Confirmed with Link: Canucks sign RW Loui Eriksson to 6-year, $36m deal ($6m AAV w/ NMC)

[Nick Lang]

I love how people write this signing off as unwarranted, since we suck balls, and should just completely tank. Yet we have Eriksson, Rodin, Gudbranson, and Larsen to add, plus the continuation of Tryamkin, and the return of Sutter. In addition to that there is the talk of adding another forward still, if possible.

That's a 3rd of the line-up revamped. Two possible top six/nine players and Sutter, plus 2 large-bodied defensive upgrades. And some followers would rather we just get slaughtered right off the bat, even before prospects camp and the pre-season. Sports sure are a changing with mass media.

 

[Canucker]

I love how people write this signing off as unwarranted, since we suck balls, and should just completely tank. Yet we have Eriksson, Rodin, Gudbranson, and Larsen to add, plus the continuation of Tryamkin, and the return of Sutter. In addition to that there is the talk of adding another forward still, if possible.

That's a 3rd of the line-up revamped. Two possible top six/nine players and Sutter, plus 2 large-bodied defensive upgrades. And some followers would rather we just get slaughtered right off the bat, even before prospects camp and the pre-season. Sports sure are a changing with mass media.

Yes, a stunning display of talent added...this is a team going places.

 

[Grub]

Yes, a stunning display of talent added...this is a team going places.

1. Added a top 6 forward (Best option available in this year's free agency)
2. Added the MVP of the Swedish league
3. Added Guddy who many Florida fans are dissapointed to see go
4. Finally getting a healthy Sutter
5. Wild cards like Larsen and our young guys getting even better this year (Horvat, etc.)

Hey... at least Benning is doing all in his power to make this team better than last year. I believe that we will surprise many people next year.

We essentially revamped the team. At least Benning is man enough to see his mistakes (Getting rid of Vey, etc.).

 

[Shareefruck]

Yes, a stunning display of talent added...this is a team going places.

Wait, is that really what he meant by that? I read that first paragraph and was like..... "huh? How does all that stuff he said afterwards undercut the validity of the first part in any way? He just listed a bunch of random players."

The sentence may as well have read "I love how people think we should tank, yet I have ten fingers and ten toes" to me. What was the actual suggestion? That if you change the lineup alot, you shouldn't tank?

 

[Ryp37]

Dunno how you guys could have watched last season and still wonder why people don't like management or what they're doing.

 

[ginner classic]

this isnt the worst signing, and is kind of like a 'benning tax' - as long as we have the privilege of him being our gm, we just bleed a little bit here, a little bit there. thankfully, he didn't hit a carotid this time

sounds like he could have if he signed russell though

This is exactly how I view this.

 

[kanucks25]

Every year "optimists" will point to the new additions and say things like "I think we'll surprise a lot of people, we got X, Y and Z and this player and that player will be healthy, unlike last year."

Bunch of people said the exact same things last summer and we ended up being arguably the worst team in the league. It was just a complete tire-fire of a season.

The problem with our team is that if we want to make the playoffs, everything has to go right. We have to be extremely lucky with everything working out nicely. It's completely unrealistic. Other teams will make the playoffs with real talent and depth.

 

[iFan]

1. Added a top 6 forward (Best option available in this year's free agency)
2. Added the MVP of the Swedish league
3. Added Guddy who many Florida fans are dissapointed to see go
4. Finally getting a healthy Sutter
5. Wild cards like Larsen and our young guys getting even better this year (Horvat, etc.)

Hey... at least Benning is doing all in his power to make this team better than last year. I believe that we will surprise many people next year.

We essentially revamped the team. At least Benning is man enough to see his mistakes (Getting rid of Vey, etc.).

I hear Canuck fans say this every year, just like Oiler fans for years saying next year will be different you watch, well this time they may be right, maybe not playoffs but content for them. I don't see how the Canucks make the playoffs when we're the worst or second worst team in our division.

 

[Boose Brudreau]

1. Added a top 6 forward (Best option available in this year's free agency)
2. Added the MVP of the Swedish league
3. Added Guddy who many Florida fans are dissapointed to see go
4. Finally getting a healthy Sutter
5. Wild cards like Larsen and our young guys getting even better this year (Horvat, etc.)

Hey... at least Benning is doing all in his power to make this team better than last year. I believe that we will surprise many people next year.

We essentially revamped the team. At least Benning is man enough to see his mistakes (Getting rid of Vey, etc.).

It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain the level he played at last year, because it wasn't just top 6, his production was at the higher end of first line right wingers. 6th in the league at ES scoring (8th in ESTOI), 7th in total scoring (4th TOI/GP).

love the versatility he brings. He's not just here to play with the Sedins, but he is a great fit there - will unquestionably be the best player they have played with.

I'm not sure that Horvat taking a big step next year is much of a wildcard.....he absolutely should.

Should be a much better team next year

 

[Nuckles]

1. Added a top 6 forward (Best option available in this year's free agency)
2. Added the MVP of the Swedish league
3. Added Guddy who many Florida fans are dissapointed to see go
4. Finally getting a healthy Sutter
5. Wild cards like Larsen and our young guys getting even better this year (Horvat, etc.)

