Canucks & NHL News, Rumours, and & Fantasy GM | 4 Nations Break Edition

[Nick Lang]

Sorry but I hate this attitude. Smart teams keep their draft picks and prospects ... they know they will be playing hockey in 5 - 6 years. We are fighting for a playoff spot, not cruising into the playoffs. I know Aquaman wants playoff revenue, But I want to remain a fan for years. Heck, I have put 55 years in so far, I want to ride this team into my 80's.

TBL traded JTM even when they were headed to win 2 Cups, and appear in 3 finals in a row. (Admittedly the Bolts have had a very strange mgmt history).

When the Canucks trade for 1st round picks, they shortly trade them. However one of the most successful trades in history got us some twins.

Couldn't agree more Billy. This team is going through turmoil this season and while we should put our best foot forward we shouldn't be selling out our own future at this point.

Our focus should be on trying to surround our elite pieces in Hughes, and Petterson during their primes. Hronek is a great core support piece, and Debrusk is in for 6 more years, and MPetterson for 6. We have Lekkerimaki, EPetterson, and Willander, hopefully rounding into core pieces as well.

Petey is in year 1 of 8 and Hughes hasn't even signed what will hopefully be another 8 year deal. The only way we should trade our first is a cost controlled sub 26 year old center or very elite winger to add to the core. This season the only other parts we have are a inconsistent Boeser, and a really great support piece in Sherwood. I would definitely be looking at turning Boeser into assets as compared to letting him walk after a self TDL deal. A decision also needs to be made on Garland but that can wait until next year.

What attitude ? Keeping a guy in a position we need ? I get trading him if we have a conversation and he prices himself out, or say he wants to test the market, but trading Boeser because... .... ? Smart teams keep their top scorers, especially when their other top scorers were just traded and another is in a season long drought.

you also cite JT Miller being traded... He was 7th in team scoring for Tampa that year. Brock is currently 2nd. Tampa was also first in the league in scoring that season. I can't remember exactly but I think the canucks are around 20th?

We get a first round pick and a lesser player then hope the 1st round pick turns into a scoring top six player (Boeser)

If Boeser is willing to re-sign for a fair price, you do it. Otherwise, I'm getting flashes of this:

I think he was mostly referencing don't trade away your first and second.

I hear you about Boeser. I'm torn on him. Does he want an 8x8 which is massive and will he produce in the future. I get it though, very hard to replace in reality but I think it could be done in UFA or trade. He's not elite but just a real good complimentary scorer.

 

[ManVanFan]

You have heard that narrow minded Allvin, "fans around here deserve a playoff". That is all he is going for especially with teams rebuilding or retooling in the conference and division.

Anaheim and San Jose are still either rebuilding or struggling to come out of a rebuild too fast.
That is two teams within the division less to compete then there is Calgary who most thought would be in no way where they are.
Just those out would have left any team a little better to compete with LA, Edmonton and Vegas so the thought was a 4 team race with Seattle lurking around between.
It was assumed the Canucks would be in 4th and likely in the WC2 spot easily by doing almost nothing.

All the turmoil and bad play and look where they are. Is it they are that good or the division is that bad?

Allvin will sell out anything to make the playoffs because he knows he won't be here in 4/5 years so he has to build up his resume to show he can get teams into the show, they don't need to be good once there but it does look good on the resume.

That is why I really hope Rutherford takes over for two years and uses the other 3 GM's for day to day operations. He isn't working to pad his resume. If he has two bad years and then the team goes on to be a real contender year after year then he has a legacy. Much like Burke will always be remembered for the Sedin draft year. 3 hours of really hard work and a life time of a reputation.

7 games till the TDL. If they can widen the gap between them and the Flames. You're getting Winnipeg in the first round most likely. Winnipeg chokes in the playoffs. They look a little different this year to previous. I'd like the Canucks chances better playing Vegas honestly.

Van's a good team and capable but in a 7 game series, I don't think they put it together when needed.

 

[Reverend Mayhem]

7 games till the TDL. If they can widen the gap between them and the Flames. You're getting Winnipeg in the first round most likely. Winnipeg chokes in the playoffs. They look a little different this year to previous. I'd like the Canucks chances better playing Vegas honestly.

Van's a good team and capable but in a 7 game series, I don't think they put it together when needed.

Put on the X-files music. I think Winnipeg's thing is they are 'winterized' hockey players. Blake Wheeler deserves a ton of credit for cajoling Minnesota players up there. He's really done a great service to the franchise to keep it afloat in that way.

We talk about the Colorado effect, that's a set thing. Winnipeg loses their advantage when it begins to warm up.

