Nucker 67

At one point, I believe Raty was ranked #1 (2021 Draft), but over time, he dropped down the rankings and at the Draft got selected in the 2nd Round (#52) I would consider Raty a 2nd Round gem and with proper development, he's going to be a very good player. What were the knocks on Raty? Really excited for the bounty on Draft Day, Canucks could walk away with: 1a - Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Michkov, Smith, Benson or Moore 1b - Barlow or Dvorsky (could these guys drop to 12-15?) 2 - Reinbacher, Willander, Dragicevic, Bonk

Maybe Myers should be in the Navy, he looks like a periscope.

The Canucks have a chance at Fantilli or Carlsson, but if not, I sure wouldn't mind Smith or Moore, and they're Cs. What about Barlow, Dvorsky or even Leonard? Pretty decent size and skill. I will definitely need to do more research on the top players. Maybe Michkov would get the fans out of their seats during games?

Russian Garland? I'd rather have some meat and potatoes, or a bigger forward that can score. Would've liked to get Rutger McGroarty last Draft. Canucks need Cs and RDs most, but they could use another winger too, depending on what Forsell, McDonough, Klimovich, Karlsson and Lockhart do - maybe not much. They have Lekkerimaki developing and he'll be good eventually, I think. Podkolzin should be staying with the team now. Who knows what they'll do with Hoglander.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up for a Top 3, let alone Connor Bedard. Just seems the Canucks always get shoved back a couple of spots, while another team cruises by into the top 3. That look on Linden's face, didn't he bring a Pat Quinn hockey card or something for good luck? Just once it would be so great for the Canucks to win. They still have a decent chance, so there's that. If VAN misses out and lands in the #6-7 spot, they'll still get a very good forward, maybe Benson, Yager or even Michkov (other GMs might pass). The Canucks also have the NYI 1st (maybe), so there should be one of the highest ranked D around that spot, hopefully they nab him.

Balls to the wall, man

I think it would be better news if it was "Garland beats up Myers at practice"

A fight between Hughes and Joshua? "Not in the nose, Dak" atta boy Quinn, love his passion

What is the end game with Kuzmenko? They only have him for two more seasons, and apparently, Tocchet needs to re-teach him how to play hockey properly. There is also a bit of a language barrier and with such high expectations. If Kuzmenko is only here for 2 years and they need to teach/develop him, change his game...by the time he's "got it", his contract will be ending and he'll be going on 30. He could very well move on to another team, properly developed. What a waste of time, unless the end game is to re-sign him again in two years.

Interesting thought Top 5 - combining this and the last 2 Drafts? 1. Bedard 2. Beniers 3. Power 4. Slafkovsky 5. Fantilli HM: McTavish

Does sound like Tocchet is going to work these guys, more engagement in practices (physicality/grit), and getting them into better shape. Kind of embarrassing for them tom be told they're going back to grade school but I love it. Basically Tocchet saying - I don't care how many millions you make or how high you were drafted. You don't play the right way and you'll never win that way, so Gonchar, Foote and I are going to teach you." The country club is definitely closed. Any remaining members will be traded or bought out.

I'm liking Tocchet more and more. He's not settling for an okay effort and collecting his pay cheque. He has expectations and demands playing the right way. He's here to win a championship with the Canucks, but they have to go back and work on the basics, re-learn as a team. I like that he called out some for slamming their sticks, or for some players not getting back quick enough with stops and starts etc. Canucks haven't had a coach like Tocchet since AV. I think they'll spend the rest of the season evaluating and assessing, and Tocchet will have a big part in assembling the roster next season. I expect a very different team next year. Desjardins was too lost. Green was too timid. Boudreau was too nice. Tocchet is just right.

made me laugh Hockey DB only has Michkov at 5'8" 147 Elite Prosepcts has him at 5'10" 148 Regardless, not a very big guy. Could Michkov possibly be compared to Datsyuk? I'm assuming he doesn't have the excellent defensive skill though.

JR - "Kyle, we want Sandin for Schenn, or your 2nd in 2024" KD - "Gee whiz, I dunno. Your scary Jim, but I have to stand firm at a 3rd" JR - "If you're passing, we're going to trade Schenn to BOS, who will terrorize your team this year, maybe more. You'll be out of the playoffs in no time, again"

Heard the Leafs were interested in Myers, but could they be more interested in Schenn? He's a lot cheaper.

Funny you mentioned Garland. That's sort of who he reminds me of. A Garland/Kuzmenko mashup maybe. Thinking: Canucks have Petey at C, with Raty developing. Is Raty capable of being the #2C one day? Pettersson - Michkov Raty Or is his ceiling a #3C? Pettersson Smith/Moore/Yager/Dvorsky Raty The D in this Draft isn't as strong, so the Canucks could take Ds with the late 1st and 2nds if they wanted.

Apparently Kuzmenko needs to learn to play hockey and we can't forget how Tryamkin struggled and didn't want to be here, or how Goldobin couldn't translate his game. I'd be nervous if they selected Michkov at #4 or #5 (in that range), as he's also an undersized winger. Would he come over to play in NA and when would that be? I would just prefer they get some really good Cs and Ds in the system developing.

It's almost laughable. That first shot against Martin is most likely going in. The D is an issue for sure, but the goaltending is the #1 problem IMO. I do wonder what Demko's future holds and if a trade will be made to bring in a different goalie at some point (next season?). I've heard rumours of Tristan Jarry (PIT) Canucks can't seem to play Hockey, but they can play Tank pretty well.

Boudreau didn't have them ready, he never held a good training camp. The Canucks started the pre-season with 5 straight losses. Then they started the regular season with 7 straight losses. Poor preparation. Poor coaching. I believe Tocchet will get the Canucks into shape and they will be a team to watch in 2023/24.

and therein lies the problem, he's from Russia Canucks can't mess this pick up. If it's a choice between Smith and Michkov, I hope they take Smith.

With Demko at his best, Canucks would've won, or at the least it would've been 2-1. Martin and Delia are so horrible, I feel bad for the skaters. They're trying out there and then the goalie lets in a softie and it just sucks the life out of them to claw back. What is Ian Clark saying about the goaltending? Yikes. Stillman had a pretty good game, starting to like this guy. Keep hitting Riley.

Thought this was a funny stat Thiessen played 7 minutes in a game in 2019/20 and let in 3 goals. That was the only game time for him that season and he ended with a 25.59 GAA and a 0.500 Save %. Wow. But, Thiessen is having a much improved 2022/23 season: 2.38 GAA 0.910 Save % Could he be a future Abby goalie?

If VAN isn't in the Top 3 (Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson), my choices 1a - (C) Smith, (RW) Michkov, (C/LW) Benson, (C) Moore, (C/RW) Leonard 1b - (RD) SandinPellikka, (LD) Simashev, (RD) Reinbacher, (RD) Dragicevic 2a - (RD) Willander, (RD) Bonk, (RD) Allen, (G) Hrabal VAN needs a 2b

Schenn playing?

Poor Schenn. He really really wants to be with Vancouver 'cause she so perdy, but Vancouver isn't sure they want to be with Schenn anymore. Meanwhile, Boston, Toronto, Calgary and other unsightly vultures are all pining for Schenn, saying "Pick me Schenn! Pick me!", but Schenn's heart is with Vancouver. Sadly, Vancouver might be ready to move on. Will Vancouver give Schenn another chance on Valentine's Day? stay tuned...