Hey... at least Benning is doing all in his power to make this team better than last year. I believe that we will surprise many people next year.

We essentially revamped the team. At least Benning is man enough to see his mistakes (Getting rid of Vey, etc.).

Wow, he admitted his mistakes by letting go of an AHL player. So brave.

And I would like to know what "etc" is. Because if you include Prust, Clendening, and the likes then no, he hasn't been "man enough" to see his mistakes. He let Hamhuis walk for nothing when he could have been signed for very cheap, we still have Miller/Sbisa eating up tons of cap space, he still refuses to trade Hansen and claims he has no idea why he can't acquire another draft pick, and the list goes on...

 

[Grub]

I hear Canuck fans say this every year, just like Oiler fans for years saying next year will be different you watch, well this time they may be right, maybe not playoffs but content for them. I don't see how the Canucks make the playoffs when we're the worst or second worst team in our division.

Honestly I understand where some fans are going with the entire "Tank" and rebuild.

Last year I was one of those, however after seeing how we moved down 2 spots this year.... and suffering all through last year (let me tell you last year was one of the worst hockey i've seen in a long time). It was just not worth it. Tanking is not for me... especially how the new lottery system works now.

Then you see a team like the Sharks who are similar to us with Big Joe and Marleau, how many fan bases we're insulting and screaming for them to rebuilt. You know what? They made it to the Stanley Cup Finals with 37 year old Joe and 36 year old Patrick Marleau leading the charge. Who would have thought?

The Sedins have 2 more years left. In the prospect side we have added good pieces the past few years (Horvat, Sven, Boeser, Juolevi, Virtanen, Demko, etc.). If we didn't have these pieces then I would be screaming a different story. The fact is, we are now developing internally while at the same time trying to ice a competitive team. To me there's nothing wrong to that.

Benning has made many mistakes, but heck at least he is trying everything in his power to provide us with a team that can be competitive. At least he is man enough to see his mistakes and quickly adjust. Before I make any further judgement on how this management team is incompetent, how we should tank, etc. I want to see what the changes this year will do for the team.

 

[kanucks25]

We're nothing like the Sharks. We don't have a Pavelski, Couture, Burns, Ward or Donskoi.

Eriksson can cancel out one of those good forwards but he alone can't magically turn us around from bottom-feeder to true contender.

 

[Hit the post]

1. Added a top 6 forward (Best option available in this year's free agency)
2. Added the MVP of the Swedish league
3. Added Guddy who many Florida fans are dissapointed to see go
4. Finally getting a healthy Sutter
5. Wild cards like Larsen and our young guys getting even better this year (Horvat, etc.)

Hey... at least Benning is doing all in his power to make this team better than last year. I believe that we will surprise many people next year.

We essentially revamped the team. At least Benning is man enough to see his mistakes (Getting rid of Vey, etc.).

1. uh you do know we got a healthy Sutter at the start of last season as well?
2. uh we finished in THIRD LAST PLACE this past season. How much lower could he get? Can't help but improve on that. What's the @#@#%$# surprise?

 

[Grub]

We're nothing like the Sharks. We don't have a Pavelski, Couture, Burns, Ward or Donskoi.

Eriksson can cancel out one of those good forwards but he alone can't magically turn us around from bottom-feeder to true contender.

No we don't have those type of players. However we have been in a similar situation like that Sharks for many years now. An Old core leading the charge with hardly any high draft picks.

Logan Couture #1st Round Pick 7th Overall Drafted By Sharks
Joe Pavelshi #7th Round Pick 205 Overall Drafted By Sharks
Brent Burns #1st Round Pick 20th Overall Drafted By Sharks
Marc Edouard Vlasic #2nd Round Pick 35 Overall Drafted By Sharks
Joonas Donskoi #4th Round Pick 99th Overall Drafted By Sharks
Thomas Hertl #1st Round pick 17th Overall Drafted By Sharks

None of those players you listed were acquired via tanking NONE. We have to believe that some of the players we drafted in the past few years will become key players for the Canucks very very soon.

 

[Grub]

1. uh you do know we got a healthy Sutter at the start of last season as well?
2. uh we finished in THIRD LAST PLACE this past season. How much lower could he get? Can't help but improve on that. What's the @#@#%$# surprise?

1. We did correct, but then he got injured and played only 20 games. So what is your point?
2. Yes I do believe we'll be much better next season, no need to swear does not make you seem any cooler.

 

[kanucks25]

No we don't have those type of players. However we have been in a similar situation like that Sharks for many years now. An Old core leading the charge with hardly any high draft picks.

Logan Couture #1st Round Pick 7th Overall Drafted By Sharks
Joe Pavelshi #7th Round Pick 205 Overall Drafted By Sharks
Brent Burns #1st Round Pick 20th Overall Drafted By Sharks
Marc Edouard Vlasic #2nd Round Pick 35 Overall Drafted By Sharks
Joonas Donskoi #4th Round Pick 99th Overall Drafted By Sharks
Thomas Hertl #1st Round pick 17th Overall Drafted By Sharks

None of those players you listed were acquired via tanking NONE.

