybe, maybe not?
- hillbillydeluxe

Higgins will be part of a Boston trade. He will waive NTC

How credible is Botchford? I've seen both positive and negative comments about his reporting.

If that is the case, though, I can officially say I'm not a fan (of Benning). I could live with the ridiculous Miller thing, I could live with the semi-ridiculous Vrbata thing, I could live through the Booth buy out, but when a Manager singles our your real only heart and soul player to trade, that's where I pretty much draw the line (I know you all absolutely needed to hear that and can somehow go on with your lives now

Ok, so back to the Miller/Vrbata rants it is
- Zogg

Zogg, time to step away from the ledge...take a deep breath and analysis the situation. What GM would be worth his salt if he didn't do his due diligence and assess all aspects of his team that he just inherited from an former inept GM.

It was probably quite a simple discussion, "i'm the new GM checking on the status of your employment. Are you still interested in staying on or would you, or are you interested in going in a new direction."

Unless Benning tried some strong arm tactics to force Burrows out. Which I don't believe unless either party comes forward and discloses what was said. Then Benning did what I would have expected, hopefully he contacted every player to see what he has to work with.

Botchford is no better than a tabloid journalist, and that is my impression of most of Vancouver media.

Zogg, time to step away from the ledge...take a deep breath and analysis the situation. What GM would be worth his salt if he didn't do his due diligence and assess all aspects of his team that he just inherited from an former inept GM.

It was probably quite a simple discussion, "i'm the new GM checking on the status of your employment. Are you still interested in staying on or would you, or are you interested in going in a new direction."

Unless Benning tried some strong arm tactics to force Burrows out. Which I don't believe unless either party comes forward and discloses what was said. Then Benning did what I would have expected, hopefully he contacted every player to see what he has to work with.

Botchford is no better than a tabloid journalist, and that is my impression of most of Vancouver media.
- Makita

I like Botch. I find him entertaining.

Zogg, time to step away from the ledge...take a deep breath and analysis the situation. What GM would be worth his salt if he didn't do his due diligence and assess all aspects of his team that he just inherited from an former inept GM.

It was probably quite a simple discussion, "i'm the new GM checking on the status of your employment. Are you still interested in staying on or would you, or are you interested in going in a new direction."

Unless Benning tried some strong arm tactics to force Burrows out. Which I don't believe unless either party comes forward and discloses what was said. Then Benning did what I would have expected, hopefully he contacted every player to see what he has to work with.

Botchford is no better than a tabloid journalist, and that is my impression of most of Vancouver media.
- Makita

Fair enough, and good points. The only reason I actually brought up in the first place was, I remember hearing that Burrows was quite upset at the request (but I was always under the impression that this request was made by the old management regime/Tortorella era and not with respect to the new management). Hence, you could be right, in that it was just a due-dilligence aspect and something that management may have discussed with a number of players (and it's not surprising that Burrows would be upset, though, given he seems to be an emotional player and wears his heart on his sleeve game in and game out. I'm sure many of these types of 'managerial' decisions are difficult on both the club and player. Bottom line, though, there is certainly a proper way to do things and handle various situations as they arise in a professional and fair manner; and strong-arming one of the club's most popular and versatile players is certainly not one of them)

I guess it's the ole 'what have you done for me lately' dynamic. To that end, I would really like to see Burrows enjoy a injury-free season and once again show what a key element of the team he is and has been - whether producing offense or just being a sh*tdisturber and making life miserable for the other team shift after shift.

Tour of German wine country
http://www.gpupdate.net/e...hakedown-crash-in-germany/
- A_SteamingLombardi

Damn, that's going to make Riesling more expensive!

