Hodgson has a lot of....."advisers" he's been taught at a young age on how to handle the media. All of his answers are all the same he beats around the bush like no one I've ever seen. There's a lot more there than meets the eye. Ya obviously Hodgson could have helped offensively. But in the playoffs defense always comes first. He would have been a matchup nightmare for AV. He would have only taken offensive zone faceoffs and pp time and he would have been dominated matching up against Kopitar and Richards. He would not have been a factor. If you look at his advanced stats he's on for almost double scoring chances against than for. Cody's camp feels he's a superstar even his agent rich winters said publicly he's going to be the best player of his draft class. His draft class had Stamkos in it. He's been told at the youngest age how great he'd be. He was an early bloomer and his development has not been as vast as the canucks would have hoped. His injury was misdiagnosed by 2 parties. The Canucks and one the Hodgson camp went to for a second opinion. He went to a back specialist in the states for a third opinion and was diagnosed properly.
- Boinker

Now this I understand and can get behind. Hodgson has absolutely been well-coached in how to deal with the media and has conducted himself better than AV or MG, who IMO could use some of that same coaching. If, as you say, MG's job was not on the line, then his comments about Hodgson are not only unprofessional but unnecessary.
However, I can definitely appreciate how frustrating it could be to have a kid who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips, knows exactly how hard he can press in private to get what he wants, and knows exactly what to say and what not to say to the media. But if this kid was a D-bag, he wouldn't have Gary Roberts going to bat for him (GR has since apologized for calling MG a moron, but I really get the sense that he's apologizing for saying it publicly, not for believing it privately).
And granted that defense comes first in the playoffs - the Nucks defense had nothing to do with their 5 game exit, nor did either of their goaltenders. Nucks lost cause they couldn't score and cause LA wanted it more. I was very, very disappointed with Kesler - I had really, really hoped that during their last playoff run, Kesler had learned better than to take stupid ugly embarassing messy dives. Makes him look bad, makes his team look bad, makes the game look bad.

Is it surgery to repair his thoughts to dive all the time and then cry like a baby....
- BodyCheckRadio

I hope you get banned.

Now this I understand and can get behind. Hodgson has absolutely been well-coached in how to deal with the media and has conducted himself better than AV or MG, who IMO could use some of that same coaching. If, as you say, MG's job was not on the line, then his comments about Hodgson are not only unprofessional but unnecessary.
However, I can definitely appreciate how frustrating it could be to have a kid who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips, knows exactly how hard he can press in private to get what he wants, and knows exactly what to say and what not to say to the media. But if this kid was a D-bag, he wouldn't have Gary Roberts going to bat for him (GR has since apologized for calling MG a moron, but I really get the sense that he's apologizing for saying it publicly, not for believing it privately).
And granted that defense comes first in the playoffs - the Nucks defense had nothing to do with their 5 game exit, nor did either of their goaltenders. Nucks lost cause they couldn't score and cause LA wanted it more. I was very, very disappointed with Kesler - I had really, really hoped that during their last playoff run, Kesler had learned better than to take stupid ugly embarassing messy dives. Makes him look bad, makes his team look bad, makes the game look bad.
- thefullnelson

Oh don't get me wrong. He's an extremely hard working guy and just wants to be the best he can be. I just feel he's gotten bad advise and has to many voices in his ear. His father, three previous agents, gary roberts and he even has claude lemieux hired as a personal coach/advisor/motivator. Just let the freaking kid pave his own path and pay his dues. Thats what builds character. It took Kesler six years to get second line minutes. Cody was asking for it 8 games in his career.

Oh don't get me wrong. He's an extremely hard working guy and just wants to be the best he can be. I just feel he's gotten bad advise and has to many voices in his ear. His father, three previous agents, gary roberts and he even has claude lemieux hired as a personal coach/advisor/motivator. Just let the freaking kid pave his own path and pay his dues. Thats what builds character. It took Kesler six years to get second line minutes. Cody was asking for it 8 games in his career.
- Boinker

Too much drama with not enough return to be too attatched . Good Luck Cody and end of story .You are Buffalos problem now.

the Nucks defense had nothing to do with their 5 game exit, nor did either of their goaltenders..
- thefullnelson

**cough**EDLER. He was an ill-timed giveaway, pylon in critical times in that series.

Would you trade the rights of Raymond for the rights of Sarich at the draft?