So? That doesn't mean it's still not the best way to acquire elite players.

 

[Olli Juolevi]

Honestly I understand where some fans are going with the entire "Tank" and rebuild.

Last year I was one of those, however after seeing how we moved down 2 spots this year.... and suffering all through last year (let me tell you last year was one of the worst hockey i've seen in a long time). It was just not worth it. Tanking is not for me... especially how the new lottery system works now.

Then you see a team like the Sharks who are similar to us with Big Joe and Marleau, how many fan bases we're insulting and screaming for them to rebuilt. You know what? They made it to the Stanley Cup Finals with 37 year old Joe and 36 year old Patrick Marleau leading the charge. Who would have thought?

The Sedins have 2 more years left. In the prospect side we have added good pieces the past few years (Horvat, Sven, Boeser, Juolevi, Virtanen, Demko, etc.). If we didn't have these pieces then I would be screaming a different story. The fact is, we are now developing internally while at the same time trying to ice a competitive team. To me there's nothing wrong to that.

Benning has made many mistakes, but heck at least he is trying everything in his power to provide us with a team that can be competitive. At least he is man enough to see his mistakes and quickly adjust. Before I make any further judgement on how this management team is incompetent, how we should tank, etc. I want to see what the changes this year will do for the team.

Idk we still lack prospect depth at every position and have bled value in every trade. Tanking sucks for the fan base no doubt but without those key top 5 draft picks the talent just isn't there.

The Sedins were drafted 2nd and 3rd overall, talent like that can really only be taken at the top of the draft. The excitement of a Conner McJesus or Jack Eichel or Austin Mathews or Sidney Crosby etc. Sadly that's not going to be the case in Vancouver.

Should we as a fan base be happy that management has been delaying our much needed draft rebuild? Has been selling the farm for Dorset, Vey, Gudbranson, Prust and Sutter? They just lessen the pain of a train wreck season but winter is still coming. Post sedins is soon for this team and when that happens the team IS going to stink. Shouldn't we be preparing for that now by drafting our #1C and #1LW?

 

[Hit the post]

1. We did correct, but then he got injured and played only 20 games. So what is your point?
2. Yes I do believe we'll be much better next season, no need to swear does not make you seem any cooler.

1. You automatically assume he'll be their for the entire season (or nobody else noticable will get hurt - like that's every happend to the Canucks) - this team has poor depth (not Benning's fault - as he inherited a mess up front - it's just reality)
2. Again, how can you be not better than last season by default? - THIRD LAST IN THE LEAGUE where you beat the Oilers (yah, what a great achievement) and the Leafs (who actively tried to be in last place).
3. We have a AHL coach still behind the bench - that's ALL on Benning.

 

[Grub]

So? That doesn't mean it's still not the best way to acquire elite players.

I agree it's still the best way if you look at it historically. With that said, there are other ways (developing internally and just getting darn lucky).

Again like I've stated I was all for tanking until they changed how the Lottery worked. Moving down 2 spots this year was as soul crushing as it gets.

 

[thefeebster]

Huh, what's going on here? Burns and Donskoi were not drafted by the Sharks.

 

[Grub]

1. You automatically assume he'll be the for the entire season - this team has poor depth (not Benning's fault - as he inherited a mess up front)
2. Again, how can the be not better than last season - THIRD LAST IN THE LEAGUE where you beat the Oilers (yah, what a great achievement) and the Leafs (who actively tried to be in last place).

1. I don't have a crystal ball that would tell me if Sutter will be healthy the entire season or not, yes I am not a fortune teller. So I generally keep on the positive side. I also assumed this year's draft we wouldn't move down 2 spots but alas the worst case came to bear. Again none of this I can control, I can only look at it and "assume" the best case.

2. Agreed how can't we?

 

[Hit the post]

Again like I've stated I was all for tanking until they changed how the Lottery worked. Moving down 2 spots this year was as soul crushing as it gets.

There's a difference between actively tanking and attempting to accumulate picks (to take advantage of Benning's only strength). Benning did squat at the trading deadline to do this.

 

[kanucks25]

I agree it's still the best way if you look at it historically. With that said, there are other ways (developing internally and just getting darn lucky).

Again like I've stated I was all for tanking until they changed how the Lottery worked. Moving down 2 spots this year was as soul crushing as it gets.

Hoping for "getting darn lucky" is not exactly the way I'd want a team to be run.

And even though we finished 3rd last, the 5th spot actually had the highest probability for us (almost 38%).

Either way, top 7 picks > non top 7 picks.

 

[Grub]

Huh, what's going on here? Burns and Donskoi were not drafted by the Sharks.

I just copy and pasted, no they were not. The point is none of these players were top picks and acquired via tanking.

 

[dc]

We're nothing like the Sharks. We don't have a Pavelski, Couture, Burns, Ward or Donskoi.

Eriksson can cancel out one of those good forwards but he alone can't magically turn us around from bottom-feeder to true contender.

So the Sedin's are nothing now? With Eriksson they will potentially be one of the best scoring lines in the division. What a sad, close minded fan base we have.