I am totally agreeing with you guys. Experience with the Sedin's for any rookie and or prospect is great for development. I just don't see the Sedin's OR management being ok with this when they keep re-assuring fans that anything short of playoffs is failure (which is). I see Hansen right now as a Burrows 2.0, and I actually see Hansen being more serviceable down the line up but that is just my opinion. I think line chemistry goes stale all the time, which is why you never see line combinations stay the same over the course of the year on ANY team. I just don't see the Sedins wanting their last couple contract years being used as development tools.
- Codes1087

My comment was not so much about development as it was about players being productive, scoring goals and winning games, so, i don't see any conflict with your comment above about management goals.

I think the Sedins have accepted that their window has really closed and that they are in a teaching/mentoring role now, with an outside chance of making one last playoff run before retiring.
They seem like pragmatists to me.

While I agree with you, Benning and Linden don't. They are all for playoffs and nothing short of it. They are not going to use the Sedin's as developing tools, they are going to use them as a line they expect to put up points every night. If this was a true rebuild, in which many I think had hoped for, prospects playing with the Sedins is the most ideal thing. The problem is, Benning and Linden are selling the "we want to be competitive now, and we want to make the playoffs now" and throwing in prospects and rookies to gain experience with the Sedin's is probably not a part of what they are trying to achieve for the 2016/2017 season. I agree with you 100% though, I just feel Benning and co do not.
- Codes1087

This is why I female dog and moan about the owner, prez, and the GM.

It's going to be that much tougher for JB to refill the hole the twins leave when they retire using the approach above. It's time to start moving the playbook away from the twins skill set now to lessen the pain later.

I think the 16-17 season should be phase 1 in operation Phase Out.

My comment was not so much about development as it was about players being productive, scoring goals and winning games, so, i don't see any conflict with your comment above about management goals.

I think the Sedins have accepted that their window has really closed and that they are in a teaching/mentoring role now, with an outside chance of making one last playoff run before retiring.
They seem like pragmatists to me.
- dbot

They are getting paid $7M per year. They'll (frank)ing do what they are told to do.

PP's are one thing, but I am not sure how I feel about multiple line mates per game for 5v5, regardless of the zone start.

Burrows and his "unmoveable" contract is a direct result of how talented the Sedin's are. Burrows (while to his credit) plays whistle to whistle, every night, but is just not even close to top line talent. Hansen, with all do respect, I feel is the same.
- Codes1087

I agree about Burrows and Hansen so who's left that could play with the twin on a consistent basis?

This really needs to happen more often. Put some of the muck-raking parasite 'sport writers' out of business.
- YeOldTimer

its about time this happened. As well, as much as I dont like torts, I would be right behind him on his past tirade on brooks as well.

Well, they are the experts at this.
- YeOldTimer

did you notice the headlines at the top with the execution of the albertan? Maybe it wasnt terrorists, maybe someone found one the oilers trolls??

I agree about Burrows and Hansen so who's left that could play with the twin on a consistent basis?
- bloatedmosquito

sutter....rodin potentially....as well as whoever we pick at draft if its a forward and theyre ready for 1st line minutes. Perhaps a UFA

I agree about Burrows and Hansen so who's left that could play with the twin on a consistent basis?
- bloatedmosquito

Sedins, Hansen,Sutter , Sven , Bo , Etem , Granlund, Dorsett , Gaunce, Rodin, JV.

That's 12 forwards right there without the draft pick or a free agent.

I don't see room for Burrows or Higgins.

Sedins, Hansen,Sutter , Sven , Bo , Etem , Granlund, Dorsett , Gaunce, Rodin, JV.

That's 12 forwards right there without the draft pick or a free agent.

I don't see room for Burrows or Higgins.
- VANTEL

Sedin Sedin Hansen
Baertchi Horvat UFA/Finn?
Etem Sutter Rodin
Burrows Gaunce Dorsett
Granlund/Zalewski

JV and McCann in AHL till they earn it or injuries force it.

PP's are one thing, but I am not sure how I feel about multiple line mates per game for 5v5, regardless of the zone start.

Burrows and his "unmoveable" contract is a direct result of how talented the Sedin's are. Burrows (while to his credit) plays whistle to whistle, every night, but is just not even close to top line talent. Hansen, with all do respect, I feel is the same.
- Codes1087

I thought next year it was my beard with the Sedins.

I agree about Burrows and Hansen so who's left that could play with the twin on a consistent basis?
- bloatedmosquito

I still say Horvat would be a great line mate but we need him down the middle.

