Edmonton has been trying that model out for years. It can be entertaining as times.

We picked the Sedins at #2 and #3 and they were the nucleus of a SCF team with 2 President's Trophies. Unfortunately I think you're first idea was correct (ie that we'd need a couple top 5 picks). You'd need some very savvy drafting to build a contender with mid-to-late 1st round picks alone.

I'd be ok with dumping vets for prospects or picks and giving their roster spots to rookies and see how that goes. The team as it is right now is stuck in no-man's land IMO.
- AlexF

I've been saying the same thing for months. You need those top picks to draft exceptional players. That's what you biuld around. As promising as some of our prospects are now, none of them are worthy enough to build a franchise around.

I've been saying the same thing for months. You need those top picks to draft exceptional players. That's what you biuld around. As promising as some of our prospects are now, none of them are worthy enough to build a franchise around.
- bloatedmosquito

100% agreed.

I've been saying the same thing for months. You need those top picks to draft exceptional players. That's what you biuld around. As promising as some of our prospects are now, none of them are worthy enough to build a franchise around.
- bloatedmosquito

Hearing Benning say teams approach him about Horvat, Virtanen, McCann and them being a non starters gives me hope for developing players through the draft.

I've been saying the same thing for months. You need those top picks to draft exceptional players. That's what you biuld around. As promising as some of our prospects are now, none of them are worthy enough to build a franchise around.
- bloatedmosquito

Jake V and horvat are worthy and demko is stud for sure. We fall short on D prospects though so we are in tough

I agree, but there aren't too many examples of that working. Detroit's been trying to retool on the fly for some time but haven't gotten anywhere near contender status.

IMO this model will cause us to lose more years.
- AlexF

Chicago only had two top three picks, LA only had one top three pick and Boston only had one top three pick. There's your last six Cup winners.

Martin to SJ for 4 years

Edmonton and Calgary are in an arms race trying to one up each other.

Chicago only had two top three picks, LA only had one top three pick and Boston only had one top three pick. There's your last six Cup winners.
- LeftCoaster

And we had 2 top 3 picks (Sedins). And PIT had 3. All those teams including us leaned heavily on their top picks to win

You're proving my point with your examples. You need at least 1 top 3 pick to get a core established with elite level talent. The way Benning is currently managing this team, we won't be falling low enough to get a top 3 pick for some time yet, but we also won't be good enough to win. Hence, no-man's land.

And we had 2 top 3 picks (Sedins). And PIT had 3. All those teams including us leaned heavily on their top picks to win

You're proving my point with your examples. You need at least 1 top 3 pick to get a core established with elite level talent. The way Benning is currently managing this team, we won't be falling low enough to get a top 3 pick for some time yet, but we also won't be good enough to win. Hence, no-man's land.
- AlexF

Your point is my point, they'll need a couple top three picks, but it won't happen until the twins leave....that's what I said. Next season will be a step back, the following season will perhaps be a further step back.

With the new lottery rules who knows. All I know is the team is about to get better thru the draft.

I also disagree with your thoughts on how Benning is managing the team; he managed last year to win, the playoffs opened his eyes after giving the core a chance at another push....things change.

Vancouver Canucks ‏@VanCanucks · 27s28 seconds ago
#Canucks sign defenceman @Bartkowski43

Kessel to Pitts as per Sportsnet

Kessel traded

Vancouver Canucks ‏@VanCanucks · 27s28 seconds ago
#Canucks sign defenceman @Bartkowski43
- pker2theend

Ewwww

#Canucks sign defenceman @Bartkowski43. Release - http://ow.ly/P33hz

Ewwww
- I-own_da-Northwest

Just a stop-gap move...nothing more

Kessel officially a pen?

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 39s39 seconds ago
Kessel to Pitt in multi player deal. Done

Hope_Smoke ‏@Hope_Smoke · 31s32 seconds ago
Kapanen, Harrington & a first is a horrible return

#Canucks sign defenceman @Bartkowski43. Release - http://ow.ly/P33hz
- LeftCoaster

Can never have enough 3rd pairing d men on your team.

Elliotte Friedman ‏@FriedgeHNIC · 1m1 minute ago
As a @RealKyper reported, Kessel to PIT for Kapanen, Harrington and a pick

Hope_Smoke ‏@Hope_Smoke · 31s32 seconds ago
Kapanen, Harrington & a first is a horrible return


- LeftCoaster

Not great. BUT. It doesnt appear they are retaining any salary so thats a plus for sure.

Hope_Smoke ‏@Hope_Smoke · 31s32 seconds ago
Kapanen, Harrington & a first is a horrible return


- LeftCoaster

The Laffs just get stuck up the bumhole every time.

Not great. BUT. It doesnt appear they are retaining any salary so thats a plus for sure.
- vancity787

True...

Can never have enough 3rd pairing d men on your team.
- Scooby_Doo

Meh....the team is not is a position to contend so step back and build thru the draft.

Fackin Toronto!!!! They're trying to steal our top 3 pick