(proposal/discussion) (Santorelli homecoming Part 2?)

[Mr.53]

Extra extra, read all about it. Kevin Bieksa has been traded for a second round pick.

The other day I made a proposal about what I would do in free agency, including a Bieksa trade to Anaheim. In that proposal I also suggested brining back one of my fan favorites, Mike Santorelli. Well Bieksa got traded, and honestly, I think we are one simple depth signing from returning to the playoffs again. Calgary, Edmonton, and Anaheim are all going to be significantly better next season, and we need to keep up.

Below is my case on why we need to bring the guy back. A "short" list of 15 quality reasons on why he should return. (Yes I'm being tongue and cheek)

Sign him 3 years, at 2.5 million or so. (that's Chris Higgins/Jannik Hansen money)

• EXTREMELY Versatile: Although primarily a center, the man can play both Left wing and Right wing effectively. On top of that, he's a guy that can play anywhere in the bottom nine effectively. He even showed in his short stunt with the Sedins that, given injuries, he can hop on the first line for small stints while guys recover.
• Defensively Conscious: Santorelli is most known for his two way game. Right now our centers consist of Horvat, Bonino, Henrik, and Vey. Santorelli would easily be one of our top 3 shutdown centers. His play style is also one that guys can easily click, and find chemistry with. Having 4 defensively conscious centers is how you what you build a winning team around.
• Offensive Ability: Santorelli does not have electrifying offensive ability. But what he does provide is quality depth scoring. We're not signing him to play in the top 6. Still, he provides quality depth numbers. He put up 28 points in 49 games with us, during our worst season in recent memory. I can't help but think but brought back, when the team around him is also much better, he will produce similarly, if not better. I honestly see 15-20 goals, and 35-40+ points in a bottom 6 role which is well worth 2.5 million.
• Strong on the Draw: Right now our only face-off man above 50% is Bo. Our face-off % last year was atrocious. We need to address this issue one way or another. Santorelli is a perfect fit as he gives a second option after Bo, who again is still just coming into the league. He is also right handed and opposed to Bo's left, which makes him that much more valuable to this group. Our team was at their best when we had 2 quality guys in the face off dot behind Henrik Sedin. I'm not saying Bo and Santo are Kesler and Malhotra, but they're the closest thing we can get to them at the moment.
• Burrows-Like Compete Level: Burrows has become a fan favorite, and rightfully so for a long time. He did so because he wears his heart on his sleeve, and gives every ounce he has every night. So does Santo. Very fun to watch, and it lights a spark plug for those around him. Also the possibility of having both Santorelli and Burrows on the same penalty kill is awesome. Those are two great guys who can set the tone, and pace for our penalty kill.
• Very Good at Shootouts: It's never bad to have depth in the shootout. Free points are free points, and we all know they come in handy the last stretch of the season, whether it be for playoff positioning, or even just a spot. With Santo all of a sudden we have 6 definitive guys that specialize at shootouts. (Vrbata, Burrows, Santorelli, Baertschi, Edler, Bonino) That's a group that will bring in some free points without a doubt.
• "Whatever it Takes" Mentality: Although average szed at 6'0, 190 pounds, he doesn't shy away from the physical game. I'm not saying the guy is going to be laying out big open ice hits, but he is the kind of player who will charge into a corner with Milan Lucic without hesitation. Again, that's quality leadership, work ethic, and what you need to do to win. Add in the fact that we have young guys coming in the next couple years, he knows he's playing to stay. When he came in under Tors, he had that mentality, and reported at camp 4th best in shape after the Twins and Bieksa, and his game had seen major refinement. Without it a doubt, it will continue.
• Plays the Speed Game: One area we, as a team, struggled with last year was competing with the fastest teams in the NHL. Well the best way to address that would be to sign a defensively conscious speedy player to do exactly that, defend. This is an underrated plus, in that, Bonino is a good two way center, however, he also struggles at time with the speed game. Santorelli gives the us that second option in the bottom 6 to defend. Plus with the addition of Baertschi, all of a sudden our team got much quicker and nimble.
• Net Front Presence: Very good at net front presence and screening goalies. Similar to Alex Burrows in being able to do so, while not being the biggest guy out there. Also, he's not afraid to battle it out with bigger defenders in front. He also has decent when it comes to tipping shots if he gets the chance.
• Penalty Kill Specialist: His combination of whatever it takes mindset, Burrows-like compete level, speed, defensive prowess, veteran experience, and face-off ability easily makes him our best penalty killing center. In an area, we are already solid in, we get even better and deeper. Bo is also a sophomore. Better to let Santo handle the top PK assignments this season.
• Marginal Power Play Ability: He's not the best power play guy out there, but he can surely easily find minutes on the 2nd squad if need be. Every year, we go through a slump in our power play. Santorelli merely gives another option.
• He's Had Success Here: 2 seasons ago, when everything was falling apart, and before his injury, Santorelli was one of the few bright spots during John Tortorellas tenure. He has exposed just how much playing at home and being surrounded by friends and family helped him push himself to the max. People expected him to go Utica, but he was simply undeniable. He also, already knows most of the guys on the team. He can quickly redevelop chemistry with them in preseason.
• Cole Cassels: Say what? Yes, Cole Cassels. If you ask me, Mike Santorelli's game is exactly what Cole Cassels needs, and wants to develop into. Santorelli being on the Canucks gives Cassels a player he can look to follow and build his game around. When Cole arrives, I think he can be as good as Santo if not better.
• He's Determined: Santorelli and his agent have very clearly expressed that he wants to come home and play for Vancouver. The Canucks are the number 1 team he wants to play for. That is the exact kind of veteran and leadership you want on your team. You give him a contract and he will work his way up. He embodies everything of what Benning wants in a veteran leader.
• He Can be had for Cheap!: Every year, and I mean every year teams go into free agency and start handing out massive contracts, overpaying players, especially big name ones. Well we can sign Santo for cheap, and here's 3 main reasons why. 1) Both him and Franson had a horrible stint in Nashville, which means he can't command a high price/NTC etc. 2) Again, he wants to play here. I'm sure he will take a slight discount to come and be part of this group. 3) He's not a big name free agent, lessoning his market value.

