Ian Esplen: The Draft Series- Grit The Draft Series- Grit

What do we need more grit for when we have Kassian?

PS I like the punch a kitten line, I prolly would have said something like their idea of going out clubbing involves baby seals.

What do we need more grit for when we have Kassian?

PS I like the punch a kitten line, I prolly would have said something like their idea of going out clubbing involves baby seals.
- immature_male

Both Hart and Tornqvist caught my eye. Anytime you can have bottom six guys that are still on entry level deals you are ahead of the game. Not sure these guys can crack the club in the next 3 years however.

Both Hart and Tornqvist caught my eye. Anytime you can have bottom six guys that are still on entry level deals you are ahead of the game. Not sure these guys can crack the club in the next 3 years however.
- barclayman

the thing I like about Tornqvist is he could play in the AHL and if that wasn't working send him to the CHL (if he gets drafted there).

I don't think he is that far off being able to be a bottom 6 guy. his size, strength and skating are all close.

Both Hart and Tornqvist caught my eye. Anytime you can have bottom six guys that are still on entry level deals you are ahead of the game. Not sure these guys can crack the club in the next 3 years however.
- barclayman

+1 on both of those guys.

Nice overview Ian. Thanks

Nice blog Ian! Depth is not something the Canucks have drafted for in Gillis's four years here. Unfortunately he gave up TWO 4th round picks for Pahlsson this year, that hurts. No 3rd round pick either

I still believe in taking the best player available regardless of position or grittiness. This year’s draft will be weaker than previous years. Take a player that will play in the NHL one day, hopefully sooner than later. Position at this point is not important as the look/needs of the team will be very different if and when the prospect ever makes the NHL.

Nice blog Ian! Depth is not something the Canucks have drafted for in Gillis's four years here. Unfortunately he gave up TWO 4th round picks for Pahlsson this year, that hurts. No 3rd round pick either
- LeftCoaster

I think MG suffers from multiple personality disorder. He's made some great trades and some real duds. No Canuck GM should be aloud to trade at the deadline. Through our history, most of our TDL deals have been useless.

I think MG suffers from multiple personality disorder. He's made some great trades and some real duds. No Canuck GM should be aloud to trade at the deadline. Through our history, most of our TDL deals have been useless.
- bloatedmosquito

Higgins and Lapierre panned out pretty good. Aside from that, I don't disagree with you.

I think MG suffers from multiple personality disorder. He's made some great trades and some real duds. No Canuck GM should be aloud to trade at the deadline. Through our history, most of our TDL deals have been useless.
- bloatedmosquito

From a President's stand point, he's made some great beneficial moves to help the team take the next step. But as a GM he's made some real bonehead moves that leave me shaking my head.

PS: it's allowed (sorry I can't help myself)

Higgins and Lapierre panned out pretty good. Aside from that, I don't disagree with you.
- Chest Rockwell

They did indeed, those were both good depth moves.

As the Nucks are my other team: if Mg Keeps the 26th and doesn't move it with Lu/Schneider, I'd be happy with either Laughton or Frk

The worst part about this entire grit issue is the fact that we have it, but AV chooses not to use it. We can draft all the role players we want but it will always come down to the same AV method.

1. The role guy will have to play in the AHL for five years then get called up for 5 minute games or,

2. They never crack the roster in favor of small skill players who are extremely useless in the bottom six role (see JS this coming year)

Duco, Kassian, Mancari, Reinprecht, Oreskovich, Bitz, Archibald are all " gritty role" players and yet how many times did we see any of them?

Its not a organizational depth problem, its a coaching philosophy issue.

The worst part about this entire grit issue is the fact that we have it, but AV chooses not to use it. We can draft all the role players we want but it will always come down to the same AV method.

1. The role guy will have to play in the AHL for five years then get called up for 5 minute games or,

2. They never crack the roster in favor of small skill players who are extremely useless in the bottom six role (see JS this coming year)

Duco, Kassian, Mancari, Reinprecht, Oreskovich, Bitz, Archibald are all " gritty role" players and yet how many times did we see any of them?

