[Roster]Opening day forward line up

[Time Lord]

I'd go with:

 

Goldobin-Horvat-Boeser - best way to make Goldobin useful and spread the talent

Baertschi-Pettersson-Eriksson - not a bad secondary scoring line

Roussel-Sutter-Virtanen - shutdown line that can score off the rush

Leipsic-Beagle-Gaudette

Granlund, Schaller, Gagner

[FlyersCanucks]

Baertschi - Horvat - Boeser

Dahlen - Gaudette - Petterson

Leipsic - Sutter - Virtanen

Roussel - Beagle - Schaller

 

Goldobin - Granlund - Eriksson

 

 

 

[Gaudette Celly]

59 minutes ago, VancouverFan said:

I really don't like Pettersson having the black hole of offense as sutter as his center...........I don't wanna do that to the kid.  

The purpose isn't to create an offensive line, but rather to ease him into the NHL game and not throw him into the fire.  They've always taken the conservative approach -- remember Horvat starting as 4C in his 3rd year?  Sutter is an ideal C to shelter any young forward.  The rate that Pettersson picked up the SHL then the playoffs, it probably won't take him long and once ready they'll put him with more offense-oriented players, and eventually center his own line.  Sutter is not a great playmaker but he IS an excellent shooter.  Playing with Pettersson he could certainly reach the 20 goal mark.

 

33 minutes ago, VancouverFan said:

Re him getting traded I have a friend who converses regularly with Linden - he's been right about several things in the past so I tend to take his word on things like this.    He said they are trying to trade Sutter...

 

Re Gagne - same thing - said they are looking to possibly move him or buy him out.  

Always nice to get insider info, but unless your friend works for the Canucks it would seem pretty sketchy for the President to be blabbing about player intentions to outsiders.  It was only recently that the Canucks turned down many teams that tried to get Sutter, and I don't think that right now just because they got Beagle that it means they'd move him.  Remember that Beagle is 3 years older to begin with, and Sutter still has his full NTC this year.  I don't think they even consider moving him until both Pettersson and Gaudette are established as Cs.  These guys are there to bring along the rookies, and I agree that the team does want both Pettersson and Gaudette in the lineup this Fall, and almost certainly Hughes as well.

 

Buying out Gagner would be a last resort, I'd think, as he'd be on the books for the next 4 years.  They'd prefer to retain, which could drop his salary to under $1.6mil and it would be only for 2 years.

[mll]

52 minutes ago, VancouverFan said:

Yeah I don't think Sutter should be in an offensive role at all.........I really hope this isn't the case.

 

Re him getting traded I have a friend who converses regularly with Linden - he's been right about several things in the past so I tend to take his word on things like this.    He said they are trying to trade Sutter - whether or not that happens is another story however you would hope that management would realize that this would be a good move - especially with Beagle here.   He actually has pretty decent trade value.    I wouldn't be surprised if we can do better than just a second rounder for him  - a first might be getting very optimistic but yeah he does have value (our fans just hate on him as he was overpaid by Benning to start - we should've signed him for 500-1mill less than we did).

 

Re Gagne - same thing - said they are looking to possibly move him or buy him out.   Common sense would dictate that we have to move some of the riff raft.   I tend to think Gaudette will be on the team and that they are expecting EP to be too.  If that's the case there is a big glut of players that they have to address.   I would absolutely love to get rid of Gagne and a solid return on Sutter.    Apparently that is being attempted.........whether or not it happens is another story.

They can't buy out Gagner anymore - the buyout window closed on Saturday.  

[420Fish]

3 hours ago, wildcam said:

You forgot Roussel,

I would like to see Gagne traded back to Blue Jackets, he had a great year there and was great on there PP..

We could even take some salary back..

Gaunce 6'2, 220, 24  teams might have some interest as he had a good last 35 games last year...

Going to be a exciting off season..I could see Sutter maybe getting traded during the season, now we have Beagle..

After the 35 game mark they could try Gaudette at #2 centre along with Pettersson and Grandlund..

Sutter in a package we could get some picks back..

 

Tanev watch should be interesting, Tampa,  Leafs, NYI

 

Trades have to happen 17 forwards once Virtanen is signed,,,,

Poor editing on my part. I had him on the LW 3rd line, but got clumsy with copy and paste.