Chris Higgins should also be traded for a 2nd or 3rd. I have Daniel, Baertschi, Burrows, and Kenins pegged for the left side. If we didn't have Burrows, then I would say keep him. But we do, and no way we get rid of Burrows 4.5 million dollar cap it. Higgins 2.5 million dollar cap hit however should be easy to fit in with most teams who are looking to add quality depth while maintaining under cap. A lot of teams are going to be hard pressed. Very little chance teams can find what he brings to the table for that cheap in the free market, unless well, they're Mike Santorelli coming to the Vancouver Canucks. but that's another story.

Anyway, now yes I know, Benning didn't sign Santo last year when he could, but honestly, I don't see that being a hindrance. Santo knew the deal. This is a business. Benning's list went Iginla, Vrbata, Santorelli. It's no hard feelings, it just the way it went down. The thing is, he still wants to come back and benning is looking for an impact depth forward, preferably who can also play center and take face-offs. Santorelli is the PERFECT FIT. He's not the biggest name free agent, but I think his fit is so perfect that he can be just as useful as most big name free agents out there. In fact more valuable if you consider bang for buck.

What do you guys think?

Lineup going into next season.

Sedin Sedin Kassian

Baertschi Horvat Vrbata

Burrows Bonino Dorsett

Kenins Santorelli Hansen

(Vey, Grenier)

Edler Tanev

Hamhuis Clendening

Sbisa Corrado

(Stanton)

Miller

Markstrom

(Yes the team fits under cap with about 4 million in space i believe, in case mid season/deadline moves are necessary.)

[thejazz97]

Maybe for a year, and only if we trade Bonino first.

[-Vintage Canuck-]

As much as I like Santorelli, the re-signing of Vey makes Santorelli redundant.

[duncan44]

As much as I like Santorelli, the re-signing of Vey makes Santorelli redundant.

Santo is better then vey

[Mr.53]

Why? what the hell is the point? We don't need to sign somebody just for the sake of signing somebody.

But he's just not for the sake of signing somebody.. He's for the sake of staying competitive and making the playoffs. The whole thing was literally a list of points on why. It was even written in bullet "point" form.

I guess I should have said first, I'm one of the people who is in the camp of trying to make the playoffs every year, and develop a winning culture like Linden and Benning want. Santorelli does just that. And being 13th and 14th forward doesn't mean you don't get games. Linden Vey got 75 games last year. This is a signing to stay in the playoffs and maintain a competitive team.

As much as I like Santorelli, the re-signing of Vey makes Santorelli redundant.

