So maybe JV can't beat out the plugs for ice-time because of where his overall game is at.

Were you wishing for him last season when he didn't report to the A..? I know we didn't have the assets unless it was Mcann plus plus ...
- Nuck4U

Absolutely, and since then the price has gone up.

I'm a big fan of buying low.

Virtanen is a pure North/South player with speed, size and a decent shot. While time in Utica may be worthwhile it would only be worthwhile if he is paired with players that are gifted enough to help him get his game together.

Having him play with 4th line plugs is a waste of everyone's time and is eroding his confidence. He needs to be paired on a line with either Horvat or Sutter if you want him to develop at the NHL level, period. He is too fast to play with the Sedins and his North/South game wouldn't work with their East/West.

For those that keep harping on sending him to Utica, I suggest you think about who he should play with down there. While I am not averse to the suggestion there isn't exactly a plethora of talent on the farm either. Jake is a thoroughbred that needs to skate to be successful, 7 or 8 minutes a night on a checking line is NOT development.

I could see Virtanen and Rendulic as a formidable combo of wingers with the right center, I'm just not sure we have that player in the farm system. So you pair them with Chaput? Wacey Hamilton or Curtis Valk? Talk about a lack of talent at center...

The Canucks need to be thinking long term and about developing chemistry with their farm team. The successful teams have players that come up together as units (or at least partial units). To date the Canucks have only been able to bring up individual "players".

The reason the top teams are successful is because they develop units of players, much like the 5 man units of the old Soviet system. The Canucks appear to be a decade behind.

I think it's unfair to say Virtanen believes he is entitled. I worked with a player that was a 3rd line center in the NHL for several years. Even years after retirement he felt his coach (Keenan) miscast him as a 3rd line center and he never had a chance to "flourish". That happens all the time in the NHL, it depends on the system you are playing in. In this case this guy was the prototypical 3rd line center, for Keenan's system.

I'm not knocking Jake or Willie hear. They may not be on the same page, but to say one is at fault is shortsighted. Jake is frustrated because the coach is utilizing him in a way that he thinks isn't optimal. What's wrong with being honest? Would you prefer he sucks it up and becomes an 8 minute 4th line grinder?

And before the obligatory criticisms come out. If you haven't played the game at a high level, rotating linemates SUCK. All players have different ways of moving the puck, positioning etc. As a young player it's hard enough to do your own job without trying to compensate for a turnstile of different linemates. Remember Jake is a pure North/South player with speed. Play him with other North/South players and he will be fine. Play him with a rotating group of aging vets, PTO signings and AHL callups then whine about his performance? OK.

Virtanen is a pure North/South player with speed, size and a decent shot. While time in Utica may be worthwhile it would only be worthwhile if he is paired with players that are gifted enough to help him get his game together.

Having him play with 4th line plugs is a waste of everyone's time and is eroding his confidence. He needs to be paired on a line with either Horvat or Sutter if you want him to develop at the NHL level, period. He is too fast to play with the Sedins and his North/South game wouldn't work with their East/West.

For those that keep harping on sending him to Utica, I suggest you think about who he should play with down there. While I am not averse to the suggestion there isn't exactly a plethora of talent on the farm either. Jake is a thoroughbred that needs to skate to be successful, 7 or 8 minutes a night on a checking line is NOT development.

I could see Virtanen and Rendulic as a formidable combo of wingers with the right center, I'm just not sure we have that player in the farm system. So you pair them with Chaput? Wacey Hamilton or Curtis Valk? Talk about a lack of talent at center...

The Canucks need to be thinking long term and about developing chemistry with their farm team. The successful teams have players that come up together as units (or at least partial units). To date the Canucks have only been able to bring up individual "players".

The reason the top teams are successful is because they develop units of players, much like the 5 man units of the old Soviet system. The Canucks appear to be a decade behind.

I think it's unfair to say Virtanen believes he is entitled. I worked with a player that was a 3rd line center in the NHL for several years. Even years after retirement he felt his coach (Kennan) miscast him as a 3rd line center and he never had a chance to "flourish". That happens all the time in the NHL, it depends on the system you are playing in. In this case this guy was the prototypical 3rd line center, for Keenan's system.

I'm not knocking Jake or Willie hear. They may not be on the same page, but to say one is at fault is shortsighted. Jake is frustrated because the coach is utilizing him in a way that he thinks isn't optimal. What's wrong with being honest? Would you prefer he sucks it up and becomes an 8 minute 4th line grinder?

And before the obligatory criticisms come out. If you haven't played the game at a high level, rotating linemates SUCK. All players have different ways of moving the puck, positioning etc. As a young player it's hard enough to do your own job without trying to compensate for a turnstile of different linemates. Remember Jake is a pure North/South player with speed. Play him with other North/South players and he will be fine. Play him with a rotating group of aging vets, PTO signings and AHL callups then whine about his performance? OK.
- PuckShack

I rest my case.

I rest my case.
- VANTEL

?? That you are capable of being a pretentious wank? I agree.

We have known Booner for years , I was just saying welcome back from the summer.

I will be truthful, with some of the new posters I find there is a lot of back and forth so most times I just skip over posts. Some can get very lengthy and repetitive to what has been said for years on here.

I didn't even see what you and Booner were talking about , but I read his posts because I find them entertaining.

I do read some of the new posts but a lot I do just glance over, no offense meant.
- VANTEL

Okay... cool... I know you enjoy him... he's got interesting views and a nice way of saying them.... I did notice your welcome back to him and fishing talk as well... I may be new to posting here but not to this site have read it over years commuting on the subway... just didn't have time to post... life obligations and all... now I participate and hope it adds to the conversation... thanks

?? That you are capable of being a pretentious wank? I agree.
- PuckShack

You can call me Mr Wank

Absolutely, and since then the price has gone up.

