Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks: Kevin Bieksa Named Captain of Team Canada for WCs Kevin Bieksa of the Vancouver Canucks has been named captain of Team Canada for the 2014 World Championships, which get underway Friday in Belarus.

I highly doubt Gilman is GM after the dust settles, if they had that faith I think they would've gone there already.. I saw on the score yesterday that we've already received permission to talk to benning .. It seems were most likely all in on him

The scouting department is awful. I see another undersized Euro as our first pick this year. I have a faint hope that Linden will finally be partial towards the WHL for players instead of Northern Sweden.

mazel tov!

Gary Valk tweeted this morning that Linden had a meeting with Benning last week.

Unless a candidate really fears "over" influence by ownership or Linden, I think most candidates jump at a chance to come to Vancouver. Hockey town, passionate fans, chance to be a hero if brings cup. Likely very good pay. That's why these guys do this. Why would Washington be a better alternative?

I am not responsible for anything I say, much like Kaptaan.

Unless a candidate really fears "over" influence by ownership or Linden, I think most candidates jump at a chance to come to Vancouver. Hockey town, passionate fans, chance to be a hero if brings cup. Likely very good pay. That's why these guys do this. Why would Washington be a better alternative?
- bazz

Some people, as much as they love hockey, don't appreciate their every move or comment being scrutinized and debated about to the nth degree. Canadian media are like that with hockey and the fans certainly voice their opinions loudly as well.

For both players and management, I could easily see the allure of a non-hockey crazy environment to carry out your job.

I am not responsible for anything I say, much like Kaptaan.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Gary Valk tweeted this morning that Linden had a meeting with Benning last week.
- Chest Rockwell

Seems to be a lot of smoke coming from that corner. If he is the guy Linden wants then I really hope Montreal closes the series out ASAP so Benning can get over to Van, assess the situation and personnel, and start making so decisions. If we have to wait until June to start looking at head coaches we could be in a tougher spot.

Seems to be a lot of smoke coming from that corner. If he is the guy Linden wants then I really hope Montreal closes the series out ASAP so Benning can get over to Van, assess the situation and personnel, and start making so decisions. If we have to wait until June to start looking at head coaches we could be in a tougher spot.
- AlexF

That clown Pratt on 1040 was saying tonight's game is huge. According to him not only will the winner of tonight's game the series, but will also win the Cup.

Go Habs Go! Otherwise we could be waiting awhile.

Some people, as much as they love hockey, don't appreciate their every move or comment being scrutinized and debated about to the nth degree. Canadian media are like that with hockey and the fans certainly voice their opinions loudly as well.

For both players and management, I could easily see the allure of a non-hockey crazy environment to carry out your job.
- AlexF

Taking into account attachment to certain teams or regions, I think any GM-type or coach would love the chance to coach in a crazy Canadian market (even one with hysterical Canucks fans). Although the scrutiny would be stressful and possibly life-shortening, it is all part if the game. The same reason most baseball players would love to be a Yankee.

@DarrenDreger: Hearing Boston's Jim Benning met with the Canucks yesterday. He's considered the frontrunner for the GM job in Van.

@DarrenDreger: Some believe Benning is getting the Canucks job and Linden is simply waiting until the conclusion of round 2 to make it official.

good experience so the canucks can get a proper captain

@DarrenDreger: Hearing Boston's Jim Benning met with the Canucks yesterday. He's considered the frontrunner for the GM job in Van.

@DarrenDreger: Some believe Benning is getting the Canucks job and Linden is simply waiting until the conclusion of round 2 to make it official.
- Chest Rockwell

GM Benning
Coach Houda?

GM Benning
Coach Houda?
- we_are_all_canucks

Possibly.

I do wonder if Benning isn't officially hired prior to the Bruins' elimination from the playoffs, if he would speak with Linden regarding head coaches, select a few to be shortlisted, and give Linden the go ahead to either interview himself or possibly do a Skype conference call.

Possibly.

I do wonder if Benning isn't officially hired prior to the Bruins' elimination from the playoffs, if he would speak with Linden regarding head coaches, select a few to be shortlisted, and give Linden the go ahead to either interview himself or possibly do a Skype conference call.
- AlexF

We keep hearing that Linden wants to follow the "Boston model" but I would rather them hire someone like Jeff Blashill (although doubtful that Detroit would let us talk to him) or Willie Desjardins. Not Trotz, Muller or any other NHL retread.

We keep hearing that Linden wants to follow the "Boston model" but I would rather them hire someone like Jeff Blashill (although doubtful that Detroit would let us talk to him) or Willie Desjardins. Not Trotz, Muller or any other NHL retread.
- we_are_all_canucks

Yeah I'm onboard with that. If Trotz came here I'd lose my marbles.

I did read a few reports yesterday that claimed Blashill was the heir apparent to Babcock. If he's comfortable waiting for his chance with the Wings then he'll stay put. It is a well run organization so I don't blame him.

Desjardins is a name that was brought up by some of the posters here last summer. Seems like an intriguing candidate. Haven't heard his name in the mix yet.

Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks: Kevin Bieksa Named Captain of Team Canada for WCs

- Carol Schram

but why

A good and interesting read for those who want to know.

http://www.theprovince.co...ggests/9784686/story.html

I highly doubt Gilman is GM after the dust settles, if they had that faith I think they would've gone there already.. I saw on the score yesterday that we've already received permission to talk to benning .. It seems were most likely all in on him
- MaWLz

I like Benning.

He built the Sabres, drafting Vanek, Roy, Miller, Kaleta, etc.

And has done a great job in Boston as well.

Possibly.

I do wonder if Benning isn't officially hired prior to the Bruins' elimination from the playoffs, if he would speak with Linden regarding head coaches, select a few to be shortlisted, and give Linden the go ahead to either interview himself or possibly do a Skype conference call.
- AlexF

If he is hired before the PO's end, if the Bruins win a cup does he get a ring? I assume so.

I like Benning.

He built the Sabres, drafting Vanek, Roy, Miller, Kaleta, etc.

And has done a great job in Boston as well.
- moondawg

Benning is a good choice, I too have no issues if he's hired. He's exactly the type of GM the team should have hired before Mike Gillis came around.

He's spent years learning the management and scouting side of things, intelligent hockey man with a winning history.

This is starting to remind me of when the Bruins hired Peter Chiarelli from Ottawa.

A good and interesting read for those who want to know.

http://www.theprovince.co...ggests/9784686/story.html
- LeftCoaster

Core Canucks players who will be 30 or older at the start of the 2014-15 season (ages at start of season):

- Daniel Sedin (34)

- Henrik Sedin (34)

- Kevin Bieksa (33)

- Alex Burrows (33)

- Dan Hamhuis (31)

- Chris Higgins (31)

- Ryan Kesler (30)

I'd argue at least 2 of these guys have to be traded this summer. I know who Vantel would pick.