Honestly, I really don't see how. Linden Vey and Mike Santorelli have 2 totally different skillsets. Other than them both being similar in size and a right handed shot, they share little similarities in their play styles. Two totally different players. And again, 13th and 14th forwards get a lot of games in the NHL. It's a tough league and people are bound to get injured. You need 14 NHL calibre forwards ready to go at all times.

Again, I'm in the camp of getting this team back into the playoffs next year. I see little point in tanking. We are already getting younger, and for the first time we have one of the stronger prospect pools in the league. We don't need to tank for prospects. We need to develop a winning culture for our prospects that are already here, like Virtanen, Baertschi, Shinkaruk, Gaunce, Clendening, Corrado, Kenins, Horvat, Boeser, etc. We have a solid group of on the way. We need them to develop in a proper way, and proper culture. Benning also seems to know what he's doing with scouting too. We should be trying to win and make the playoffs. That's the hockey I like to watch anyway

[Mr.53]

Maybe for a year, and only if we trade Bonino first.

Theres no need. Bonino or Santorelli can be traded later on if they lose their spot to a young guy. Right now, I don't see us having any one of our young centers make the squad next year. (Gaunce, McCann, Cassels) I think they all need one more year. Well, next offseason, we can trade Bonino for a pick or so, creating space and getting a pick. His contract is 1.9 million, a HUGE bargain. Same would be with Santo

Plus, a trade with Higgins can easily bring in at least a third. We still stock up on picks while maintaining competitive.

This year Higgins brings in at least a third, next year Bonino brings in at least a third as well. And prospects get to fully develop before stepping in. Baertschi, Corrado, Clendening, and Markstrom are 4 quality rookies that will get ice time. Next year we can focus on the next batch, but 4 is significant.

[NHL'er]

Good post! Benning won't be bringing back Stanton judging from his interviews but I can certainly the brass going for Matt Irwin (BC Boy, 27 Years with good size and puck moving abilities) as well as Santorelli. Linden and Benning are all about depth it seems.

I firmly believe Virtanen will make the team next year given Benning's praise of his play in Utica and the fact that it is either NHL or WHL for him, much like Horvat last year. Whether this means Kenins or Grenier will be back in Utica, I don't know.

100% definitely agree with trading Higgins.

[Canuck Surfer]

I'd take Mike as a utility guy.

[Mr.53]

Good post! Benning won't be bringing back Stanton judging from his interviews but I can certainly the brass going for Matt Irwin (BC Boy, 27 Years with good size and puck moving abilities) as well as Santorelli. Linden and Benning are all about depth it seems.

I firmly believe Virtanen will make the team next year given Benning's praise of his play in Utica and the fact that it is either NHL or WHL for him, much like Horvat last year. Whether this means Kenins or Grenier will be back in Utica, I don't know.

100% definitely agree with trading Higgins.

Interesting perspective. Yeah it sounds like Benning wants to bring Weber back. Still Weber brings a unique depth package in of himself.

I just also think that the lineup is too perfect and fits too well.

But if Dorsett is willing to take a depth role, and give Grenier another year in Utica, I could see Jake Virtanen making an impact on the third line.

Sedin Sedin Kassian

Baertschi Horvat Vrbata

Burrows Bonino Virtanen

Kenins Santorelli Hansen

(Vey, Dorsett)

That could be devastating granted Virtanen makes the team.

The important thing is, what Santorelli brings. Last year one of our best lines all season was the Kenins-Horvat-Hansen line. Well, with Horvat moving up in the lineup, there really is no need to downgrade in that spot. That was one of the things that was working and working well. Santorelli can easily take that role and honestly, be even more effective. He's already played with Hansen before too. A legitimate case can be made that our 4th and 3rd lines are among the best 2 way checking lines in the league. Without a doubt a fantastic bottom six.

In the top six, we finally get the Sedins with Kassian. This line will be deadly together. The Sedins can chip in 70 points a pice and Kassian can put up 40 with them easy, along with bringing the physical edge. Baertschi-Horvat-Vrbata also get to form a line which has the potential to be a deadly second line. This line honestly reminds me a lot of Calgary's Gaudraeu-Monohan-Hudler line. Both are pretty similar in build, except our Horvat line would be the second line. They can take major pressure off the Sedins offensively and vice versa.

