Let's not forget that no matter what JB and TL might say, WD is on the hot seat. The expectation is that the Canucks make the playoffs with what they have. If they don't make it this year, Willie's leash will be shorter than a choke chain. If they come out next year like this after whatever changes are made in the off-season I see Willie gone by next Christmas.
- DariusKnight

Nah...don't see it. At least not until next season. Benning and Linden aren't morons they know this is not a playoff team to an extent and WD will be given the leash accordingly. It's not WD's fault the stale Vets here can't get it done. They are looking at his process with the kids and it has been more than ok so far. Horvat, Hutton, McCann, JV...now Shink and few others will need to be evaluated development-wise more under WD to make a full assessment of his coaching.

If playoffs are on the radar then Benning needs to make a move for support. Not hang it on the coach for personnel problems. We have four starters out too and that ain't WD's fault either. There is literally no chance of WD being on the hot seat this season.

maybe next year if the development of the kids stalls but there is no sign of that showing either.

Look how many games Weber is costing us on this road trip... we have no one to replace his failing role as a offensive D man. Hutton is already getting all the minutes he can handle. McCann, Jv, Shink, Sven are not going to take his minutes.... and the exact same can be said about Edler... who is sucking bad.... criticisms for not applying options that dont exist is hardly fair.

This routine about the kids is weak. They are learning... they are doing ok,,,, but they are not going to carry the load yet. If we are out of the playoff picture... the youth priority will take front stage.

I know many of the same people who want the vets sat and roles reduced would freak as soon as they start seeing the trade values crash and JM just keeps them because the returns are too small.... this is something that will never change around here...
- boonerbuck

Weber needs to go and JB knows it. Weber has been on for every shorthanded goal I believe. It's time but how do you move that guy?

Weber needs to go and JB knows it. Weber has been on for every shorthanded goal I believe. It's time but how do you move that guy?
- LordHumungous

The team desperately needs Sutter, Prust & Sbisa (yes, I said Sbisa) back real damn quick.
More balance throughout the line up.

Nah...don't see it. At least not until next season. Benning and Linden aren't morons they know this is not a playoff team to an extent and WD will be given the leash accordingly. It's not WD's fault the stale Vets here can't get it done. They are looking at his process with the kids and it has been more than ok so far. Horvat, Hutton, McCann, JV...now Shink and few others will need to be evaluated development-wise more under WD to make a full assessment of his coaching.

If playoffs are on the radar then Benning needs to make a move for support. Not hang it on the coach for personnel problems. We have four starters out too and that ain't WD's fault either. There is literally no chance of WD being on the hot seat this season.

maybe next year if the development of the kids stalls but there is no sign of that showing either.
- LordHumungous

No, but it is his fault for not benching one of the vets to send a message to the rest of them that making the same mistakes over and over repeatedly will not be tolerated. I'd agree he's not in the hot seat /right now/ but the leash is a LOT shorter than you might think. Never forget that the goal and expectation is that the Canucks make the playoffs, if they don't, expect him to be on the hot seat next season.

The team desperately needs Sutter, Prust & Sbisa (yes, I said Sbisa) back real damn quick.
More balance throughout the line up.
- Marwood

Yup i agree, Sbisa has really stepped up since last year.

No, but it is his fault for not benching one of the vets to send a message to the rest of them that making the same mistakes over and over repeatedly will not be tolerated. I'd agree he's not in the hot seat /right now/ but the leash is a LOT shorter than you might think. Never forget that the goal and expectation is that the Canucks make the playoffs, if they don't, expect him to be on the hot seat next season.
- DariusKnight

I will agree with this to a certain extent. Problem is with 4 starters out it's tough to bench the vets all things considered...but I am with you a message needs to be sent.

Yup i agree, Sbisa has really stepped up since last year.
- phyllee

He has stepped up and we are missing Sutters 200' game big time. Prust is more of a presence now but still very effective in his role.

Sutter's 2nd and third line play are sorely missed. With Horvat struggling to be the shutdown guy for now we can't rely too much on Hansen to be 'that guy'. I still believe Horvat will get going with the right linemates but carrying baertchi and JV is not going to help Horvat's cause right now. Once Sutter is back I would like to see Horvat paired with Hansen Higgins once Hansen is off the Sedin line. With the Vrbata issues I can see Burrows getting his shot with the Sedins real soon...which is fine.

He has stepped up and we are missing Sutters 200' game big time. Prust is more of a presence now but still very effective in his role.

