It almost seems like Benning is trying to "undo" everything Gillis did. Trade players / picks that MG made to say to the fan base "he was a Richard and we're going to fix it".

I'd say Connolly is more likely. Johnson or Palat for Garrison would be robbery.
- EagleNuck

I think Connolly might not amount to much. I'm not saying Garrison is great or anything but you'd like to get a guy that you feel can make your squad if not immediately then quite soon. I might have given up too early on him though, but he seems to continuously bump down the TB pecking order.

Here's more from HF:

"More from Hockey Widow:

Not much to update. A couple of very very unhappy Canucks who have been asked to waive. Been told they don't fit in the plans moving forward. I suspect it is a deliberate harsh attempt to get players to agree to waive. Two players taking time to think it over and decide but are in a little shock/anger right now. Can't really get into the teams or names of players involved from either side. Too speculative right now and too much risk to my sources but I do suspect that one of the Canucks involved will agree to waive before too long. Sorry, don't know the rumoured return at this point so can't say whether it is a good or bad deal.

Benning spoke today about having had a few talks with the Bruins. Heard tonight the Bruins are shopping not only Ericksson but also Marchand. They have tired of his antics,and need to clear a lot of cap. They want to bring Iginal back but also have a tRget for FA. Heard Canucks have some interest in Ericksson, maybe, but not so much Marchand.

Canucks plan moving forward is to get more Canadian content and more local boys. (Which is why the Garrison rumour doesn't sit well with some people. Inconsistent with stated plans) my feeling after tonight is that Benning has a very deliberate and methodical approach to trying to shake things up. He seems willing and able to be the bad cop, which is good if you advocate players with NTC being moved I suppose.

Also told Canucks are saying they have tabled their last best offer to Florida and will select Virtanen at 6 if he is still there. They now doubt Tallon will trade the pick and it is Edmonton's to lose as they covet Ekbald who they suspect Florida will take first if they hold the pick.

The problem with MG....his absolute inability to form and cultivate relationships. Difficult, elusive and suspect to deal with. And most people are saying Torts was not an MG hire!!!

Evander Kane's has asked to be dealt but Winnipeg had resisted all offers, at his point. Was almost a Canuck last year but Winnipeg pulled the plug at the last minute. They still want to build around him but his agent is working it. Current Canucks management not as hot to trade for him as MG was.

No update on Hansen or Burrows. Kesler is pushing back and waffling on an expanded list. No idea how this turns out but Canucks are threatening to keep him. That one made me laugh!!!

Not a happy place right now, so much uncertainty, hurt feelings etc etc etc. again, I think it is deliberate on behalf of the Canucks to make it uncomfortable for a few players so they will waive. Don't think we will see too much tomorrow but the logs are on the fire."
- 1970vintage

I think she does have sources, but careful to read into her own thoughts, she's been known to throw in her own thoughts and pass it off as facts. She seems to be spot on about Garrison.

Interesting that we're looking to HB posters for common sense. Just goes to show how out of sorts the media have gotten of late with their roooomers.
- AlexF

There are a lot of guys on here that I respect their opinion and they take there time finding out facts other than just spewing out garbage for attention. Some are even a$$holes but they know what they are talking about.

Good luck with that. Pillow biter Purcell or a pick is my guess. Tampa would give Connelly before those 2.
- EagleNuck

Connelly is RFA I don't think he has been qualified yet.

Connelly is RFA I don't think he has been qualified yet.
- thundachunk

They;d be stupid not to, he still has trade value. I think there's a fit there.

I think she does have sources, but careful to read into her own thoughts, she's been known to throw in her own thoughts and pass it off as facts. She seems to be spot on about Garrison.
- EagleNuck

Did she post on canucks central back in the day?

I think she does have sources, but careful to read into her own thoughts, she's been known to throw in her own thoughts and pass it off as facts. She seems to be spot on about Garrison.
- EagleNuck

It's a well worded post with plenty of tidbits that sound legit, sprinkled with opinion. It is however, the way I would have gone about things were I the GM. NTC or not, you have to have frank discussions with the people in your organization. If there is someone there that doesn't fit your model going forward, you need to let them know and give them an opportunity to make a fresh start. I can't imagine anyone would exercise their NTC if faced with the realization that they were not wanted any longer. It would be a very uncomfortable season for them.

It almost seems like Benning is trying to "undo" everything Gillis did. Trade players / picks that MG made to say to the fan base "he was a Richard and we're going to fix it".
- 1970vintage

Or got an advanced copy of EA NHL 15.

