Please tell me "expect" and "project" are two different meanings to you.

I expect him to get 25 goals this season sure, but the Kassian I saw this year doesn't look even close to that. Project around 10-15. Maybe.

few thoughts...

kassian is the next steve "big bear" bernier.

a guy with all the physical gifts to dominate when they were bigger and stronger than everyone and it was easy. but then when facing the challenge of playing with men- requiring full effort and commitment- they disappear.

its funny how the canucks fans wanted nothing less than tyler myers before the trade, voiced their outrage all over these boards when the trade went down, and now coho is a bum and kassian is at least a consistent 30 goal scorer.
- battelmt

I don't think the Sabres organization "gave up" on Kassian. I think they just needed a center, and with the development that Foligno was making, Kassian became expendable. But I don't think they were shopping him. It was a so called, "hockey trade," where both teams gave up equal or close value for pieces that they needed more.

I think Cody will be a decent top 6 center with 60 pt potential and some leadership. I think Kassian will be a good 2nd line power forward with 60 pt potential and a serious physical presence. Good move all around. I don't know why some people feel the need to declare a winner and loser in this type of trade. Even if you do, you certainly won't know for a few more years.

I don't think the Sabres organization "gave up" on Kassian. I think they just needed a center, and with the development that Foligno was making, Kassian became expendable. But I don't think they were shopping him. It was a so called, "hockey trade," where both teams gave up equal or close value for pieces that they needed more.

I think Cody will be a decent top 6 center with 60 pt potential and some leadership. I think Kassian will be a good 2nd line power forward with 60 pt potential and a serious physical presence. Good move all around. I don't know why some people feel the need to declare a winner and loser in this type of trade. Even if you do, you certainly won't know for a few more years.
- truthbluth

an intelligent well thought out post....thank you!

Ian, write another blog..this ones becoming Sleepy!

Ian, write another blog..this ones becoming Sleepy!
- Canuckfan2006

Maybe he could write one on the World Champions. Not saying this to be hip or go against the grain but for me there's been no comparison: the WC has been so much more entertaining than the NHL playoffs. Having the space to actually make nice plays is a luxury that shouldn't be a luxury but the standard. Admittedly I did completely tune out of the playoffs after the first few games on the 2nd round so I'm not sure if it's gotten any better.

Maybe he could write one on the World Champions. Not saying this to be hip or go against the grain but for me there's been no comparison: the WC has been so much more entertaining than the NHL playoffs. Having the space to actually make nice plays is a luxury that shouldn't be a luxury but the standard. Admittedly I did completely tune out of the playoffs after the first few games on the 2nd round so I'm not sure if it's gotten any better.
- AlexF

Goaltenders are too much the story in the playoffs. The NHL needs to do something about the size of equipment, as well as the defensive systems that are in place.

I don't think the Sabres organization "gave up" on Kassian. I think they just needed a center, and with the development that Foligno was making, Kassian became expendable. But I don't think they were shopping him. It was a so called, "hockey trade," where both teams gave up equal or close value for pieces that they needed more.

I think Cody will be a decent top 6 center with 60 pt potential and some leadership. I think Kassian will be a good 2nd line power forward with 60 pt potential and a serious physical presence. Good move all around. I don't know why some people feel the need to declare a winner and loser in this type of trade. Even if you do, you certainly won't know for a few more years.
- truthbluth

Well said. I think the other side of that is with the development of Schroeder and the fact the Hodgson situation here was just going to get worse, Hodgson was deemed to be expendable. Good trade though for both sides. They both traded from a position of strength and added pieces to a position of need.

You now another big talented kid that I'm excited about is Joseph Labate, he's in that Wisconsin program. Turning out some really good players! Let him play there for three years and hopefully he becomes a good player for us.
- LeftCoaster

Boom. Wisconsin is a development factory. He'll develop nicely there and he was getting big minutes as a freshman. Hopefully Labate was talking to Schultz if you know what I mean

Goaltenders are too much the story in the playoffs. The NHL needs to do something about the size of equipment, as well as the defensive systems that are in place.
- Scooby_Doo

That would be hard to mitigate.

