Don't kid yourself you need both. Soon as a big team wins they will be scrambling back.
- VANTEL

Size without speed is not going to cut it anymore. No joke

What is the take on how long the lines last tonight... until WD throws out the blender ...?

If Stecher gets PP time it seems on second unit as he hasn't practiced with first unit set up to be only D man on the line

JV is already there packing for Utica ... heard he needs a hand
- Nuck4U

He is honestly better off.

His linemates here have nothing in common and nothing to offer to support his game.

Asking a 20 year old to be the only player on the team to go out and bang bigger stronger men is plain stupid. They are setting him up to fail with no support.

No one mentions Svens game and he has had more opportunity .

If you need JV to be the team crasher bring him back when he is 24. You need for him to find similar players to support that style and not lay the responsibility of the team on his 20 year old sore shoulder.

He is honestly better off.

His linemates here have nothing in common and nothing to offer to support his game.

Asking a 20 year old to be the only player on the team to go out and bang bigger stronger men is plain stupid. They are setting him up to fail with no support.

No one mentions Svens game and he has had more opportunity .

If you need JV to be the team crasher bring him back when he is 24. You need for him to find similar players to support that style and not lay the responsibility of the team on his 20 year old sore shoulder.
- VANTEL

hey we could sign all-star john scott...

He is honestly better off.

His linemates here have nothing in common and nothing to offer to support his game.

Asking a 20 year old to be the only player on the team to go out and bang bigger stronger men is plain stupid. They are setting him up to fail with no support.

No one mentions Svens game and he has had more opportunity .

If you need JV to be the team crasher bring him back when he is 24. You need for him to find similar players to support that style and not lay the responsibility of the team on his 20 year old sore shoulder.
- VANTEL

You're right, he's not in a position to succeed because he needs a play-making center at this level. He can't dominate physically like he did in junior so he has to adjust his game to use his speed, so far he hasn't done that.

I think Benning and Desjardins have him miscast as a "get in on the forecheck and bang" type of guy. He can really skate and he can really shoot but he hasn't found out how to make some time and space for himself yet.

It's hard to do with 10 minutes of ice time but he's gotta find a way to catch their eye, it's on him too!

You're right, he's not in a position to succeed because he needs a play-making center at this level. He can't dominate physically like he did in junior so he has to adjust his game to use his speed, so far he hasn't done that.

I think Benning and Desjardins have him miscast as a "get in on the forecheck and bang" type of guy. He can really skate and he can really shoot but he hasn't found out how to make some time and space for himself yet.

It's hard to do with 10 minutes of ice time but he's gotta find a way to catch their eye, it's on him too!
- LeftCoaster

I know people are going to get pissed at me for saying this, but JB, WD and the rest of the MGMT/coaching staff need to decide if JV really is in their future plans. If he is, then they need to put him in the top 6 and live with his mistakes and dump Burrows. If he isn't, then they need to trade him now and get someone who can play in the top 6 and be in their plans long-term. But either way, they need to make that decision today, keeping him in for 10 minutes or sitting him every so often isn't going to benefit either JV or the team like this. It's time to poop or get off the pot, and it's the same with Tryamkin, if he doesn't want to go to the A because he's afraid of being buried there, then trade him or let him go back to the KHL. He's wasting a roster space that could be used by someone else and with the injuries already beginning to mount, we can't afford to hold on to dead weight at this point.

You're right, he's not in a position to succeed because he needs a play-making center at this level. He can't dominate physically like he did in junior so he has to adjust his game to use his speed, so far he hasn't done that.

I think Benning and Desjardins have him miscast as a "get in on the forecheck and bang" type of guy. He can really skate and he can really shoot but he hasn't found out how to make some time and space for himself yet.

It's hard to do with 10 minutes of ice time but he's gotta find a way to catch their eye, it's on him too!
- LeftCoaster

What I understand so far....


Lefty it seems you are advocating for JV to play with the Sedins which has been mentioned but not tried for more then a shift or two last year.

Vantel wants more bangers on the team so JV can get more skilled linmates to play a power but skilled game.

Some others say to send JV down he's not ready for the NHL or needs to develop etc. as if somehow he will learn the NHL aspects missing in his game now in the AHL.

Guess playing against lesser talent and slower players teaches you those fine points.