 

No doubt there will be some attempts to trade a few of these players.

[Tinky-Winky]

4 hours ago, Trebreh said:

Beartschi - Horvat - Boeser <--- established line with good chemistry.

Dahlen - Gaudette - Pettersson <--- Gaudette has top 6 skill, it would be fun to see what he can do with two very skilled wingers.

Beagle - Sutter - Eriksson <--- three defensively responsible vets to take care of the tough matches.

Schaller - Granlund - Virtanen <--- modern day 4th line with, size, skill and speed. JV can crash and bang freely with Schaller backing him up.

 

Boucher, Gaunce, Leipsic to Utica. 

Gagner waived or traded to a team needing center depth.

 

I agree with the 2nd line, as both looked great together on there 1st day of summer camp ....dahlen and pettersson compliment each other very well and having gaudette there as a shooter will work well ....as i noticed alot forgot about dahlen, and i have a good feeling he will make the team ....3rd line looks great eriksson would sit if it was up to me, but its not, and im sure JB is dreading the decision for making such a bad sigining, but u dont know these things till it happens, he coulda done great, and we wouldnt be hating on him  

schaller and granlund and virt is awesome for 4th, ....nothing more to say there, virt very inconsistent, and schaller proved he can handle 4th line role and granlund is 50/50 most of the time ...

i have a feeling if he has a great training camp, leipsic will take someones spot ...who?? none know lol, we will find out i guess lol

 

Goldobin, im afraid wont make it, hes not consistent enough and i feel he will be going to utica 

[billabong]

Baertschi-Horvat-boeser

Pettersson-sutter-gagner

Eriksson-beagle-virtanen

Roussel-Schaller-granlund

Goldobin

 

edler-gudbranson 

del zotto-stecher

hutton-tanev

pouliot-Biega 

 

You can mix and match the bottom 6 all you want it’s still the same final product...grit and size

 

Let gaudette, dahlen, juolevi etc. rip it up in the AHL 

 

gaunce is waiver bound

 

Only bo and Brock have top 6 roles sewn up so there’s lots of openings for offensive roles 

[Tinky-Winky]

JB and hughes family feel ...quin will make it for this season...and quins family already told the media they want there son to have a shot at making the team this year, i know all of you didnt post him as def, but dont be shocked if over the summer stocks up and does well in training camp, once JB talks to his family, theres a good chance he may play this year ......

but we will know more this week once JB talks to Hughes family and they decide whats best for him ... and even in JB interview about the recent free agent sigings, he also feels quin has a chance to make it, if he bulks up threw the summer ..so fingers crossed

[Angry Goose]

I highly doubt:

Pettersson starts at C.  I predict TG eases him into favorable match ups as a winger

Gaudette lines up as a winger. 

Goldobin can play responsible 1st/2nd line mins unless he really turns the page and shows he's ready to go for it at the start of camp. 

 

[canucklehead44]

3 hours ago, SILLY GOOSE said:

I highly doubt:

Pettersson starts at C.  I predict TG eases him into favorable match ups as a winger

Gaudette lines up as a winger. 

Goldobin can play responsible 1st/2nd line mins unless he really turns the page and shows he's ready to go for it at the start of camp. 

 

1. Baertschi and Boeser missed 49 games combined. I would earmark Pettersson to move up onto that line if either winger gets injured. In terms of playing centre, highly sheltered minutes 5 on 5 with Leipsic and Virtanen is how I would go. Gagner would pencil in to replace either one via injury and likely slide into centre so I see Pettersson maybe playing 30 games at centre.

 

Three young players with skill and speed who should get the opportunity to develop their offensive games given 75-80% offensive zone starts. AV and Green both like to heavily weight zone starts (whereas Willie D was quite equal). Brendan Gaunce lead the entire NHL in defensive zone starts last year. Green must be salivating over the idea of giving Bird Dog (Jay Beagle) some ugly defensive minutes. Also, we have three fantastic faceoff centres to make up for EP's deficiencies in this area. I also see him getting top power play minutes. 

