Subban deserves a much longer look. Put up great numbers at Utica.
- mykokes

#SubbanLivesMatter

@ Left re: Dave Tomlinson said on the radio this morning that Willie pretty much wants his roster set with three exhibition games to go, not like last year

I've noticed this as well...

Sven-Bo-JV last game

Etem-Granlund-Dorsett this game

He is playing the lines that he wants to see together when the season starts...i like this strategy as opposed to a mix and match and expecting instant chemistry when the real season starts.

I thought he still looked pretty slow from what I saw of the youngstars tourney. Hopefully he can improve as we have seen Bo and Gaunce do over the past couple of years.
- belcherbd

Yeah, I guess it was pretty obvious with him, he was always going to require a lot of development time before he stood a chance of making the jump. Probably 1-3 years away yet. But it was really cool watching him shut McDavid down and end up going all the way to a championship in junior, hoping he can have a decent career.

There is a difference between saying he doesn't deserve to be on the team, which no one is saying and he can't defend.

It isn't his strength but it certainly isn't as bad as you are suggesting. He has made good strides and as long as he continues to it is a good thing. If his name wasn't Subban I think people would in general of been much more excited for how well he progressed last year.
- belcherbd

"can't defend" is open to interpretation. I suppose I should have been more specific. He can't defend at an NHL level. Willie and management has decided that Stetcher, Larsson and Sbisa can defend better at this stage of their careers. I agree. Subban was a 4th round pick and was always a long shot.

@ Left re: Dave Tomlinson said on the radio this morning that Willie pretty much wants his roster set with three exhibition games to go, not like last year

I've noticed this as well...

Sven-Bo-JV last game

Etem-Granlund-Dorsett this game

He is playing the lines that he wants to see together when the season starts...i like this strategy as opposed to a mix and match and expecting instant chemistry when the real season starts.
- dbot

Guess we know where that leaves Gaunce...

Yeah, I guess it was pretty obvious with him, he was always going to require a lot of development time before he stood a chance of making the jump. Probably 1-3 years away yet. But it was really cool watching him shut McDavid down and end up going all the way to a championship in junior, hoping he can have a decent career.
- NorthNuck

Yup, I'm looking forward to seeing how he does this year in Utica. A regular year of training should help him a lot and I think he should have a better idea of what the pro game looks like now. If he can hold down the 3C spot this year and get 20-25 pts it will be a successful season IMO.

"can't defend" is open to interpretation. I suppose I should have been more specific. He can't defend at an NHL level. Willie and management has decided that Stetcher, Larsson and Sbisa can defend better at this stage of their careers. I agree. Subban was a 4th round pick and was always a long shot.
- CanuckDon

For sure, I also think it makes a lot more sense to get a good look at new guys Larsen and Stecher at this point too.

Larsen needs to be given some rope to see if he can help the team now and this is the first chance to really see what Stecher can do.

[quote=belcherbd]


Not surprised any one of them sent down. We have a pretty set roster .

For sure, I also think it makes a lot more sense to get a good look at new guys Larsen and Stecher at this point too.

Larsen needs to be given some rope to see if he can help the team now and this is the first chance to really see what Stecher can do.
- belcherbd

Agree, Larssen needs a long addition. Do you know at what stage the pick becomes a 4th versus a 5th? Is it based on games played?

It's too bad they're not giving him any kind of look in preseason games. I know he needs the year in Utica to catch up after last year but still would've liked to see him play a little.
- NorthNuck

They did give him a look . They seen him in the young stars. He had improved but does need more time. He is at best a fourth line center, like Landon Ferarro. He is still young and a good year in Utica will pay off.

They did give him a look . They seen him in the young stars. He had improved but does need more time. He is at best a fourth line center, like Landon Ferarro. He is still young and a good year in Utica will pay off.
- VANTEL

I watched Cassel's play 4 or 5 times in junior last year and I was always impressed he produced as his skating is quite poor even at the junior level. He has to get substantially faster and stronger if he has a future in the bottom 6.

There is a difference between saying he doesn't deserve to be on the team, which no one is saying and he can't defend.

It isn't his strength but it certainly isn't as bad as you are suggesting. He has made good strides and as long as he continues to it is a good thing. If his name wasn't Subban I think people would in general of been much more excited for how well he progressed last year.
- belcherbd

Subban will never be a regular Canuck . Time to pull that band aid off.