Would you trade the rights of Raymond for the rights of Sarich at the draft?
- VANTEL

I'd honestly rather try and get a draft pick. Labate, McNally, Price, Connauton and Corrado were all middle round picks and all look very promising. I think they could get a 3rd round pick at the least? Just based on his previous 25 goal year.

I'd honestly rather try and get a draft pick. Labate, McNally, Price, Connauton and Corrado were all middle round picks and all look very promising. I think they could get a 3rd round pick at the least? Just based on his previous 25 goal year.
- Boinker

Fair point.I am not sure if we would be able to sign Sarich before free agency but would be nice to have 1 st crack at him .He is a fairly big stable D.

I hope you get banned.
- VANTEL

I think making that lame a joke and having it left up is punishment enough.

Now this I understand and can get behind. Hodgson has absolutely been well-coached in how to deal with the media and has conducted himself better than AV or MG, who IMO could use some of that same coaching. If, as you say, MG's job was not on the line, then his comments about Hodgson are not only unprofessional but unnecessary.
However, I can definitely appreciate how frustrating it could be to have a kid who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips, knows exactly how hard he can press in private to get what he wants, and knows exactly what to say and what not to say to the media. But if this kid was a D-bag, he wouldn't have Gary Roberts going to bat for him (GR has since apologized for calling MG a moron, but I really get the sense that he's apologizing for saying it publicly, not for believing it privately).
And granted that defense comes first in the playoffs - the Nucks defense had nothing to do with their 5 game exit, nor did either of their goaltenders. Nucks lost cause they couldn't score and cause LA wanted it more. I was very, very disappointed with Kesler - I had really, really hoped that during their last playoff run, Kesler had learned better than to take stupid ugly embarassing messy dives. Makes him look bad, makes his team look bad, makes the game look bad.
- thefullnelson

The Kings took quite a few dives as well. Kesler was responding in kind, though terribly. It's embarassesing to be sure, but the guy couldn't score. I guess it's bound to get frustrating.

Gillis didn't need to save his job. Back to back President's Trophies and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals is his job security. But he did want to shut up all the whiners. He gave a reason for the trade. Whether you want to believe him or not, he was justifying what we all clearly saw as a poorly timed trade. He got assets that he wanted and he cleared out an internal problem.

As for Boston, it went to 7 games and OT. Say what you want about the strategy of the Caps, it went to the same place as last year for the Bruins against the Habs and the Caps got the OT winner. Can't help but think the Bruins might have been a little run down.

I think making that lame a joke and having it left up is punishment enough.
- micah555

Comon be a man ban him I got banned for saying Reimer in my opinion is a solid backup goaltender

Would you trade the rights of Raymond for the rights of Sarich at the draft?
- VANTEL

Somehow I don't see Sarich's rights as an asset. I'm sure he'll be available on July 1st.

Knowing Kesler..... The guy who wanted his finger chopped off so he could play in the playoffs years ago, obviously was trying to play through it. He needs protection from himself. Hopefully the Canucks learnt this the hard way. They should keep him out till December just to be safe. Does anyone know if those injuries can get worse? I wonder if the medical staff told him it'd be a 6 month procedure and he decided to get it after the playoffs. Because if he would have gotten it late in the year he would have missed them.
- Boinker

Knowing Kesler...LOL. How well do you know him? One by one the things people think they know about him get debunked.

He wanted his finger chopped off? Seriously, that was a joke when it happened. How do people base his heart and determination on stuff like that. It's why so many people are scratching their heads about Kesler once again....

If Kesler really cared about his team's success he would stop being so selfish. Don't come back early from injuries...think about your linemates...stay out of the refs face...stop diving and continuing to yap after getting busted regardless of the fact everyone knows it was a dive...

So much faith has been put in a player who has done so little as a second liner. I still wonder if he is truly a second line C? First we need offense there. Kesler could be a shut down player from the 3rd and still have his spot on the top PP unit and play a ton of PK. He'd still have decent minutes and maybe could be in better shape for the playoffs for once. If not, WE NEED A RELIABLE 2ND LINE C OR ITS THE SAME NEXT YEAR.

