Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks: First-Rounder Jake Virtanen Announces His Signing As Jake Virtanen signs with the Canucks, a look at the mechanics of entry-level contracts.

HANGOVER

If Benning is thinking of deploying Virtanen, this summer could be interesting.

We know we still have to trade one goalie. I also imagine Trader Jim will also be looking to move one of Burrows Hansen or Higgins

If Benning is thinking of deploying Virtanen, this summer could be interesting.

We know we still have to trade one goalie. I also imagine Trader Jim will also be looking to move one of Burrows Hansen or Higgins
- VANTEL

Training camp is gonna be good in the next few years!! You're gonna see some kids "earn" some spots.

Training camp is gonna be good in the next few years!! You're gonna see some kids "earn" some spots.
- LeftCoaster

Agree, I think there will be much more actual competition for jobs instead of pretend competition.

Training camp is gonna be good in the next few years!! You're gonna see some kids "earn" some spots.
- LeftCoaster

Yes it will. Early reports were Gaunce and Hutton looked good. I don't think it would be hard to steal Higgins spot or Stanton's spot.

Early questions are what to do with Horvat? Back to Jr ,or does he make the club.

How is Shinks and Virtanens recovery coming?

Will Jensen finally play a year on the big team , Corrado also?

This is only the start.

Agree, I think there will be much more actual competition for jobs instead of pretend competition.
- 1970vintage

A healthy organization has internal competition and some turnover every year, we seem to be trending towards that.

If Benning is thinking of deploying Virtanen, this summer could be interesting.

We know we still have to trade one goalie. I also imagine Trader Jim will also be looking to move one of Burrows Hansen or Higgins
- VANTEL

Or move all 3 at some point. Virtanen's a confident kid lets hope that accompanied with his skills and shot earn him a top line. His shoulder will slow him a bit but I think mid season he could be a regular in the line up if others falter or get injured. He would be great on the first line.

A healthy organization has internal competition and some turnover every year, we seem to be trending towards that.
- LeftCoaster

I agree so much on at least one or two new faces every year.

Yes it will. Early reports were Gaunce and Hutton looked good. I don't think it would be hard to steal Higgins spot or Stanton's spot.

Early questions are what to do with Horvat? Back to Jr ,or does he make the club.

How is Shinks and Virtanens recovery coming?

Will Jensen finally play a year on the big team , Corrado also?

This is only the start.
- VANTEL

I hope we see Horvat, Shinkaruk, and Jensen in the line up. Smart money says at least one stays. I think it will be Jensen but Shinkaruk is what we need in the line up imo.

Corrado is ready and I think its his spot to lose. So he needs to make it count.

Gaunce is an enigma. I don't see any consistency with his game. Flashes of brilliance but thats it.

Yes it will. Early reports were Gaunce and Hutton looked good. I don't think it would be hard to steal Higgins spot or Stanton's spot.

Early questions are what to do with Horvat? Back to Jr ,or does he make the club.

How is Shinks and Virtanens recovery coming?

Will Jensen finally play a year on the big team , Corrado also?

This is only the start.
- VANTEL

From what I've heard, and read, Gaunce has picked up a step, which he clearly needed to! That should bode well for him pushing one of Hansen or Higgins out the door.

From all indications Shinkaruk is fully healed, be good for his development to spend a year in the American League having only played a handful of games last year. Virtanen won't be ready until mid October, so he'll most likely have a slow start to the year.

IMO he shouldn't be playing in the league until he's 19 or 20 anyways, he's only 17 years old and doesn't turn 18 until the third week in August I believe?

Jensen needs a full year in the AHL as well, same goes for Frankie.

A healthy organization has internal competition and some turnover every year, we seem to be trending towards that.
- LeftCoaster

This. Its how teams should grow. It needs to happen for success.

