Yep, he wants to play the vets aside from Vey. He even wanted to send Horvat down I heard. WTF is that?
- VanHockeyGuy

Honestly, I fully believe Torts was more open to playing inexperienced players who he liked than WD. It's just too bad that his preferred style of play and constant barking at players sucked the life out of this team.

Honestly, I fully believe Torts was more open to playing inexperienced players who he liked than WD. It's just too bad that his preferred style of play and constant barking at players sucked the life out of this team.
- Nucker101

Any of the remaining playoff coaches would (have) eaten WD alive. He has learning to do as well, so he should be more open to youth as he has been.

I think Virtanen will get a chance to make the team if they're able to move a vet or two up front out. I bet he at least gets a couple of regular season games to start the season. Benning will push it on WD like he did with Bo. But Horvat was more NHL-ready so we'll see what happens.

Benning usually mentions Virtanen first whenever someone asks if more youth will be brought up or mentions how Calgary's youth won them the series and if the Canucks should try to do the same.
- Nucker101

It's a little easier for a winger then a Center. Van had some centers already, Van lacks speeds and size on the wings.

I think Virtanen will get a chance to make the team if they're able to move a vet or two up front out. I bet he at least gets a couple of regular season games to start the season. Benning will push it on WD like he did with Bo. But Horvat was more NHL-ready so we'll see what happens.

Benning usually mentions Virtanen first whenever someone asks if more youth will be brought up or mentions how Calgary's youth won them the series and if the Canucks should try to do the same.
- Nucker101

Cause he drafted him

Any of the remaining playoff coaches will (have) eaten WD alive. He has learning to do as well, so he should be more open to youth as he has been.
- VanHockeyGuy

First year in the league. He will learn and make changes. So as the team will get younger. Trade 1 or 2 vets. Regain some draft picks, sign a few free agents and the team will look different next season. I'm reserving judgement until the 2nd day of free agency haha

First year in the league. He will learn and make changes. So as the team will get younger. Trade 1 or 2 vets. Regain some draft picks, sign a few free agents and the team will look different next season. I'm reserving judgement until the 2nd day of free agency haha
- manvanfan

You sir, have come to the wrong place.

I see Gaunce taking over Matthias's place at centre next season

I see Gaunce taking over Matthias's place at centre next season
- BeatStriker

Maybe by the end of the year, but he has played the entire season on the wing, so I doubt he gets much time at centre early on.

Maybe by the end of the year, but he has played the entire season on the wing, so I doubt he gets much time at centre early on.
- CubanBuffet

Matthias spent a lot of time on the wing, maybe that is where Gaunce ends up? But you never know, if they don't resign Richardson, maybe a rookie gets 4th line centre duties.

Not sure if I like Vey playing centre.

Matthias spent a lot of time on the wing, maybe that is where Gaunce ends up? But you never know, if they don't resign Richardson, maybe a rookie gets 4th line centre duties.

Not sure if I like Vey playing centre.
- hillbillydeluxe

Gaunce is being groomed for a wing I believe I read once. Vey doesn't really have the physical play to be in a bottom 6 spot. I highly doubt he takes a top 6 roles.

You sir, have come to the wrong place.
- CubanBuffet

ive said most of my thoughts on which way Van should go. I'm just in waiting now if anything will happen.

Wow. lots of bi-polarism today - doom and gloom central.

I, for one, definitely think Vancouver fans will hang around in another re-tool season - maybe not sell out but fans have been drinking the koolaid around here for years.

Dont expect Virtanen or McCann to be on the team next year. They will be expected to play a 200-ft game and Virtanen is no where near ready for that and no way JB goes with 2 young guys 20 and under down the middle.

If any 2 players get a shot, it'll be Sven and Gaunce and MAYBE Jensen.

Richardson is gone, Mathias is gone and more than likely Bieksa is gone....

So where does that leave us?

Sedin/Sedin/Kassian
Baertschi/Horvat/Vrbata
Burrows/Bonino/Hansen
Higgins/Gaunce/Dorsett
Vey

Edler/Tanev
Hamhuis/Corrado
Sbisa/Weber
Stanton (Or Clendening)

Miller/Lack

Theres your 2015-16 team guys. I wouldn't expect much more and I'd be shocked if they did much more. It's about following Detroits model of seasoning young players in the minors.

