J-P

Agree in Victor's case, going to NA is likely the best path for him. Don't agree in general, every player is different and it sure didn't hurt EP to stay in Sweden. On fringe prospects I agree more, although a year of pro hockey before NA is still good for many Euros, but yeah, everyone is different as I said.

Not against having 3 scoring lines but if so you actually need a scoring winger on each line imo, and neither Pearson or Bailey qualifies. So I'd put Podz or Garland with EP. Bailey's played well but is still a 4th liner only in my view. I like the PP formations from practice yesterday. Think they need more dynamic positioning though and if they don't get that going the formations won't really make a huge difference.

Really interesting. Posted a link in the trade thread to your post, it really is astonishing what a difference it makes to have an all-around top D complementing QH.

Think it's worth bumping this thread one last time (not really likely, eh?) to show OEL:s impact on the D overall. I realize ARI has long term gains with this trade, but for us to pick up Garland AND a top D that on his own elevates the entire D (allows QH and Myers to play to their strengths etc.) for the price we paid is just a fantastic trade. https://forum.canucks.com/topic/397849-oliver-ekman-larsson-23-d/?do=findComment&comment=16045169

Forsberg injured?

OEL might not reach 40 pts with a more defensive oriented deployment, which is fine, but I still think it's a bit hasty to determine that he's not producing offensively. More of a team stat IMO, hard to get a lot of points when the team only scores 1-2 goals a game, which will hopefully change.

I don't agree. EP looks stronger and still has speed but his timing is off. Probably a combination of rust and lack of confidence. That he hasn't put in the off-season work is pure speculation. He doesn't look fatigued and works hard on the back check as usual so I don't buy the lack of training or effort arguments. EP has pretty much started slow each pro season including SHL except for his NHL rookie season. He needs to be better and missing camp was bad, but signs are he's playing himself into form. A few lucky bounces and a few more games and hopefully things will look better.

I wouldn't. OEL apart from the general mess and a coach pretty much working against him didn't really seem to enjoy being captain. That's fine as long as he keeps playing on the current level. He's a leader both with play and demeanor and a top pairing D in all aspects and that's more than good enough.

If we are under 500 after the homestand I'm quite certain Green will be let go, but it wouldn't surprise me if it happened earlier. The team has no spark and no offense going and the start of the season is already bad enough to put the season in jepoardy.

I don't mind waiving Hunt. Schenn and Burroughs are a nice 7/8 until injuries occur, both righties though.

I agree that OEL should be on the PP1 with QH and that the formations should be more evenly balanced with Boeser and either Miller or Horvat on PP2. But most of all, someone needs to tell Miller and EP to shoot the puck. Not one time out of 10 but more like one time out of 2.

I agree. Also PP. I really don't get the fixation on all these set plays and positions. Sure, they're nice to have but you gotta let the players be creative and also make sure they get the puck on the net. If they don't, on with the next PP formation. Watched the 1st period of BOS-SJS and even though the PP weren't clicking such a difference in player movement, puck speed and shots on net compared to our PP.

Gadj with the primary assist for the Sharks! Looks fast and not out of place at all so far. Dahlen looking good as well.

I agree. I don't mind Green's idea about having hogs at 14-18 mins and kick-starting different lines but when Highmore has more ice against Chicago that is just not a good look.

I agree, although getting a few points he just throws away too many pucks on high risk finesse plays. Being an offensive player giveaways are expected but not at that level and you also need to deliver to balance it out. Hopefully centering the 3rd line will get him back to a simpler game which might actually make him more effective as well as helping other players on that line and give a better top 9 overall.

True and there was also other issues. He didn't seem to work with the coach, was stripped of his captaincy and he also seemed worn down by not playing meaningful games as he always played great internationally and also had a great playoffs in the bubble. He seems great so far, if we get that level of play for 2-3 years and then a second pairing vet for a few years what's not to like.

I agree. Also, Hogs just doesn't seem to care. He always goes out and does his thing no matter the linemates or circumstance.

Don't think you can complain about the forward lines really, it's the best we've got and it's not bad. Don't mind Podz getting a taste with EP/Miller but when Brock's back the 3rd line should be Podz/Dickinson/Hoglander, I can live with that...

Kind of agree but he's very versatile, adds toughness and can hold his own in the crease, so I can see why the coaches want him around. He's also able to play everywhere from 1st line to 4th line without missing a beat. But yeah - at some point he does need to actually bring something else than shooting straight at the goalie ;-)

Agree.If he's still under 10 minutes after 10 games, then it's another discussion but I would expect him to force his way up to top 9 and at least 12 mins+ by then which would be fine at this point.

Well I mean, we do have threads where we write about players visa issues even though they're not actually with our team anymore...

Yeah, let's win tonight and then we'll take it from there...

Yes it could but he probably has to develop some more and stay on that level for almost the entire contract for that to be true. "Consensus" seems to be that this is a better deal than QH/EP, and I just don't agree on that.

You're probably right that he will get better but it's not certain. Most players starts to decline well before 30, not saying Suzuki will but speaking in general this is a contract I would not like on our team.

You did ;-) - we brought in OEL and Garland, OEL looks great so far and hopefully both will be big contributors - we brought in Dickinson, filling a huge need in the lineup - EP looks healthy and motivated and ready to take the next step - EP/QH under team control on reasonable deals - podz looks ready although not spectacular (yet...) - lineup overall much improved But yeah, pretty forgettable preseason on the ice (as it usually is) but very memorable for the off ice stuff.