Goldobin really hasn't had much opportunity with scoring linemates, I think he can produce if they look past his defensive deficiencies. Not everyone has to be a 200 foot player.
- LeftCoaster

This. That’s what team defence is for. If you’re a balanced team then the scorers can do their thing.

Canucks aren’t balanced, so they are going to let in a ton of goals this season.

I don’t think they do, Benning (the genius) stated if kids earn it they will play and he will trade or waive.

I would love to see Hughes make the team, if he signs that is.
- Makita

Do you really believe that? What if, and this is worst case (best case) scenario: Goldobin, Leipsic, Gaudette, Pettersson, Juolevi and Hughes all demonstrate that they are ready to play in the NHL AND Virtanen, Baertschi, Granlund, Boeser, Horvat and Gaunce all take a step forward proving they still belong.

Add in the three new UFA’s and you have 13 forwards and 10 D.

Are they going to trade Sutter, Gagner and Eriksson?

Obviously this scenario is dramatic, but I just don’t believe that Sutter, Eriksson, Gagner, Beagle, Rousel, Schaller, Baertschi or Horvat are competing for a spot. It’s theirs. You can put Boeser in that group even though he wouldn’t require waivers.

This. That’s what team defence is for. If you’re a balanced team then the scorers can do their thing.

Canucks aren’t balanced, so they are going to let in a ton of goals this season.
- CubanBuffet

The defence could see an improvement, could they be any worse?

With the Sedins gone, not sure if others will pick up their play, make up for production and time with the puck in the offensive zone?

curious to see what we have for the forward group, is it one 2nd line, two 3rd lines and a 4th line?

really hoping to see some moves to open up spots- wing and defense, but any move will likely mean a contract coming back and a different challenge.

This. That’s what team defence is for. If you’re a balanced team then the scorers can do their thing.

Canucks aren’t balanced, so they are going to let in a ton of goals this season.
- CubanBuffet

I don't think Goldobin is skilled enough to ignore his 200 foot game but that could change I guess

I don't think Goldobin is skilled enough to ignore his 200 foot game but that could change I guess
- VANTEL

He's certainly no Bure

Do you really believe that? What if, and this is worst case (best case) scenario: Goldobin, Leipsic, Gaudette, Pettersson, Juolevi and Hughes all demonstrate that they are ready to play in the NHL AND Virtanen, Baertschi, Granlund, Boeser, Horvat and Gaunce all take a step forward proving they still belong.

Add in the three new UFA’s and you have 13 forwards and 10 D.

Are they going to trade Sutter, Gagner and Eriksson?

Obviously this scenario is dramatic, but I just don’t believe that Sutter, Eriksson, Gagner, Beagle, Rousel, Schaller, Baertschi or Horvat are competing for a spot. It’s theirs. You can put Boeser in that group even though he wouldn’t require waivers.
- 1970vintage

I agree that your scenario is a bit dramatic, but short answer, yes I believe Benning will try to trade Gagner and Eriksson or Hutton or Stecher...absolutely believe that.

I actually like Sutter and think as of this season he fits well, but if he is outplayed then yes he will also go on the market.

Now the real question is who determines if the vets are outplayed....Green, Lefty, you?

This. That’s what team defence is for. If you’re a balanced team then the scorers can do their thing.

Canucks aren’t balanced, so they are going to let in a ton of goals this season.
- CubanBuffet

For the Canucks to be better, they need better goaltending.

Henrik and Daniel were terrible 5v5. Anyone who played with them was terrible. Gagner, Vanek, Virtanen. All in double digit minus's.

Goldy was a -14 in 38 games. Not good.

I agree that your scenario is a bit dramatic, but short answer, yes I believe Benning will try to trade Gagner and Eriksson or Hutton or Stecher...absolutely believe that.

I actually like Sutter and think as of this season he fits well, but if he is outplayed then yes he will also go on the market.

Now the real question is who determines if the vets are outplayed....Green, Lefty, you?
- Makita

There are two different narritives here:
1) Benning says "if a young player demonstrates they are ready for the NHL we will make room for them"
2) You are suggesting that to make the team Gaudette (for instance) has to outplay Sutter.

Obviously Green writes the lineup, but I would hope he is smart and patient enough to allow genius Jim the time he needs to sort things out so they don't lose (potentially) valuable players for nothing.

I don't think Goldobin is skilled enough to ignore his 200 foot game but that could change I guess
- VANTEL

He is becoming the new Subban. Terribly overrated. We got Rathbone + a total plug prospect for Hansen. He was a bad player to target

There are two different narritives here:
1) Benning says "if a young player demonstrates they are ready for the NHL we will make room for them"
2) You are suggesting that to make the team Gaudette (for instance) has to outplay Sutter.