Fair enough, and good points. The only reason I actually brought up in the first place was, I remember hearing that Burrows was quite upset at the request (but I was always under the impression that this request was made by the old management regime/Tortorella era and not with respect to the new management). Hence, you could be right, in that it was just a due-dilligence aspect and something that management may have discussed with a number of players (and it's not surprising that Burrows would be upset, though, given he seems to be an emotional player and wears his heart on his sleeve game in and game out. I'm sure many of these types of 'managerial' decisions are difficult on both the club and player. Bottom line, though, there is certainly a proper way to do things and handle various situations as they arise in a professional and fair manner; and strong-arming one of the club's most popular and versatile players is certainly not one of them)

I guess it's the ole 'what have you done for me lately' dynamic. To that end, I would really like to see Burrows enjoy a injury-free season and once again show what a key element of the team he is and has been - whether producing offense or just being a sh*tdisturber and making life miserable for the other team shift after shift.
- Zogg

Teams should have a what have you done lately attitude.You have a peak window and it is a managers job to hire a player when they are in that window, and release them when they fall out of that window.I would hope our team is doing the same. It is a business.

Damn, that's going to make Riesling more expensive!
- 1970vintage

My first thought was, I hope those aren't hops.

Teams should have a what have you done lately attitude.You have a peak window and it is a managers job to hire a player when they are in that window, and release them when they fall out of that window.I would hope our team is doing the same. It is a business.
- VANTEL

Of utmost importance is management of assets. However, as any good manager will attest, there are always going to be certain specific situations/cases where a players' value is deemed worth much more than just based on offensive statistics.

In these types of situations, it's more important to tread softly and ensure that you don't affect the player's attitude going forward (i.e. who wants to play on a team that doesn't want them? especially when you've been one of the most consistent players on the team for years and years and never taken a shift off - a major fan favourite, to boot.

One sub-par season (caused by injuries and the Tortorella gong show should in no way elicit any sort of knee-jerk reaction about a players' quality and benefit to the team. That would be extremely foolish (see Martin St. Louis career trajectory)

If I were the Canucks, I would be extremely careful not to alienate certain players who had concrete reasons for taking a step back last year but have shown consistent returns prior to the clusterf*ck year that was 2013 (where EVER SINGLE PLAYER struggled significantly) If management is as myopic as that (which I just can't see being the case...... I HOPE), then we are in very deep trouble.

Of utmost importance is management of assets. However, as any good manager will attest, there are always going to be certain specific situations/cases where a players' value is deemed worth much more than just based on offensive statistics.

In these types of situations, it's more important to tread softly and ensure that you don't affect the player's attitude going forward (i.e. who wants to play on a team that doesn't want them? especially when you've been one of the most consistent players on the team for years and years and never taken a shift off - a major fan favourite, to boot.

One sub-par season (caused by injuries and the Tortorella gong show should in no way elicit any sort of knee-jerk reaction about a players' quality and benefit to the team. That would be extremely foolish (see Martin St. Louis career trajectory)

If I were the Canucks, I would be extremely careful not to alienate certain players who had concrete reasons for taking a step back last year but have shown consistent returns prior to the clusterf*ck year that was 2013 (where EVER SINGLE PLAYER struggled significantly) If management is as myopic as that (which I just can't see being the case...... I HOPE), then we are in very deep trouble.
- Zogg

Loyalty to Bieksa Edler Burrows and the Sedins is a top full unit.That is a lot of people getting old that you need to remain loyal to ( Edler is not that old) .

I unlike most don't think that every player that had a bad year last year under Torts is going to have a bounce back year. You would need to think two or three players won't bounce back and you need to be ready to move them.

Brad Richards fell victim to Torts and never recovered under AV. We all know how that ended.

Loyalty to Bieksa Edler Burrows and the Sedins is a top full unit.That is a lot of people getting old that you need to remain loyal to ( Edler is not that old) .

I unlike most don't think that every player that had a bad year last year under Torts is going to have a bounce back year. You would need to think two or three players won't bounce back and you need to be ready to move them.

Brad Richards fell victim to Torts and never recovered under AV. We all know how that ended.
- VANTEL

Ok, going out on a huge limb here lol but I assume you are talking about the Sedins, Burrows, Bieksa, Hamhuis who won't return to any significant semblance of their old selves for 2013?

