kloubek

Can't blame him. It's always a player's goal to win the cup any time they can, and if we are all being honest with ourselves, that chance is likely much higher in Toronto. At the same time, he has expressed very positive things about Vancouver as well. To me, I think moving Myers is a no-brainer. Then if we don't re-sign Bear (which many of us would be ok with, though management seems to want to re-up his services) then we would be in a position to bring Schenn back. And frankly, as a physical, low-cost leader on D, I would be more than happy to see him back.

Well that's a crock of sh*t. I don't believe he was forced to fall, let alone straight down. But regardless, he repositioned his hands specifically so he COULD cross check him when he went down, plus then he made contact with the head when it absolutely could have been avoided. Sorry Benn, that's just too many variables that occurred for anyone to believe this was anything but intentional.

I actually like Garland. Perhaps he's overpaid a touch, but he's still young(ish) and could still go on a tear; he's actually reasonably talented. His biggest issue is his size, of course. But he does play with energy, and manages to slip away from his checks more than absorb them... not unlike how Quinn survives in this league. The way the media and everyone else are talking about adding to move him, it just isn't worth it. I appreciate the Canucks are (as always) in a cap crunch, but I think there are better candidates to move - with Myers and his 6m cap hit being at the very top of that list. Plus with the cap going up, the overall situation may not be quite as bad as expected.

I actually thought he was considereed to be defensively responsible? Seems to me we acquired him as a jack of all trades, so to speak. He can play big minutes and not be a defensive liability, plus contribute on the scoresheet. At least, that was the intention. Frankly, the 4 (?) games I watched him play were largely underwhelming. But he had JUST arrived in Vancouver, and I think he was injured still as well. Not exactly a large OR accurate sample size. If he turns out to be a legit top pairing guy, or even if he's just a really good 2D, I think we did ok.

I've always liked Jesper Fast, so clearly this is the next best thing...

Presumably, this would be done solely as a cap dump. And if we are looking at dumping cap, we need to look at the REAL MONEY cost of our players because the only teams we could move players to who aren't worth their cap are teams which are not in contention, and a team not in contention also doesn't want to shell out much real money. For that reason, I think moving Myers actually DOES make sense for both parties. For us, obviously it's the cap savings. For them, they get a high end 3rd paring D or (in some people's eyes - especially if he has a better year) 2nd pairing D with size for only 1M, and more easily hit the cap floor. I actually think it is inevitable that Myers will be moved somewhere before the season starts, be it Chicago or otherwise. I think once his bonus is paid, it'd be a saavy move by another GM and the Canucks alike. I am not sure where that would put us in a cap situation after losing 6M, but I believe that after that move, management would be able to have more maneuverability, and then if we lose a forward, I expect it would be to gain in return something we are lacking, such as a 3C or a RD. AND if Myers does find his way off the team, I think we need to take a long look at bringing Schenn back - especially if we don't re-sign Bear.

I don't see this as being compelling enough for Columbus. Some "experts" have claimed that Garland has negative trade value and that we may have to add a sweetener to move him. I don't agree with that, but if true, that would be Garland and the 2024 second. So now it's the 11th, Rathbone, and the 5th for the 3OA, and that's just not enough. But if they'd do it, so would I.

Agreed. I would suggest that if it works out, that Burroughs could also be a backup - but I'm really not comfortable with him as a full time player. I do think we saw enough from Hirose (LD) that he could be penciled into the 3rd LD pairing right off the bat, but with Wolanin as backup, I think either could work. Ideal? Not really, no... but reasonable. Heck, if Rathbone stays in our system I could even see him make a pitch for 3LD. For RD, I'm less sold on McWard, but even he didn't look completely out of place and is only likely to get better from here. Then of course Woo is a consideration with his strong play of late - although to be frank I haven't seen him play for over a year, so I'm still currently not sold on the idea. Still as you point out, this team has options. Our issue isn't so much depth as it is finding the right fits in the regular lineup. If we expect Hughes to reach his full potential, he MUST be paired with a guy who he trusts so he can get in deeper where he is more dangerous. Hopefully a guy who can move the puck reasonably, is bigger, has very strong defensive ability, and hopefully, can pot 15-30 points at the same time. That's a tall ask for a team that's already over the cap before the season even starts. Yet, if we can rid ourselves of Myers' 6M, then it doesn't seem implausible.

I don't think Baertschi is even in the NHL anymore? I also agree that if Schenn is looking to come back and we have the space, he would be a solid addition. I think BEAR will want too much, despite the fact he doesn't have many standout qualities. Schenn brings that toughness and hitting we could certainly use. And you're also right about OEL. The cost to move him is too great, and I DO think there is at least a chance he can settle in and be a reasonable player for us. Worth his contract? Absolutely not. But at least reasonable. As much as I do think Gavrikov would be a nice addition to the left side, unfortunately, the cap dictates we cannot get everything we want. Additionally, I think Hirose showed very well and deserves a chance on the 3rd pairing to make a go of it. If that doesn't work out, we could give the Bone another try, and if all else fails, Wolanin really did look decent as well. Dare I say, I still want that top end defender to play with Hughes on the right side, and still have my eye on Severson. There are better shutdown guys out there, but he also comes with offensive acumen and size. I'd like to see these pairings: Hughes Severson OEL Hronek Hirose Schenn