I can't wait tonight to see when Oilers win , some of this fan base reminding us we are doomed.

Agree, Larssen needs a long addition. Do you know at what stage the pick becomes a 4th versus a 5th? Is it based on games played?
- CanuckDon

That info hasn't been released but it's probably either points or games played.

The interesting guys still in camp to me are

Forwards

Carcone - won a PTO contract and was one of the best player in youngstars

D'Aoust - playing for an AHL contract likely

Chaput- has been singled out a few time by mgmt and might be pushing for the top line C in Utica.

Defense

Brisebois - will be returned to Junior and is the only player other than OJ left who is junior eligible

Nilsson - no one has talked about him much but was a UFA signing that is known for making big hits and playing solid defense. Should be in AHL but might be set to the ECHL as there is a lot of vet depth there right now.

That info hasn't been released but it's probably either points or games played.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Sounds like it.

Bob McKenzie
✔
@TSNBobMcKenzie

Conditional aspect of 5th round pick in EDM-VAN deal is it could become 4th-round pick if Larsen hits specified production thresholds.
5:10 PM - 24 Feb 2016

Subban will never be a regular Canuck . Time to pull that band aid off.
- VANTEL

Too impatient my friend. He's coming off a very successful rookie season, they shouldn't have to make that decision for another couple of years.

Not to say Benning won't move him though as you and Benning seem to share some of the same qualities

The interesting guys still in camp to me are

Forwards

Carcone - won a PTO contract and was one of the best player in youngstars

D'Aoust - playing for an AHL contract likely

Chaput- has been singled out a few time by mgmt and might be pushing for the top line C in Utica.

Defense

Brisebois - will be returned to Junior and is the only player other than OJ left who is junior eligible

Nilsson - no one has talked about him much but was a UFA signing that is known for making big hits and playing solid defense. Should be in AHL but might be set to the ECHL as there is a lot of vet depth there right now.
- belcherbd

The two who grabbed my attention. Carcone has shown very well at pretty much every opportunity. I also think it's a very positive sign for Brisebois that they're giving him this time, he's on the right track.

Too impatient my friend. He's coming off a very successful rookie season, they shouldn't have to make that decision for another couple of years.

Not to say Benning won't move him though as you and Benning seem to share some of the same qualities
- belcherbd

They brought in 2 similar type players ahead of him plus Juolevi. His candle is burning fast. I do think he will be traded and we can put his feelings to bed.

The interesting guys still in camp to me are

Forwards

Carcone - won a PTO contract and was one of the best player in youngstars

D'Aoust - playing for an AHL contract likely

Chaput- has been singled out a few time by mgmt and might be pushing for the top line C in Utica.

Defense

Brisebois - will be returned to Junior and is the only player other than OJ left who is junior eligible

Nilsson - no one has talked about him much but was a UFA signing that is known for making big hits and playing solid defense. Should be in AHL but might be set to the ECHL as there is a lot of vet depth there right now.
- belcherbd

I hope at the very least that translates to a solid year in Utica to begin that "winning environment" mentality for the kids headed there eventually.

Dave Tomlinson said on the radio this morning that Willie pretty much wants his roster set with three exhibition games to go, not like last year.
- LeftCoaster

Sounds like a guy that knows a bad start could cost him his job. He's learning.

They brought in 2 similar type players ahead of him plus Juolevi. His candle is burning fast. I do think he will be traded and we can put his feelings to bed.
- VANTEL

I have to agree only because JB just doesnt seem to be mentioning any positives to his game.

Sounds like a guy that knows a bad start could cost him his job. He's learning.
- CubanBuffet

We can only hope so. He has a ton of work to do to overcome his shortcomings from last year.

Too impatient my friend. He's coming off a very successful rookie season, they shouldn't have to make that decision for another couple of years.

Not to say Benning won't move him though as you and Benning seem to share some of the same qualities
- belcherbd

Dave Tomlinson also mentioned this morning that the Canucks are not looking to rid themselves of Subban, they want him to develop further as he's only just turned 21 this spring, he's still really really young, not to mention undersized.

He also said, which Vantel mentioned this week, and I agree with, if the Canucks have a 5'8" to 5'10" dman on their roster, you're only going to see one of them in the lineup. As an organization you don't have room for more than one of those players and they'd better be good on offence.