I think it is a management team approach to who stays with the club from junior, along with who is called up or sent down. I hope so anyway.

Tough decisions, don't want to have 18 year olds, or players from junior/college automatically make the club when they may not be ready.

I think I'm agreeing with Manvanfan.
- hillbillydeluxe

Theres always got to be a first sometime. Woooh

Biega, corrado, connoughton, sanguinetti, subban are all D. Then theres the 6'7" Russian monster" still under contract in khl. Maybe he's taller I dont remember exactly.....was an odd number like 7 or 9. Dont recall his name either but we have him in the system just over in russia.

It's just interesting when you hear differing answers from different levels of management
- bezz44

Differing opinions before a decision is made and then they forgot it was a team decision when asked? But yes, different perspectives, ideas, priorities.

Benning really stressed he isn't opposed to asking players to waive ntc's if there is a deal to be made. But it didn't sound like there are any plans to do so.

I just want change on defense. I don't think Edler will be moved. Tough decisions need to be made.

Biega, corrado, connoughton, sanguinetti, subban are all D. Then theres the 6'7" Russian monster" still under contract in khl. Maybe he's taller I dont remember exactly.....was an odd number like 7 or 9. Dont recall his name either but we have him in the system just over in russia.
- SMBDragon

Kevin c is not ours any more. We traded him.

Theres always got to be a first sometime. Woooh
- manvanfan

Biega, corrado, connoughton, sanguinetti, subban are all D. Then theres the 6'7" Russian monster" still under contract in khl. Maybe he's taller I dont remember exactly.....was an odd number like 7 or 9. Dont recall his name either but we have him in the system just over in russia.
- SMBDragon

Smashmcdavidov

That wasn't the full quote, he also mentioned that the player should be fast and able to cover defensibly and that they need to have good offensive instincts.

To me it sounds like he described a hybrid of Vrbata/Burrows/Kassian.....so likely we will see the same as this year.
- belcherbd

Persoanlly I dont think it needs to be just 1.....each brings a different element to the sedina and gets a different game from the sedins. vrbatta the pure sniper, kassian the net presence with size and burrows who can change his game w versatility. Just use whatever the situation calls for, change it as needed period to period. Itd definately keep the opposing bench guessing.

Same salary cap and we aren't paying anyone (or 2) 10.5 mil. They only have 3 defencemen signed for next year
- A_SteamingLombardi

Virtanen is listed as a right winger not D

Biega, corrado, connoughton, sanguinetti, subban are all D. Then theres the 6'7" Russian monster" still under contract in khl. Maybe he's taller I dont remember exactly.....was an odd number like 7 or 9. Dont recall his name either but we have him in the system just over in russia.
- SMBDragon

Nikita Tryamkin. And none of those guys are expected to be impact players. Probably looking at a couple of them developing into bottom pairing guys. Maybe Corrado will be top 4 but expectations aren't high. No blue chippers

Virtanen is listed as a right winger not D
- SMBDragon

What does he have to do with the Blackhawks?

Nikita Tryamkin. And none of those guys are expected to be impact players. Probably looking at a couple of them developing into bottom pairing guys. Maybe Corrado will be top 4 but expectations aren't high. No blue chippers
- bezz44

None of it really matters if there isn't a spot for them.

Bieksa is the only guy on the current roster with a realistic chance of being moved and its pretty slim.

Biega, corrado, sanguinetti, subban are all D. Then theres the 6'7" Russian monster" still under contract in khl. Maybe he's taller I dont remember exactly.....was an odd number like 7 or 9. Dont recall his name either but we have him in the system just over in russia.
- SMBDragon

I hope they keep the same forwards more or less. I think the offense was good this year and if they had a more active defense it will be even more lights out.

Biega is a lifer in the AHl who got to play his first NHL game this year. Don't see corrado, sanguinetti, or (Canucks) subban contending for the Norris anytime soon.

I think Edler and Tanev would make a solid second pairing and I have hope that Edler could get back to a 40 point season and become a first pairing guy again. I think Sbisa and Weber are good young D that could develop...but for now don't have the jam.