Sutter's 2nd and third line play are sorely missed. With Horvat struggling to be the shutdown guy for now we can't rely too much on Hansen to be 'that guy'. I still believe Horvat will get going with the right linemates but carrying baertchi and JV is not going to help Horvat's cause right now. Once Sutter is back I would like to see Horvat paired with Hansen Higgins once Hansen is off the Sedin line. With the Vrbata issues I can see Burrows getting his shot with the Sedins real soon...which is fine.
- LordHumungous

Sutter is defiently needed back, hoping hes not out much longer

I watched him play his whole junior career in PG. Man amongst boys most of the time. Nice kid who loves his Momma.
- thundachunk

Loves his mommas cooking is more like it...no thanks...ever, period, isn't worth the paycheck he demands.

Loves his mommas cooking is more like it...no thanks...ever, period, isn't worth the paycheck he demands.
- Makita

Loves his mommas cooking is more like it...no thanks...ever, period, isn't worth the paycheck he demands.
- Makita

Maybe so...but Big Buff is exactly what this team needs right now. Can plant him in front of the net on the PP or can provide the shot from the point we need on the PP. Plus the bruising presence. I say he would be worth the risk.

Maybe so...but Big Buff is exactly what this team needs right now. Can plant him in front of the net on the PP or can provide the shot from the point we need on the PP. Plus the bruising presence. I say he would be worth the risk.
- LordHumungous

Couldn't we get 4 other effective pylons for the same as one, over priced one dimensional pylon.

Maybe so...but Big Buff is exactly what this team needs right now. Can plant him in front of the net on the PP or can provide the shot from the point we need on the PP. Plus the bruising presence. I say he would be worth the risk.
- LordHumungous

I dont think he is the guy the Canucks need. A player of his capabilities, sure, but not Buff. He is capable of being dominant but hasn't been consistent, nor does he have the character I would be bringing into this team at this point IMO

Couldn't we get 4 other effective pylons for the same as one, over priced one dimensional pylon.
- Makita

lol...

I dont think he is the guy the Canucks need. A player of his capabilities, sure, but not Buff. He is capable of being dominant but hasn't been consistent, nor does he have the character I would be bringing into this team at this point IMO
- WhiteLie

I dont think he is the guy the Canucks need. A player of his capabilities, sure, but not Buff. He is capable of being dominant but hasn't been consistent, nor does he have the character I would be bringing into this team at this point IMO
- WhiteLie

respectfully have to disagree. Guys like Lucic and Byfuglien are exactly what this team needs right now before the Country Club stale Veteran atmosphere starts to rub off on the kids. This is more serious than people think. It's not like guys like Buff and Lucic need to be here for the next 5 years just a transition...then you move forward. A culture change is needed right now.

I dont think he is the guy the Canucks need. A player of his capabilities, sure, but not Buff. He is capable of being dominant but hasn't been consistent, nor does he have the character I would be bringing into this team at this point IMO
- WhiteLie

How often do top pairing dmen become available? If he is available, JB has to determine what it would cost to get him or he isn't doing his job. We need to change up the defence. Might not be a perfect fit, but would improve the back end without a doubt.

I'd rather Buff over Lucic. We have prospects pushing for forward spots and are struggling on defense.

Howdy,

New blog is up, with some happy thoughts about more prospects to counterbalance against last night's disappointment.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ow-vs-Canadiens/194/72585

Couldn't we get 4 other effective pylons for the same as one, over priced one dimensional pylon.
- Makita

One dimensional ha he plays forward and defence. Big skilled and can skate. Plays on the edge every game. He is exactly what this team needs if he can stay in shape.

respectfully have to disagree. Guys like Lucic and Byfuglien are exactly what this team needs right now before the Country Club stale Veteran atmosphere starts to rub off on the kids. This is more serious than people think. It's not like guys like Buff and Lucic need to be here for the next 5 years just a transition...then you move forward. A culture change is needed right now.
- LordHumungous

Which is why, I think, that Dorsett, Prust & Sutter are on the team. They are the culture change. Can't change the team completely over in just 1 season, this will take a few more seasons until they are in contender status.

Which is why, I think, that Dorsett, Prust & Sutter are on the team. They are the culture change. Can't change the team completely over in just 1 season, this will take a few more seasons until they are in contender status.
- Marwood

While I agree with you and am happy those players are on this team...we need a few more ingredients. But you're right I don't expect to happen all in one year.