Carol Schram: Draft Lottery Day, Luongo Joins TSN, An Opening in Abbotsford After finishing in the sixth spot for the 2014 NHL draft, the Vancouver Canucks will have a chance to move up at Tuesday's draft lottery.

Is Torts fired yet?

Is Torts fired yet?
- Marwood

I'd imagine Linden would leave that decision to the new GM. And I don't think the new GM will be hired anytime soon.

Is Torts fired yet?
- Marwood

The plan is to keep him until the end of summer to encourage players to waive their ntc's, whomever the new GM is, they may even have a chance to trade these players to the KHL just to get away from Torts.

How long are the Canucks contractually bound to keep the Comets in Utica? Have them would be fantastic for the Canucks and the City of Abby. Especially, if we are going to "retool/rebuild"; could be some exciting prospects to watch develop out there

If Aquilini doesn't see the opportunity in bringing the AHL affiliate to Abbotsford, both from an economic as well as player development standpoint, he's less of a businessman than I thought. Maybe he really should just stick to real estate as there's only one way to build there: up.

I'd imagine Linden would leave that decision to the new GM. And I don't think the new GM will be hired anytime soon.
- AlexF

Kind of sucks for Torts to have to wait that long if in fact it plays out that way, but I don't think he expects to be back. It would be a mild surprise if he was.

Not realistic to hope for the #1 pick tonight, just hope we don't get pushed back to#7, ugh.

I'd imagine Linden would leave that decision to the new GM. And I don't think the new GM will be hired anytime soon.
- AlexF

I would like to think that the new GM will have a 'clean slate' to work with and therefore letting him bring in a coach of their choice.

I would like to think that the new GM will have a 'clean slate' to work with and therefore letting him bring in a coach of their choice.
- Marwood

If Linden or FA are even half smart they'd absolutely leave that decision solely to the new GM. I get the feeling the new GM will be given quite a bit of autonomy to start out.

Kind of sucks for Torts to have to wait that long if in fact it plays out that way, but I don't think he expects to be back. It would be a mild surprise if he was.

Not realistic to hope for the #1 pick tonight, just hope we don't get pushed back to#7, ugh.
- Nucker101

Wehn #tanknation began we hoped for a top 8 pick. We are guaranteed a top 7 pick. Mission accomplished. Staying at 6 or winning is just bonus now

Kind of sucks for Torts to have to wait that long if in fact it plays out that way, but I don't think he expects to be back. It would be a mild surprise if he was.

Not realistic to hope for the #1 pick tonight, just hope we don't get pushed back to#7, ugh.
- Nucker101

It seems more likely we would fall back a pick than get the #1, we are lucky if we hold onto the #6 pick. I'll be happy if whatever pick we get pans out.

If Aquilini doesn't see the opportunity in bringing the AHL affiliate to Abbotsford, both from an economic as well as player development standpoint, he's less of a businessman than I thought. Maybe he really should just stick to real estate as there's only one way to build there: up.
- AlexF

Apparently they aren't allowed to move the team from Utica. I forget where I was reading it, but there was an article saying their deal with Utica has 4 more years that are guaranteed. It also said players hate playing in Abbotsford as they are on the road more than double the amount of time compared to places out East.

As soon as LA swept Vancouver (maybe even before) I had a feeling Vancouver would trend down...

I also knew bringing in Torts would result in this as well.

Q: what positions do nucks need youth in ?

As soon as LA swept Vancouver (maybe even before) I had a feeling Vancouver would trend down...

I also knew bringing in Torts would result in this as well.

Q: what positions do nucks need youth in ?
- AlfieisKing

Thought you knew everything?

Apparently they aren't allowed to move the team from Utica. I forget where I was reading it, but there was an article saying their deal with Utica has 4 more years that are guaranteed. It also said players hate playing in Abbotsford as they are on the road more than double the amount of time compared to places out East.
- hankthetank

That should prepare them for playing in the west then.

That should prepare them for playing in the west then.
- VanHockeyGuy

Kind of surprised Regina or Saskatoon don't have an AHL team.

They need more AHL out west. Thought Calgary had to compensate the other teams or league for having their team in Abbotsford to cover the extra travel expenses.

Apparently they aren't allowed to move the team from Utica. I forget where I was reading it, but there was an article saying their deal with Utica has 4 more years that are guaranteed. It also said players hate playing in Abbotsford as they are on the road more than double the amount of time compared to places out East.
- hankthetank

Few deals are absolute guarantees without any out-clauses. I think the sudden "surprise" that both Gillis and Torts' contracts had such out-clauses would indicate that's how the Aquillinis do business.

The travel I do understand. But the benefits for both the Coach and GM being able to monitor player development for themselves and execute almost instantaneous call-ups should counteract the additional travel.

And from an economic standpoint, the Heat were never going to survive in Abbotsford because it's Canuck country. Place the Canucks of tomorrow on show at the local arena and attendance should jump up dramatically, most likely to profitability.

If Linden or FA are even half smart they'd absolutely leave that decision solely to the new GM. I get the feeling the new GM will be given quite a bit of autonomy to start out.
- AlexF

I have to disagree, Alex, fire the guy now. He was a big part of this train wreck of a season.

As soon as LA swept Vancouver (maybe even before) I had a feeling Vancouver would trend down...

I also knew bringing in Torts would result in this as well.

Q: what positions do nucks need youth in ?
- AlfieisKing

Top 6 forwards and top 4 defencemen.

I have to disagree, Alex, fire the guy now. He was a big part of this train wreck of a season.
- Marwood

This. Don't even give the new GM the option of having Torts stay.

Few deals are absolute guarantees without any out-clauses. I think the sudden "surprise" that both Gillis and Torts' contracts had such out-clauses would indicate that's how the Aquillinis do business.

The travel I do understand. But the benefits for both the Coach and GM being able to monitor player development for themselves and execute almost instantaneous call-ups should counteract the additional travel.

And from an economic standpoint, the Heat were never going to survive in Abbotsford because it's Canuck country. Place the Canucks of tomorrow on show at the local arena and attendance should jump up dramatically, most likely to profitability.
- AlexF

As long as ticket prices are lower it could be a reasonable alternative for the family compared to the big club.

As mentioned earlier, with that recent crop of picks, I'd guess there are many fans who want to see these kids play.

I have to disagree, Alex, fire the guy now. He was a big part of this train wreck of a season.
- Marwood

Brother I want the guy gone too. No question about that. But if you're hiring a GM then doing some of his work before he arrives it cuts his legs out a bit. If Linden hires a GM that's so blind that he'd choose to keep Torts around then we've got much bigger problems in this organization's decision-making capabilities.

Top 6 forwards and top 4 defencemen.
- fiveandagame

According to Torts, we don't have the personnel for the 4th line either...

This. Don't even give the new GM the option of having Torts stay.
- fiveandagame

Can him and move on already, more positive distractions like GM selection and future lineup changes and draft pick targets.

Brother I want the guy gone too. No question about that. But if you're hiring a GM then doing some of his work before he arrives it cuts his legs out a bit. If Linden hires a GM that's so blind that he'd choose to keep Torts around then we've got much bigger problems in this organization's decision-making capabilities.
- AlexF

I Find it funny that the only guy that was somewhat honest in his coach evaluation during the press conference yesterday was the guy with a suspected concussion.

Daniel said "It's been a tough year," he said. "I think we need to get back to playing the way we know how to play." We that sounded like someone is not happy with the way things are. But maybe it was the meds or the bright lights.

According to Torts, we don't have the personnel for the 4th line either...

- hillbillydeluxe

Actually we do. The problem is those guys are currently penciled in on the 2nd line.