End of Season Media Availability - Management ( 10 PST)

[brock hughes007]

Management seems to be poised to double-down on making poor decisions again.

Agree.I don't feel very confident going forward with them.There are to many red flags with this team as it is.Keeping EP40 over Miller was a big mistake.And now they are realizing it.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

There isn't though. Basically the "evidence" is that the Canucks have injuries, and these injuries sometimes don't heal in the manner the fans expect. Fans, therefore, conclude the medical team sucks. But the fans criticizing the team's medical staff almost never have any medical training and are clearly not in a position of understanding to even criticize the medical team, and even if they were, they don't even have the requisite information to criticize the medical team. And moreover, even if these fans had the medical expertise and information necessary to criticize the medical team, they'd also need a keen understanding of the general standard of medical advice being provided at an NHL level....which they don't.

Of course, the Canucks medical team could actually suck. I don't know.

What kind of evidence would have to come out, that realisticly could come out, that would convince you that the medical staff is not up to par?

 

[Bleach Clean]

What kind of evidence would have to come out, that realisticly could come out, that would convince you that the medical staff is not up to par?

After he answers this one, I'd like to know if we can critique GMs or coaches if we have never managed or coached at an NHL level?

 

[Nick Lang]

Yeah I've been pretty pro management as well however I am having a hard time seeing why on earth JR would state those comments about Hughes? What good does that serve outside of stoking the flames here?

Also continuing to bash Petey while speaking soo glowingly of Miller just doesn't serve a lot of purpose.

JR is a bit too cavalier these days with his comments. Alvin is much more measured and might have to take over the mike here as lately JR hasn't been helping

Maybe just a way of telling people not to get their panties in a bunch. They're doing everything they can. Sure, maybe at some point he'll play with his brothers. It could just as well be in Vancouver. Two years is along time to see what transpires. Rutherford just pointing out the reality that anyone can clearly see if they care to look.

I think he was just answering honestly about JT. If he didn't people would be pissed at that. It's good to be honest with the fans. It was unfortunate, we all know it wasn't ideal, no denying we lost some skill and intangibles, but we've dealt with it and turned the page.

I'm not sure this is a big deal to anyone except it's intended audience. Canuck fans. The rest of the hockey world is in playoff mode.

 

[VanJack]

SportsNet ticker saying Canucks not exercising option on Tochett. I guess he is done here?

You can't force a guy to coach your team, if he doesn't want to be here. So coercing Tocchet to stay around just because the Canucks exercised their option, was never really in the cards.

I think he's headed for Philly....and I've thought that from the very outset. But as others have observed, just another nail in the coffin in terms of keep Hughes here long-term.

 

[Bleach Clean]

There's so much to evaluate from that post-season presser. I'm a bit surprised by it all.

One thing I am now convinced about though, if I wasn't already, is that Allvin doesn't think tendinitis could impair Pettersson's speed enough to have it affect his game. Even though this has been his worst season in the NHL. Even though his speed data is there to see (Rush data has been halved). Even though coincidental (icing knee) and anecdotal (he's not fast anymore) evidence is there. He just refuses to acknowledge it as the issue Pettersson says it is.

These are OK managers. I'm fine with them being here. Still, if Pettersson somehow 'survives' their tenure... All the better.

 

[me2]

It's always a party when Rutherford is pissed

Knew I'd seen him before. Just caught the extended interview

 

[Caboose]

can you explain how he produced at such a high level with this supposed terrible work ethic? Did he just get away with raw talent until feb of last year, then he just lost it?

There has already been a worrying trend developing where he disappears for unnaturally long stretches of time due to a variety of issues. All three coaches have been puzzled by his long stretches of weak play to the point they have cut his ice time drastically without being to explain his drop off in play.

I do believe undoubtedly he gets by on a large amount of talent, but from all the evidence around us including Quinn Hughes words my conclusion is that...

No, EP has not shown he has been able to put in the work necessary to be the best version he can be especially when he has to push through the "hard".


Again, how can people watch Quinn and his dedication to improvement in his weakest areas year after year after year and still say Petey is fine.

Do you disagree that if Petey had Quinn's work ethic that he would be a top 5-10 player in the NHL? Or do you think Petey is working adequately hard to improve his game and it's just bad luck/psychological he has not been able to get stronger on his skates or that his shot has gotten progressively worse over the last number of years?

 

[Isi]

the way management were speaking about him, that JT Miller sounds like one hell of a player. he should be great for the Canucks next season!

 

[Hughes Clues]

the way management were speaking about him, that JT Miller sounds like one hell of a player. he should be great for the Canucks next season!

Well he did single handedly propel the rags into the playoffs. Saving Laviolettes job.

 

[Hughes Clues]

There has already been a worrying trend developing where he disappears for unnaturally long stretches of time due to a variety of issues. All three coaches have been puzzled by his long stretches of weak play to the point they have cut his ice time drastically without being to explain his drop off in play.