Alltogether, that is a playoff worthy team. And still we have great, deep prospect depth coming in, and Benning is of course, going to scout more.

Prospect depth chart by position.

1. Shinkaruk - McCann - Grenier/Virtanen
2. Gaunce - Cassels - Boeser
3. Blomstrand - Zhukenov - Gaudette
4. Zalewski - Petit - Jasek

1. Hutton - Brisebois (The kid is adept to playing both left and right side)
2. Pedan - Subban
3. Tryamkin - Neill

The back end could use some potential work next years draft but not bad considering 2 defensive rookies would have just graduated.

[elvis15]

So we add another multi-million dollar player for our 4th line? And you understand why Santo fell from grace in Florida to begin with and his stats plummeted? Because he was dropped to the bottom 6 and eventually the 4th line and his play suffered.

[Mr.53]

So we add another multi-million dollar player for our 4th line? And you understand why Santo fell from grace in Florida to begin with and his stats plummeted? Because he was dropped to the bottom 6 and eventually the 4th line and his play suffered.

yes, yes we do. People need to stop thinking about these lines with the same archaic video game like roles of the past. They're not like that anymore. At least not for this team. We roll 4 lines for 82 games so that when the playoffs come our players still have enough gas to do some damage. When you want to roll 4 lines, as Willie D does, you need depth. Having 2 legitimate lines capable of defending top lines goes a long way. The bottom 6 in todays NHL has turned to "Line 3a, and Line 3b."

Besides, that's the whole point of having young players on entry level contracts. Having Bo and Baertschi in the top 6 allows you to spend money elsewhere. Having Kenins, Corrado and Clendening cheap does the same. You can fill in holes where you need. Santorelli isn't just a fourth line player too. 4th line, plus top penalty killer, plus, top face-off man, plus all those other things I mentioned..

Would I add another multi-million dollar player (2.5 is hardly a cap hit, especially if you trade Higgins who is also paid 2.5) to have quite possibly the best bottom 6 in the league? Especially when we still come out like 4 million dollars plus above cap? WITHOUT A DOUBT.

The whole team complements each other. A strong base in your bottom 6, which this bottom 6 is as elite as you can get, takes massive pressure off your top 6, which is also very solid in this lineup. It gives you quality checking lines capable of shutting down opponents, freeing up your top 6 for more offensive match ups.

Sedin Sedin Kassian: Top scoring line with a new physical element. Plus more skill and physicality.

Baertschi Horvat Vrbata: Electrifying second line, capable of scoring. Plus more speed, and pure sniping.

Burrows Bonino Dorsett: Very quality checking line who can score. Plus a little more grit

Kenins Santorelli Hansen: Very quality checking line who can score. Plus a little more speed

(Vey, Grenier)

That is a team that could legitimately be feared around the league.

Santorelli would also likely center the first PK unit along with Burrows. I see it going

PK1

Burrrows Santorelli

Edler - Tanev

PK 2

Horvat - Hansen

Hamhuis - Clendening

PK 3

Bonino - Dorsett

Sbisa - Corrado

He gives us 3 legitimate PK options as well.

[Phil_314]

Not if we don't improve on other areas first (e.g. getting more skilled size).

It's not like Mike doesn't bring grit, it's just that he's like Dorsett, a guy who's got the heart but isn't big or strong enough to be as intense as he would like. If we're going to go far in the playoffs we're going to need at least a couple more bigger guys like Kassian who can play physical and also contribute offensively. With guys like Santo and Vey, they're likely one big hit from being out for significant time because of how small they are, and that may exactly happen if they charge into the corner against a guy like Lucic.

Until the team gets more balance (size and skill), Santo isn't the solution. He's a solid player, but not a solution.

[SaintPatrick33]

Unless Benning trades Bonino, Vey or Higgins, there is no point to signing him for 2.5 mill plus. We also have too many young guys wanting to get into the lineup, I would rather them be given a shot as much as I love Santorelli.

[Mr.53]

Unless Benning trades Bonino, Vey or Higgins, there is no point to signing him for 2.5 mill plus. We also have too many young guys wanting to get into the lineup, I would rather them be given a shot as much as I love Santorelli.