Only way I can see that happening is altering the rink in size/shape or the lines somehow.

Goaltenders are too much the story in the playoffs. The NHL needs to do something about the size of equipment, as well as the defensive systems that are in place.
- Scooby_Doo

Completely agree. The last time the game was this constricted (Dead Puck Era) the league had to change the rules to open it back up. The ideal answer for me would be to expand the ice to international standards but this would cost franchises "too much money" to adjust their rinks. But the following are some ideas that can be done without too much fuss:

1) Reduce the depth of the goal (they trialed this last summer by shaving off 4", instantly producing more wraparounds). I'd go for more like 6".

2) As you say, reduce the size of the goalie pads. Pretty sure they could look less like the Michelin man without compromising safety. As it is, just standing there seems to take up 75% of the net.

3) No sliding shot-blocking (need to stay on your feet). I read an article recently on the huge increase in shot-blocking leading to less shots on net.

4) Not sure what can be done with trapping and/or flooding of the neutral zone but it makes for really poor viewing watching teams fire pucks on net from the perimeter for 60 minutes. Any goalie with strong rebound control will look like Roy under this system.

Completely agree. The last time the game was this constricted (Dead Puck Era) the league had to change the rules to open it back up. The ideal answer for me would be to expand the ice to international standards but this would cost franchises "too much money" to adjust their rinks. But the following are some ideas that can be done without too much fuss:

1) Reduce the depth of the goal (they trialed this last summer by shaving off 4", instantly producing more wraparounds). I'd go for more like 6".

2) As you say, reduce the size of the goalie pads. Pretty sure they could look less like the Michelin man without compromising safety. As it is, just standing there seems to take up 75% of the net.

3) No sliding shot-blocking (need to stay on your feet). I read an article recently on the huge increase in shot-blocking leading to less shots on net.

4) Not sure what can be done with trapping and/or flooding of the neutral zone but it makes for really poor viewing watching teams fire pucks on net from the perimeter for 60 minutes. Any goalie with strong rebound control will look like Roy under this system.
- AlexF

I saw another idea where they made the net 6 inches wider (approx) so the goalie couldn't cover the entire bottom of the net, as there would always be an opening. However I'm not too crazy about making the nets bigger.

To an extent yes.

There's never a real need for name calling...but sometimes if it's used to get a point across based on the conversation then I can let it go...I'll edit the post, but nothing more needs to happen.

Definitely no need for 1 week bans. Those are for the racist, homophobic comments.
- Juice

You mean like in every single Bruins thread? And it keeps on happening.

I saw another idea where they made the net 6 inches wider (approx) so the goalie couldn't cover the entire bottom of the net, as there would always be an opening. However I'm not too crazy about making the nets bigger.
- Mattjd123

Personally I'd be all for that but I know there would be a number of hockey purists that would disapprove. Making any such changes is starting to look like US political gridlock. At least reducing the depth of the goal seemed to be ok with most and opens up some space behind the goal. Yet it's still not implemented...

Big differences between Bernier and Kassian. Kasisan is bigger, stronger, better skater and better hands. Kassians hands are way above Berniers. His tool set is almost better in every category.
- Boinker

Kassian has shown: no hands, no strength, no hitting, no grit. Bernier scores a bit, Kassian did not.

You mean like in every single Bruins thread? And it keeps on happening.
- Vagabond

That's nothing compared to EE's thread.

That's the head office for that crap.

I've banned dudes for saying some pretty harsh anti-gay or "retarded" stuff and still get a PM saying "it's EE's thread, I'm allowed to say that in there".

Off topic, but something I just noticed.....

2010 Stanley Cup Champions: Chicago Blackhawks (Lost in Round 2)
2011 Stanley Cup Champions: Boston Bruins (Lost in Cup Finals)
2012 Stanley Cup Champions: ______________

If LA Kings end up going the distance, we will have lost to the previous 3 cup champions in the playoffs

Kassian has shown: no hands, no strength, no hitting, no grit. Bernier scores a bit, Kassian did not.
- Vagabond

Well than you don't know hockey and therefor, whatever you say here in the future will be dismissed. Thanks for coming out.