 

Virtanen and Leipsic had great chemistry and love playing together. I remember a quote (I believe it was Leipsic) saying Virtanen is the only player who can keep up with his speed, but it might have been the other way around. 

2. Gaudette probably starts in Utica thanks to all of the extra players we have. He will get called up as a centre. 

3. Goldobin has a big uphill battle as he will have to take a spot from one of the proven roster players (Gaunce, Leipsic, Archibald) and beat out guys like Gaudette and Dahlen. 

[khay]

14 hours ago, The Beagle had landed said:

Hi guys!  First time poster, long time creeper.  I figured I'd get started on CDC with a line up proposal of our current forward crop with some personal analysis as to why I have the lines set the way I do.  It's a bit of a long read so I hope you hang in there and provide some constructive feedback for discussion.

 

Baertschi Horvat Boeser
This line is a no brainer. Baertschi has proven that he can play with Bo and Brock as the main offensive unit.  One poster in his signing thread mentioned Sven looking depressed at the year end presser, but what I took away from the interview was a player that was devasted that he suffered a season ending injury after just recovering from a broken jaw.  Baertschi will start the year with something to prove and it will only make the line more dangerous.

I've noticed a lot of members wanting to trade Baertschi or include him in a package with Tanev for picks and or prospects as it seems like he's one of the only "expendable" forwards with reasonable value, but I feel management views him as a core member of the team.  We traded a 2nd rounder on project player in Baertschi who was viewed by his previous clubs management as a one dimensional underachiever who wasn't commited to other aspects of his game, and he used that as motivation to turn his career around.  I remember hearing his first interview after the trade and thinking to myself: 'this kid is determined and he's gonna be a beauty'.  The jury is still out on that, but I feel he has another level to his game, and if he can stay healthy we'll see that this season.

Eriksson Sutter Pettersson
Jim Benning has mentioned in recent interviews that he wants Sutter to have more of an offensive role rather than the ridiculous amount of defensive zone starts he was getting last year.  When he played with the Sedins he showed that he could be productive in an offensive role with offensive minded players.

Having Eriksson on his wing will help insulate our next stud prospect Elias Pettersson who can ease into the center position when matchups are favourable and provide an elite skill element to the second line.  If Eriksson cant produce in this situation then all hope is lost on him finding his offensive game again.  I believe Eriksson will have a bounce back year though, and maybe gain some value as the trade deadline approaches... Maybe.

I know most people would like to see Pettersson with younger more skilled forwards, and that will come on the PP, but I think his first stint with the club 5 on 5 should be with defensively responsible veterans that can shelter him during the beggining of the season before he takes the next step in his progression as an elite centerman.

Goldobin Beagle Gaudette
I'm a huge fan of Jay Beagle and what he brings on and off the ice and feel that he deserves the contract that he got.  I have no problem with the 4 year term, as all reports I've read and interviews I've listened to on him suggests he's in the best shape of his career and takes excellent care of his body with proper nutrition and workouts, just like the Sedins.  The 4 years buys a lot of time for our center prospects to devlop and slowly slot into the middle without being rushed, especially if Sutter gets hurt or traded down the road.

Beagle will make a great mentor to all our prospects, especially his linemates Goldobin and Gaudette, the latter starting on the wing in a role similar to Pettersson before officially taking that 3C spot within a few years.  Some people think Gaudettes development would be better suited as a center in Utica, which would allow regular players like Granlund or Gagner to stick with the main roster, but I liked what I saw from Gaudette at the end of the year and think he makes the team as an understudy to Beagle.

 

The same can be said for Goldobin who looked promising towards the end of the year.  It's make it or break it for him, and with reports of him training to become faster and stronger, I hope he impresses at camp and earns a roster spot, easing Bennings mind about possibly losing him through waivers.  If Goldobin can improve his defensive game and capitalize on the space Beagle and Gaudette can create with his skill and speed, we would have a solid 3rd line that can do a little bit of everything.  If it all comes together for Goldobin, I can see him moving up the depth chart as our future 2nd line left winger.  We all know the potential is there.  Its up to him to realize it.

