So the strategy is to draft speed and skill and sign size and grit?
Philosophically, I don't have a problem with what the Canucks are trying to do. I commented on how the Canucks are seriously lacking in William Lockwood type prospects (guys who project to be higher end 3rd line players - maybe Madden would end up being one but hopefully he has more offensive upside). If the idea is that we have a lot of skilled prospects and the team is going to put them on a scoring line and have these vet signings shoulder the defensive load then I am all for it. If they are merely going to take away spots and playing time from those guys then I don't like it.
In terms of the signings, I wonder why they don't just bring back Jannik Hansen for 2 years. Pretty sure he'll come back for $3M AAV or less with some sort of NTC. I also dislike the fact current management is so "forward thinking" in terms of handing out contracts. More restrictive NTC in the later years? WTF.
Of all the signings, I like Roussel the most. He's going to turn 29 so he should still have a few prime years left. He's also been more of a 3rd line 13-14 goal 29 point guy. He's a good PKer, a willing to fighter (although he doesn't win many), and a guy who gives 100%. I think he simply had a bad year under Hitchcock. For $3M a year, that's livable.
As for Beagle, I like Beagle but he's a turning 33! Otherwise, I would like him more than Roussel. I would have preferred Riley Nash since he's younger, but I would give the edge to Beagle as a player. 3 years was max I can live with. 4 years? I think he will turn into a Higgins or Burrows type player in his last year at the very least, unless he's the second coming of Shane Doan or Matt Cullen. With that said, he's a right shot C who is elite on the faceoff circle and can kill penalties. There's no doubt that he is a good player and great player to have on the team if he doesn't decline.
That brings me to Shaller. Somehow, I think he's a Gaunce replacement. He's basically the same type of player at this point with Gaunce being younger and Shaller being more established. At least Shaller will only be turning 28 and he's only signed for 2 years. I really don't know about this one. He repeats what he did for Boston this past season and this is a great signing. But if he does not? Well he would be a severely overpaid 4th line player.
I expect Benning to make some trades.