Would you trade the rights of Raymond for the rights of Sarich at the draft?
- VANTEL

Somehow I don't see Sarich's rights as an asset. I'm sure he'll be available on July 1st.

Great Blog Ian. You are dead on about AV in my opinion. Hell, lets go back to Kesler's return even. AV declared he would ease Kes into the line up. Gillis said it was their plan as well. Does any of that mean anything...NO. AV played Kesler 20+ minutes after throwing a number like 15 or 16 around. We all know how much Kesler was struggling but sure enough...Kes was playing top minutes from the get go.

It's true Kesler needs to be protected from himself when he's hurt but AV is a moron. The way he handles his players minutes make no sense. The medical staff??? If they are telling AV he's good to play regular minutes coming back from surgery and missing camp...they should be fired. You know it's AV when even Gillis talks about them discussing easing players into the line up and the complete opposite happens. (frank) him...er I mean fire him instead.

Would you trade the rights of Raymond for the rights of Sarich at the draft?
- VANTEL

No, i wouldn't... Sarich was only a RH veteran rental depth option when it looked like AV wouldn't let Tanev join the team. A couple weeks later, Tanev was recalled and now he'll be a permanent fixture on our right side for years to come.

Lots of drama on these boards.....guess who will be all over Keslers jock when he returns to form - all of thoses wagon jumpers dissing him now after declaring him our Captain instead of Hank 2 years ago.....so sad.....

Great Blog Ian. You are dead on about AV in my opinion. Hell, lets go back to Kesler's return even. AV declared he would ease Kes into the line up. Gillis said it was their plan as well. Does any of that mean anything...NO. AV played Kesler 20+ minutes after throwing a number like 15 or 16 around. We all know how much Kesler was struggling but sure enough...Kes was playing top minutes from the get go.

It's true Kesler needs to be protected from himself when he's hurt but AV is a moron. The way he handles his players minutes make no sense. The medical staff??? If they are telling AV he's good to play regular minutes coming back from surgery and missing camp...they should be fired. You know it's AV when even Gillis talks about them discussing easing players into the line up and the complete opposite happens. (frank) him...er I mean fire him instead.
- boonerbuck

Not to mention the comments AV had on Cody where he said he wasn't giving effort when his back was injured thus making us trade him.

**cough**EDLER. He was an ill-timed giveaway, pylon in critical times in that series.
- Chest Rockwell

Let's not forget Hamhuis.

Lots of drama on these boards.....guess who will be all over Keslers jock when he returns to form - all of thoses wagon jumpers dissing him now after declaring him our Captain instead of Hank 2 years ago.....so sad.....
- chompsey

I don't see too much drama. Kesler deserves some criticism for his play. His diving is no good, he doesn't use his linemates and he wasn't good enough in the playoffs. Injury somewhat justifies the last part, but not the other 2 parts.

When he's back in top form, everyone will appreciate his impact. When he's not, his shinanigans play doesn't earn him any breaks.

Now this I understand and can get behind. Hodgson has absolutely been well-coached in how to deal with the media and has conducted himself better than AV or MG, who IMO could use some of that same coaching. If, as you say, MG's job was not on the line, then his comments about Hodgson are not only unprofessional but unnecessary.
However, I can definitely appreciate how frustrating it could be to have a kid who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips, knows exactly how hard he can press in private to get what he wants, and knows exactly what to say and what not to say to the media. But if this kid was a D-bag, he wouldn't have Gary Roberts going to bat for him (GR has since apologized for calling MG a moron, but I really get the sense that he's apologizing for saying it publicly, not for believing it privately).
And granted that defense comes first in the playoffs - the Nucks defense had nothing to do with their 5 game exit, nor did either of their goaltenders. Nucks lost cause they couldn't score and cause LA wanted it more. I was very, very disappointed with Kesler - I had really, really hoped that during their last playoff run, Kesler had learned better than to take stupid ugly embarassing messy dives. Makes him look bad, makes his team look bad, makes the game look bad.
- thefullnelson

I agree with what you are saying about the Hodgson handling. His reputation is nothing but professional and mature. This reputation has been with him all through his junior career and eveyone who has had hockey dealings with him has the highest compliments for him. It's not just with the media like Boinker is suggesting. It wasnt long ago that Boinker was saying all the opposite on Cody anyways. He was his biggest fan. All that changed with some speculation....so take what he says with a grain of salt.

