Yup, I think it will also depend on how those vets are performing. If vrbata is playing great and the team is in the playoffs, I really doubt he is moved.
- belcherbd

It wouldn't be a surprise.

Yup, I think it will also depend on how those vets are performing. If vrbata is playing great and the team is in the playoffs, I really doubt he is moved.
- belcherbd

Which is as it should be, even if it's not ideal for the long term. But if the Canucks are in a PO position by the TDL it's because the players have played their asses off to get there. You can't reward that by moving top contributors.

Which is as it should be, even if it's not ideal for the long term. But if the Canucks are in a PO position by the TDL it's because the players have played their asses off to get there. You can't reward that by moving top contributors.
- CubanBuffet

It will be a hard call on the tweeners as well. We saw this year that even with the team in a good position at the TDL it was more important to have that vet depth. I don't see that mentality changing this season as Benning has been clear some of the players he has brought are to make this team more compitive in the playoffs.

Unless a young player has already forced their way onto the roster I doubt we will see the mass UFA selling some are hoping for/predicting.
The caveat there being that the team isn't terrible, if that's the case then I agree we see players moved.

It will be a hard call on the tweeners as well. We saw this year that even with the team in a good position at the TDL it was more important to have that vet depth. I don't see that mentality changing this season as Benning has been clear some of the players he has brought are to make this team more compitive in the playoffs.

Unless a young player has already forced their way onto the roster I doubt we will see the mass UFA selling some are hoping for/predicting.
The caveat there being that the team isn't terrible, if that's the case then I agree we see players moved.
- belcherbd

It's a tightrope. Benning is going to take heat no matter what he does. Even if they win a round or two, if Vrbata and/or Hamhuis walk for nothing he's going to get crucified.

It's a tightrope. Benning is going to take heat no matter what he does. Even if they win a round or two, if Vrbata and/or Hamhuis walk for nothing he's going to get crucified.
- CubanBuffet

Vrbata walks and Hamhuis extends. That is if we are in a playoff position at tdl, I expect us to be at least in the fight.

For sure though, there will be heat.

Is this real...before I go google it?
- LeftCoaster

I don't use Google , my wife knows everything.

@marwoods comment on today being international talk like a pirate day

Arrrrg. If that be true matee I been missed alf a good sky this day...

@marwoods comment on today being international talk like a pirate day

Arrrrg. If that be true matee I been missed alf a good sky this day...
- Flamin_Irishmin

Hey now, keep it on the island.

I don't use Google , my wife knows everything.
- VANTEL

Haha nickname her google

@marwoods comment on today being international talk like a pirate day

Arrrrg. If that be true matee I been missed alf a good sky this day...
- Flamin_Irishmin

What are you talking about? Lol drunkin Irishman on the loose everyone...

Vrbata walks and Hamhuis extends. That is if we are in a playoff position at tdl, I expect us to be at least in the fight.

For sure though, there will be heat.
- hillbillydeluxe

Benning mentioned the other day that although he doesn't envision extending Vrbata and Hamhuis before the season starts, he has spoken to them both about extensions and considers them key players on this team...i know he has to say the right things, but, i'm just saying.

I did not realise that they both had NTCs until Carol mentioned it. That could definitely complicate the HB plan of a fire sale if the season goes the way most predict.

Final thought...if everyone in the West has improved (except the Canucks apparently), would that really mean that 'every' team gets so many more points at the end of the year?

Unless every game goes to o/t, is it not possible that the new improved bigger teams knock the snot out of each other and we might be able to catch some teams off guard and play a simple/quiet game, collecting enough points to squeak into the playoff picture.
Just a thought.

Benning mentioned the other day that although he doesn't envision extending Vrbata and Hamhuis before the season starts, he has spoken to them both about extensions and considers them key players on this team...i know he has to say the right things, but, i'm just saying.

I did not realise that they both had NTCs until Carol mentioned it. That could definitely complicate the HB plan of a fire sale if the season goes the way most predict.

Final thought...if everyone in the West has improved (except the Canucks apparently), would that really mean that 'every' team gets so many more points at the end of the year?

Unless every game goes to o/t, is it not possible that the new improved bigger teams knock the snot out of each other and we might be able to catch some teams off guard and play a simple/quiet game, collecting enough points to squeak into the playoff picture.
Just a thought.
- dbot

That'll be the Canucks biggest advantage. They've been written off by most media since the draft. Players see that and they aren't immune from having it seep into their subconscious. The Canucks should catch a few teams off guard, as well as enjoying a healthy dose of backup goalies.

Benning mentioned the other day that although he doesn't envision extending Vrbata and Hamhuis before the season starts, he has spoken to them both about extensions and considers them key players on this team...i know he has to say the right things, but, i'm just saying.

I did not realise that they both had NTCs until Carol mentioned it. That could definitely complicate the HB plan of a fire sale if the season goes the way most predict.

Final thought...if everyone in the West has improved (except the Canucks apparently), would that really mean that 'every' team gets so many more points at the end of the year?

Unless every game goes to o/t, is it not possible that the new improved bigger teams knock the snot out of each other and we might be able to catch some teams off guard and play a simple/quiet game, collecting enough points to squeak into the playoff picture.
Just a thought.
- dbot

Stop it with all the optimism


Were gonna sell all our good players at the deadline and get the lottery tickets......
More balance in the way should mean less points for the top teams and we may do add you suggest, I think that barring injuries this I is a playoff team.

Sbisa, Hansen and Cassels for Schenn boys

Sbisa, Hansen and Cassels for Schenn boys
- Bieksa#3

Sbisa, Higgins and Jensen.

Sbisa, Higgins and Jensen.
- hillbillydeluxe

Maybe they throw in Morin and a 1st

Maybe they throw in Morin and a 1st
- Bieksa#3

(where is the emoticon with the wine glass? )

(where is the emoticon with the wine glass? )
- hillbillydeluxe

Sbisa-- l Schenn is a wash imo

Cassel and Hansen for b schenn

Apparently Virtanen got leveled by Dane Fox today.

Cassel, Virtanen and Burrows on a line

Sbisa, Hansen and Cassels for Schenn boys
- Bieksa#3

i'd take Sbisa over Luke Schenn and his salary.
Brayden is due a significant raise and I see him and Bo Horvat in the same role.

no deal

i'd take Sbisa over Luke Schenn and his salary.
Brayden is due a significant raise and I see him and Bo Horvat in the same role.

no deal
- dbot

L Schenn makes 1k more then Sbisa

Sbisa, Hansen and Cassels for Schenn boys
- Bieksa#3

Done, but will Philly do it? Doubt it.

Apparently Virtanen got leveled by Dane Fox today.

Cassel, Virtanen and Burrows on a line
- Bieksa#3

hmmmm.

wonder what the back story is there? Just normal play or JV pushed a little too far?

hmmmm.

wonder what the back story is there? Just normal play or JV pushed a little too far?
- hillbillydeluxe

Just trying to get noticed I assumw

Just trying to get noticed I assumw
- Bieksa#3

Yup.