it's true, those were well above market value. anyway, my point is you need to be able to produce guys in position in the lineup. Gaunce can play bottom 6 and special teams and get 20 points IMO. Every team needs that. Not saying it's like sky high value or if we lost him it's brutal. just saying. He's better than a lot of what we have in Utica, who are career ahl guys. including Biega, Boucher and Archibald all who people on here seem to like. But not Gaunce.. because he's young? Drafted high? not sure.
- neem55

I would have liked to have seen the team short term with depth forward UFA's and then let them all battle it out. Gaunce hasn't impressed this pre-season, that's on him.


I was hoping for 2 year deals max this summer, so the Schaller deal would only fit my criteria. I like Roussel the best out of the 3 but would've passed on 4 years for him.

I would have targeted 2 of these guys to go along with Schaller:

Brodziak
Rieder
Czarnik
Peca
Armia (cap dump, take on Mason and waive him or Nilsson)

Unlike some here, I am fine with only 1 or 2 rookies making the team, although somewhat disappointed that a few didn't perform better.
Several people preach draft and develop, yet they sometimes tend to forget about the development part.
- Reubenkincade

Couldnt have said it any better - cum guzzlers....

Couldnt have said it any better - cum guzzlers....
- chompsey

Who here has said they want more rookies in the lineup?

I haven’t seen many posts with people upset about Dahlen, Demko, OJ and Gaudette being sent down, not like they really looked NHL-ready.

I’m pretty sure the majority here agree with that decision.

Ho sang to the canucks via Eklund. Thoughts?
- neem55

accept!

Who here has said they want more rookies in the lineup?

I haven’t seen many posts with people upset about Dahlen, Demko, OJ and Gaudette being sent down, not like they really looked NHL-ready.

I’m pretty sure the majority here agree with that decision.
- Nucker101

Not sure how you think thats what I was saying by agreeing with the bolded quote but I do see many people commenting on how there will be only 1 rookie in the lineup and being disappointed.

Not to mention all of those who had Dahlen pencilled in after the young stars tournament...

Not sure how you think thats what I was saying by agreeing with the bolded quote but I do see many people commenting on how there will be only 1 rookie in the lineup and being disappointed.

Not to mention all of those who had Dahlen pencilled in after the young stars tournament...
- chompsey

Ahh my bad, if you’re making fun of the rookie tournament overreactions I’m with you on that one.

People forget that guys like Horvat looked sluggish in that tournament in the past while guys like Carcone look like stars. It’s just too scrambly with so many players who aren’t even AHL quality out there and the top prospects don’t always put in 100% effort

At least in NHL pre-season there’s decent AHL quality players out there at bare minimum.

Did you hear it from the same person that said Gaunce would make the club and location betting people?


- VANTEL

Should have stuck to your convictions Vanty, I'd be rocking an ' I suck as bad as Gaunce' location right now.

Although the gaudette rumor may, just may have been you. But after watching him play you did reassess your opinion, I'll give you that much.

Ya we just signed 3 for 3 mil each. if Gaunce can be that for half the price because you have his rights that's smarter than UFA.

edit: something something asset management
- neem55

Asset management

oops. Accidentally flagged a post on this page. Sorry refs.
- Reubenkincade

Own your poop dude.

Ahh my bad, if you’re making fun of the rookie tournament overreactions I’m with you on that one.

People forget that guys like Horvat looked sluggish in that tournament in the past while guys like Carcone look like stars. It’s just too scrambly with so many players who aren’t even AHL quality out there and the top prospects don’t always put in 100% effort

At least in NHL pre-season there’s decent AHL quality players out there at bare minimum.
- Nucker101

Ya no worries.

Now, would you take Hosang? Id do a Goldobin for Hosang swap. Fresh start for both....

Ya no worries.

Now, would you take Hosang? Id do a Goldobin for Hosang swap. Fresh start for both....
- chompsey

I would probably pull the trigger since I don’t see Goldobin here long term anyway, maybe Ho-Sang wakes up. If not then cut ties with him and move on.

Sorry I do think he's that bad at doing that hockey, at pro level.

That said, I'd take him on my beer league team. We don't care how minuscule the shooting % ... as long as he brings the beer. We got a guy plays the same way we can pair him with - all grind all the time line.

All serious, as a person/fan/customer who pays to watch the team (when they're in Calgary), he strikes a nerve in particular as he always gets the call-up and it's painful to watch the play die on his stick every time. Maybe he doesn't turn it over but he either dumps it, makes a grenade pass or the most non-threatening attempt on goal. Vancouver's been bad for years and the writing has been on the wall about it going in for years. I've just never understood why such little patience for guys with some offensive flair and defensive lapses when you're going to be bad whether it's a Gaunce or Shirokov.
- Sayros

Well said my favourite part was when Bloated said Gaunce can score goals!