Cody is and has been taking the high road all through this even though AV run him through the dirt from the very beginning claiming Cody was faking injury...he still stayed mature and professional about it. Then Gillis throws him under the bus. We can argue about what really happened but like I said from the very beginning,,,there was no reason to make such claims to the media. It stinks of a$$ covering for Gillis and AV... and it continued...not because of what Cody was saying publicly.... bu just more a$$ covering after Kassian was a dud post TDL ,Kesler was injured and we had no secondary scoring or PP.

I still beleive Cody will be the Captain of the Sabres one day just like I beleive AV will chase more young prospects out of Vancouver....

Lots of drama on these boards.....guess who will be all over Keslers jock when he returns to form - all of thoses wagon jumpers dissing him now after declaring him our Captain instead of Hank 2 years ago.....so sad.....
- chompsey

The people who declared Kesler Captain deserve the disappointment. He's a great all round hockey player but like I always said...players like him dont make Capatains. You have to carry yourself better if you expect respect from the officials and other teams leaders. He acts like a punk so he gets treated like one. Is that really what this team needs as their Captain?

Oh don't get me wrong. He's an extremely hard working guy and just wants to be the best he can be. I just feel he's gotten bad advise and has to many voices in his ear. His father, three previous agents, gary roberts and he even has claude lemieux hired as a personal coach/advisor/motivator. Just let the freaking kid pave his own path and pay his dues. Thats what builds character. It took Kesler six years to get second line minutes. Cody was asking for it 8 games in his career.
- Boinker

Daddy: You're going to be the best damn hockey player I was never able to be!

Cody: Yes daddy.

If Kesler really cared about his team's success he would stop being so selfish. Don't come back early from injuries...

- boonerbuck

Some would call that having a sack.

That being said though, at what point does his "selfishness" become in some way the responsibility of the team medical staff?

These things are not usually unilateral decisions. I just don t think it's fair to hang his return to the ice injured all on him.

If you guys don't want him I'd be really happy to see him center for Sharp and Hossa.

I agree with what you are saying about the Hodgson handling. His reputation is nothing but professional and mature. This reputation has been with him all through his junior career and eveyone who has had hockey dealings with him has the highest compliments for him. It's not just with the media like Boinker is suggesting. It wasnt long ago that Boinker was saying all the opposite on Cody anyways. He was his biggest fan. All that changed with some speculation....so take what he says with a grain of salt.

Cody is and has been taking the high road all through this even though AV run him through the dirt from the very beginning claiming Cody was faking injury...he still stayed mature and professional about it. Then Gillis throws him under the bus. We can argue about what really happened but like I said from the very beginning,,,there was no reason to make such claims to the media. It stinks of a$$ covering for Gillis and AV... and it continued...not because of what Cody was saying publicly.... bu just more a$$ covering after Kassian was a dud post TDL ,Kesler was injured and we had no secondary scoring or PP.

I still beleive Cody will be the Captain of the Sabres one day just like I beleive AV will chase more young prospects out of Vancouver....
- boonerbuck

Really, so Gillis was throwing a player who NOW is not under contract with the Vancouver Canucks and is the property of the Buffalo Sabres under the bus, and yet neither Lindy Ruff or Darcy Regier stepped up and said, "Hey WTF? I don't know what the hell Gillis and AV is smoking, but we're happy to have Cody on our roster and have no issues with Cody at all." Guess what, they didn't, and that right there should make you wonder if maybe, just maybe, Hodgson's not the person you believe him to be. GARY ROBERTS of all people, has to stand up and defend him. A former player turned exercise guru who's being PAID for BY THE HODGSON FAMILY, stands up and says Gillis is an idiot. This doesn't raise red flags for you about Hodgson? Or the fact that he's changed agents 3 times in the past few years? And yet it's Gillis and AV covering their own arse?