Its not a organizational depth problem, its a coaching philosophy issue.
- Whiskey-Tango

Not to be a douche, but Reinprect's career high in PIMS is 28. Sure PIMS doesn't necessarily equal grit, but I think he's as soft as they come, more of a playmaker then anything.

Not to be a douche, but Reinprect's career high in PIMS is 28. Sure PIMS doesn't necessarily equal grit, but I think he's as soft as they come, more of a playmaker then anything.
- Scooby_Doo

True, however would you have put him or Manny in as the 4th line C in the playoffs? Here's a guy with skill, leadership, HEART all the while introducing a veteran presence and yet he wasted away in the wolves short run.

Makes you wonder the priorities of the coaching staff?

The way i see it Gillis has given AV all the tools he needs, whether its the listed role guys above, or guys like Reinprect or Ballard and yet AV always seems to have HIS methods, which at this point need to be questioned.

Gillis can, and has given AV one of the best rosters on paper in the NHL and yet AV cannot make a consistent decision on the role and path of this team.

From a President's stand point, he's made some great beneficial moves to help the team take the next step. But as a GM he's made some real bonehead moves that leave me shaking my head.

PS: it's allowed (sorry I can't help myself)
- LeftCoaster

I'd say he's sitting at par as a GM. This season's trades didn't pan out so well, but, as Chest Rockwell pointed out, Higgins and LaPierre were awesome additions, and have become extremely valuable members of the organization. Can't just point out the bad without acknowledging the positive moves, as well.

edit: sorry, I see you've already commented on this.

I'd say he's sitting at par as a GM. This season's trades didn't pan out so well, but, as Chest Rockwell pointed out, Higgins and LaPierre were awesome additions, and have become extremely valuable members of the organization. Can't just point out the bad without acknowledging the positive moves, as well.

edit: sorry, I see you've already commented on this.
- Fosco

Very true, personally i still cant get over the fact that he was more interested in moving Cody then trading for some defensive depth.

How many years of screaming fans does it take to figure that out?

Imagine having the reliable D Depth to say, sit Edler after his game 1 debacle, allowing him to get his act together and regroup for the next game.

True, however would you have put him or Manny in as the 4th line C in the playoffs? Here's a guy with skill, leadership, HEART all the while introducing a veteran presence and yet he wasted away in the wolves short run.

Makes you wonder the priorities of the coaching staff?

The way i see it Gillis has given AV all the tools he needs, whether its the listed role guys above, or guys like Reinprect or Ballard and yet AV always seems to have HIS methods, which at this point need to be questioned.

Gillis can, and has given AV one of the best rosters on paper in the NHL and yet AV cannot make a consistent decision on the role and path of this team.
- Whiskey-Tango

I'd have Manny over Reinprect as the 4th line center. However, Lapierre was playing that role during the playoffs, even though I believe Lapierre should have been the 3rd line center.

Fire AV.

From a President's stand point, he's made some great beneficial moves to help the team take the next step. But as a GM he's made some real bonehead moves that leave me shaking my head.

PS: it's allowed (sorry I can't help myself)
- LeftCoaster

Funny. I pride myself on my spelling and grammar. I missed that. Stupid mosquito!

- Scooby_Doo

Thanks, Scoobs.

I love a good tear up in the morning.

I'd say he's sitting at par as a GM. This season's trades didn't pan out so well, but, as Chest Rockwell pointed out, Higgins and LaPierre were awesome additions, and have become extremely valuable members of the organization. Can't just point out the bad without acknowledging the positive moves, as well.

edit: sorry, I see you've already commented on this.
- Fosco

True. The Ehrhoff, Higgins, and Lappy trades were great but some of the others
Mostly it's been good. But if the Canucks end up firing the coach this coming season because of poor record or problems within the dressing room then I will no longer be a MG supporter. Still think that was a poor decision.

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#Canucks prospect Nicklas Jensen was drafted by Salavat Yulaev in the KHL draft the other day. Odd.