 

[ChilliBilly]

What attitude ? Keeping a guy in a position we need ? I get trading him if we have a conversation and he prices himself out, or say he wants to test the market, but trading Boeser because... .... ? Smart teams keep their top scorers, especially when their other top scorers were just traded and another is in a season long drought.

you also cite JT Miller being traded... He was 7th in team scoring for Tampa that year. Brock is currently 2nd. Tampa was also first in the league in scoring that season. I can't remember exactly but I think the canucks are around 20th?

We get a first round pick and a lesser player then hope the 1st round pick turns into a scoring top six player (Boeser)

If Boeser is willing to re-sign for a fair price, you do it. Otherwise, I'm getting flashes of this:

Sorry that was at 4 am, my wording was poor.

I have no problem trading Boeser.

I have a major problem trading our 1st, 2nd and prospects to "move the needle". My point was intended to be that garnering draft picks is preferable to constantly spending that capital, unless you are truly in a position that it is agreed you will likely be making it to at least the conference finals. Which no one thinks we are.

Edit - and don't think I am against doing "something". Was very happy with the MP3 trade, and extending. Sorry that Miller had to go, but he had to go. And I would trade just about anyone and anything if someone. was willing to overpay us.

 

[ManVanFan]

Put on the X-files music. I think Winnipeg's thing is they are 'winterized' hockey players. Blake Wheeler deserves a ton of credit for cajoling Minnesota players up there. He's really done a great service to the franchise to keep it afloat in that way.

We talk about the Colorado effect, that's a set thing. Winnipeg loses their advantage when it begins to warm up.

That is funny, I'm not sure if that's true or not though. I'd like or laugh but my punishment for being mean I'm not allowed to like or laugh or be angry or anything.

Winnipeg looks different, more mature this year. They had a good season then it fell apart with 25 games to go in regular season last year. Will see if that happens again this year or not.

 

[ManVanFan]

Sorry that was at 4 am, my wording was poor.

I have no problem trading Boeser.

I have a major problem trading our 1st, 2nd and prospects to "move the needle". My point was intended to be that garnering draft picks is preferable to constantly spending that capital, unless you are truly in a position that it is agreed you will likely be making it to at least the conference finals. Which no one thinks we are.

Edit - and don't think I am against doing "something". Was very happy with the MP3 trade, and extending. Sorry that Miller had to go, but he had to go. And I would trade just about anyone and anything if someone. was willing to overpay us.

If they are moving a 1st this year, you have to be getting a u24 player. For what STL got Holloway for. I would have given Podz and a 3rd for Holloway. You might be able to get Dylan Cozens right now for a mid first and Joshua maybe. Cozens is not playing well. Other then that, I doubt many others in that age range or lower are available or the price is going to be significantly higher.

 

[StickShift]

I think the path forward for the Canucks this TDL is to take advantage of their cap-space. They can minimize the capital they spend by not requiring sellers or third-parties to retain. There are not many other playoff teams that will be able to acquire major contracts without retention.

Additionally, they still have an entire retention slot they can use to help facilitate a 50-25 retention for another teams. That alone could net them another pick in the top-half of the draft.

Depending on how much cap space they had at the TDL—they could even take on whole expiring cap-dump contract(s) and farm even more assets.

Whatever path they take—they should use their cap space to leverage the assets they need to improve their roster at the TDL.

 

[ManVanFan]

I think the path forward for the Canucks this TDL is to take advantage of their cap-space. They can minimize the capital they spend by not requiring sellers or third-parties to retain. There are not many other playoff teams that will be able to acquire major contracts without retention.

Additionally, they still have an entire retention slot they can use to help facilitate a 50-25 retention for another teams. That alone could net them another pick in the top-half of the draft.

Depending on how much cap space they had at the TDL—they could even take on whole expiring cap-dump contract(s) and farm even more assets.

Whatever path they take—they should use their cap space to leverage the assets they need to improve their roster at the TDL.

I can't imagine the Canucks doing that. Sabres, Predators, Sharks, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Blackhawks that can all do that.

 

[I am toxic]

Sorry but I hate this attitude. Smart teams keep their draft picks and prospects ... they know they will be playing hockey in 5 - 6 years. We are fighting for a playoff spot, not cruising into the playoffs. I know Aquaman wants playoff revenue, But I want to remain a fan for years. Heck, I have put 55 years in so far, I want to ride this team into my 80's.

TBL traded JTM even when they were headed to win 2 Cups, and appear in 3 finals in a row. (Admittedly the Bolts have had a very strange mgmt history).

When the Canucks trade for 1st round picks, they shortly trade them. However one of the most successful trades in history got us some twins.

Chill Bill, Vol. 1

 

[Bourne Endeavor]

I think the path forward for the Canucks this TDL is to take advantage of their cap-space. They can minimize the capital they spend by not requiring sellers or third-parties to retain. There are not many other playoff teams that will be able to acquire major contracts without retention.