Roussel Schaller Virtanen
Speed, size, physicality, and the ability to chip in some goals.  How can you not like this line?  I know some of you would like to see Jake on a more traditional scoring line in the top 6 as the power forward element, but I still think he'll have success with the north south, chip and chase and smash and grind game this line would employ and play into Virtanens strengths.  Roussel and Schaller have some similar skill sets as Jake that can help him develop into the beast of a power forward we all expect him to become.

Just like the Beagle contract, I have no problem with the 4 years Roussel got.  It will allow prospects like Lind, Gadjovich and Palmu to develop further in a winning Utica environment.  Roussel is all hard work and determination and hopefully that will rub off on Jake and other prospects in need of some motivation.

Schaller takes the 4C spot for me over Granlund and Gagner, as I see him as a better fit, not just on this line but as a solid PK option.  Benning signed him because we needed size, grit and defensive responsibility in the bottom six and he'll get a chance to showcase that to start the season.

Granlund Gagner
I like Granlund as the 13th forward because of his versatility and ability to slot in throughout the line up.  He also has some trade value which could free up the spot for Gagner who seems to be at a crossroad with the team.  Both of them could start the year on the main roster if Gaudette starts in Utica, but we'll have to wait and see.  Would Benning be willing to pay Gagners contract as a mentor to our prospects in the AHL?

Leipsic Motte Gaunce Archibald
These players will have a lot of competition to overcome.  Leipsic and Motte might beat out Goldobin for that 3rd line spot, and I liked what I saw from Leipsic with Gaudette and Virtanen towards the end of last season, but I think Goldobin earns the spot over the two smaller forwards.

Gaunce and Archibald bring elements eachother lacks but arent solid enough on their own to hold down the extra forward spot.  I've always been a fan of Gaunce ever since we drafted him.  He's well spoken and has some good hockey smarts, but lacks a few well documented elements that would make him a regular NHLer.  I can see him carving out a solid AHL career and maybe become someone of value in a trade down the road, but as of now he plays for Utica.

 

So there it is, my opening day forward roster:

Baertschi Horvat Boeser 

Eriksson Sutter Pettersson 

Goldobin Beagle Gaudette

Roussel Schaller Virtanen 

Granlund/Gagner

 

Thanks for reading.

GO CANUCKS GO!!!

 

 

 

Nice post!

 

I think the first line looks pretty good to me and even Sutter centering EP seems like a good idea. But, since we are sheltering the second line, why not put Gagner there? He has his defensive deficiencies, but he would maximize offensive potential of that line.

 

Although JB may want to see Sutter see more offensive duties, I think the man is way too good as a defensive specialist and he will inevitably be needed for his defensive prowess. Sutter-Beagle gives us one of the better checking line centers in the league.

 

Barring any more trades, I would like to see the following lines:

 

Baer-Horvat-Boeser

Eriksson-Gagner-Pettersson

Schaller-Sutter-Gaudette/Granlund

Roussel-Beagle-Virtanen

Goldobin

 

 

[Hugor Hill]

9 hours ago, VancouverFan said:

I really don't like Pettersson having the black hole of offense as sutter as his center...........I don't wanna do that to the kid.   Word is that they are trying to trade Sutter - whether or not that happens we will see however there isn't a ton of need for him and Beagle to play very similar roles.  I don't want Sutter either being counted on in an offensive role.   

 

The Canucks have to get rid of some riff raft - I've also heard that Gagne may be gone - which would be great.   Either way they have to clear space - I just can't see them carrying Sutter and Beagle all year.   At some point Sutter will be gone (even if it's the TDL).   I also have a hard time seeing Gaudette start in the minors - Green likes his game a lot and I wouldn't be surprised if they put him in an offensive role with Pettersson and a veteran player.

Not good news for @riffraff

 

But yeah Gags got to go man. 

[riffraff]

1 hour ago, Hugor Hill said:

Not good news for @riffraff

 

But yeah Gags got to go man. 

#newnhl

[The Beagle had landed]

12 hours ago, wildcam said:

I also think a healthy Grandlund can surprise a lot of people if given a offensive role like 2 yrs ago 19 goals in 70 games..

I just dont think there's enough offensive positions to go around.  Granlund is a versatile player capable of slotting in to different positions and rolls, which is why I see him as a great reserve player in case of injuries or demotions.