I've always been a fan of Bieksa's game - gritty, shoots lots - but he had a baaaaaad year. I know he's a defensive liability but he was making up for it in the 2011 heydays by getting points and hits. Now I think he's not bringing enough to the team sadly.

Hamhuis has been an unequivocal disaster IMHO. I loved the signing when he came in, but I've been kinda floored how many people on the boards like him. He doesn't put up points which would be forgivable if he was a Willie Mitchell shut down specialist, but he's not. He had a terrible year and is constantly getting out muscled, screening his own goalie or scoring on his own goalie. The series cliniching goal against the Nucks on LA's 2012 cup in run is what I've seen from Hamhuis this year.

The team needs a defensive stud...sadly, I have no idea what they'd have to trade to get one and don't see a lot of UFA's on the market this year.

None of it really matters if there isn't a spot for them.

Bieksa is the only guy on the current roster with a realistic chance of being moved and its pretty slim.
- belcherbd

I think he's gone next year. Weber will be resigned, Sbisa is here to stay, and Hammer, Tanev, Edler are probably safe. His contract is an anchor and I'm sure Benning saw what we all saw from Bieksa in the playoffs.

Kevin c is not ours any more. We traded him.
- anavar

Yes youre correct....I meant to say thatbother guy benning acquired....think from chicago.
Clendenning

I hope they keep the same forwards more or less. I think the offense was good this year and if they had a more active defense it will be even more lights out.

Biega is a lifer in the AHl who got to play his first NHL game this year. Don't see corrado, sanguinetti, or (Canucks) subban contending for the Norris anytime soon.

I think Edler and Tanev would make a solid second pairing and I have hope that Edler could get back to a 40 point season and become a first pairing guy again. I think Sbisa and Weber are good young D that could develop...but for now don't have the jam.

I've always been a fan of Bieksa's game - gritty, shoots lots - but he had a baaaaaad year. I know he's a defensive liability but he was making up for it in the 2011 heydays by getting points and hits. Now I think he's not bringing enough to the team sadly.

Hamhuis has been an unequivocal disaster IMHO. I loved the signing when he came in, but I've been kinda floored how many people on the boards like him. He doesn't put up points which would be forgivable if he was a Willie Mitchell shut down specialist, but he's not. He had a terrible year and is constantly getting out muscled, screening his own goalie or scoring on his own goalie. The series cliniching goal against the Nucks on LA's 2012 cup in run is what I've seen from Hamhuis this year.

The team needs a defensive stud...sadly, I have no idea what they'd have to trade to get one and don't see a lot of UFA's on the market this year.
- Ronning4ever

Need to draft one. I hope Kylington falls to us. Sounds like there will be some risk but he was a possible top 10 pick before this season and we have nobody in our system that could potentially be an offensive engine from the back end

Nikita Tryamkin. And none of those guys are expected to be impact players. Probably looking at a couple of them developing into bottom pairing guys. Maybe Corrado will be top 4 but expectations aren't high. No blue chippers
- bezz44

Ya thats him.
I liked corrados play when he was up. Wish hed stuck.

Ya thats him.
I liked corrados play when he was up. Wish hed stuck.
- SMBDragon

If Bieksa is gone I think he'll be here next season

I hope they keep the same forwards more or less. I think the offense was good this year and if they had a more active defense it will be even more lights out.

Biega is a lifer in the AHl who got to play his first NHL game this year. Don't see corrado, sanguinetti, or (Canucks) subban contending for the Norris anytime soon.

I think Edler and Tanev would make a solid second pairing and I have hope that Edler could get back to a 40 point season and become a first pairing guy again. I think Sbisa and Weber are good young D that could develop...but for now don't have the jam.

I've always been a fan of Bieksa's game - gritty, shoots lots - but he had a baaaaaad year. I know he's a defensive liability but he was making up for it in the 2011 heydays by getting points and hits. Now I think he's not bringing enough to the team sadly.