I know people are going to get pissed at me for saying this, but JB, WD and the rest of the MGMT/coaching staff need to decide if JV really is in their future plans. If he is, then they need to put him in the top 6 and live with his mistakes and dump Burrows. If he isn't, then they need to trade him now and get someone who can play in the top 6 and be in their plans long-term. But either way, they need to make that decision today, keeping him in for 10 minutes or sitting him every so often isn't going to benefit either JV or the team like this. It's time to poop or get off the pot, and it's the same with Tryamkin, if he doesn't want to go to the A because he's afraid of being buried there, then trade him or let him go back to the KHL. He's wasting a roster space that could be used by someone else and with the injuries already beginning to mount, we can't afford to hold on to dead weight at this point.
- DariusKnight

Valid points but seems too premature.... these are young players who need some more time before that type of push is a must ... plus they are all about the win now not the development so those plans may unfold later

WHo will score the first goal tonight...? Hmmm...?

You're right, he's not in a position to succeed because he needs a play-making center at this level. He can't dominate physically like he did in junior so he has to adjust his game to use his speed, so far he hasn't done that.

I think Benning and Desjardins have him miscast as a "get in on the forecheck and bang" type of guy. He can really skate and he can really shoot but he hasn't found out how to make some time and space for himself yet.

It's hard to do with 10 minutes of ice time but he's gotta find a way to catch their eye, it's on him too!
- LeftCoaster

You are right with all that above .... sounds a little like the knock on Kassian by them as well and he was gone after a year.... boo hoo.... dam narcotics .... now he's benefiting the oil.

Kassian has stepped from fall from grace but it was more about off ice stuff not getting killled in auto accident ...Then the Oil picked him To try what with his size and skill... might have been best move Oil have done last season.

IS the NHL not trending toward faster skilled play...?
- Nuck4U

See what the kings and Ducks just did to us? We are running out of players

I know people are going to get pissed at me for saying this, but JB, WD and the rest of the MGMT/coaching staff need to decide if JV really is in their future plans. If he is, then they need to put him in the top 6 and live with his mistakes and dump Burrows. If he isn't, then they need to trade him now and get someone who can play in the top 6 and be in their plans long-term. But either way, they need to make that decision today, keeping him in for 10 minutes or sitting him every so often isn't going to benefit either JV or the team like this. It's time to poop or get off the pot, and it's the same with Tryamkin, if he doesn't want to go to the A because he's afraid of being buried there, then trade him or let him go back to the KHL. He's wasting a roster space that could be used by someone else and with the injuries already beginning to mount, we can't afford to hold on to dead weight at this point.
- DariusKnight

I hate how they're treating him, Benning & Desjardins, it's like they don't know what he is or what to do with him. FFS you drafted him 6th OVERALL, invest in him and do away with your 1980's mentality....it annoys me!

They invested in Horvat, they invested in Baertschi, they invested in Hutton, yet they all had their issues? I know Jake is only 20 but give him a meaningful role because if he continues with 10 meaningless minutes a night you're going to kill his confidence and confidence is everything for players.

IMO Virtanen will be a way better player than Baertschi is, i hope he can find it within himself to show it sooner than later.

See what the kings and Ducks just did to us? We are running out of players
- CanuckDon

Tired team on Sunday and bad start on Saturday we came back almost won it in the shoot out

But it seemed either they weren't fast and skilled enough or big enough and just some where in between and what knock is against them being a bottom feeder team.

Don't know if two way play will balance that out .... they show resilience so far which is a good sign

I hate how they're treating him, Benning & Desjardins, it's like they don't know what he is or what to do with him. FFS you drafted him 6th OVERALL, invest in him and do away with your 1980's mentality....it annoys me!

They invested in Horvat, they invested in Baertschi, they invested in Hutton, yet they all had their issues? I know Jake is only 20 but give him a meaningful role because if he continues with 10 meaningless minutes a night you're going to kill his confidence and confidence is everything for players.

IMO Virtanen will be a way better player than Baertschi is, i hope he can find it within himself to show it sooner than later.
- LeftCoaster

THat makes sense .... why the send him down crowd doesn't change the facts you mentioned above ....

What I understand so far....


Lefty it seems you are advocating for JV to play with the Sedins which has been mentioned but not tried for more then a shift or two last year.

Vantel wants more bangers on the team so JV can get more skilled linmates to play a power but skilled game.

Some others say to send JV down he's not ready for the NHL or needs to develop etc. as if somehow he will learn the NHL aspects missing in his game now in the AHL.

Guess playing against lesser talent and slower players teaches you those fine points.
- Nuck4U

I'm advocating they stop using him in a limited role and show him they believe in him. It's like when Desjardins first came into the league and he's using Higgins, Burrows and other veteran plugs for the shootout because they're vets. Suddenly he goes to the younger more talented guys and whatdoya know, they start scoring.