Additionally, they still have an entire retention slot they can use to help facilitate a 50-25 retention for another teams. That alone could net them another pick in the top-half of the draft.

Depending on how much cap space they had at the TDL—they could even take on whole expiring cap-dump contract(s) and farm even more assets.

Whatever path they take—they should use their cap space to leverage the assets they need to improve their roster at the TDL.

Considering management wants to push for the playoffs themselves, I can't imagine them going this route unless it's an absolute sell. Most "broker" teams have been getting a 3rd pick at most lately. That's just not worth it for a team with playoff aspirations.

I think one of McCann, Norris or Cozens will eventually be a Canuck at some point before the deadline. And Boeser will stay.

 

[LemonSauceD]

I think the path forward for the Canucks this TDL is to take advantage of their cap-space. They can minimize the capital they spend by not requiring sellers or third-parties to retain. There are not many other playoff teams that will be able to acquire major contracts without retention.

Additionally, they still have an entire retention slot they can use to help facilitate a 50-25 retention for another teams. That alone could net them another pick in the top-half of the draft.

Depending on how much cap space they had at the TDL—they could even take on whole expiring cap-dump contract(s) and farm even more assets.

Whatever path they take—they should use their cap space to leverage the assets they need to improve their roster at the TDL.

agreed with this. we can easily retain 25-50% of most likely rentals like Nelson, Palmieri, Zucker, Dvorak, Brandon Tanev, Kerfoot etc

 

[Jerry the great]

I think the path forward for the Canucks this TDL is to take advantage of their cap-space. They can minimize the capital they spend by not requiring sellers or third-parties to retain. There are not many other playoff teams that will be able to acquire major contracts without retention.

Additionally, they still have an entire retention slot they can use to help facilitate a 50-25 retention for another teams. That alone could net them another pick in the top-half of the draft.

Depending on how much cap space they had at the TDL—they could even take on whole expiring cap-dump contract(s) and farm even more assets.

Whatever path they take—they should use their cap space to leverage the assets they need to improve their roster at the TDL.

The NHL trade market is usually extremely illiquid. It becomes semi liquid for a month or so heading into the TDL and then again for a couple weeks heading into the draft. If you're going to try and re-shape your roster via the trade market, those are the times to do it.

They have cap space now to bring in a significant contract and if they land one, they have time to move pieces out. Boeser's camp is probably two weeks away from getting our best offer and if he doesn't take it, he'll be gone. Rutherford does everything with a heightened sense of urgency and I do not see that dissipating until he's put the new plan into motion. They'll overpay for things they want before using their cap space to acquire mid round picks IMO.

I fully expect fireworks down the stretch.

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

1. Trade Boeser if no deal by TDL.
2. Use space to acquire more picks or useful player on "bad contract"
3. Look hard into Norris if Sens want to legitimately offloaded him for a reasonable price

 

[ManVanFan]

1. Trade Boeser if no deal by TDL.
2. Use space to acquire more picks or useful player on "bad contract"
3. Look hard into Norris if Sens want to legitimately offloaded him for a reasonable price

Have the Canucks ever used space to acquire more picks? Are there useful players on bad contracts? Having Norris and Chytil as 2/3 centers and often being injured and the serious lack of center depth in Van's prospect system. Not a great recipe for success IMO.

 

[Grip it N RYP it]

I would do a literal spit take if we re-acquired McCann. Life sure is funny, my brother.

Especially if it involves a tall handsome defenseman, going the other way.

 

[arttk]

1. Trade Boeser if no deal by TDL.
2. Use space to acquire more picks or useful player on "bad contract"
3. Look hard into Norris if Sens want to legitimately offloaded him for a reasonable price

1. realistically, it's going to be around 1.5-1 week before TDL especially considering how active management is when it comes to flipping assets. so yeah D day is coming soon for Boeser, i imagine if he is not signed when 4 nations is over, he's going to be gone.

 

[krutovsdonut]

It's not though. I routinely met all the Canucks at private events through my work around the time. McCann comes off as arrogant and stand off ish. Whether he hated van or not, i couldn't tell you, but he acted like he hated most things kinda.

EDIT : this doesn't mean i think he's a bad teammate, or even a bad guy. he just was stand off-ish in a room full of ppl meeting and greeting. could it have been a young person in a situation he didn't know how to handle, or someone that's a dick? idk

i think the sedins threw some shade also about young guys taking time to mature iirc. might have been virtanen but i think i recall the timing pointed at mccann.

i don't see a dressing room led by the sedins and featuring alex adler as being hostile to a socially awkward guy just for that.

