Benning is going to have enough trouble moving contracts without worrying about who the fans are attached to. Vancouver Gms (probably all Gms, for that matter) have to master the art of completely ignoring fans without seeming to.
- CubanBuffet

Not talking about the fans, talking about the players in the dressing room, it looks really bad if you try and blackmail someone who's supposed to be a big part of your team because he's underperforming and has a negotiated NTC.

Not talking about the fans, talking about the players in the dressing room, it looks really bad if you try and blackmail someone who's supposed to be a big part of your team because he's underperforming and has a negotiated NTC.
- DariusKnight

Ahh, gotcha. Yeah, not sure blackmail is ideal for team building.

The funny thing is, if the team tanks, not only will they get a high draft pick, but players would be a little more eager to waive their NTCs. It's win win, except for all the losing. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Not talking about the fans, talking about the players in the dressing room, it looks really bad if you try and blackmail someone who's supposed to be a big part of your team because he's underperforming and has a negotiated NTC.
- DariusKnight

like they did luongo

like they did luongo
- numbear

Out of the hundreds of ways they messed up the Luongo situation, that wasn't one of them. Not really sure what you're talking about.

Can't see Benning doing that to a super popular player like Burrows, that's asking for a lot of trouble in the dressing room. It also would make UFAs a lot more leery of signing in Vancouver if that's the case.
- DariusKnight

I respect your posts but you've harped on this point a few times and I honestly have no idea what relevance this has to signing UFAs in the future. You've got a 33 year old lifer on this team making 4.5M per yet performing like a 2.0M player. This has been going on for over a year.

Please explain to me what on this planet that has to do with the perception for future UFAs signing for this team if he's traded?

Out of the hundreds of ways they messed up the Luongo situation, that wasn't one of them. Not really sure what you're talking about.
- CubanBuffet

I guess not blackmail. but sitting him on the classic game, and various over moves were out right snubs.

poorly played

I respect your posts but you've harped on this point a few times and I honestly have no idea what relevance this has to signing UFAs in the future. You've got a 33 year old lifer on this team making 4.5M per yet performing like a 2.0M player. This has been going on for over a year.

Please explain to me what on this planet that has to do with the perception for future UFAs signing for this team if he's traded?
- AlexF

Ok, ask yourself as a potential UFA, you've know/heard that the team you're being courted to sign for has a player who is supposed to be a big part of your team. He signed a deal with an NTC (and for the sake of argument we'll set aside the merits/flaws of NTCs) for market value since at the time of the signing was vastly underpaid and did the Canucks a favor by taking a contract before this one with a huge hometown discount. He underperforms due to injuries, plain bad luck and misuse due to bad coaching and because of this, is told that either he waives his NTC or will be sent down to Utica. Would you want to sign there if that's the case? It's one thing if he wants to waive his NTC and gets traded, it's a whole other thing if he exercises his NTC and says no I don't want to go, but is blackmailed into doing so. That's my point, it looks bad on an organization if they try to force someone out that doesn't want to go.

Ok, ask yourself as a potential UFA, you've know/heard that the team you're being courted to sign for has a player who is supposed to be a big part of your team. He signed a deal with an NTC (and for the sake of argument we'll set aside the merits/flaws of NTCs) for market value since at the time of the signing was vastly underpaid and did the Canucks a favor by taking a contract before this one with a huge hometown discount. He underperforms due to injuries, plain bad luck and misuse due to bad coaching and because of this, is told that either he waives his NTC or will be sent down to Utica. Would you want to sign there if that's the case? It's one thing if he wants to waive his NTC and gets traded, it's a whole other thing if he exercises his NTC and says no I don't want to go, but is blackmailed into doing so. That's my point, it looks bad on an organization if they try to force someone out that doesn't want to go.
- DariusKnight

To any player in the entire league, if a player is signed to a contract and does not perform to that contract then he's fair game to be traded, pushed out, etc. If any UFA has an issue with that then they're not the kind of UFA that you want around your locker room.

Given his performances of late I'd be surprised if more than an eyebrow were raised in the locker room if he were traded this season. For the record, Burrows is my favorite player on this team.

To any player in the entire league, if a player is signed to a contract and does not perform to that contract then he's fair game to be traded, pushed out, etc. If any UFA has an issue with that then they're not the kind of UFA that you want around your locker room.

Given his performances of late I'd be surprised if more than an eyebrow were raised in the locker room if he were traded this season. For the record, Burrows is my favorite player on this team.
- AlexF

I see where both are you are coming from, but ultimately, this would only be an issue if this was the WNHL....

You all know how women can be....

I think Burrows will be offered up at the trade deadline. Anyone disagree?
- Beatle_john

I agree. Been thinking this since the summer after the draft. He could go with another player for a 1st maybe. Finish the season with Jensen instead.

Can't see Benning doing that to a super popular player like Burrows, that's asking for a lot of trouble in the dressing room. It also would make UFAs a lot more leery of signing in Vancouver if that's the case.
- DariusKnight

I think his assignment is to move on from some of these contracts. Burrows popularity is slipping significantly, he's not playing anywhere his level can be and Benning had no problem asking Garrison to waive. I think a 2nd 1st rounder is going to be his target again. Burrows I think is moving on soon. Just a hunch.