I'm a big fan of buying low.
- golfingsince

Sven Baertchi

Absolutely, and since then the price has gone up.

I'm a big fan of buying low.
- golfingsince

YEah... so did we miss out on E. Kane too...?

Okay... cool... I know you enjoy him... he's got interesting views and a nice way of saying them.... I did notice your welcome back to him and fishing talk as well... I may be new to posting here but not to this site have read it over years commuting on the subway... just didn't have time to post... life obligations and all... now I participate and hope it adds to the conversation... thanks
- Nuck4U

I read some of your stuff. I know you are new. Welcome

I don't read a lot of JV stuff because it has been beaten into the ground since Dec last year.

Sven Baertchi
- Redmile247

TBD

YEah... so did we miss out on E. Kane too...?
- Nuck4U

no

You can call me Mr Wank
- VANTEL

I reserve formal salutations for gentlemen...those who dismiss others comments without reading them do not qualify.

?? That you are capable of being a pretentious wank? I agree.
- PuckShack

Vantel was backing your post and insight I believe ... why the overreaction ... ?

Vantel was backing your post and insight I believe ... why the overreaction ... ?
- Nuck4U

I got the impression he was pointing to it as an example of rambling which he'd mentioned in his previous post.

I read some of your stuff. I know you are new. Welcome

I don't read a lot of JV stuff because it has been beaten into the ground since Dec last year.
- VANTEL

Well whatever was said before seems to be relevant again and more so given where the player and team is at... most had JV slotted with BO and Bear given where the team finished last season

I read some of your stuff. I know you are new. Welcome

I don't read a lot of JV stuff because it has been beaten into the ground since Dec last year.
- VANTEL

Well whatever was said before seems to be relevant again and more so given where the player and team is at... most had JV slotted with BO and Bear given where the team finished last season

Vantel was backing your post and insight I believe ... why the overreaction ... ?
- Nuck4U

I rest my case as in he believed "new poster" make long posts rehashing topics he believes are beaten to death...

I reserve formal salutations for gentlemen...those who dismiss others comments without reading them do not qualify.
- PuckShack

Ah sensitive. The feelings group.

I will call you Subban Shack.

I got the impression he was pointing to it as an example of rambling which he'd mentioned in his previous post.
- golfingsince

As did I, yet he sent this a while back to my inbox when the board was overun by TO and Calgary trolls....

VANTEL
Vancouver Canucks
Joined: 07.03.2010


Posted: September 1 @ 11:38 PM ET
Dont give in. You are a good poster.

TBD
- golfingsince

He's done pretty decent in van ...I think he could be a streaky scorer in the NHL

Ah sensitive. The feelings group.

I will call you Subban Shack.
- VANTEL

Not a problem, got you pegged oh self inflated grandmaster

Virtanen is a pure North/South player with speed, size and a decent shot. While time in Utica may be worthwhile it would only be worthwhile if he is paired with players that are gifted enough to help him get his game together.

Having him play with 4th line plugs is a waste of everyone's time and is eroding his confidence. He needs to be paired on a line with either Horvat or Sutter if you want him to develop at the NHL level, period. He is too fast to play with the Sedins and his North/South game wouldn't work with their East/West.

For those that keep harping on sending him to Utica, I suggest you think about who he should play with down there. While I am not averse to the suggestion there isn't exactly a plethora of talent on the farm either. Jake is a thoroughbred that needs to skate to be successful, 7 or 8 minutes a night on a checking line is NOT development.

I could see Virtanen and Rendulic as a formidable combo of wingers with the right center, I'm just not sure we have that player in the farm system. So you pair them with Chaput? Wacey Hamilton or Curtis Valk? Talk about a lack of talent at center...

The Canucks need to be thinking long term and about developing chemistry with their farm team. The successful teams have players that come up together as units (or at least partial units). To date the Canucks have only been able to bring up individual "players".

The reason the top teams are successful is because they develop units of players, much like the 5 man units of the old Soviet system. The Canucks appear to be a decade behind.

I think it's unfair to say Virtanen believes he is entitled. I worked with a player that was a 3rd line center in the NHL for several years. Even years after retirement he felt his coach (Keenan) miscast him as a 3rd line center and he never had a chance to "flourish". That happens all the time in the NHL, it depends on the system you are playing in. In this case this guy was the prototypical 3rd line center, for Keenan's system.

I'm not knocking Jake or Willie hear. They may not be on the same page, but to say one is at fault is shortsighted. Jake is frustrated because the coach is utilizing him in a way that he thinks isn't optimal. What's wrong with being honest? Would you prefer he sucks it up and becomes an 8 minute 4th line grinder?

And before the obligatory criticisms come out. If you haven't played the game at a high level, rotating linemates SUCK. All players have different ways of moving the puck, positioning etc. As a young player it's hard enough to do your own job without trying to compensate for a turnstile of different linemates. Remember Jake is a pure North/South player with speed. Play him with other North/South players and he will be fine. Play him with a rotating group of aging vets, PTO signings and AHL callups then whine about his performance? OK.
- PuckShack

Very well said and with an inteligent eye on the details and particulars that don't make this a black and white situation. I made same points in different posts but you really put it all toghether ... I haven't seen you post recently and welcome more of your insight and thoughts

Sven Baertchi
- Redmile247

Tampa wont be able to afford all their players.

Teams will be able to low ball them on Johnson and Palat

As did I, yet he sent this a while back to my inbox when the board was overun by TO and Calgary trolls....

VANTEL
Vancouver Canucks
Joined: 07.03.2010


Posted: September 1 @ 11:38 PM ET
Dont give in. You are a good poster.
- PuckShack

8:38 PT on a Thursday of a long weekend.

Clearly he was two bottles deep.