Hoosierdaddy

In truth Im hoping the Canucks can work out a trade with LV to keep Gaunce. I can't see the Canucks exposing Sutter which likely leaves Gaunce on the outside looking in. I'm in the camp that Gaunce is the guy we should be holding onto with an iron grip while all these young, offensive players develop.

Sutter

This is fair but lets keep in mind the score was 4-0 when he got benched. I'm no expert but I think some teams actually try to keep scoring goals throughout the game. Goldobin looked consistently dangerous IMO. We saw his speed and playmaking ability. How long has it been since the Canucks had a legit young, offensive talent come along. I vote he gets a regular shift and the Canucks live with the defensive lapses. There have been plenty of offensive players who have blossomed in the NHL and figured out how to be serviceable defensively.

Sadly I think in the Canucks case saying the prospect pool has become deeper is significant. The pool used to be a black hole lol. The Canucks would 'draft' and we'd never see them again. You can argue the ceiling for these young guys but you can't argue they are legitimate prospects IMO. Obviously there have been misses in the draft but the early success of guys like Trymakin gives me hope for the others.

And opportunity. I'm just not a fan of plugging kids with offensive upside into the 4th line to play with guys who know it's NOT their job to create offence. I'd even like to see Gaunce play with Horvat at some point with the message being, "you are a young player, enjoy the game, play 200ft, take some chances in their end"

Maybe. Could also be out of the league. Doesn't change the fact that OJ can't fairly be compared to MT until both have had enough time in the league. And lets be realistic, its 3 or 4 years (if all goes well) before the Canucks are rolling a young, competitive line up. I'd be fine with OJ in the top 4 by then. If you want to argue taking a scoring forward vs a D in general I'm on board with a good debate. It sure seems like NHL teams are able to come up with undrafted but capable young D (Stecher, P.Meyers, etc) these days.

For what its worth I don't think he would be producing like that in Vancouver. 13 of his 20 points are assists. The Canucks just don't have the offensive pieces the Flames do. This draft debate is useless until both guys have 3 or 4 years in the NHL. Then the masses can lose their minds or not. Juolevi looks like an exceptional prospect IMO.

Maybe a stupid question but if Stecher were to be drafted this year (yes I realize he's been passed over repeatedly) what round do we suppose he'd go in? I'm trying to wrap my head around what level of a prospect people really think he is.

My only observation would be that those players were all developed under a different coaching staff. There are no absolutes either way. Players develop at their own speed ... I don't think there's one ironclad model that can be followed any more. Kids are so committed to training, nutrition, etc at an early age now. Their bodies are more ready than every. It's really whether or not they are mentally prepared and mentally tough enough to withstand the inevitable early challenges.

My biggest issue with Jake is how he's been used with the Canucks. I'm all for having young players on the roster but I believe they must play in roles relative to those you see for them in the future. He's been neutered offensively by Willie D. I think he has to go back to Calgary after this competition and find his swagger. This is why I am fine with McCann staying right now. By default he's being played in a top 6 role with Daniel. This can only help his progression. Were he playing with saddlebags full of lead (Higgins) I'd say no chance ... send him.

Ok so all you can literally tell from the photo is he's fit ... especially standing beside a kid who looks about 13years old. Honestly he looks real small. I have no doubt he could be a terrific player given plenty of smallish types have excelled. Just don't think a photo should make anyone think he's jacked now and Virt was a mistake because the guy is in shape. Long gone are the days when any NHLer isn't fit.

Nice looking player. Excited to see him at camp this year! Great sign that he's coming over.

I'd vote for you. What the hell. We need a change. And, you are now one vote closer to taking charge. Good luck to both you and Jake!

Im sure I'm guilty of over simplifying but wouldn't using points as the only measure of a first line centre be somewhat shortsighted? IMO the first line center is the center who averages the most ice time for his team. Ice time equals value to the team.

Could the Ducks not be under a little more pressure (thus willing to overpay) due to their proximity to the Kings? They could easily become an afterthought with the Kings success. I don't imagine they sell out every night as it is and fans could easily make the drive to Staples to watch a 'winner'. LA has been known to be a bandwagon town. My hope is Benning can use this to pry 3 first rounders (2 in 14 and their 15) out of them.

This is the best scenario in my opinion. 6, 10, 24, 36 should equate to solid future. Add them to Bo, Guance, Shink, Cassels and we have a nice looking prospect pool. Then hire the right coach to bring them along!

Trade Kesler for picks and a prospect. Sign Callahan. Buy out Burr. Sign Statsny. Draft best player (lord knows who that is in this draft). Strength down the middle and on the wing (with the youngsters) for a few years. Flame away.

that would be magic

Think neither makes it to the 2nd round? I like the shrewd moves when a GM can move up in the 2nd round or later without making a 'blockbuster' to get the guy he wants.

I'd like to see him placed in a role more suited to his talents and with like minded linemates.