I agree, that's why I said trade Higgins. We can get more use and versatility out of Santorelli, and Chris Higgins can easily bring in a at least a third rounder for him. It's a win win win. Higgins can move to a team trying to contend, I would suggest the New York islanders. That is the team Higgins grew up watching and he's said in the past he wouldn't mind playing for them, as of course, it would be like a childhood dream come true. (Of course he'd rather be here though) The Islanders are also looking to beef up their team as they want to make an appearance next year in the playoffs too. Higgins can play 3LW for them, give them 35-40 points, and be solid defensively all 200 feet. Higgins also has a limited NTC where he can provide a list of 5 teams.

It's seriously a win/win/win/win for everyone.

1. The Islanders, or another team, get's a valuable player, who gives tremendous bang for his buck. 2.5 million in cap space for two is much more valuable than you think. Teams will be struggling to stay under the cap, especially after overpaying some free agents this year. It's also very movable, and can get you value back, as opposed to a Burrows 4.5.
2. Chris Higgins gets to move to another contending team, maybe his hometown team. There's no way he gets a contrat extension here. He might very well get one somewhere else like New York.
3. It's a win for us, and all the fans who are constantly screaming about acquiring picks. Just think, we could have 2 second rounders and 2 third rounders next year or better.
4. It's a huge win for us because Higgins just doesn't have a spot anymore. Our LW is stacked as follows. Daniel, Baertschi, Burrows, and Kenins. 2 impact veterans playing important roles, and 2 impact rookies playing important roles. That's also with Shinkaruk and Gaunce knocking on the door. Don't think they will be ready next season, but the one after that. Yes, yes I do. In turn, we turn that cap into Mike Santorelli, who does have value to us for next season, and his versatility gives him value for season's after that.

I understand that we have some prospects, but how many young guys do we think are ready? Honestly, other than Baertschi, Clendening, Corrado, and Markstrom, everyone else needs another year in development, except maybe Virtanen, or maybe Grenier. Yes I know some guys should surprise at camp, but in all honestly, that group of 4 rookies, will like be the group next year. That is a lot of rookies getting big minutes.. You have to spread it out. You don't have 5 or 6 22 year old or younger rookies making the team at the same time. That's how you ruin your team, ruin your wining culture, and ruin the players development who are already there. You need to ease the young guys in.

Last year: Kenins, Horvat, and Vey

This year: Bertschi, Clendening, Corrado, Markstrom, and Grenier?

Next year: Shinkaruk, Gaunce, McCann, Virtanen,

2 years: Cassels, Boeser, Hutton, Subban, Pedan?

3 years+: Brisebois, Tryamkin, Zhukenov, Jasek, etc.

Each year we have a solid group of 4 guys or so that become legitimately NHL ready, and we can insert them as we see fit. Now of course some will come quicker and some will take longer. (I didn't even include Nick Jensen because he's such a wild card. He could legitimately make the team this season, or he could legitimately never become an NHL regular.) But the point still stands. We have solid prospects coming in. It's more important at this point to create an environment that these kids can succeed in when they arrive. ESPECIALLY with how solid our Utica group is. Prospects getting a chance there first will go a long way. Again, just ask Shinkaruk and Gaunce. This season was magical for them and helped them leaps and bounds.

I think the reason people want so many rookies to make the team next year is because we aren't used too as a fan base, having such a deep prospect pool. Well, just because you have a deep prospect pool, you don't just insert them wildly when they aren't ready. Look at all the most successful teams. They wait until their players are good and ready.

Tampa Bay, sent Johnny Drouin back to the CHL because he clearly wasn't ready defensively, despite being the guy a lot of people thought would win rookie of the year. This year as well, he was 13th forward, because he wasn't ready. It takes time to develop prospects. You know what happens when you throw a prospect in the jungle when they're not ready, they get exposed, and honestly, likely get hurt and injured. A lot of NHL projects who are ready still get hurt because they aren't used to the temp and physicality. Don't throw in a guy until you are 100 percent sue he can contribute

[TheHitman]

Would rather give Vey a chance to develop then bring in another forward to take away a spot from a young guy.

[Mr.53]

After the Kassian-Prust deal, I don't see Benning picking up Santorelli as well. I do see him trading Higgins still. Our left side is crowded.

Daniel

Baertschi

Higgins

Prust

Kenins

(Burrows if you count him as a lefty)

Kassian being gone means Virtanen is probably coming up. And we really only had space to add maybe 1 player, while the other space was needed for prospects. Well, if Benning this Prust is that player, then there's simply no room.

I don't see Santo coming unless some major moves are done, which I don't think is going to happen