 

[sandwichbird2023]

Have the Canucks ever used space to acquire more picks? Are there useful players on bad contracts? Having Norris and Chytil as 2/3 centers and often being injured and the serious lack of center depth in Van's prospect system. Not a great recipe for success IMO.

Between the 2 of them, they should be able to play a combined 82 games in one season, so you can look at them as one 2C. Then we just have to find a 3C.

 

[ManVanFan]

Between the 2 of them, they should be able to play a combined 82 games in one season, so you can look at them as one 2C. Then we just have to find a 3C.

I hope Van would then look to find some better center depth than what they currently have. Some players with some more potential with their 4th round pick this year Lol.

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

I hope Van would then look to find some better center depth than what they currently have. Some players with some more potential with their 4th round pick this year Lol.

Issue is there is such a lack of center depth around the league that anyone who is even remotely available and decent will garner a ton of interest.

So you have to take a swing.

I still like certain teams with some depth at C (Columbus, Buffalo) where there could be an option for a younger player but that also comes with it's own risks.

Either way, the next month will be fascinating.

 

[wonton15]

I am quite fine with our center depth if we retain Suter/Blueger, and Pettersson continues his trajectory and gains at least like 75% of his form. If we somehow manage to snag a player like Rantanen, we’re a contender IMO. Easier said than done, but there IS a path forward with Chytil as 2C

 

[F A N]

Sorry but I hate this attitude. Smart teams keep their draft picks and prospects ... they know they will be playing hockey in 5 - 6 years. We are fighting for a playoff spot, not cruising into the playoffs. I know Aquaman wants playoff revenue, But I want to remain a fan for years. Heck, I have put 55 years in so far, I want to ride this team into my 80's.

TBL traded JTM even when they were headed to win 2 Cups, and appear in 3 finals in a row. (Admittedly the Bolts have had a very strange mgmt history).

When the Canucks trade for 1st round picks, they shortly trade them. However one of the most successful trades in history got us some twins.

Couldn't agree more Billy. This team is going through turmoil this season and while we should put our best foot forward we shouldn't be selling out our own future at this point.

Our focus should be on trying to surround our elite pieces in Hughes, and Petterson during their primes. Hronek is a great core support piece, and Debrusk is in for 6 more years, and MPetterson for 6. We have Lekkerimaki, EPetterson, and Willander, hopefully rounding into core pieces as well.

Petey is in year 1 of 8 and Hughes hasn't even signed what will hopefully be another 8 year deal. The only way we should trade our first is a cost controlled sub 26 year old center or very elite winger to add to the core. This season the only other parts we have are a inconsistent Boeser, and a really great support piece in Sherwood. I would definitely be looking at turning Boeser into assets as compared to letting him walk after a self TDL deal. A decision also needs to be made on Garland but that can wait until next year.

I agree. I'm fine with trading a first for a cost controlled/team controlled player where he should have 5+ years of prime years left. The original JT Miller acquisition and Hronek acquisitions are examples. We paid a steep price but we got back players who were just hitting their primes.

 

[ManVanFan]

Issue is there is such a lack of center depth around the league that anyone who is even remotely available and decent will garner a ton of interest.

So you have to take a swing.

I still like certain teams with some depth at C (Columbus, Buffalo) where there could be an option for a younger player but that also comes with it's own risks.

Either way, the next month will be fascinating.

Issue with teams like that is they are going to keep it until they have a bigger need somewhere else. I'm a little surprised that teams don't move younger middling prospects around more often to see if another environmental will help. Obviously neither team wants to lose the trades though.

Management needs to not be idiots and draft a center. Last time they drafted a center in their first 2 rounds was Pettersson in 2017. Horvat in 2013.

 

[Bleach Clean]

Yep. Easy to tell who doesn't watch other team's games.

Lindholm is awful and used every bit of his tank to do okay in the playoffs for us. Do not want.

It's easy to dunk on Lindholm, he hasn't been good with BOS. He looks lost.

On balance though, he was a big, right shot 46 point defensive centre here. Played in all situations. At $7m AAV, it's about $1m~ too rich. He would have gotten at least $6m anywhere else. This team made that bet. He walked.

Now, this team is reportedly after Josh Norris: A 51 point 2way C that is fast, but not big. $8m AAV. Shoulder held together with tape, and is a rumoured cap dump.

Looks like a similar bet made by people paid to watch games...

 

[ManVanFan]

I am quite fine with our center depth if we retain Suter/Blueger, and Pettersson continues his trajectory and gains at least like 75% of his form. If we somehow manage to snag a player like Rantanen, we’re a contender IMO. Easier said than done, but there IS a path forward with Chytil as 2C

I doubt Pettersson-Chytil-Suter-Blueger strikes fear into many opposing teams if those are your centers.