I don't care for either Benning or Desjardins but as a paying customer I'm forced to tolerate them.

Don't get me started.

what the heck guddy ? wearing a redblacks hat on gameday? dude! get some leos gear
- onesmallleap

Well, he is an Ottawa native....

Valid points but seems too premature.... these are young players who need some more time before that type of push is a must ... plus they are all about the win now not the development so those plans may unfold later
- Nuck4U

They still need to make the decision, if the plan is win now, and they are going to be part of that plan, then they need to BE playing what their eventual role will be in that plan and not stuck on the sidelines twiddling their thumbs. This is why people are wanting the two to be in the AHL so that they can learn their roles. The NHL isn't a place where you can try to feel your way through things. As you said, it's win now, the AHL is for development, so either poop or get off the pot. Let them play the roles they're supposed to eventually play or trade them for someone who can, but don't waste their talent sitting them on the sidelines or playing the absolute minimum time on ice.

hey we could sign all-star john scott...
- onesmallleap

I heard we did but he got a AHL out clause and went to the Swiss league

Okay who gets a hatric tonight ...?

What I understand so far....


Lefty it seems you are advocating for JV to play with the Sedins which has been mentioned but not tried for more then a shift or two last year.

Vantel wants more bangers on the team so JV can get more skilled linmates to play a power but skilled game.

Some others say to send JV down he's not ready for the NHL or needs to develop etc. as if somehow he will learn the NHL aspects missing in his game now in the AHL.

Guess playing against lesser talent and slower players teaches you those fine points.
- Nuck4U

I'm starting to think you don't have any idea about the talent level and benefits of the AHL.

I would be willing to bet that JV could go down there and still not produce at a point per game rate, nor would he be dominating in any fashion. That is why many are suggesting he goes there, because if he can't dominate the AHL, there is zero chance he will dominate the NHL any time soon

I'm advocating they stop using him in a limited role and show him they believe in him. It's like when Desjardins first came into the league and he's using Higgins, Burrows and other veteran plugs for the shootout because they're vets. Suddenly he goes to the younger more talented guys and whatdoya know, they start scoring.

I don't care for either Benning or Desjardins but as a paying customer I'm forced to tolerate them.

Don't get me started.
- LeftCoaster

I hear you we want him to succeed but their decisions are frustrating but you do like JB's drafting

I hear you we want him to succeed but their decisions are frustrating but you do like JB's drafting

- Nuck4U

So far I do, but that can change too, like anything else in life.

I'm starting to think you don't have any idea about the talent level and benefits of the AHL.

I would be willing to bet that JV could go down there and still not produce at a point per game rate, nor would he be dominating in any fashion. That is why many are suggesting he goes there, because if he can't dominate the AHL, there is zero chance he will dominate the NHL any time soon
- WhiteLie

I think there are some people here that don't understand that... it's a professional league with professional players where you learn how to play like a professional. Some of the criticism we've seen of JV is lack of awareness and not showing up consistently, which is what it takes to be a pro. I personally think he should go down and play big minutes and a big role to learn how to shoulder that, while still learning the ins and outs of the bigs/defence/consistent confidence.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

How the Leafs fans are booing Stamkos because he did not fit in with their expectations of an entitled fan base! Classic!

I'm starting to think you don't have any idea about the talent level and benefits of the AHL.

I would be willing to bet that JV could go down there and still not produce at a point per game rate, nor would he be dominating in any fashion. That is why many are suggesting he goes there, because if he can't dominate the AHL, there is zero chance he will dominate the NHL any time soon
- WhiteLie

In an ideal world, he gets sent down, 10 games later after he steps up his play, he is back for another look. I don't know why people fear this. How can that hurt him? This also helps management and coaches re-evaluate where he is. Like you said, if he goes down and doesn't elevate... whats the point in playing him here? The question of "is he ready" would be answered.

There are injuries at the moment that keep JV here... otherwise...

I'm starting to think you don't have any idea about the talent level and benefits of the AHL.

I would be willing to bet that JV could go down there and still not produce at a point per game rate, nor would he be dominating in any fashion. That is why many are suggesting he goes there, because if he can't dominate the AHL, there is zero chance he will dominate the NHL any time soon
- WhiteLie

There are benefits ... sure.... but more often then not it's a necessity issue due to what's needed or available on the roster in the NHL.

Okay call JB tell him he's crazy keeping JV up bury him in the A ...

Lefty and Vantel will tell you it's the quality of the minutes and linemates and role that has caused issues for him.