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SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME

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Everything posted by SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME

  1. Benefits of us having a messy house and being packrats: just searched the junk drawers/cupboards for some elastic string (wife is making masks) and found five n95 masks and a full pump bottle of Purell. Score!
  2. Yeah, analytics in general are pretty hit and miss. Well, the data itself doesn’t lie, but the interpretation is where the problems start. As far as Tryamkin and “forwards letting up on his side,” there are some very cool heat maps and other types of data out there that can quantify or offer good visualizations of what’s happening on entries and routes when particular D pairings are on the ice.
  3. There actually are. They’re just proprietary. Well, at least as far as tracking goes. There’s definitely no metric measuring fear. I’m sure the Canucks have access to very sophisticated tracking data, and to several other metrics that the general public never sees.
  4. Miller(1)-Pettersson(5)-Bure(6) Edler(5)-Ehrhoff(2) Miller(2)
  5. Well, he’s pretty fashion forward, so who knows? Could be that gender bending, fungus-based clothing is the latest menswear trend on the streets of Moscow.
  6. I think the main purpose of the question was just being about to post a quote on social media and rile people up. And it worked. So many people on twitter now talking about the tired, old “entitlement issues” with Tryamkin and his unwillingness to play in the AHL.
  7. Probably the same guy who asked if OJ was injury prone.
  8. Pretty much this. I think there’s a real argument for Myers, and the case can easily be made, at least as a pure hypothetical. But in the real world, there’s just no way JB pulls the trigger on a compliance buyout for a player he just acquired as the centrepiece of his 2019 free agency moves. The Myers contract will likely prove itself a costly mistake by the time we get into years 4-5 (and I honestly question the value for money for this player even today), but it’s a decision that the Canucks made with their eyes wide open, and I don’t think they feel much differently about the contract today than they did on the day they signed it. For better or worse, Myers isn’t going anywhere (except maybe Seattle?). Roussel is a useful player who was just having an off year due to his struggles coming back from an injury. We’ve seen better from him (last year), and we will again. I’m still a big believer in his value as a complimentary piece on this roster, and a player who plays a much needed role, and can actually be quite a difference maker, when he’s on his game. Ferland is similar. If he’s healthy and able to play his game (or even one with less physicality but still retaining his skill), he remains a useful piece in an NHL lineup. And if he’s not healthy, he’s sent to Robidas Island for the duration, or he just simply retires. Sutter and Beagle probably aren’t worth their contracts any more at this point in time (and certainly moving forward), at least looking results based and as pure roster pieces (versus younger/cheaper options that could fill similar on-ice roles). But they are still very useful players and both of them offer significant “value added” in the room and as key members of the “greybeard” leadership group that helps guide the young core. So that leaves the obvious, in Eriksson, and the practical, in Baertschi. Eriksson is clearly wasted money and clearing his contract would be a godsend. Not much more to say. Shoot him into the sun and put everyone out of their misery. Baertschi, for right or wrong, is never going to get the chance to play any kind of significant NHL role in Vancouver, so we might as well save the money, if given the opportunity to shed his salary. It’s not going to be a huge savings, but it’s better than just wasting money on a guy who’s never getting out of the AHL doghouse until he gets himself clear of this organization. I would argue that Baertschi is not really the best “bang for buck” option for a second compliance buyout. But while there might be “smarter” options, from a pure “asset management” perspective, none of them seem realistic for the specific conditions of this team and its management/ownership group. As you note, if the Luongo penalty could somehow be converted to a buyout, that’s an obvious win and I’d be all over that option. However, I don’t see the league doing us any favours, so I doubt that one is in the cards. So that leaves us with Eriksson and Baertschi.