11 hours ago, VancouverFan said:

I really don't like Pettersson having the black hole of offense as sutter as his center...........I don't wanna do that to the kid.   Word is that they are trying to trade Sutter - whether or not that happens we will see however there isn't a ton of need for him and Beagle to play very similar roles.  I don't want Sutter either being counted on in an offensive role.   

 

The Canucks have to get rid of some riff raft - I've also heard that Gagne may be gone - which would be great.   Either way they have to clear space - I just can't see them carrying Sutter and Beagle all year.   At some point Sutter will be gone (even if it's the TDL).   I also have a hard time seeing Gaudette start in the minors - Green likes his game a lot and I wouldn't be surprised if they put him in an offensive role with Pettersson and a veteran player.

Anyone would have their offense stiffled if they started in the defensive zone against tough match ups every night. I find Sutter to be fairly capable offensivley if given that role, like he had when playing with the Sedins.  My reasoning behind that second line was to ease Pettersson into his future role.  I have complete faith that he'll learn quickly and eventually be the 2C before the season is over.

 

If Pettersson and Gaudette show themselves to be capable and reliable centers then Sutter definitely becomes redundant with Beagle here and can see him being moved at the deadline.

[Patrick Jane]

All that matters, is Canucks are last place and have the best odds getting the other Hughes. 

If we seriously want to win a cup in the future, we need a player Hughes number 1 and pettersson number 2 centers.

[khay]

1 minute ago, Patrick Jane said:

All that matters, is Canucks are last place and have the best odds getting the other Hughes. 

If we seriously want to win a cup in the future, we need a player Hughes number 1 and pettersson number 2 centers.

If we get Jack Hughes, either JH or EP can just stay on the wing. Horvat is more than capable 2nd line center and Gaudette a 3rd line center. 

 

[The Beagle had landed]

2 hours ago, khay said:

Nice post!

 

I think the first line looks pretty good to me and even Sutter centering EP seems like a good idea. But, since we are sheltering the second line, why not put Gagner there? He has his defensive deficiencies, but he would maximize offensive potential of that line.

 

Although JB may want to see Sutter see more offensive duties, I think the man is way too good as a defensive specialist and he will inevitably be needed for his defensive prowess. Sutter-Beagle gives us one of the better checking line centers in the league.

 

Barring any more trades, I would like to see the following lines:

 

Baer-Horvat-Boeser

Eriksson-Gagner-Pettersson

Schaller-Sutter-Gaudette/Granlund

Roussel-Beagle-Virtanen

Goldobin

 

 

I prefer Sutter because he's better at faceoffs and adds size and grit to the line.  His defensive acumen would allow Eriksson and Pettersson to play their skill game.

 

I think Gagner at center makes that line small and soft and easy to play against, unless someone like Roussel or Schaller plays the left side.  Maybe play Gagner on the left wing instead of Eriksson, but Loui needs to be put into a position to produce offensivley to justify that contract.  If not, were stuck with a $6M checker.

 

[Patrick Jane]

1 minute ago, khay said:

If we get Jack Hughes, either JH or EP can just stay on the wing. Horvat is more than capable 2nd line center and Gaudette a 3rd line center. 

 

Absolutely so. What I hope, is signing Beagle and Roussell doesn't hurt our draft ranking. To be a serious contender , if we add Jack and Demko comes number 1 Goalie . We actually have a pretty good chance in the future. 

[Dixon Ward]

10 minutes ago, Patrick Jane said:

All that matters, is Canucks are last place and have the best odds getting the other Hughes. 

If we seriously want to win a cup in the future, we need a player Hughes number 1 and pettersson number 2 centers.

I would agree that one more elite centre would make the rebuild complete.  However, EP is a supremely talented player and maybe he is the elite centre we need.  We will see.  

[JM_]

5 minutes ago, Patrick Jane said:

Absolutely so. What I hope, is signing Beagle and Roussell doesn't hurt our draft ranking. To be a serious contender , if we add Jack and Demko comes number 1 Goalie . We actually have a pretty good chance in the future. 

I think people should know by now Linden isn't going to allow a tank on purpose, they are going to try to win every game. Who knows where they'll actually end up but they aren't going into this year looking for a high pick.