I/we already argued all the of tangibles and intangibles with respect to a hockey perspective and basically decided to just agree to disagree and see how things pang out, so that's pretty much beating a dead equine. And there's still plenty of time to start composing their eulogies

But how about taking a look from a pure betting standpoint (I know you are a betting man, Monsieur Vantel ) so I'm curious to see if you would put down any sort of $$ on a it of off-the-board prognostication (namely, betting that there will be at least 3 players of the core not having a bounce-back year both in play and stats. If that's the case, please have your people contact my people forthwith!.

Whatever the case, and cheekiness aside (that Carol, she's such a bad influence ) , I'm interested to hear your thoughts (and will have my trauma therapist on stand-by )

P.s Brad Richards actually had a terrific year for the Blueshirts last year - not sure what the future holds but he showed that he hasn't really lost a step - rather it was the idiocy and mismanagement of Tortorella that caused the Brad Richards gong-show. I'm sure he'll do well on a talent laden team (I think it was one of the best bang-for-buck signings this summer) like the Hawks. Great signing by them and lots of history still to be written, Vantel (I only say that because you made it sound like Richards career was/is basically over.... but that is the precise dinosaur style of management mindset, which new management often inherits. I don't think there is anyone here that doesn't think Totorella didn't have at least a 50+% influence destroying a large part of the Canucks' season.

Ok, going out on a huge limb here lol but I assume you are talking about the Sedins, Burrows, Bieksa, Hamhuis who won't return to any significant semblance of their old selves for 2013?

I/we already argued all the of tangibles and intangibles with respect to a hockey perspective and basically decided to just agree to disagree and see how things pang out, so that's pretty much beating a dead equine. And there's still plenty of time to start composing their eulogies

But how about taking a look from a pure betting standpoint (I know you are a betting man, Monsieur Vantel ) so I'm curious to see if you would put down any sort of $$ on a it of off-the-board prognostication (namely, betting that there will be at least 3 players of the core not having a bounce-back year both in play and stats. If that's the case, please have your people contact my people forthwith!.

Whatever the case, and cheekiness aside (that Carol, she's such a bad influence ) , I'm interested to hear your thoughts (and will have my trauma therapist on stand-by )

P.s Brad Richards actually had a terrific year for the Blueshirts last year - not sure what the future holds but he showed that he hasn't really lost a step - rather it was the idiocy and mismanagement of Tortorella that caused the Brad Richards gong-show. I'm sure he'll do well on a talent laden team (I think it was one of the best bang-for-buck signings this summer) like the Hawks. Great signing by them and lots of history still to be written, Vantel (I only say that because you made it sound like Richards career was/is basically over.... but that is the precise dinosaur style of management mindset, which new management often inherits. I don't think there is anyone here that doesn't think Totorella didn't have at least a 50+% influence destroying a large part of the Canucks' season.
- Zogg

I think Hank will be fine , Danny I am not sure. Edler I say won't be spectacular. Bieksa I think will have a good year .Hamhuis not sure , Hansen I think will struggle ,Higgins will be traded.

I think Canucks did good this year new faces Bonino Vey Sbisa and moved out stale players Kesler Lu Garrison . I think the following year move two more vets for the 2015 season

I think Hank will be fine , Danny I am not sure. Edler I say won't be spectacular. Bieksa I think will have a good year .Hamhuis not sure , Hansen I think will struggle ,Higgins will be traded.