Gillis tried to build for win now and it was the most successful team for the short term we ever had but that did nothing for our future. I am still thankful for the good hockey teams Gillis "tried" to put out but man in the same token its hard to watch us fall so hard so quick because of what he did lack.

I hope we see Horvat, Shinkaruk, and Jensen in the line up. Smart money says at least one stays. I think it will be Jensen but Shinkaruk is what we need in the line up imo.

Corrado is ready and I think its his spot to lose. So he needs to make it count.

Gaunce is an enigma. I don't see any consistency with his game. Flashes of brilliance but thats it.
- thundachunk

I honestly can't see Canucks sending Horvat back to Jr. Cody Hodgson all over. Give him protected minutes on the Canucks.


I was looking at the list of high prospects on the Canucks combined with young guys like Bonino Vey ,Kassian and Mathias, some players have to be moved soon.

From what I've heard, and read, Gaunce has picked up a step, which he clearly needed to! That should bode well for him pushing one of Hansen or Higgins out the door.

From all indications Shinkaruk is fully healed, be good for his development to spend a year in the American League having only played a handful of games last year. Virtanen won't be ready until mid October, so he'll most likely have a slow start to the year.

IMO he shouldn't be playing in the league until he's 19 or 20 anyways, he's only 17 years old and doesn't turn 18 until the third week in August I believe?

Jensen needs a full year in the AHL as well, same goes for Frankie.
- LeftCoaster

I agree about Virtanen needing a year or two in the minors, I was just commenting on Carols blog about Benning ready to deploy him now.Should be interesting.

I honestly can't see Canucks sending Horvat back to Jr. Cody Hodgson all over. Give him protected minutes on the Canucks.


I was looking at the list of high prospects on the Canucks combined with young guys like Bonino Vey ,Kassian and Mathias, some players have to be moved soon.
- VANTEL

Yep, a goalie and at least one forward.

I honestly can't see Canucks sending Horvat back to Jr. Cody Hodgson all over. Give him protected minutes on the Canucks.


I was looking at the list of high prospects on the Canucks combined with young guys like Bonino Vey ,Kassian and Mathias, some players have to be moved soon.
- VANTEL

Benning won't move anyone until he sees them play. Willy is going to give them all time together mix up some lines. He and his coaching staff will evaluate and give Benning and Co their assessment. Camp and preseason is when we will see the player moves/changes. Lots of competition this year big changes are afoot.

Horvat is the best out of the prospects imo but I have a feeling they will shelter him a bit. I don't know why but I do.

This. Its how teams should grow. It needs to happen for success.

Gillis tried to build for win now and it was the most successful team for the short term we ever had but that did nothing for our future. I am still thankful for the good hockey teams Gillis "tried" to put out but man in the same token its hard to watch us fall so hard so quick because of what he did lack.
- thundachunk

In Mikes time here, drafting was the absolute sh!ts!! He came onboard saying how it needed to improve and we've got next to nothing to show for his efforts.

In the five years from 2008, which is kind of a "I forgive you" draft due to him just coming onboard, to 2012, there are two players who IMO have a legit shot at becoming NHL regulars. Gaunce and Jensen, and that's even debatable!!

We do have Kassian from the Hodgson trade, and I think he'll be a decent top nine player, but it's still absolutely God awful - pisses me off!!!!!!!!!

Yep, a goalie and at least one forward.
- VanHockeyGuy

Forwards that are ready now, Kassian Mathieas Bonino

Forwards that are near ready Horvat Shink Virtanen McCann Gaunce Jensen Vey

That is 7 new forwards trying to make a jump into the NHL and 3 here already plus the Sedins and Vrbata

10 players trying to earn 6 spots.

Benning won't move anyone until he sees them play. Willy is going to give them all time together mix up some lines. He and his coaching staff will evaluate and give Benning and Co their assessment. Camp and preseason is when we will see the player moves/changes. Lots of competition this year big changes are afoot.

Horvat is the best out of the prospects imo but I have a feeling they will shelter him a bit. I don't know why but I do.
- thundachunk

As they should. I really like this kids game.

