NutsBoutNucks

I very rarely log in and I hardly ever post since I joined this forum, but I’ve got to say SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME you and a small handful of posters have an admirable and on point view of hockey, at all levels, and continuously keep the posts focused, informative and up-to-date. Therefore I was compelled to log in to say thank you for the great work, especially for those of us that cringe at off point and irrelevant argumentative type posts. You have a keen eye for analyzing talent and relating it on here. I’d like to know your opinion in regards to mine about a Gaudette, someone I see as the closest ‘meat and potatoes, complete 200’ player’ that’s comparable in style somewhat to Horvat, talent wise just a step behind, (I see Horvat as 2C and Gaudette as 3C), including leadership qualities and maturity. From reading other posts I’d think most others would feel I’m overrating him, but I can see some things in his play on the ice, his actions between whistles, on the bench...just seems like a leader with a skill set, not unlike Bo...thoughts?

I realize there’s a lot of talk about the ‘Tryamkins’ being homesick and missing their ‘Motherland’ of Russia and all their family, which is understandable and even mentioned by Nikita in interviews, although it sounded secondary as to the ice time he received. The Canucks, as do all professional sports, have a very inclusive and active ‘girlfriends and wives’ group, with constant gatherings and outings. Perhaps Mrs. Tryamkin didn’t utilize this as much. Family can be flown in, local Russian communities are quite active and easy to locate... if the culture shock was handled a little better by Canucks PR, and all the cultural options and teammate/family blending was handled with more focus on welcoming and comforting the Tryamkin clan, we would have had a far more successful first impression for Nikita et al. The red carpet was laid out for Pavel Bure in this way, and although Tryamkin doesn’t come with as much fan fare as Bure, he will definitely become a lineup regular and is already, quite obviously, a fan favourite. I really hope we get a second wack at the big Tree, he just oozes long term character and success for our Canucks.

I don’t post much on here, but I’ve felt compelled on s couple occasions to put my vote of confidence towards Anton Rodin. I have strong thoughts that his talent and compete level, once the injuries and rust are all shaken off and the confidence starts to build, this player will be a dark horse to succeed in the coming years. I can can see him potting twenty plus if given time on a 2nd PP and decent line mates (Sedins would work nicely), I can see him putting up a couple, few short handed markers if he finds time on the PK, and I have already seen significant changes and improvements to his 200’ game. The adaption to NA ice rinks is irrelevant given his experience in the AHL and brief stint in the NHL, and the only deciding factor remaining on this player is a negative one. We will be guaranteed to lose him if he doesn’t make the roster this year.

Probably been said before, but by listening to the Canuck core players and GMMG ramblings, Dallas Eakins is the answer. Core players have a need for a coach that will give them respect, long leash and a sense of self governing...only a new coach without ego or attitude like Eakins can provide this free reign Players with waning confidence (Kassian), under-developed skills (Schroeder) and not-quite-there players like Corrado and Gaunce need a coach with proven success and appreciation to youthful talent, which is Eakins primary draw So, in my opinion and many others, Eakins is an excellent balance of respect to the core players, appreciation to youthful development, he's fresh and driven, locally involved and ready to roll. The AHL is a good grind on any caliber coach, and he did well. Hire him, the core will appreciate him, the youth will thrive and fans will love his engaging personality. I am more interested in the assistants he or Gillis will choose to compliment him because I believe that much in Eakins being a good hire. Welcome to Vancouver, Dallas. And good luck in Dallas, Alain. Enjoy your summer, CDC.