Here's more from HF:

"More from Hockey Widow:

Not much to update. A couple of very very unhappy Canucks who have been asked to waive. Been told they don't fit in the plans moving forward. I suspect it is a deliberate harsh attempt to get players to agree to waive. Two players taking time to think it over and decide but are in a little shock/anger right now. Can't really get into the teams or names of players involved from either side. Too speculative right now and too much risk to my sources but I do suspect that one of the Canucks involved will agree to waive before too long. Sorry, don't know the rumoured return at this point so can't say whether it is a good or bad deal.

Benning spoke today about having had a few talks with the Bruins. Heard tonight the Bruins are shopping not only Ericksson but also Marchand. They have tired of his antics,and need to clear a lot of cap. They want to bring Iginal back but also have a tRget for FA. Heard Canucks have some interest in Ericksson, maybe, but not so much Marchand.

Canucks plan moving forward is to get more Canadian content and more local boys. (Which is why the Garrison rumour doesn't sit well with some people. Inconsistent with stated plans) my feeling after tonight is that Benning has a very deliberate and methodical approach to trying to shake things up. He seems willing and able to be the bad cop, which is good if you advocate players with NTC being moved I suppose.

Also told Canucks are saying they have tabled their last best offer to Florida and will select Virtanen at 6 if he is still there. They now doubt Tallon will trade the pick and it is Edmonton's to lose as they covet Ekbald who they suspect Florida will take first if they hold the pick.

The problem with MG....his absolute inability to form and cultivate relationships. Difficult, elusive and suspect to deal with. And most people are saying Torts was not an MG hire!!!

Evander Kane's has asked to be dealt but Winnipeg had resisted all offers, at his point. Was almost a Canuck last year but Winnipeg pulled the plug at the last minute. They still want to build around him but his agent is working it. Current Canucks management not as hot to trade for him as MG was.

No update on Hansen or Burrows. Kesler is pushing back and waffling on an expanded list. No idea how this turns out but Canucks are threatening to keep him. That one made me laugh!!!

Not a happy place right now, so much uncertainty, hurt feelings etc etc etc. again, I think it is deliberate on behalf of the Canucks to make it uncomfortable for a few players so they will waive. Don't think we will see too much tomorrow but the logs are on the fire."
- 1970vintage

Some intersesting stuff there. Thanks.

They;d be stupid not to, he still has trade value. I think there's a fit there.
- EagleNuck

I watched the kid play for the cougars a lot I knew he would be good. He still hasn't produced like I thought. His potential is falling and I don't know if it is a product of the system or what the issue is.

Or got an advanced copy of EA NHL 15.
- PetrolSexual

I'm surprised we haven't heard Bo Horvat's name in a rumour yet.

Wait, I'll make one up



@NHLRumours (the real rumour guy)
Sources close to the #Canucks are telling me that prospect Bo Horvat is on the block along with HuSh for the #1 pick + Barkov #NHL #Panthers #Legit

Hawks fans continue to post Esplen tweets more than anyone else ever has.

I watched the kid play for the cougars a lot I knew he would be good. He still hasn't produced like I thought. His potential is falling and I don't know if it is a product of the system or what the issue is.
- thundachunk

Knocks on him are that he doesn't work hard enough along the boards and doesn't use his size. I'm not a huge fan at all, just speculating that he would be involved.

It's a well worded post with plenty of tidbits that sound legit, sprinkled with opinion. It is however, the way I would have gone about things were I the GM. NTC or not, you have to have frank discussions with the people in your organization. If there is someone there that doesn't fit your model going forward, you need to let them know and give them an opportunity to make a fresh start. I can't imagine anyone would exercise their NTC if faced with the realization that they were not wanted any longer. It would be a very uncomfortable season for them.
- 1970vintage

Unless he's a fringe player (and none of them have NTCs) no player will get benched for refusing to waive their NTC. It's the GM's decision, not the coach's, and the other players wouldn't care either.

Trying my best to imagine their situation but if I'm Garrison and Benning asked me to waive, I'd probably tell him it'll either be to one of only a few destinations of my choice or tough luck.

Unless he's a fringe player (and none of them have NTCs) no player will get benched for refusing to waive their NTC. It's the GM's decision, not the coach's, and the other players wouldn't care either.

Trying my best to imagine their situation but if I'm Garrison and Benning asked me to waive, I'd probably tell him it'll either be to one of only a few destinations of my choice or tough luck.
- AlexF

TB was his 2nd choice after Vancouver apparently. He likes that Florida sunshine.