I wouldn't. I think that's poor asset management. Is Garland ideal for our team? Probably not. Despite playing with tenacity, he's still a smaller guy who doesn't "do it all". But he's historically a very good 5-on-5 player and plays the right way. As much as we need the cap space, I'm not interested in moving players with sweeteners unless they have proven to be a total weak link on the team. And while Garland may not have been terribly consistent, I still think he's a valuable player. I'd FAR rather move Myers to get that cap space. And realistically, it should be entirely possible to do so once his bonus is paid and his actual money is only 1m. I think for a cap floor team that he becomes a very attractive option. It isn't so much that he's brutally bad. He's just bad for 6m. In addition to that, I think that the RD we would have in place to replace his position would not be much of a downgrade, if one at all. In a worst-case scenario, if Schenn wanted to come back on the cheap (1-1.5) I think he's a FAAAARRR better option than Myers at 6. Problem solved, and we don't need to reduce our forward depth to do so.

I read an article written by a Flames fanboy today which suggested we ship Garland and a 3rd to the Flames for future considerations. While I realize the Canucks need to reduce their collective cap hit, giving away skilled players AND adding sweeteners to do so seems like a really bad idea.

It seems increasingly so, yes. Everyone believes moving from 11 to 1st would simply be too expensive. Guess I'll end my pipe dream.

So what would it take to snatch Bedard from Chicago? He's NHL ready, and Chicago isn't going to be competing for any cup any time soon. Seems to me they are still in asset acquiring mode, and will be for a couple of years. I propose: To Vancouver: 1 OA To Chicago: 11 OA, Beauvillier, Raty, Rathbone, 2024 1st, 2025 2nd Do you guys think something like that package could get it done? I almost think it's overpayment, but then, we're talking Bedard here. Kuz Pettersson Mikheyev Garland Miller Boeser PDG/Dries Bedard Hoglander Podz Studnika Joshua

Despite there always being a question mark as to how successful a player might be after getting drafted, I'd say that the #1OA pick in this particular draft is worth more than Matthews. 1) Bedard is considered by many to be a generational player. (Yes, the term is now overused) He really does have the potential to be a better player than Matthews. 2) He's obviously a lot younger than Matthews for greater career longevity, and will also be paid his ELC for a few years, which would certainly help out a cap-strapped team best. After that point, he may or may not get his big pay raise. Even if he does, it's unlikely to be as much as Matthews will make on his next contract. 3) Matthews is UFA at end of next season, so perhaps they'd rather get him as a UFA as opposed to giving up the 1OA. It isn't like the Coyotes will make any kind of impact in the league next year, so management and ownership ought to look at the bigger picture than just making a knee-jerk trade. With this said, when up for renewal, one can imagine Matthews will be asking for a notable raise. 4) Matthews' moustache. Reports are that he has not convinced it to leave Toronto yet.

lol. I dunno why I feel this way. It just seems like such a solid Russian name that it looks appropriate on the back of a jersey. Better than on a dog tag, I suppose...

These are truly excellent numbers, given his limited playing time. He made the most of it for sure. We need lower-cap guys in our bottom lines who can produce, and I feel he seems to be a solid fit. Although I agree he doesn't have ideal size and isn't a big physical presence, he doesn't seem to shy away from getting deep in the play, and conducts himself with quite a bit of energy and tenacity.

With a name like "Kravtsov", he can't help but to be a can't-miss player. His name is MADE for hockey. I did like some of what I saw from him, and even though he didn't produce I think there's some talent there which maybe just needs development. I certainly don't think he would be appropriate to insert into the '23/24 lineup, but if he's willing to develop in the AHL, it would be nice to see him signed to a one year contract to show what he is capable of against lesser competition.

I didn't consider that. But you're right - we are not a great faceoff team, so that 3rd c really needs to know how to win a faceoff. And I'm not saying Aman doesn't have that potential. But given what he accomplished this season, I don't think management would be interested in "hoping for the best". To be honest, I don't view Bear as anything more than a really good 3rd pairing player. I think he can fill in a 2nd pairing in a pinch, but he doesn't have enough standout qualities to make that ideal. The only reason I included him is because management said he was part of the solution going forward. If we could instead trade him and bring in a guy who DOES stand out (particularly defensively), then I would agree with you. Well, that's at least how much they would go for. I selected Bear as per my mention above, that it looks like management is high on him and he's likely staying, but that's what it will likely take. As for Domi, I believe he has untapped potential and if the fit is right, could be nearly a point a game player for us.I did some research because I had heard it may be a cancer in the dressing room - though I couldn't actually find significant evidence of this. And at least he players a gritty style that we strive for. I also considered Kamph for the 3C. Good choice.

I actually thought it was July as well...?

