True....it wasn't a particulary great draft but they did have the 6th overall pick in the entire world and they couldn't come up with a top six forward. That's the disappointing part for me, however, they changed their process and are seemingly drafting better now. So there is that.

Kevin Labanc was taken in the 6th round and he's got twice as many points as Virtanen. I was happy about the Virtanen pick, but I didn't know anything about him, just surface stuff. When you look into it, he has a really poor hockey IQ, something they probably should have been able to identify.
- LeftCoaster

He is playing top 6 now. He is being used in key spots now. I am surprised at the year he is having and it is an unexpected bonus.

Petersson
Horvat
Gaudette
Beagle

There's your top four centermen.
- LeftCoaster

Given jakes size and strength he may Make a good alternative at center when needed
perhaps malhotra should school him in taking draws

Can't hurt to learn new skills and to have an option when down a C

Montreal need a 3 C . Sutter for Price and Weber
- VANTEL

That Weber contract is pretty scary though

That Weber contract is pretty scary though
- SMBDragon

I didn't think I would have to use the sarcasm symbol on that post. I thought for sure no one would think it was a real offer.

Fans cheering for the Canucks really bugs him. Give him some space.

- boonerbuck

Then a canucks fan forum isn't the place for him to hang out. You'd think that would be obvious

He is playing top 6 now. He is being used in key spots now. I am surprised at the year he is having and it is an unexpected bonus.
- VANTEL

I think they've really changed their process, an example of that is the Tyler Madden pick, Jake Wise was ranked way ahead of Madden but they identified Madden as having more upside and compete-level. So they took him. Looks like they made the right choice, so far anyways.

I didn't think I would have to use the sarcasm symbol on that post. I thought for sure no one would think it was a real offer.
- VANTEL

Not a real offer no...the $ doesn't balance. So no GM would be even looking at it

Sounded like you were suggesting it tho

He is playing top 6 now. He is being used in key spots now. I am surprised at the year he is having and it is an unexpected bonus.
- VANTEL

I always had the faith

Not a real offer no...the $ doesn't balance. So no GM would be even looking at it

Sounded like you were suggesting it tho
- SMBDragon

Seriously Price and Weber for Sutter?

I always had the faith
- dbot

I didn't

Seriously Price and Weber for Sutter?
- VANTEL

salary cap bro.

I didn't
- VANTEL

Green fixed that fella up real good.
Just shows that going down and working on fundamentals is more than just talk.

salary cap bro.
- dbot

Ok then Sutter for Malkin

Seriously Price and Weber for Sutter?
- VANTEL

Ya I laughed pretty good when I saw your suggestion

Ok then Sutter for Malkin
- VANTEL

Sutter for mcdavid and Malkin....pens n oil have to share sutter

I think they've really changed their process, an example of that is the Tyler Madden pick, Jake Wise was ranked way ahead of Madden but they identified Madden as having more upside and compete-level. So they took him. Looks like they made the right choice, so far anyways.
- LeftCoaster

Ranked why ahead by who?

Sutter for mcdavid and Malkin....pens n oil have to share sutter
- SMBDragon

Sutter to Edmonton would be a very good fit Imo, Hitch would love Sutter as 3c

Sutter to Edmonton would be a very good fit Imo, Hitch would love Sutter as 3c
- neem55

He would be good there . Rumor is Lucic for Backes .

Wow, Hitchcock has the Oiler surging. Amazing how a different mindset can change the fortunes of players. Not sure it'll last but he's got them going for right now anyways.

He would be good there . Rumor is Lucic for Backes .
- VANTEL

Didn't think lucic would last long with Hitchcock

Wow, Hitchcock has the Oiler surging. Amazing how a different mindset can change the fortunes of players. Not sure it'll last but he's got them going for right now anyways.
- LeftCoaster

Did you listen to the Ferrence interview? He opened both barrels on the Oilers

Did you listen to the Ferrence interview? He opened both barrels on the Oilers
- VANTEL

I just saw bits and pieces of it in the Oiler blog, didn't hold back on Hall, Eberle and RNH.

Wow, Hitchcock has the Oiler surging. Amazing how a different mindset can change the fortunes of players. Not sure it'll last but he's got them going for right now anyways.
- LeftCoaster

The power of a good coach. Good current example of what i was saying in the past about same roster, add a great coach, have drastically different results

Canucks need a better system for the D with communication with the goalies

I just saw bits and pieces of it in the Oiler blog, didn't hold back on Hall, Eberle and RNH.
- LeftCoaster

Yup good on him .

The power of a good coach. Good current example of what i was saying in the past about same roster, add a great coach, have drastically different results

Canucks need a better system for the D with communication with the goalies
- SMBDragon

Yeah Gerard Gallant