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Everything posted by Nave
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... you stated 2 points.
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I think you're trying to say he needs an elite playmaking centre that excels on the rush, and I can agree wit that. I like Ehlers, more than I do Nylander, but I'm still glad we got Virtanen.
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He was pretty unhappy with the Leafs though. I'm not defending his defensive awareness, compete level, or conditioning. When he is engaged, he makes some amazing plays. He has progressed from being a one-trick pony who just has a quick release.
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I agree, but your initial argument was that we should not expect him to be with the Sedins just like we should not expect him to be a 1st line player; however, Henrik is an elite playmaking centre. So I'm not sure what to think now. That being said, I do agree that Kessel has very good offensive awareness that--while it may not be "elite--is extremely underrated. Cringing when he gave teammates wide open shots only for them to be squandered was not a rare occurrence. The only thing keeping him from being considered a high IQ guy is his tendency to try and do too much. I also agree that some people are too optimistic with our prospects, particularly our centre prospects; but we do have our best pool in years--perhaps ever--so there is room for optimism. Like you said, Virt has some great tools, and just needs to bring them together. I doubt he will be like Kassian and never develop his hockey IQ. While he may seem lost in the defensive zone sometimes, he's engaged every single shift, so there's a good likelihood he'll improve in that regard.
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There is a laundry list of players with mediocre hockey IQ that have played well with the Sedins. It's like playing with Steve Nash in his prime--you do not necessarily see the pass coming, but know to stay on your toes. I'm just saying that spending some time with them on the ice would help him learn the cycle, which IS one of the weakest parts of his game. You're conflating the risk of not becoming a 1st line player with the risk of not having an NHL career at all.
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It's hard to believe he's only 21, because he was drafted before most of our other prospects, but Gillis may have done a great job projecting his development. He has obvious maturity, much like Horvat, and has progressed each season (even if the stats don't show that). I'm not sure he'll steal a spot from those guys, but here's hoping. Kenins looked great with Horvat last year, and that may help him. Whereas Higgins is just a steady veteran who is more or less a lock for 30+ points. I really hope Benning values Gaunce, because he has done what both regimes have asked of him, and has worked really hard. Nonetheless, one more AHL season would benefit him. I think it's more likely he'll join the big club next year when some guys are gone.
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I think most know it's unrealistic for him to be a full time 1st line player right away, but spending some time with the Sedins might help him grow his game. Burrows was a 3rd/4th line player before he played with the Sedins. That worked out for him.
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Umm, neither Daniel or Zhuk drive to the net per se, that's more of a power forward move. But it's true that both fight for spots to get open in front of the net. Daniel lost some of that over the years but since he constantly got cross-checked with no call I can't exactly blame him. And then there's that Keith thing. However, Daniel looked rejuvenated last year--including in the playoffs--and both Sedins are good guys for Zhuk to learn from.
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I think the move to wing will ultimately benefit Gaunce. He can antagonize defensemen trying to get open for shots. Plus, of course, it makes him more likely to join the team.
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Henrik has a better shooting percentage than Daniel
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Bo has improved his skating like Tavares. Virtanen already has top notch speed. Excited for the future.
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Both Boeser and Brisebois were not high profile because they were on bad teams, which could benefit us in the end
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No one is saying he should be with them full time right out of the gate. Just that he can get some time with them eventually
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Yeah it's not as if the Sedins are bad on the rush. They're near the best I've seen in terms of moving the puck up the ice fast. Having a fast guy who can shoot can be deadly with outlet passes. You bring up a great point with their shooting hands too. I think we should see how Burrows goes with Sutter, and then Virt with the Sedins could have serious consideration. We don't have many puckmoving defensemen but Virtanen's north south style might help there.
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I for one wanted Boeser. Wasn't convinced with any of the low round defensemen. And I'd do it again
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Maybe we should call him Blue Beetle
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Yeah I definitely think Boeser would be a better fit. Virtanen could get some time with them that's all. That being said, Boeser will remain with the University of North Dakota for awhile, and Virtanen could be up as near as next season. Jensen is another guy who I think could spend some time with the Sedins, if he ever redeems himself and becomes an NHL'er
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Zhuk is far away from making the team, but he could adjust to the North American game better than we think
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Virtanen worked on cycling a bit last year. I don't think he would be with the Sedins right away, but he very well could be in two years. Virtanen's ability to jus launch guys trying to hit him would meld well with the Sedins. Playing with other players could teach him how to forecheck, playing with the Sedins could teach him how to use his teammates. He wouldn't necessarily play with them in the playoffs, but it could be very good for his development. It gives us options.
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Agreed. Although I don't think he will be with the Sedins right away, I think he will be down the road. Sutter with Burrows jus sounds good. If Vrbata stays he could play with Horvat.
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Like I said before, the Canucks--for perhaps the first time in history--have many young guys that can come in and play. Virtanen is jus one of em.
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Zhukenov is definitely hitting puberty late. Hit the weights boy.
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We may have to do trades in order to bring young guys in. However, Boeser gives us time to do that because he's with a great program
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I think Virtanen is more or less ready, but we have others that are as well. He'll have to battle it out.