I do believe undoubtedly he gets by on a large amount of talent, but from all the evidence around us including Quinn Hughes words my conclusion is that...

No, EP has not shown he has been able to put in the work necessary to be the best version he can be especially when he has to push through the "hard".


Again, how can people watch Quinn and his dedication to improvement in his weakest areas year after year after year and still say Petey is fine.

Do you disagree that if Petey had Quinn's work ethic that he would be a top 5-10 player in the NHL? Or do you think Petey is working adequately hard to improve his game and it's just bad luck/psychological he has not been able to get stronger on his skates or that his shot has gotten progressively worse over the last number of years?

AT 26 years old, were you the best version of yourself? I can confidently say that I wasn't. People grow if you let them.

Yes I think Petey has the talent to be a top 5-10C in the league. Yes I think he's distracted. Yes I believe this is his own doing. Yes I believe he can turn it around.

 

[ManVanFan]

Agree.I don't feel very confident going forward with them.There are to many red flags with this team as it is.Keeping EP40 over Miller was a big mistake.And now they are realizing it.

Who's realizing it? When I listened to the press conference it was the team vs Miller. They wanted Miller to change. Miller realized he burnt all his bridges on the team and was standing on an island by him self.

 

[theguardianII]

Just keep asking Rutherford questions. He’s the best when it comes to answering, doesn’t sugarcoat anything

Allvin is not good at speaking eh

No not really

Allvin is extremely smart, he just responds with very guarded answers, there hasn't been any notable interview with him because he always talks in general statements and he does that on purpose.

Most answers meander all over wasting a lot of time with a minor history lesson. Unless in a scripted interview with team employee IMac

Who's realizing it? When I listened to the press conference it was the team vs Miller. They wanted Miller to change. Miller realized he burnt all his bridges on the team and was standing on an island by him self.

Miller was smart enough to know not to stay if he did the pressure and any blame would be on him.
There are lots of ways to say he demanded a trade without using those words the same with he requested a leave or time off. I noticed that a "mental" issue didn't come up again.

It is fairly obvious they didn't want to trade Miller, so why did they? Because he made a trade demand.

They don't have much choice with Pettersson now, he is Allvin albatross. Clearly a player with baggage.

Tocchet's statements make it clear he spent a lot of time in meeting and was never happy with Pettersson's "professional" attitude or lack of push back. Emotional meetings? Yelling?

Pettersson can be Yzerman, Crosby? There are only two of them and EP ain't a clone.

Rutherford stated they have made their offer to Tocchet and they wait for his answer this week, sounds like a deadline which makes sense because they would need to start interviewing new candidates.

Was realistic about Hughes, lots of teams will have money if he hits FA, I think they just gave a hint that his staying is really out of their hands

There was a sort of "what if Pettersson doesn't come back" and " he is an 8 year veteran" question. Which changed Allvin's steadfast support and belief that EP will be better. Was asked about the knee tendonitis but answered players play with injuries, no mention of the knee.

Way too much about a practice facility, that won't make the team be better practicing at a new building, this is just a distraction from the game. All most all the players go home for the summer. Have they ever not had a practice that is allowed in the CBA? IMO if I was Aquilini I would be, win more and we will see or as a land investment with a hotel etc....
Rutherford also noted that the arena is very old. That was quick. 30 years.

Now another new distraction, a possible fine. Worth 1/2 an hour of of an irrelevant topic.

Now they trade for Necas, a first and Willander or EP with retention and?

 

[rypper]

The benefit of a dedicated practice facility is a player can go to the same place to skate, workout, get treatment etc.

This off season if Pettersson wanted to do that, he'd have to go workout at Rogers, drive to Burnaby, SFU, or wherever there's available ice to skate, back to Rogers for treatment.

There's only 2 teams in the league without a practice facility and one of them, Calgary is having it built with their new arena. Vancouver will be the only team without. Something free agents might consider down the line.

 

[PavelBure10]

I appreciate Rutherfords honesty but I wish management would STFU for once. Management openly speaking on the teams behalf this year only set the team back rather than propel it. Not only does it make management look foolish at times but it also brings down player values in a potential trade.

Some examples of this over the course of the season

-Allvin calling out Pettersson earlier in the year about his play trying to motivate him

- Openly speaking about Miller/Pettersson toxic locker room interactions

- Tochett calling Boeser a passenger on the eve of the trade deadline

- Allvin telling the media the offers for Boeser were embarrassing

- Now Rutherford saying he wants to play with his brothers

I used to think this management was quite clever but as time moves on I am not so sure anymore. Honesty is a good thing, but there is a thing about being too honest. There are certain things that the NHL world doesn't need to know. Not only do you reveal your cards, but you also ruin solid player relationships "Boeser" and make the franchise a even bigger laughing stock than it already is.

Just please STFU for once. Being a fan of this team can be infuriating aswell as depressing at times.