I think it's more so that – did any of them really deserve it more? Motte has been the only one to really stand out so far.

I believe JB and TG that they would have made room, but I think one of the kids would have had to really show they belong, not just gifting them a spot knowing they'd pick it up throughout the season.
- NewYorkNuck

Although there was opportunity & we are not a stacked team they had to impress that 82 games they were ready. Doesn’t help us or them if its a short term blip.

Plus they went ahead and added Beagle-Rousell-Schaller so the kids vying for those duties might just think...what's the point?
- LordHumungous

The point would be if they looked at why they were signed & how they are in the NHL it would give them a bar to achieve & go beyond it. If not then develop some more & make more strides & be hungrier.

Dahlen definitely lacked some speed/strength, it was noticeable that he wasn't quite ready. Gaudette had flashes, but I do think the jump was big and needed better support around him. Unfortunately for all the kids, the 'mentors' that are here just are not very good hockey players, so its hard to play with and off some who are have limited capabilities.

Future stars like Boeser and Pettersson (and likely Hughes) will shine through regardless, but others usually need some help and this team has limited help
- WhiteLie

True. The top 6 jobs are open & the support isn’t great. It’s an unusual opportunity but it was expected once the Sedins hung em up. Comes down to either seize the chance playing great or work harder to get there.

Unlike some here, I am fine with only 1 or 2 rookies making the team, although somewhat disappointed that a few didn't perform better.
Several people preach draft and develop, yet they sometimes tend to forget about the development part.
- Reubenkincade

Agree. They can see the carrot so time to stand out & it begins in Utica.

Ho sang to the canucks via Eklund. Thoughts?
- neem55

The kid is a flake & it’s why he dropped down the draft. Claiming he would be the best in his draft class was all talk & he’s not worth trading for.

But Edmonton was bad for how long prior to that? If you removed McDavid would they still be a playoff team in our division?
- 93Nucks

A classic case of mismanagement & horrible drafting. We all know D are hardest to get & hope they round out into top 2-4 but sometimes you gotta bite the bullet. The Preds forever & Poile has always had a huge stockpile of D there & in Washington show its a good way to build longterm.

Straight up for Goldobin, get er done
- Nucker101

Now that is interesting & the most i would give.

pretty hard to disagree wit hthe grow up. The skill is there and we need it, so as long as they don't have to spend too crazy, I'm into it. Worth a 4th a lot more than Pouliot was.

Completely disagree with the attitude thing. SO many premadonna egomaniacs have been superstars. Pick a russian or frenchy. Both Kane's. The list is long.
- neem55

I played competitive sports for decades. Primadonnas are only ok if they buck up. Seguin gets the gears but he does it & HoSang has not.

Then those kids are not the type of players needed. I think Benning knew he had a group of underachieving prospects which is why he added Beagle-Roussel-Schaller.
- Makita

Agree & prospects are 1-3yrs away.

From where I stand, 24 is a child.

Getting old sucks.
- bloatedmosquito

So true😂😂
Thinking back to my 24 i see now i had a lot to learn in life. Life is continuosly learning & assuming otherwise would put expectations on all prospects that they are fully matured when many will not be.

Who here has said they want more rookies in the lineup?

I haven’t seen many posts with people upset about Dahlen, Demko, OJ and Gaudette being sent down, not like they really looked NHL-ready.

I’m pretty sure the majority here agree with that decision.
- Nucker101

With jobs open in the top 6 to win if no UFA’s signed for the bottom 6 it would’ve been insanity to do that. Yes the term rankles ppl but it makes sense mostly.

Should have stuck to your convictions Vanty, I'd be rocking an ' I suck as bad as Gaunce' location right now.

Although the gaudette rumor may, just may have been you. But after watching him play you did reassess your opinion, I'll give you that much.
- Pres.cup

Not into kids play . I will leave it for the juveniles .

Ahh my bad, if you’re making fun of the rookie tournament overreactions I’m with you on that one.

People forget that guys like Horvat looked sluggish in that tournament in the past while guys like Carcone look like stars. It’s just too scrambly with so many players who aren’t even AHL quality out there and the top prospects don’t always put in 100% effort

At least in NHL pre-season there’s decent AHL quality players out there at bare minimum.
- Nucker101

Not only the young stars tournaments, but, some get all starry-eyed because someone has a Hobey Baker award-like season or an MVP like season, in a far inferior development league as the AHL.
I wasn't trying to knock people for being overly optimistic, just trying too remind some, that they need to temper expectations a bit.