Obviously Green writes the lineup, but I would hope he is smart and patient enough to allow genius Jim the time he needs to sort things out so they don't lose (potentially) valuable players for nothing.
- 1970vintage

You are a bit out to lunch Vinty. Using guys like Sutter and Horvat as an example saying if they are outplayed they should be waived. That’s pretty absurd. Every team has vets that are guaranteed spots. That’s life. The coach and GM will look at their whole body of work in the league and not a few preseason games. Some Vets have simply earned rosters spots before training camp. That’s life in professional sports. A guy like Gagner is a different story as he is a fringe pro. He should absolutely be sent to Utica if he doesn’t perform

You are a bit out to lunch Vinty. Using guys like Sutter and Horvat as an example saying if they are outplayed they should be waived. That’s pretty absurd. Every team has vets that are guaranteed spots. That’s life. The coach and GM will look at their whole body of work in the league and not a few preseason games. Some Vets have simply earned rosters spots before training camp. That’s life in professional sports. A guy like Gagner is a different story as he is a fringe pro. He should absolutely be sent to Utica if he doesn’t perform
- CanuckDon

You completely misread what I wrote. In fact, you have just re-said what I have been saying all along. The established players, on big dollar contracts with term are all guaranteed spots, there is no competition. You might think Gagner is a bubble player, but he most certainly is not. The only guy who has a risk of getting cut is Granlund

You completely misread what I wrote. In fact, you have just re-said what I have been saying all along. The established players, on big dollar contracts with term are all guaranteed spots, there is no competition. You might think Gagner is a bubble player, but he most certainly is not. The only guy who has a risk of getting cut is Granlund
- 1970vintage

Fringe hockey players are much different then players that have played 600 games and score 30 plus points a season and are everyday players on their bad days.

Fringe hockey players are much different then players that have played 600 games and score 30 plus points a season and are everyday players on their bad days.
- manvanfan

So you are agreeing with me?

Looking forward to having a true 1st and 2nd line in the next few years. Haven't seen that for what...4 or 5years now?

Good first half...mistakes early in the 2nd did Croatia in. All-in-all fantastic tournament this year.

Looking forward to having a true 1st and 2nd line in the next few years. Haven't seen that for what...4 or 5years now?

Good first half...mistakes early in the 2nd did Croatia in. All-in-all fantastic tournament this year.
- Eldebrink

we really need Gaudette or EP to pan out at center. looking forward to debating who our #1 center is, Bo or XX? Hughes?

So you are agreeing with me?
- 1970vintage

Yes, we are agreeing with you that vets that are capable everyday players and have proven it for years are going to have spots unless a rookie comes in and shows that they are not equal too but better then the player they are replacing. It doesn't happen a lot unless you have a really outstanding player.

Pettersson is probably the only talent that is capable of stealing a spot this season. Same as Boeser last season. (maybe Hughes)

JB and TG are also going to make the rookie earn that spot.

Looking forward to having a true 1st and 2nd line in the next few years. Haven't seen that for what...4 or 5years now?

Good first half...mistakes early in the 2nd did Croatia in. All-in-all fantastic tournament this year.
- Eldebrink

We are still a few years away but going in the right direction

Yes, we are agreeing with you that vets that are capable everyday players and have proven it for years are going to have spots unless a rookie comes in and shows that they are not equal too but better then the player they are replacing. It doesn't happen a lot unless you have a really outstanding player.

Pettersson is probably the only talent that is capable of stealing a spot this season. Same as Boeser last season. (maybe Hughes)

JB and TG are also going to make the rookie earn that spot.
- manvanfan

Perfect

And in your estimation, how do you interpret Jim's comment about making space? If Gaudette comes to camp in great shape, does everything that is asked of him by the coaching staff, plays well in the pre-season, scoring a few while maintaining a strong defensive game, does he have to outplay (and therefore take the spot from) one of Horvat, Sutter, Gagner, Beagle, Granlund or Schaller (the potential C's)? Or, would he maybe take a spot from Goldobin, or Leipsic, or Gaunce, even though they play a different position?

Two new kids this year to start would be realistic imo, Pettersson and perhaps Gaudette.

You never know, see how it plays out.
- LeftCoaster

Can ecpect both on the team

Perfect

And in your estimation, how do you interpret Jim's comment about making space? If Gaudette comes to camp in great shape, does everything that is asked of him by the coaching staff, plays well in the pre-season, scoring a few while maintaining a strong defensive game, does he have to outplay (and therefore take the spot from) one of Horvat, Sutter, Gagner, Beagle, Granlund or Schaller (the potential C's)? Or, would he maybe take a spot from Goldobin, or Leipsic, or Gaunce, even though they play a different position?
- 1970vintage

As exactly as it sounds. A player is an upgrade over another, someone will be traded or waived. They will really have to be impressive to keep him and take the chance of waiving or trading someone.


Depends on where they feel he can play and succeed. I don't know where that is.

Leipsic is a bit older and has probably less skill but more heart. Leipsic played with Horvat and scored at a much higher pace then Goldy did playing with Bo.

Leipsic might turn into the next Jonathan Marschessault. That would be awesome!
- manvanfan

If Leipsic turns into a good to very good 3rd wheel its golden. Burrows was that.

That is fine . Fans will claim that the new UFA signings are stopping Goldobin when in fact it is Sven LE and Gagner.
- VANTEL

Good call but if Goldy truly wants it he takes it.

Habs sign Phillip Danault 3x3 8 g 25 pts

Going to be a long four years Vintsy.


Just kidding. I think Green wants to win . If a player is outplaying someone he will make the change
- VANTEL

Of course he wants to win lol
TG will want pros whether its vets or kids.
He’s not all about himself & works with JB on probably many things.

Habs sign Phillip Danault 3x3 8 g 25 pts
- VANTEL

or