Off topic, but something I just noticed.....

2010 Stanley Cup Champions: Chicago Blackhawks (Lost in Round 2)
2011 Stanley Cup Champions: Boston Bruins (Lost in Cup Finals)
2012 Stanley Cup Champions: ______________

If LA Kings end up going the distance, we will have lost to the previous 3 cup champions in the playoffs
- kent

wouldn't you rather lose to the champs then lose to another team that failed?

At least losing to the champs you don't torture yourself with "FAK, if we could have just got passed the third round we would've totally been able to beat xxx team"

Too many Leafs fans still like to pretend that had they got passed LA that they would've beat MTL in 93....you know, that series from 19 years ago that they still talk about.

Off topic, but something I just noticed.....

2010 Stanley Cup Champions: Chicago Blackhawks (Lost in Round 2)
2011 Stanley Cup Champions: Boston Bruins (Lost in Cup Finals)
2012 Stanley Cup Champions: ______________

If LA Kings end up going the distance, we will have lost to the previous 3 cup champions in the playoffs
- kent

Dont forget the Ducks in 07

Off topic, but something I just noticed.....

2010 Stanley Cup Champions: Chicago Blackhawks (Lost in Round 2)
2011 Stanley Cup Champions: Boston Bruins (Lost in Cup Finals)
2012 Stanley Cup Champions: ______________

If LA Kings end up going the distance, we will have lost to the previous 3 cup champions in the playoffs
- kent

I think it'd make 4 of 6 (DET a few years back) but who's counting...

I think it'd make 4 of 6 (DET a few years back) but who's counting...
- AlexF

Well, let's put a positive spin on things.


From 1976 - 1988, only 3 teams won the cup in a 13 year period (Montreal, New York Islanders and Edmonton).

In the past 12 seasons there has not been a consecutive cup winner since Detroit in 1997 and 1998. There has also only been consecutive SCF appearances 4 teams in that span. Dallas in 1999 and 2000, New Jersey 2000 and 2001, and Detroit and Pittsburgh in 2008 and 2009.

So, for those that think Canucks window has closed, think again. Our roster will be fairly similar in that we will most likely have a good goaltender, and a healthy Daniel Sedin, plus hopefully some additions up front or on the back end.

You mean like in every single Bruins thread? And it keeps on happening.
- Vagabond

This is a joke right? Ty's blog has been trolled to death for months by fans of a few teams, namely the Canucks. I rarely read the comments on it anymore because it turned into a group therapy trolling session. Please show me this "every single Bruins thread" racist and homophobic comments Bruins fans are making in Ty's blog, love to see it.

Well than you don't know hockey and therefor, whatever you say here in the future will be dismissed. Thanks for coming out.
- Boinker

Is this all you can come up with when responding to someone who doesn't share your opinion?

Vagabond has demonstrated credible hockey knowledge in his posts on these threads. I happen to agree with him when it comes to the fact that Kassian hasn't shown sh!t in a Canuck uniform. All I've seen from him are fake tough guy gestures and a constant "DUHHH" look on his face.

Is this all you can come up with when responding to someone who doesn't share your opinion?

Vagabond has demonstrated credible hockey knowledge in his posts on these threads. I happen to agree with him when it comes to the fact that Kassian hasn't shown sh!t in a Canuck uniform. All I've seen from him are fake tough guy gestures and a constant "DUHHH" look on his face.
- DrChristianTroy

He does seem out to lunch.

For now, I will be gracious and assume it is a combination of being traded to a new team at a trade deadline with little NHL experience, and not knowing the team's system. He still has a long way to develop, but I don't think I can really analyze the guy until the end of next season.

He does seem out to lunch.

For now, I will be gracious and assume it is a combination of being traded to a new team at a trade deadline with little NHL experience, and not knowing the team's system. He still has a long way to develop, but I don't think I can really analyze the guy until the end of next season.
- kent

Not to mention Bernier is 6 years older.