  9. He didn’t get much opportunity this year. He was the youngest forward on the roster and one of only two 2000-born forwards on Cornell, the other being 3rd round pick Matthew Stienburg (who scored 10 points in 27 games, compared to Malone’s 8 points in 27 games). Malone was getting mostly 4th line and 13th forward duty (and was scratched the first weekend IIRC), while playing on the #1 ranked team in the nation, with a roster that was heavy on upperclassmen and some delayed enrolment underclassmen who had a couple years on Malone. Not a situation where you’d expect a teenage freshman to step in and just get handed minutes (like we saw, say, with Madden at Northeastern—although Tyler quickly proved deserving of being named 1C as a freshman). Malone was generally playing limited minutes, heavily sheltered, lower QoT, checking/energy roles, and just getting his feet wet this season (although he did find his way onto the power play a couple times, a scored one of the goals on the man advantage). His minutes did increase as the season wore on. He started out getting <10 minutes a game, and moved into the teens during the new year. Cornell was also seriously gunning for a national championship, at least before COVID-19 reared its ugly head, so it just wasn’t a situation where any new guys, especially younger freshmen, were going to get much rope from the coaching staff. I would expect Malone to see a serious uptick in his production next season, and he moves into a larger role, and returns with a year of college hockey experience under his belt. He still profiles as a kid with some decent upside, based on his previous success at the USHL level. Plus Cornell is a top flight program in the NCAA, so while he may not have seen much game action, I’m sure he’s been getting good development in practice, as well as having access to top level training facilities and coaching. He’s still a long shot, of course. But he’s a player we should be patient with and just let cook for the next few years. I expect he’ll do a full 4 year stint at Cornell (especially since he’s a serious student—he’s enrolled in the Dyson School of Business at Cornell, which is one of the toughest programs to get into), graduate, possibly win a championship along the way, and then we’ll see what we have in Jack Malone. EDIT: You won’t find much out there detailing Malone’s season (part of the reason why I wrote a lengthy post here—although lengthy posts on some our lesser known prospects is kinda my thing ), but the following tweet has a decent thread discussing his results for 2019-20. I know JD Burke isn’t the most popular guy around CDC, but he at least offers some decent info on the player (and Daniel Gee also chimes in):
  10. I suppose the good news is that this signals that Hogs is likely to sign, once the new agreement is in place. Can’t really blame them for pushing for a better deal. The transfer fees have been too low for far too long, especially when it comes to top players.
  11. Well, hopefully we’ll be through the worst of it by then. I mean, if the Rona takes away our right to riot, I’m gonna... riot? Uh, wait a sec... never mind.
  12. Reading this tweet, it seems like Madden was expected to sign with Vancouver. Seems like the Huskies were hoping the trade might delay things, and they’d maybe keep him an extra year when the rights moved to LA, but that they were already prepared for Madden leaving (to join the Canucks).
  13. I think when all’s said and done, Rathbone will sign with the Canucks, and it’ll be similar to Lockwood where we’ll eventually learn that Jack basically told Benning, when I’m ready, I’ll sign with Vancouver, and other teams don’t even enter the equation (like Lockwood did last year when he told JB not to worry about him holding out and that Vancouver was his only NHL choice). Rathbone, to me, is of a similar model to guys like Gaudette and Lockwood. Fiercely loyal, extremely motivated and hard working, with a great appreciation for the team that drafted/believed in him, and committed to starting his pro career with his draft team. I don’t see a free agency hold out as something he really considers as an career option, mostly just on principle. Rathbone has basically said as much in several past interviews. And when you listen to guys like IMac, who have sources inside the Canucks, they’re basically telegraphing a message that Rathbone isn’t signing anywhere but Vancouver. I suspect it’s just a matter of that they don’t want to come out and say it until the ink is dry on an ELC, but that everyone knows that, when Jack is ready, he’s gonna be a Canuck. EDIT: If I’m wrong and Rathbone does hold out and sign with the Bruins, I’ll probably start the day with eating my hat for breakfast, and then head downtown to start a riot.
  14. Couple good vids from @DanielGScouting that highlight Rathbone’s defensive ability: Everyone knows about Jack’s skating, big shot, and offensive ability, but I don’t think everyone appreciates just how solid he is defensively (or how physical he plays). Easy to see why the Canucks are itching to get this kid inked to an ELC. If and when we get Rathbone signed, I would not be the least bit surprised if he earns a roster spot out of his first NHL camp.