Hamhuis has been an unequivocal disaster IMHO. I loved the signing when he came in, but I've been kinda floored how many people on the boards like him. He doesn't put up points which would be forgivable if he was a Willie Mitchell shut down specialist, but he's not. He had a terrible year and is constantly getting out muscled, screening his own goalie or scoring on his own goalie. The series cliniching goal against the Nucks on LA's 2012 cup in run is what I've seen from Hamhuis this year.

The team needs a defensive stud...sadly, I have no idea what they'd have to trade to get one and don't see a lot of UFA's on the market this year.
- Ronning4ever

Sorry bud, if you think Hamhuis is the problem you are wrong. In his disaster season he put 2nd most points on the team despite playing the least amount of games. He is still a legit top 4 D and this team would be an actual disaster without him.

I hope they keep the same forwards more or less. I think the offense was good this year and if they had a more active defense it will be even more lights out.

Biega is a lifer in the AHl who got to play his first NHL game this year. Don't see corrado, sanguinetti, or (Canucks) subban contending for the Norris anytime soon.

I think Edler and Tanev would make a solid second pairing and I have hope that Edler could get back to a 40 point season and become a first pairing guy again. I think Sbisa and Weber are good young D that could develop...but for now don't have the jam.

I've always been a fan of Bieksa's game - gritty, shoots lots - but he had a baaaaaad year. I know he's a defensive liability but he was making up for it in the 2011 heydays by getting points and hits. Now I think he's not bringing enough to the team sadly.

Hamhuis has been an unequivocal disaster IMHO. I loved the signing when he came in, but I've been kinda floored how many people on the boards like him. He doesn't put up points which would be forgivable if he was a Willie Mitchell shut down specialist, but he's not. He had a terrible year and is constantly getting out muscled, screening his own goalie or scoring on his own goalie. The series cliniching goal against the Nucks on LA's 2012 cup in run is what I've seen from Hamhuis this year.

The team needs a defensive stud...sadly, I have no idea what they'd have to trade to get one and don't see a lot of UFA's on the market this year.
- Ronning4ever

Ya they need 1 for sure. But I also say the reason all the long term d men have been bad is lack of practice for too many years. Canucks have had lazy coaching staffs for eons. Torts never ran a practice and edler fell apart. Get the D practicing frequently and I think you'll see bounce backs from a few guys. Edler for sure and hopefully.....we can only pray....bieksa. I love him for the other things he brings.....shich we sorely need. Like he is the defender of the team pretty well. Not that hes still great at it but can you imagine without that? So let's hope either jb makes good moves or keving has great year.

Hope everyone is cheering for DET, CGY, WSH, MIN in the 2nd round. If all 4 teams make it to the semi's we will pick 19th

Im hoping jb brings in a very good D coach with excellent strategies and desires to run regular practice.....extra following loses due to defense issues. Strong forecheck and solid zone exit strategies too. the guy in boston will do nicely if they get the .boot.

Hope everyone is cheering for DET, CGY, WSH, MIN in the 2nd round. If all 4 teams make it to the semi's we will pick 19th
- bezz44

I thought it sounded like Benning has someone new in mind for the Sedins. He didn't exactly describe Vrbata when he talked about the winger he'd like to see-

Jason Botchford
‏@botchford Willie on Sedins: "I think they need a guy who will go to the net, I think they need a guy who is good on the forecheck" CC: New 17

It sounds a bit like Burrows, but I think he wants someone a bit bigger.

I am not sure if Baertschi will start with the top6 either or in the ahl.

WD said something about players earning their spot with the big club too, and he is loyal to the vets. Still hoping for a move on defense. a pmd would be a great addition.
- hillbillydeluxe

Sven is all but guaranteed a roster spot ...he is playing in the NHL next year or Europe ...no where else

Jason Botchford @botchford
· 1h 1 hour ago
someone calls asking about vrbata, what do you say?


Sounds like an easy job being a reporter. It all depends on the offer. Don't see him moving with all the emphasis on making the post season, but it depends on the offer.

Sorry bud, if you think Hamhuis is the problem you are wrong. In his disaster season he put 2nd most points on the team despite playing the least amount of games. He is still a legit top 4 D and this team would be an actual disaster without him.
- belcherbd