OK, every year or two I put forth the changes I think the team should make, and this offseason is no different. Flame away. - Sign Schenn - 2 years, 1.5m per - Schenn brings much needed toughness, fighting, and hitting to our lineup. He wants to be here, and should sign pretty cheap. - Sign Domi 1 year, 3.5m per - I know Domi is a polarizing figure, but I think he would be a good fit. If he buys into our system, and playing with guys like Miller and Garland, it should provide a good environment for him to escalate his game. The 1 year allows him to move on or get traded at deadline to make room for the upcoming contracts in 24-25, and the short term provides us insurance should his health (diabetes) be a major issue. - Sign Barbashev - 3 years, 3m per - A natural fit to fill an all-Russian 3rd line. - Sign Talbot as our backup - 1 year, 2m. (I might be undervaluing him a touch?) - Re-Sign Burroughs - 2 years, 1m per - An extra, but a good one. - Re-Sign Bear - 4 years, 3m per - Not sure if we can get him for 3 or not, but management seems to think he's part of the answer and I don't think he's worth more than that. - Trade Beauvillier for a high 2nd - I like Beauvillier ok, but trade high. - Trade Myers for a 7th - Get him the heck out. He should be able to get something small back to a cap-floor team, after his bonus is paid. (1m real money I think?) Bringing Schenn back replaces (and improves upon) his hitting and toughness, and from a defensive standpoint, Bear is a much better option. Essentially, he's 100% expendable. Kuzmenko Petey Boeser - 19.5 Domi Miller Garland - 16.25 Mikheyev Barbashev Podkolzin - 9.5 Joshua Studnika Hoglander - 2.5 Hughes Kronek - 12.25 OEL Bear - 10.25 Hirose Schenn - 2.5 Demko, Talbot - 7m Extras: Dries, Aman, DGP, Burroughs, Wolanin - Under 3 (3 out of 4 active) Cap space: 85M This Roster: 83M Overall: - I don't think the D is as good as it could be if we were to bring in a defensive stalwart to play with Hughes. But it's more an addition by subtraction of Myers kind of scenario, and I think with Kronek already being brought in and the solid play of Hirose, this d core is notably better than before. - This lineup solves our 3rd line center issue in a big way, and IMO Domi is the kind of guy who will produce at LEAST as much as Beauvillier, but also has the potential to be darn near a point-a-game player if we're lucky. - Talbot provides the stable backup goaltending we require, and some level of insurance should Demko go down again. - The extra players I selected are the same players we've already used either as regulars, or as backups. Either way, they are capable depth at minimal cost. - The cap is expected to go as high as 86m. I assumed 85m. But this team fits under a 83m cap, so we're protected there too.

This team has relied on stellar goaltending for years. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if was our team defensive structure (coach), the defenses structure (asst.coach), or our poor actual players which resulted in this. By my estimation, it was a combination of all 3. But that's not a playoff team. A playoff team plays well enough as a team and individually that the goalie isn't hung out to dry every. single. night. I think we saw improvement after the coaching switch. I believe we are close to having the right players, oddly enough. Myers aside. But if we are going to continue asking the goalie to bail this team out, a solid veteran backup is a must. Otherwise, I actually think that between Delia and Martin, there is an argument to be made to take the risk.

Yup 3 games, no points. Not sure what is going on with him, but Islanders fans must be getting restless...

That's a good article. We all knew he was struggling with his father's ailment and subsequent death. He's human, after all. Him saying he resented the game because it took him away from being with his father is quite understandable. It's easy to tell him to suck it up because he's paid millions, but people process things differently. The comment about the game being fast is true. We all know the skill Bess has, but he needs to bring his skating and tenacity to another level. Sure sounds from that article that he's gonna try. But then, he was going to score 30...

Sturm had a great year in SJ, no doubt. And if he played like that for us, he would be a good fit and I like the deal from our side. But historically, Sturm has barely played 50 games a season. This has limited his production to, at best, 17 points a season - and that's just not really ideal for our 3rd liner center. I'd be hoping whoever that bring in to really drive that line, and get upwards of 25-30 points minimum, and preferably a bit more.

Well, let's compare... For the first two years, we'd save more than a million to keep Pettersson. At that point, Petey's contract is up and he re-signs, he will be paid more than Draisaitl. After that, Draisaitl will be getting a new contract and I imagine they will be at somewhat similar salaries. Advantage: None. Essential wash. So far, Draisaitl has produced more than Petey. However, he also plays with McJesus (at least on the PP, and their PP is the best PP in... well... ever, I think it artificially boosts his production. Advantage: Slight advantage to Leon. Defensively, there is no question that Petey is a better 2-way player. Draisaitl has the 7th worse +/- on the team of all players with 20 games or more. This may not have been true a couple of years ago, but Pettersson has really focused on rounding out his game and it totally showed this season. Advantage: Pettersson Experience: Leon has 3 (I think) years more experience than Pettersson, but that means Petey has more room to grow and improve than Leon does. It also means that Leon will age quicker, so he's more of a time-limited asset. Advantage: Petey Attitude: There have been words that Draisaitl doesn't always have the best attitude. But I cannot really speak to that, but CAN speak to Petey. He's a consummate professional, soft spoken, and always projects himself with class. Advanrage: Petey. (Slight). In short, nah. I know this is just for fun, but given a 1-for-1 trade, I'd rather keep Petey.