  15. For the record, Fred, I’ve never felt you’re trolling. In fact, I often appreciate you for keeping me honest. You definitely let me know about it when you think I’m veering away from objective commentary into boosterism. There are times when I can use a gentle reminder to slip my rose coloured glasses back into their case. I don’t believe that’s needed with Michaelis, however. I feel like I’ve given a fair rundown in earlier posts on why this is a good signing. And, if you don’t buy into my takes, I believe there are quite a few NHL hockey operations departments out there that would offer a similar view of this player (as evidenced by the strong interest from several NHL teams in signing him).
  16. This totally makes me picture that opening sequence from The New Pope. But instead of Jude Law strutting past a bunch of volleyball playing girls, it’s Pius Suter walking past all the NHL teams interested in his services.
  17. I wonder if he’s looking to step directly into an NHL lineup or if he’s willing to go to the AHL? He’d have to sign an ELC, so his AHL salary ($70K) would be a significant step down from the type of money top players can pull down in the NLA (~$500K). That said, he is a decent enough player that he might have a chance to crack some teams out of camp, at least in a 4th line/depth role. He’s small and isn’t physical, but he battles hard and doesn’t lack in energy or compete. Plays a solid all-around game and probably could step into a bottom-six role or 13th forward spot on a team with openings in their lineup. Not sure that’s Vancouver, however. And not saying he can’t be more than a 4th line/depth guy. He has the talent to potentially drive a third line at the NHL level. He’s put up some really solid numbers, has a very complete game, and has already been coached by the likes of Scott Walker, Marc Crawford, and Rikard Grönborg. Has also attended a few NHL camps as an invite in previous years. And played OHL and was considered a decent prospect (ranked around the 3rd round at one point). He’s currently the NLA reigning scoring champ, with the 2019-20 lead in points and goals, and that’s playing in league with no shortage of former NHLers. I think what places him in good stead to earn a shot from an NHL team is the fact that, while he’s certainly a bit undersized, he’s also not an absolute munchkin and he doesn’t play a the kind of one dimensional game you often see from some of these smaller guys who regularly figure among the European leagues’ scoring leaders. He’s very complete and can play up and down a lineup and in a variety of roles. His production suggests he could be a guy who’d score maybe a dozen goals a season in the NHL as a skilled bottom-six C/W who plays solid D and brings good energy, compete, and work ethic every night. Certainly a player worth a look and I expect he has quite a few NHL teams eyeballing him. From the sounds of things, he’s got a few options but is waiting to see what kind of roster situation and direction teams are headed into for next season. I’d expect he’ll be looking for a team that promises him the best opportunity to crack the lineup and start his North American professional career at the NHL level (and bypassing the AHL). Again, I’m not sure that’s Vancouver.
  18. Sure. And Michaelis was found through free agency. Difference between this and just signing a free agent AHL journeyman is that Michaelis has the upside to become something much more than merely a #2/3 AHL C, is still fairly young at 24, and won’t hit UFA until 2023. And even with that value added, the signing still only ties up a contract slot for just one year. Very low risk and short term commitment, with the potential for a good reward (ie: a young NHL player under cost control), and at minimum, we should break even with a serviceable AHLer.
  19. Honestly, this is a good signing, even if all Michaelis amounts to is a dependable top-6, or even top-9, centre for Utica. The Comets need help down the middle, and have for quite some time. If nothing else, a guy like Michaelis could help stabilize a forward line and help develop our winger prospects in the AHL. The upside is that he is highly versatile, has good character and leadership ability, plays a tenacious style, and can drive play. Michaelis can easily swap into any of the three forward positions, can play a role at PK, PP, and evens, can move up and down a lineup, and can play either offensive or defensive focused hockey. He has the potential to be a very useful depth piece, and possibly even a regular NHLer, if all goes well with his pro transition and development. He’s also very close to being “fully cooked,” given his age, and him coming off a full 4 years as a core player in one of the better college programs.