Consistency for what? Is it about keeping the twins producing or is it about developing a new young core of players? Any young player would benefit from spending some time playing with the twins. Great learning tool. Use it while you have it.

The twins will be around for another 2-3 years max. Get as many of your young prospects to play with and learn from these guys in meaningful situations.
- bloatedmosquito

Personally, I would like to see WD pick a young winger, make him stick to the Sedins like glue, and learn consistency, professionalism, and how to cycle and control the puck. Thinking Virtanen here.

Sedin Sedin Hansen
Baertchi Horvat UFA/Finn?
Etem Sutter Rodin
Burrows Gaunce Dorsett
Granlund/Zalewski

JV and McCann in AHL till they earn it or injuries force it.
- belcherbd

I don't see them carrying a 4.5 mil cap hit for a fourth liner.

I think they will bring in at least one FA forward, and a NHL ready draft pick forward.

Sedin Sedin UFA
Finn Sutter Hansen
Sven Bo Rodin
Etem Gaunce Dorsett

Granlund

Personally, I would like to see WD pick a young winger, make him stick to the Sedins like glue, and learn consistency, professionalism, and how to cycle and control the puck. Thinking Virtanen here.
- Lostinarink

I'm a bit on board with this. What JV needs is more confidence & more consistency. He hasn't yet earned top line minutes. If he can play solid 2-ways & find his scoring groove then its plausible but not likely til the following year.

I still say Horvat would be a great line mate but we need him down the middle.
- belcherbd

This is what I'm saying. There is no clear cut guy you can point to and say "that's the guy to play with the twins all season". Unless you go out and sign or trade for a guy. Which will probably happen.

Use the position to benefit the crew in other ways.

I don't see them carrying a 4.5 mil cap hit for a fourth liner.

I think they will bring in at least one FA forward, and a NHL ready draft pick forward.
- VANTEL

Burrows is likely waived to the AHL. Prolly a UFA or eg Gaunce gets his job.

I still say Horvat would be a great line mate but we need him down the middle.
- belcherbd

Bo is too efficient at his postion to remove him.

Sedins, Hansen,Sutter , Sven , Bo , Etem , Granlund, Dorsett , Gaunce, Rodin, JV.

That's 12 forwards right there without the draft pick or a free agent.

I don't see room for Burrows or Higgins.
- VANTEL

I'm all for rotating players in and out of the top line. But Codes said consistency. out of the 10 potential line mate you listed who would be the constant line mate?

I don't think there is one in the bunch you listed. Sven would be my choice but not all season.

Bo is too efficient at his postion to remove him.
- SRam19

Sorry? Did you say too efficient?

He's got a lot to learn. Lots.

This is what I'm saying. There is no clear cut guy you can point to and say "that's the guy to play with the twins all season". Unless you go out and sign or trade for a guy. Which will probably happen.

Use the position to benefit the crew in other ways.
- bloatedmosquito

I know you disagree, but IMO Hansen is that guy now.

I'm all for rotating players in and out of the top line. But Codes said consistency. out of the 10 potential line mate you listed who would be the constant line mate?

I don't think there is one in the bunch you listed. Sven would be my choice but not all season.
- bloatedmosquito

I would maybe look at getting Okposo as a free agent . You will overpay a bit , somewhere around 6 mil. That's who I would have on the top line.

I don't see them carrying a 4.5 mil cap hit for a fourth liner.

I think they will bring in at least one FA forward, and a NHL ready draft pick forward.

Sedin Sedin UFA
Finn Sutter Hansen
Sven Bo Rodin
Etem Gaunce Dorsett

Granlund
- VANTEL

I don't think Burrows get bought out and don't think we get lucky enough to get a NHL ready player.

everyone thought Dane Fox might be something and he isn't even an AHL candidate....
- kaptaan

Thanks for speaking for me but you are wrong.

I don't see them carrying a 4.5 mil cap hit for a fourth liner.

I think they will bring in at least one FA forward, and a NHL ready draft pick forward.

Sedin Sedin UFA
Finn Sutter Hansen
Sven Bo Rodin
Etem Gaunce Dorsett

Granlund
- VANTEL

JV/McCann out of the line-up? AHL?

I'm a bit on board with this. What JV needs is more confidence & more consistency. He hasn't yet earned top line minutes. If he can play solid 2-ways & find his scoring groove then its plausible but not likely til the following year.
- Nighthawk

I love the goals he scores. He shows he has the touch, just needs a little time. The bonus w JV is that he will be power forward type which is sorely needed. Lets see what he brings next season