Gaunce is being groomed for a wing I believe I read once. Vey doesn't really have the physical play to be in a bottom 6 spot. I highly doubt he takes a top 6 roles.
- manvanfan

I heard this too, but he can play center in a pinch if they need....

Wow. lots of bi-polarism today - doom and gloom central.

I, for one, definitely think Vancouver fans will hang around in another re-tool season - maybe not sell out but fans have been drinking the koolaid around here for years.

Dont expect Virtanen or McCann to be on the team next year. They will be expected to play a 200-ft game and Virtanen is no where near ready for that and no way JB goes with 2 young guys 20 and under down the middle.

If any 2 players get a shot, it'll be Sven and Gaunce and MAYBE Jensen.

Richardson is gone, Mathias is gone and more than likely Bieksa is gone....

So where does that leave us?

Sedin/Sedin/Kassian
Baertschi/Horvat/Vrbata
Burrows/Bonino/Hansen
Higgins/Gaunce/Dorsett
Vey

Edler/Tanev
Hamhuis/Corrado
Sbisa/Weber
Stanton (Or Clendening)

Miller/Lack

Theres your 2015-16 team guys. I wouldn't expect much more and I'd be shocked if they did much more. It's about following Detroits model of seasoning young players in the minors.
- chompsey

Detroit's model is overrated, most teams play their good young players once they've already shown that they're ready. Detroit's model looks so good because they have excellent scouting. Look at most top 6 forwards in the league and check out how much time they spent in the AHL, it's usually no more than one full season and bit more.

I think Virtanen will get a chance to make the team if they're able to move a vet or two up front out. I bet he at least gets a couple of regular season games to start the season. Benning will push it on WD like he did with Bo. But Horvat was more NHL-ready so we'll see what happens.

Benning usually mentions Virtanen first whenever someone asks if more youth will be brought up or mentions how Calgary's youth won them the series and if the Canucks should try to do the same.
- Nucker101

This

I heard this too, but he can play center in a pinch if they need....
- chompsey

He should be playing that position in the first place.

Detroit's model is overrated, most teams play their good young players once they've already shown that they're ready. Detroit's model looks so good because they have excellent scouting. Look at most top 6 forwards in the league and check out how much time they spent in the AHL, it's usually no more than one full season and bit more.
- Nucker101

Whether you believe that its overrated or not is irrelevant. MGT has a vision it would appear and they plan to stick to it. Thats not to say that they wont make exceptions for exceptional players (ie Horvat), but they are in the business of developing players and careful not to rush them which many organizations do.....

Jake has an NHL body, 6' 1" 208 pounds, but it's his 200 foot game that is no where near what Bo's is, you're right, I guess we'll see how it unfolds.

Personally I love what Virtanen can do, that said, he's so young, there's no rush to get him in there.
- LeftCoaster

yea but Virtanen's hits are more deadlier than Horvats

I was listening to 1040 today, the had the MTL play by play guy or beat reporter saying, Habs need to make major moves this summer to find scoring. He said they know they will need to give up a first rounder and/or prospect or Galyenchuk.

Vrbata is a scorer

Whether you believe that its overrated or not is irrelevant. MGT has a vision it would appear and they plan to stick to it. Thats not to say that they wont make exceptions for exceptional players (ie Horvat), but they are in the business of developing players and careful not to rush them which many organizations do.....
- chompsey

If it was such a great model and easy to replicate, more teams would do it. I'd like to see this team actually establish it's only model and identity for once. It seem like we're always chasing/following some other franchise.

I just feel like outside of Detroit, the best developing teams give their top young players one full season in the AHL max, and maybe a half or so more. Once the player proves that he's a legit NHL prospect they not only call them up, but play them with other solid NHL players and put them in the right situations to play to their strengths. IE a skill guy plays with other top 6 forwards and gets PP time. A checker plays in a bottom 6 role with other similar NHL veterans. Not only does it make the player feel more comfortable and let them play to their strengths, but it gives them a defined role on the team. And they know what's expected of them. I see teams like LA/ANA/TB doing a pretty good job at this.

I was listening to 1040 today, the had the MTL play by play guy or beat reporter saying, Habs need to make major moves this summer to find scoring. He said they know they will need to give up a first rounder and/or prospect or Galyenchuk.

Vrbata is a scorer
- VANTEL

MTL was one of the teams who were trying to sign him, he had them narrowed down as one of his final teams as well according to rumours. I'm sure he'd be open to a trade there.