Reports in STL are that it was Patrik Berglund, but Garrison refused to waive his NTC to make the deal.
- bluenatic411

Interesting. This falls in line with what "Hockey Widow" said too...

Knocks on him are that he doesn't work hard enough along the boards and doesn't use his size. I'm not a huge fan at all, just speculating that he would be involved.
- EagleNuck

The kid is a hard worker but he doesn't use his size. Has a bit of a scoring touch. Skates well long stride good transition. I think the problem is in his head. Has all the tools but his on ice decision making is slow. Second guesses and late moves. I think playing at an NHL level with some good leaders would be a huge help to his game.

I'm surprised we haven't heard Bo Horvat's name in a rumour yet.

Wait, I'll make one up



@NHLRumours (the real rumour guy)
Sources close to the #Canucks are telling me that prospect Bo Horvat is on the block along with HuSh for the #1 pick + Barkov #NHL #Panthers #Legit
- 1970vintage

This happens every draft and every TDL. Thousands of rumors and specualtion and at the end of the day only a small percentage of actual movement take place.

I not getting to overly optimistic until that little rat faced Bettman takes the podium and says "we have a trade to announce".

Unless he's a fringe player (and none of them have NTCs) no player will get benched for refusing to waive their NTC. It's the GM's decision, not the coach's, and the other players wouldn't care either.

Trying my best to imagine their situation but if I'm Garrison and Benning asked me to waive, I'd probably tell him it'll either be to one of only a few destinations of my choice or tough luck.
- AlexF

How would you feel coming into work every day if you knew you weren't welcome? Your boss comes to you and tells you, "Alex, we can't fire you because of a glitch in the law, but we strongly suggest that you resign. I have a buddy at company X who is really keen to talk to you about heading up their new widget department, so you would have a fresh start".

I'm not suggesting that anyone would get benched, only that it is important to feel valued at work, and if you knew that they didn't really want you there, after you got over the initial shock, you would probably look forward to a fresh start.

TB was his 2nd choice after Vancouver apparently. He likes that Florida sunshine.
- EagleNuck

Who doesn't? Pretty damn humid though.

How would you feel coming into work every day if you knew you weren't welcome? Your boss comes to you and tells you, "Alex, we can't fire you because of a glitch in the law, but we strongly suggest that you resign. I have a buddy at company X who is really keen to talk to you about heading up their new widget department, so you would have a fresh start".

I'm not suggesting that anyone would get benched, only that it is important to feel valued at work, and if you knew that they didn't really want you there, after you got over the initial shock, you would probably look forward to a fresh start.
- 1970vintage

In your analogy, it wouldn't be your direct boss (the coach) that you see daily, more like the CEO/CIO that you see only on occasion. And if the buddy in company X requires you to move away from your family (in his case his actress gf and family in White Rock) to a crappy location...well...let's just say I'd deal with the once a month awkwardness of crossing the CIO's path and work hard at my job to prove him wrong.

In your analogy, it wouldn't be your direct boss (the coach) that you see daily, more like the CEO/CIO that you see only on occasion. And if the buddy in company X requires you to move away from your family (in his case his actress gf) to a crappy location...well...let's just say I'd deal with the once a month awkwardness of crossing the CIO's path and work hard at my job to prove him wrong.
- AlexF

So you think Benning is using this a motivational tool?

So you think Benning is using this a motivational tool?
- fiveandagame

Doubtful. Even by tough love standards that would be a pretty d!ck move.

Doubtful. Even by tough love standards that would be a pretty d!ck move.
- AlexF

Update From Hockey Widow:

Well now that it is out there....

The Canucks had a deal, still on the table, Garrison for Berglund straight up. Garrison has said no to St.Louis. Said no to waiving. But is bitter as he has been told he no longer fits in the Canucks top 4. Was not asked to waive initially but told there was a deal to move him made and would he go. He was caught off guard. Has now calmed a bit and has said he would go to either Florida team, one other team but don't know who.

Canucks kicking the tires on the three teams but still want to move him to St. Louis. Garrison pondering everything and is very likely now willing to waive, but to where still on the fence. Had had his heart broken by this. Very unhappy at the way the Canucks have handled it.

But as I said earlier my sense is that Benning is deliberately playing the bad cop in order to "encourage" those with NTC to move. Similar to what BB did when he had to clean up Toronto.