Burrows for Bourque?

If Boho can somehow look like a 3rd liner in his first season everything gets way easier. Team who win have 4 centers who can play their role. Hank Bones Boho Richie could work if and it's a big if horvat looks like a 3rd year vet within 25 games. Ritchie is a perfect 4th liner and Bonino is passable as a second liner but will need a strong winger to make us relevant. DE will be fine. Goaltending will be fine. Horvat may solve a ton of issues but it's a huge may. And we need a real top six winger. I'd be calling philly and seeing what Simmonds can be had for if at all.

If Boho can somehow look like a 3rd liner in his first season everything gets way easier. Team who win have 4 centers who can play their role. Hank Bones Boho Richie could work if and it's a big if horvat looks like a 3rd year vet within 25 games. Ritchie is a perfect 4th liner and Bonino is passable as a second liner but will need a strong winger to make us relevant. DE will be fine. Goaltending will be fine. Horvat may solve a ton of issues but it's a huge may. And we need a real top six winger. I'd be calling philly and seeing what Simmonds can be had for if at all.
- The_Kuze

Please don't refer to Bo Horvat as "Boho", my God let any reference to Cody Hodgson be gone!!!

Simmonds not a snowballs chance in hell Philly would ever give him up, he's probably their best winger.

Please don't refer to Bo Horvat as "Boho", my God let any reference to Cody Hodgson be gone!!!

Simmonds not a snowballs chance in hell Philly would ever give him up, he's probably their best winger.
- LeftCoaster

Thank you.

Please don't refer to Bo Horvat as "Boho", my God let any reference to Cody Hodgson be gone!!!

Simmonds not a snowballs chance in hell Philly would ever give him up, he's probably their best winger.
- LeftCoaster

I support this.

Boho for Coho?????

To any player in the entire league, if a player is signed to a contract and does not perform to that contract then he's fair game to be traded, pushed out, etc. If any UFA has an issue with that then they're not the kind of UFA that you want around your locker room.

Given his performances of late I'd be surprised if more than an eyebrow were raised in the locker room if he were traded this season. For the record, Burrows is my favorite player on this team.
- AlexF

Burrows is not my favourite player on the team. I do agree with you he is getting paid millions to perform and if he isn't living up to the contract he signed then he is fair game. It is a game yes but it is also big business. I love Burrows true heart and soul guy. If he were to be moved he could have a resurgence under a coaching style that fits him as well was help another team in an area they are lacking in. Its not throwing him under a bus per say its finding a place that is a fit for both player and team moving forward. Everyone is so afraid of change and thinks that moving on is abad thing. Change is good people should embrace it.

Please don't refer to Bo Horvat as "Boho", my God let any reference to Cody Hodgson be gone!!!

Simmonds not a snowballs chance in hell Philly would ever give him up, he's probably their best winger.
- LeftCoaster

I don't speak cave man, I didn't understand any of it. Did he say trade something to Philly for Simmonds?

Get it done Gillis!

Burrows is not my favourite player on the team. I do agree with you he is getting paid millions to perform and if he isn't living up to the contract he signed then he is fair game. It is a game yes but it is also big business. I love Burrows true heart and soul guy. If he were to be moved he could have a resurgence under a coaching style that fits him as well was help another team in an area they are lacking in. Its not throwing him under a bus per say its finding a place that is a fit for both player and team moving forward. Everyone is so afraid of change and thinks that moving on is abad thing. Change is good people should embrace it.
- thundachunk

If Burrows was put in a position on this team where he had the most likelihood of success he'd probably look good. Who cares what his salary is, it's not like they would be using the cap space for something else. If the management group could address the scoring problem with a legitimate second line winger (or two), weather through FA, trade or the draft, then Burrows wouldn't be asked to do more than he is capable of. That, or put him back with the Sedans, where you know he can perform and see if Vrbata can lift the second line into a scoring threat.

If Burrows was put in a position on this team where he had the most likelihood of success he'd probably look good. Who cares what his salary is, it's not like they would be using the cap space for something else. If the management group could address the scoring problem with a legitimate second line winger (or two), weather through FA, trade or the draft, then Burrows wouldn't be asked to do more than he is capable of. That, or put him back with the Sedans, where you know he can perform and see if Vrbata can lift the second line into a scoring threat.
- 1970vintage

Vrbata looks way too good with them to move him down. I don't think you take a player away from those 2 guys. Problems have been addressed by Benning to a point. I think now he has seen a bit more work ahead.

Burrows and a 3rd for Eric Staal.

Please don't refer to Bo Horvat as "Boho", my God let any reference to Cody Hodgson be gone!!!

Simmonds not a snowballs chance in hell Philly would ever give him up, he's probably their best winger.
- LeftCoaster

Don't want to tell you ,but Oilers are one point behind


Now I have to go tell Bezz start saving to pay his father for the bet

Burrows and a 3rd for Eric Staal.
- thundachunk

When did we turn into Toronto fans