  20. I’d say he’s faster than most college players. The skating thing is a bit of an odd take, but I’ve seen it popping up a fair amount lately. As far as I can track things, only JD Burke has really said that Michaelis is a poor skater. Pronman said he wasn’t sure if Michaelis was truly an NHL quality skater. Malloy said that Michaelis was a very good skater. And Benning and the Canucks cite this kid’s skating as one of his main strengths From what I’ve seen, he’s plenty quick for the college game, showing good jump and acceleration, and easily achieving separation in footraces. I think it’s fair to say that there’s room for improvement, but that goes for everyone. As for his skating being a weakness, I don’t really see that issue in my viewings of this player. Time will tell how well he matches up against pro level competition, but I don’t really think of Michaelis as a guy who we should expect to really struggle because of his skating. EDIT: One last thing. Picked up this tidbit from Mayor’s Manor (LA Kings blog): “From what we’ve gathered, Michaelis is the Kings No. 1 target. They were interested at this time last season before he decided to return for his senior season – and their interest remains high.” https://mayorsmanor.com/2020/03/if-the-la-kings-dip-into-2020-college-free-agent-market/ Nice to see us steal the Kings’ #1 college free agency target out from under them, especially after us trading Madden. Also have read that quite a number of other teams were also very interested in Michaelis. Looks like a bit of a coup for Vancouver, given the level of interest from around the league.
  21. Whenever I watch any of those Minnesota State tribute/highlight vids, I think we might as well retire Michaelis’s number now and hang it up with the Sedins.
  22. Yup, the 2020 Hobey Baker top-10 finalists were announced March 18th and Michaelis made the list. He also made his conference’s (WCHA) First All-Star Team in each of his 4 years; was WCHA Rookie of the Year as a freshman; and this year, as a senior, was the WCHA Top Offensive Player and he made the All-USCHO First Team.
  23. Cheers, mate! I’m always happy to hear that someone enjoys reading my posts. I’m a bit guarded about revealing details of my life outside of CDC, for a variety of reasons, but I can tell you that my training and trade involves something “writing related.” Nothing to do with hockey journalism, however, or any type of sports writing, for that matter. That might change one day. I really do enjoy writing about the Canucks, prospects, and just hockey in general. I’ve considered, from time to time, taking it a bit further than just posting stuff here. I have also been approached a few times over the years about providing Canucks content for some blogs and other online media. It just never felt like the right time, or something that I could fully commit to. It’s definitely nice to know that you’d give me a follow, if I ever did try to start something up. I don’t know if it’ll ever happen, but if it does, I’ll make sure you’re one of the first to know about it.
  24. Nice addition with Michaelis. Skates very well and has really strong all around abilities and skills. Was an absolute stud at the NCAA level, boasting quite the list of accomplishments for his collegiate career: I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that for a college player. Definitely one of the better UDFAs coming out of the NCAA this year and a player worthy of a contract.
  25. Well, I’m late to the party, as far as hearing about today’s additions. It’ll come as a surprise to no one that I’m happy to see Lockwood signed (and I also like the Michaelis signing). Never really had a doubt that Will would stay loyal to the Canucks. And from the sounds of Benning’s comments, it was probably never in doubt that they’d offer him a contract. The Canucks see this kid as a future top-9 staple for this team or, at minimum, an good NHL 4th liner. I feel the same. Despite the setbacks and challenges he’s faced (or perhaps partially because of them), I’m still a big believer in Lockwood. So long as he stays healthy, I see his game translating very well to the pros. He could become a real sparkplug type of player for us, bringing energy to his mates and the fans out of their seats. Speed, aggression, pursuit, work rate, leadership, character, commitment, solid defensive ability, and some soft hands and underrated offensive ability. This kid’s a beauty and I’m excited to see what the future holds for him. Like others have said, the points totals don’t tell the whole story here. Lockwood is far better than his stats suggest. He’s a difference maker with the ability to turn around games singlehandedly with a big play. Whether it’s a shotblock that leads to a short handed breakaway; a big hit that fires up his teammates and the fans; an end to end rush, finishing in a highlight reel goal; a ferocious forecheck that causes pure chaos in the zone and forces a juicy turnover; a backcheck where he suddenly speeds into view, seemingly from out of nowhere, to disrupt the play; or a shift where he somehow just wills his way to the net, against the flow, doing everything the hard way, and somehow imposing his will on the game with the physicality of a man 5 inches taller and 50 pounds heavier. Yeah, you could say I’m a fan. Truly a Michigan player who deserved to be called a Wolverine. Or maybe Honey Badger 2.0?
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