 

[GranvilleIsland]

The benefit of a dedicated practice facility is a player can go to the same place to skate, workout, get treatment etc.

This off season if Pettersson wanted to do that, he'd have to go workout at Rogers, drive to Burnaby, SFU, or wherever there's available ice to skate, back to Rogers for treatment.

There's only 2 teams in the league without a practice facility and one of them, Calgary is having it built with their new arena. Vancouver will be the only team without. Something free agents might consider down the line.

Our real estate slum lord owners aren't even good at what got them here. Oof.

 

[TruGr1t]

If the Willander rumours are true, and it's basically a disagreement on bonus structure, that somewhat blows my mind. Management is looking bad this season, and you'd think they'd just take the win and sign him to generate some goodwill.

 

[Breakers]

Remember when Miller said
“I have no idea why he is making those comments”

Take the mic away from this stupid idiot creating awkward questions for Hughes

God I can’t stand Rutherford

 

[iFan]

I know I’ll be in the minority here but I’d trade EP40 for Horvat. I’d be happy to have Horvat back and he’d be perfect.

 

[iceburg]

I forgot to respond to this earlier but I think this is a good post. I think you needed to read between the lines of what JR was saying to interpret what he meant when he complained about the two way presence with EP, and I picked up the same stuff as you did.

Simultaneously, I would also say it was still a bad answer because i think it's fair that a lot of people just took what he said at face value that yeah he's simply just a bad defensive player. Like you need to have a better public answer.

Fair enough. JR just says what's in his brain, unfiltered. The good side of that is there's no spin, just truth. The not so good side is the message can fall hard and maybe not in the right/intended place.

 

[Canucks LB]

Just listened to the presser. I for one appreciate Jim's answers. I hate when management beats around the bush. He basically just told the truth of what we all knew all along which I wish most hockey ops would do.

That said I still believe Hughes is a career Canuck. He ain't a quitter. This is his team and he wants to bring a cup to Vancouver. Not chase his little brothers to New Jersey. I feel like alot forgot who Hughes is as a human. He's going to build his own Legacy.

That said I believe management knows it will be alot easier when the contract comes around that the Canucks are competitive.

I look forward to them being aggressive this offseason. I think we're all going to be surprised.

Regarding Willander going back to school I think that's just posturing by management. Basically saying ya go ahead and forgo your million for another season we're totally ok with that. It's just negotiations. It will work out on the end.

I love your optimism

 

[TomWillander1RD]

JR… your honesty might be an ideal trait for running a mom-and-pop shop in places like Carolina or Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, you are now running a business in a much larger market under intense media scrutiny.

Learn to communicate with more care and strategy or just retire if you’ll continue to have trouble keeping filter on your mouth.

 

[Canucker]

Fair enough. JR just says what's in his brain, unfiltered. The good side of that is there's no spin, just truth. The not so good side is the message can fall hard and maybe not in the right/intended place.

Yeah, thats the rub when they do these press conferences answering questions...JR is trying to give an articulate and honest answer while also being guarded and not wanting to create an outright dramatic mess...he's straddling a line and occasionally crosses over enough to create messaging issues where people can misconstrue the message.

What I took from his comments about EP was that his commitment level just isn't where it needs to be...I'm pretty sure he didn't actually meant that EP wasn't good defensively, he pretty clearly is, but he's not as dialed in of a professional athlete as a Steve Yzerman was, or Sidney Crosby is...or even Quinn Hughes is. He may never be, it might not be in his character, doesn't mean he won't continue to be a very good player, but for him to be the guy who actually earns his $11+m/yr, he's got to keep raising the bar for himself. Personally, I think they are going to evaluate him and his work habits prior to the draft, or July 1st and make a decision on him based on what they're seeing/hearing.

 

[iFan]

Honestly, I like how transparent JR is, it’s refreshing TBH.

 

[iceburg]

Yeah, thats the rub when they do these press conferences answering questions...JR is trying to give an articulate and honest answer while also being guarded and not wanting to create an outright dramatic mess...he's straddling a line and occasionally crosses over enough to create messaging issues where people can misconstrue the message.

What I took from his comments about EP was that his commitment level just isn't where it needs to be...I'm pretty sure he didn't actually meant that EP wasn't good defensively, he pretty clearly is, but he's not as dialed in of a professional athlete as a Steve Yzerman was, or Sidney Crosby is...or even Quinn Hughes is. He may never be, it might not be in his character, doesn't mean he won't continue to be a very good player, but for him to be the guy who actually earns his $11+m/yr, he's got to keep raising the bar for himself. Personally, I think they are going to evaluate him and his work habits prior to the draft, or July 1st and make a decision on him based on what they're seeing/hearing.

Good summation in bold.

On the work habits to the draft, this is a good point. I suspect you're right. I don't think they'll want to trade EP if he shows he's fully committed.