Popular Post Fozzy Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 I still believe we should have drafted skill, considering what this team already has. Kassian - big, physical, cannot score this season. He's been a 5 year project and still isn't really paying off. Hansen - gritty forward, hands of stone. Can't score. Matthias - former 1st rounder, big and physical but again not skilled enough to score. Jensen - former 1st rounder, big body and a bit of skill but has 1 goal in the AHL so far this year and hasn't made a proper jump to the NHL in quite a few seasons yet. Horvat - former 1st rounder, big and physical but is still yet to score a professional hockey point. Gaunce - former 1st rounder, big and physical but hasn't cracked the NHL lineup or shown much goal scoring prowess in the AHL Most of these guys are big strong forwards with not a whole lot of skill, but play a "200 foot", complete game. Therefore, obviously they need more time to develop as players compared to the skilled, speedy kids who jump into the league straight away, but they're still not producing for us. Kassian is yet to make the jump to the top-6 that we've all been waiting for after a bunch of years battling with inconsistency and inability to score goals. Matthias is probably ruined (but we can blame Florida for that). As for Jensen, Horvat and Gaunce, it's definately too early to tell, but none of them are "wow-ing" anyone the way first rounders are supposed to. This team's prospect pool is lacking 2 huge things right now - skilled forwards and defencemen. We've got enough goalies and powerforwards, now Benning needs to start drafting skill, because quite frankly the only skilled forwards we have right now who will be part of our future are Shinkaruk and Vey. Unless Benning is planning on drafting projects he can develop himself while continuing to trade for young skill, he better draft some in the 2015 draft. Benning passed on the best opportunity he had to get a replacement for Henrik Sedin and a future 1st line centerman in Nylander so he better find us a highly skilled future 1st line center in the 2015 draft, because this team needs a future franchise player to build around. I'm guessing you're not following Utica if you think Gaunce isn't doing very well. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fozzy Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. I'd rather have that big bodied forward who can play physical, scores goals (he has an NHL calibre shot already) than Nylander/Ehlers come playoff time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post timberz21 Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. If Ehlers or Nylander's skills were so off the chart, they would have gone in the top 3, like Patrick Kane, Yakupov, RNH or Duchene. I'm pretty sure if they were the same draft year as Yakupov/RNH, they wouldn't have been in the top 5 either. Look at how these two guys skills didn't easily translate to the NHL (more Yak than RNH). And look at that, without Drouin and a stacked team, Ehlers is now a -9 in junior and only 1PPG instead of 1.6 One-dimensional? Horvat - Clutch, Two-way/defensive bulldozer, tough to play against Jensen - Talented Shooter, big body not necessarily physical McCann - Two-way, more offensive forward than Horvat, Kesler-esque game Virtanen - Speedy sniper, big body, physical presence Shinkaruk - speedy, gritty winger, heart of a lion, finisher Gaunce - Big body, not physical, but high IQ, great leader They won't all reach that potential, but one dimensional? really? Edited October 31, 2014 by timberz21 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2SKATES1STICK Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 So Virtanen has low skill and 2-way players are 1-dimensional. Ive entered the twilight zone apparently. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenman92 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Talked to Jake on Wednesday, nice kid. Article should be on Hockey's Future soon. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senpai Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. You've probably never seen Virtanen play a single god damn game. Also, you probably have never seen Ehlers/Nylander play a game either. You don't have to admit it, it's quite obvious from your post... Kassian is similar to Horvat... What? I guess they're both... Forwards? Edited October 31, 2014 by Senpai 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herberts Vasiljevs Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Guys, let's not turn this into the draft thread all over again how about?? I thought we were past this garbage once and for all... This is JAKE VIRTANEN talk. Not SHOULDA DRAFTED NYLANDERZ talk. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Herberts Vasiljevs Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. If this doesn't give away that you have absolutely no idea what the hell you're talking about, then I don't know what does. What's hilarious is how arrogant you are about it. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avelanch Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 guys all of our forwards are clones. all of our d-men are clones, and all of our goalies are clones because i say so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2SKATES1STICK Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Guys, let's not turn this into the draft thread all over again how about?? I thought we were past this garbage once and for all... This is JAKE VIRTANEN talk. Not SHOULDA DRAFTED NYLANDERZ talk. amen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuktravella Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. whattt kinda drugs are you high on bro how are horvat jensen virtanen, kassian and gaunce similar players horvat and gaunce are two way centers that play in key moments in game jensen is a sniper kassian is a power forward virtanen is full package hits big body scores and fastest skater in chl only thing that similar about them is they will own league in 2-3 yrs 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuktravella Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 watch in 3 yrs virtanen will be a elite scoring machine and turn out the best of this draft class im looking forward to himripping up world juniors getting set up by mcdavid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BanTSN Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. One day we're going to look back at these kind of posts and share a good laugh. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Karlsson Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 Downunda always says random stuff, he doesn't even watch games. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higgyfan Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 only thing that similar about them is they will own league in 2-3 yrs +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuckpuckluck1 Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 He's skilled, point per game in the WHL, but he doesn't have Ehlers or Nylander-level skill. Those kids are on another level to Virtanen. Sure, Virtanen's got a bigger body and plays a more rounded game but like I've said, we've got enough of those players, and we've got no one in our lineup on the same echelon as say Nylander skill-wise. Our prospect pool is getting stupidly one-dimensional. Horvat, Jensen, Virtanen, Kassian and Gaunce are all very similar players. We did get lucky with drafting McCann (surprised he fell so late) so hopefully he develops a bit more pure skill, and although Cassels is up there in the OHL scoring he's more of a two-way forward just like the rest of our prospects. I don't propose to put words in Downunds mouth but I get the feeling he is a little frustrated seeing the likes of McKinnon, Duchene, RNH,, Yakupov, Tavares, Kane, Crosby, etc, etc etc go to teams other than the Canucks. By the sounds of his post he would like to see a flashy dangle here, cut and deke there, goal scoring excitement machine on the Canucks roster. Hard to obtain but even if you have those types of players without a good solid team around them you don't get the best out of them. Just look at the comments about Yakupov at the moment, a lot of his issues are because the team around him is relatively poor and doesn't allow him to play his all out offensive game, with players like Guance, and Horvat around him he would probably not be so hung out to dry. I am excited that there seems to be a plan within the organisation to build a solid core of smart , character focussed players that the Canucks can build around, they seem to be building a solid foundation which they can add "flash" to going forward. I have liked the majority of the draft picks for the last few years, I will admit I wanted Ehlers at the draft but after thinking about the selections made and looking at what I think the vision for the team is, I think the best selection at 6 last year was the one the Canucks made. Virtanen has started the new season with a bang and if all goes well he will have a great season and be a huge boost to Utica next year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenman92 Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 article up at Hockey's Future http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/114049/hitmen-forward-virtanens-shoulder-looking-just-fine/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canucks1219 Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 You've probably never seen Virtanen play a single god damn game. Also, you probably have never seen Ehlers/Nylander play a game either. You don't have to admit it, it's quite obvious from your post... Kassian is similar to Horvat... What? I guess they're both... Forwards? Both are from Ontario. I think he's got a point, you guys. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
messier's_elbow Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 I still believe we should have drafted skill, considering what this team already has. Kassian - big, physical, cannot score this season. He's been a 5 year project and still isn't really paying off. Hansen - gritty forward, hands of stone. Can't score. Matthias - former 1st rounder, big and physical but again not skilled enough to score. Jensen - former 1st rounder, big body and a bit of skill but has 1 goal in the AHL so far this year and hasn't made a proper jump to the NHL in quite a few seasons yet. Horvat - former 1st rounder, big and physical but is still yet to score a professional hockey point. Gaunce - former 1st rounder, big and physical but hasn't cracked the NHL lineup or shown much goal scoring prowess in the AHL Most of these guys are big strong forwards with not a whole lot of skill, but play a "200 foot", complete game. Therefore, obviously they need more time to develop as players compared to the skilled, speedy kids who jump into the league straight away, but they're still not producing for us. Kassian is yet to make the jump to the top-6 that we've all been waiting for after a bunch of years battling with inconsistency and inability to score goals. Matthias is probably ruined (but we can blame Florida for that). As for Jensen, Horvat and Gaunce, it's definately too early to tell, but none of them are "wow-ing" anyone the way first rounders are supposed to. This team's prospect pool is lacking 2 huge things right now - skilled forwards and defencemen. We've got enough goalies and powerforwards, now Benning needs to start drafting skill, because quite frankly the only skilled forwards we have right now who will be part of our future are Shinkaruk and Vey. Unless Benning is planning on drafting projects he can develop himself while continuing to trade for young skill, he better draft some in the 2015 draft. Benning passed on the best opportunity he had to get a replacement for Henrik Sedin and a future 1st line centerman in Nylander so he better find us a highly skilled future 1st line center in the 2015 draft, because this team needs a future franchise player to build around. Virtanen is our best prospect. You know nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BananaMash Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 (edited) Hansen - gritty forward, hands of stone. Can't score. Matthias - former 1st rounder, big and physical but again not skilled enough to score. Horvat - former 1st rounder, big and physical but is still yet to score a professional hockey point. These three in particular stand out to me as really... off points. Hansen is a fourth liner (or third, sometimes) he really should have no impact on who we draft in the first round, ever. His job is to be gritty, not to put up huge points. Again, I don't see how he would impact that decision at all. Matthias isn't a former first rounder, he was a second round pick. Again, I don't see how a bottom six forward impacts who we pick at sixth. Virtanen is a scorer who plays a physical game, not a grinder. When we drafted Virtanen, Horvat hadn't played a single game of professional hockey so of course he had no pro points. Even looking at now, he's on a conditioning stint in Utica after being injured, he might not even be expected to be a pro hockey player this year (and Utica was just for a taste). No one really has any idea what he will bring offensively when he becomes a full time pro. I would be surprised if the first two are even with the team by the time the 2014 picks past the top three are coming into their own. Edited November 1, 2014 by BananaMash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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