shoeyj86

The impact this signing will have for a Stetcher and Hughes (along with Meyers). Is going to be huge. Hughes has added insulation in case he stumbles, while Stetcher no longer has to carry his d partner. Really like this signing

Assuming Myers can be a solid 20+ night guy in our top 4, I think this is a good signing. It’s not just 5v5, but finally we have a big R-Shot D for pp, along with Hughes and Edler, we could actually have two effective pp units. Not to mention the trickle down effect it should have for our right side, a healthier (hopefully) Tanev and Stetcher in a bottom pair role. This is much better depth.

I was actually talking with a buddy about the lottery. We thought that lottery %/draft position for teams that miss playoffs should be and average of point totals from the most recent season and previous two (total of 3). Which cause a team like edmonton to have a lower chance even though they finished low same with Chicago and teams like Van, Arizona, Buffalo actually getting better odds because they are actually bad teams.

While many say he was rushed, I think its still too early to tell, but Im of the opinion that he held his own very well last season as he wasnt the reason we were losing games and was actually quite solid in most aspects of the game aside from pure production. I do agree though that a full season or two would be a good thing for Jakes long term career arch. As it would allow him to hone his game and refine the aspects that will allow him to be an impactful NHL'r.

I have been quite impressed by Horvats game in limited minutes so far. While he hasn't been lighting it up offensively, that was and never was to be his game, he has been very solid defensively and for the most part has generated mostly positive play So the fact that a 19 year old can come into the league and play as well as he has is a great thing for this club. Also, at this point and time he is our best option at 4C and for that reason alone will probably stick with the big club. As for his development, playing huge minutes in the CHL vs playing limited minutes in the show is a great conversation, but the reality is, it seems at this stage of his development, there is so much more for him to gain practicing with pros, playing the pro game, and just being around the guys in a pro capacity. Not to mention If all goes well this season he'll get his first taste of playoff exposure, which is far greater than playing 30 mins a night in the CHL. IMO at least. Also, Bo's game was never highlighted by beautiful highlight real goals, the kid scores get to the dirty areas type goals and has a shot. The offence will come in time, but it will also coincide with more skilled linemates who can create time/space. One other thing. WHO ABSOLUTELY HATES HANSEN WITH THE SEDINS??? I know I do and would sooner see Burr back on that line, Vey on 2nd and Hansen on the 3rd.

I'm not so sure it is an injury free pre season (obviously super important) that is Bo's biggest obstacle. JB has brought in depth to challenge existing players and force the issue of young players having to really earn spots. I do think Bo can do that, but I think it's unlikely. He'll have to beat out one of the following: Hansen, Richardson, Matthias, Vey; which is very possible, but I think he has to be that much better right out the gate (it's hard for most 19 yr old rookies to sustain a high gear through a full 82). Those guys (except Vey, but again he's been involved in the pro game for a few years now) are established NHLer's for a reason and they understand the rigours of full 82 game season. I don't include Dorsett/Sestito into that group because they serve a role that Bo is not suited to play and one you don't want him to play or develop in.... Nothing would make me happier than to see a roster with two exciting rookies (Bo, Vey) but I just don't see it happening. Matthias, Hansen have something to prove and will. Richardson is a Stanley Cup winner, excellent face off man/shut down guy. Neither Bo or Vey can bring to the table as rookies what Richy does. I think ultimately Bo, Jensen, and Corrado will get their 9 games, but Bo will be sent back to Juniors to dominate and the team will ask him to work on a few more things....If we make playoffs they'll recall him as soon as his seasons over. If we don't, then hopefully Utica does because then he'll get an opportunity to play playoffs there when his season in London is done. As for Vey, I think he has the most realistic shot at starting as our 3C and will be given a longer leash to prove himself. He's paid his dues, has familiarity with the coach, can't be sent to the minors without losing him to waivers, and has higher offensive potential than Bo. Not to mention, JB has gone on record (today) as saying Vey is the newest addition that has flown under the radar and believes will have a big impact. I believe the same and am under the view that Vey will be in the Calder conversation by years end. With regard to injuries, that's the beauty of having a stocked pipeline. We have legitimate young players with potential to call up now from our farm in: Gaunce, Jensen, Shink, Fox, Corrado, etc...It is too bad that Horvat can't be in that group if doesn't earn a roster spot (the nhl/chl agreement is out dated and needs to be revised for players in Horvats position)... How I see the opening night roster: D.Sedin - H.Seding - Vrbata Kassian - Bonino - Matthias Burrows - Vey - Higgins Hansen- Richardson - Dorsett Sestito Edler - Tanev Bieksa - Hamhuis Sbisa - Stanton Weber Horvat (9 games), Jensen (9 games), Corrado (9 Games) Miller Lack Markstrom (Will be traded for some kind of future asset)

I would love to see Horvat make this squad, but he has things going against him. - He has to play lights out better than one of the bottom 6 guys to stick, even if he's equal he will be sent back to down. Plain and simple. I don't personally know Benning, but he strikes me as a no BS kind of guy. He's not going to dick around players on the team who have 1 way contracts, just to bring in youth, unless that youth is substantially better and forces his hand. I understand it's a business, but treating established players with respect is a big reason this franchise has lost so much credibility during the Gillis era. Let's not lose sight of this.... - His primary competition this year is Linden Vey and Richardson. Considering Richardson is on the final year of his contract and we'd lose Vey if we sent him to the minors, Horvat has to again, be lights out better...I just don't see it happening - Lastly, to those of you who think it will hinder him to go back to Juniors. IT WON'T. His development will continue because he's motivated. He may not have a ton to still learn at that level, but there are still holes in his game that he can improve on and he will. A couple more off thread points.... - Our GM has the philosophy of seasoning young players, as many successful organizations do. So, lets be prepared to integrate youth in a player or two at a time over the next few seasons. With a majority going down to the minors, where hopefully, they can win and find success as a group. - I see a lot of people talking about the youth movement, but we're still a few years away from having a truly young team. In our forward ranks next season we will have Kassian (23) and Vey (23) leading that charge. Optimism is great, but patience is also important. Besides, there will be guys like Gaunce, Shink, Jensen, Sanguitti, Corrado, etc...that will all get looks this year when injuries hit. It's exciting to finally have depth in this way. - I see a lot people saying Matthias will be traded if a young guy makes the roster....He, like a majority of our roster, played poorly under Torts. Don't be surprised if he carves our a solid 3rd line wing role or 2nd line wing role (he and kass had really nice chemistry together)..This guy isn't going anywhere immediately...if anyone gets traded away to make space for youth, it's Higgy, Hansen, Sestito, possibly Burr (doubtful). Can't wait for season to start!!! GO CANUCKS!!!!!