I would argue that the criticism toward Mike Gillis was more pushed by the media and the fans eventually had enough near the end. Its the media though that pushed and drove the voice to criticism. I just found it funny that the title of the Sportsnet article said it was hard to handle "fan" criticism by his daughter. Sportsnet's Mark Spector was on a 2 year crusade every 2 of 3 stories seemingly critiquing the incompetence of Mike Gillis and riling up the masses. I was starting to wonder if Gillis slept with Spectors wife it was so personal. Is it just because Mark hates the Canucks so much? well he centainly hated Mike. Just funny how Sportsnet twists it around to make it sound like it was mostly fan driven. Between CBC and Sportsnet, they pretty much destroyed Mike Gillis image, character assasination with out the help of the fans, who always felt on the defensive, like there team was under scrutny from every direction.

I would argue that the criticism toward Mike Gillis was more pushed by the media and the fans eventually had enough near the end. Its the media though that pushed and drove the voice to criticism. I just found it funny that the title of the Sportsnet article pointed to it being hard to handle "fan" criticism be his daughter. Sportsnet's Mark Spector was on a 2 year crusade every second Story critiquing the incompetence of Mike Gillis and riling up the masses. Just funny how Sportsnet twists it around to make it sound like it was mostly fan driven. Between CBC and Sportsnet, they pretty much destroyed Mike Gillis image, character assasination with out the help of the fans who always felt on the defensive, like there team was under scrutny from every direction.
- gunner2233

His arrogance and hesitation of moving on things is just the start of his problems. He was as bad as us HBers with his overvaluing of current players and prospects.

I did like a few of his moves like shunning the CBC and trying to take down the NHL, but his negatives far outweighed his positives

I would argue that the criticism toward Mike Gillis was more pushed by the media and the fans eventually had enough near the end. Its the media though that pushed and drove the voice to criticism. I just found it funny that the title of the Sportsnet article said it was hard to handle "fan" criticism by his daughter. Sportsnet's Mark Spector was on a 2 year crusade every second Story critiquing the incompetence of Mike Gillis and riling up the masses. Just funny how Sportsnet twists it around to make it sound like it was mostly fan driven. Between CBC and Sportsnet, they pretty much destroyed Mike Gillis image, character assasination with out the help of the fans who always felt on the defensive, like there team was under scrutny from every direction.
- gunner2233

I always defended MG but truth is he dropped the ball a while ago. Media or no media.

His arrogance and hesitation of moving on things is just the start of his problems. He was as bad as us HBers with his overvaluing of current players and prospects.

I did like a few of his moves like shunning the CBC and trying to take down the NHL, but his negatives far outweighed his positives
- VANTEL

He was arrogant, no doubt. Once the team slipped, the vultures were out non stop. The Vultures were even out when the team was good I found though, always haters from the predictable regions, were most media personalities reside from and can set a negative tone to the hockey world, making our team and fans look poorly when sometimes theres a glass half full view.

Forwards that are ready now, Kassian Mathieas Bonino

Forwards that are near ready Horvat Shink Virtanen McCann Gaunce Jensen Vey

That is 7 new forwards trying to make a jump into the NHL and 3 here already plus the Sedins and Vrbata

10 players trying to earn 6 spots.
- VANTEL

A few of them won't make it and will be sent to AHL/Junior, plus injuries always happen. Rarely do teams have everyone healthy for opening day. Dem groin strains.

He was arrogant, no doubt. Once the team slipped, the vultures were out non stop. The Vultures were even out when the team was good I found though, always haters from the predictable regions, were most media personalities reside from and can set a negative tone to the hockey world, making our team and fans look poorly when sometimes theres a glass half full view.
- gunner2233

Professional sports is a performanced based business, he got what he deserved. I was on his side the first few years and actually liked his depth additions years two and three, but it was all downhill from there.