If it was such a great model and easy to replicate, more teams would do it. I'd like to see this team actually establish it's only model and identity for once. It seem like we're always chasing/following some other franchise.

I just feel like outside of Detroit, the best developing teams give their top young players one full season in the AHL max, and maybe a half or so more. Once the player proves that he's a legit NHL prospect they not only call them up, but play them with other solid NHL players and put them in the right situations to play to their strengths. IE a skill guy plays with other top 6 forwards and gets PP time. A checker plays in a bottom 6 role with other similar NHL veterans. Not only does it make the player feel more comfortable and let them play to their strengths, but it gives them a defined role on the team. And they know what's expected of them. I see teams like LA/ANA/TB doing a pretty good job at this.
- Nucker101

Youre missing one important component to this......the business side of the game.

You need committed ownership/management to wait it out. Most organizations dont have the patience to wait it out as they want butts in the seats to pad the bottom line.

Then there are GM's on life support pillaging their prospect pool to make a move now to save their jobs...

I could rattle off a few scenarios as to why organizations dont do it.Let's not be short-sighted and say "if its so great why dont others do it?"

This model takes time and patience, of which, many organizations dont have....

Its no coincidence that Detroit has made the playoffs 24 straight seasons, which by happenstance, is almost 3 TIMES as long as the next team (Pittsburgh - 9 seasons)...

[EDIT} I took a run down all the teams you listed off (LA/ANA/TB), and there are exceptions, but the bulk of their young players they use spent 2-3 seasons each in the minors......sounds about right....

Youre missing one important component to this......the business side of the game.

You need committed ownership/management to wait it out. Most organizations dont have the patience to wait it out as they want butts in the seats to pad the bottom line.

Then there are GM's on life support pillaging their prospect pool to make a move now to save their jobs...

I could rattle off a few scenarios as to why organizations dont do it.Let's not be short-sighted and say "if its so great why dont others do it?"

This model takes time and patience, of which, many organizations dont have....

Its no coincidence that Detroit has made the playoffs 24 straight seasons, which by happenstance, is almost 3 TIMES as long as the next team (Pittsburgh - 9 seasons)...
- chompsey

Trade our scouts with Detroit's, let Detroit keep their development model and I bet know one gloats about Detroit's great developmental model like they do today. Scouting is just as important. If you draft well, the developmental process becomes so much easier.

Wow. lots of bi-polarism today - doom and gloom central.

I, for one, definitely think Vancouver fans will hang around in another re-tool season - maybe not sell out but fans have been drinking the koolaid around here for years.

Dont expect Virtanen or McCann to be on the team next year. They will be expected to play a 200-ft game and Virtanen is no where near ready for that and no way JB goes with 2 young guys 20 and under down the middle.

If any 2 players get a shot, it'll be Sven and Gaunce and MAYBE Jensen.

Richardson is gone, Mathias is gone and more than likely Bieksa is gone....

So where does that leave us?

Sedin/Sedin/Kassian
Baertschi/Horvat/Vrbata
Burrows/Bonino/Hansen
Higgins/Gaunce/Dorsett
Vey

Edler/Tanev
Hamhuis/Corrado
Sbisa/Weber
Stanton (Or Clendening)

Miller/Lack

Theres your 2015-16 team guys. I wouldn't expect much more and I'd be shocked if they did much more. It's about following Detroits model of seasoning young players in the minors.
- chompsey

I think you are very close with your lineup prediction...very close.

I do think McCann has a more legit shot than Virtanen...I watched Virtanen all season long here in RD vs the Rebels and Virtanen has nothing close to a 200' game and his work ethic has come into question.

Sven should slot in and Gaunce and Jensen will battle it out for a spot IMO. Shink isn't ready it appears but one never knows considering how WD treats the Med Hat guys.

I also agree Bieksa/Richardson/Matthias should all be going bye bye.

Trade our scouts with Detroit's, let Detroit keep their development model and I bet know one gloats about Detroit's great developmental model like they do today. Scouting is just as important. If you draft well, the developmental process becomes so much easier.
- Nucker101

Dont get me wrong, scouting is HUGE but no team throws an 18-19 year old in the lineup just for the sake of getting younger - thats terrible business practice.....

I was just roughly counting time spent in the minors for young players by TB/LA/Ana and even those teams keep young players in the minors an avg of 125-150 games. Thats pretty substantial.....

[EDIT] Coincidentally, these numbers arent much lower than Detroits young players.....