I think Canucks did good this year new faces Bonino Vey Sbisa and moved out stale players Kesler Lu Garrison . I think the following year move two more vets for the 2015 season
- VANTEL

I think there's a little bit of oversimplification here. It seems like you're just using a very broad brush stroke in your analysis. For the record:

1) I predict both Sedins back in 70+ range (amazing what injuries and a unclear, outdated, seemingly arbitrary hockey systems implemented by a dinosaur of coaching can do
2) Alex Burrows - 15+ goals and numerous excellent peripheral stats (whether with the Sedins or not, he will play wherever he is needed and be successful at whatever role is given him
3) Edler - by virtue of a physical impossibility/limitation there is simply no place to go but up. And for all intents and purposes, there has been a lot of positive chatter in terms of Alex and a return to his form of two seasons ago. Most importantly, it seems like several pianos have been lifted off his back, with the bringing in new management and playing style
4) Bieksa - take your one/two brain cramps per game and a half, but then appreciate the overall consistency, truculence, old-school, bang-em-crash-em, and even offensive skills, and you've got yourself a top pairing D
5) Hahmuis - the guys NEEDS a positive and stable culture/environment and plays best without any distraction or coaching idiocies. I except another steady/productive campaign.
6) Bonino and SBisa are wild-cards, but Bonino looks to be a decent pick-up
7) Same applies to Vrbata - who hopefully still has another 30+ season in him.
8) Ryan Miller - too emotionally involved lol, I'll prefer to abstain

I think there's a little bit of oversimplification here. It seems like you're just using a very broad brush stroke in your analysis. For the record:

1) I predict both Sedins back in 70+ range (amazing what injuries and a unclear, outdated, seemingly arbitrary hockey systems implemented by a dinosaur of coaching can do
2) Alex Burrows - 15+ goals and numerous excellent peripheral stats (whether with the Sedins or not, he will play wherever he is needed and be successful at whatever role is given him
3) Edler - by virtue of a physical impossibility/limitation there is simply no place to go but up. And for all intents and purposes, there has been a lot of positive chatter in terms of Alex and a return to his form of two seasons ago. Most importantly, it seems like several pianos have been lifted off his back, with the bringing in new management and playing style
4) Bieksa - take your one/two brain cramps per game and a half, but then appreciate the overall consistency, truculence, old-school, bang-em-crash-em, and even offensive skills, and you've got yourself a top pairing D
5) Hahmuis - the guys NEEDS a positive and stable culture/environment and plays best without any distraction or coaching idiocies. I except another steady/productive campaign.
6) Bonino and SBisa are wild-cards, but Bonino looks to be a decent pick-up
7) Same applies to Vrbata - who hopefully still has another 30+ season in him.
8) Ryan Miller - too emotionally involved lol, I'll prefer to abstain
- Zogg

Sorry there is a lot of wishful thinking here. Vrbata will be a twenty goal scorer and may not go more than a month with the twins. That line would have 0 toughness.

Burrows will probably be a 15 to 18 goal score second line. He will play partly with the Sedins and end up with Bonino and Vrbata.

Sedins will be 60 pt players

I predict playoffs for the Nucks

Sorry there is a lot of wishful thinking here. Vrbata will be a twenty goal scorer and may not go more than a month with the twins. That line would have 0 toughness.

Burrows will probably be a 15 to 18 goal score second line. He will play partly with the Sedins and end up with Bonino and Vrbata.

Sedins will be 60 pt players
- VANTEL

If Bonino can get around 25, this still isn't looking too bad.

So many question marks, but I think there is a certain level of optimism. There has to be a surprise or two, always is.

playoffs.

I like Botch. I find him entertaining.
- VANTEL

I used to find him entertaining but I think his schtick has gotten to his head. Now he's starting to get a little too arrogant. I think his sense of self entitlement and exaggerated opinions are going to catch up with him sooner or later. Well, at least I hope so. Unless somebody knocks him down a peg or two, he's running the risk of becoming Western Canada's Damian Cox.

I used to find him entertaining but I think his schtick has gotten to his head. Now he's starting to get a little too arrogant. I think his sense of self entitlement and exaggerated opinions are going to catch up with him sooner or later. Well, at least I hope so. Unless somebody knocks him down a peg or two, he's running the risk of becoming Western Canada's Damian Cox.
- PetrolSexual

Whenever I hear him on the radio, I picture him snapping his fingers in the air and wagging his head. (no you didn't. )