[Only a matter of time for Grabner]

Da Sniper is 100% correct. He's not making a direct comparison between Kesler and Grabner, but rather, he's giving people the chance to think and reflect back to what it was like when the Kes's, Bieksa's, Burrows's first got their chances. Sniper is offering a comparison between people's attitudes then and now about the up and comers. Very relevant.

In today's NHL, nobody will ever trade their way to a championship. The cap killed that. Championships will be brought home by teams whose organization is well suited to making good decisions about player prospects followed through by comprehensive player development. Player development does take time and it does take patience. A player's true assessment does not happen in a handful of games, or even in an entire season. Think. Where would the Canucks be today had they made hasty decisions about Burr, Bieksa, Raymond, Kesler et al?

As a very long time fan, one of the things I like the most about today's Canucks is the organizational commitment to a successful future. The proof is in the dividends now being paid through the play of the guys we've hung on to. You know who they are. Players like Grabner, Raymond, Hansen, Edler are our future. I love seeing them develop, even if I have to look through my fingers some nights! And the Canuck team, the Canuck organization, the Canuck philosophy is 100% behind the successes we are enjoying today. Through their commitment, they seem perfectly capable of extracting the most and the best from anybody who laces up in the Canuck dressing room. And that is no small feat.

Like Snipe says, be patient. There will never, ever be any instant superstars jumping over our boards. Someday you might get lucky and land a Crosby or Oveckin or Taylor Hall. But do you really want to do all the losing that has to take place to acquire somebody like that? I sure don't.

Keep up the good work boys!

[Back in the game]

Hi Mathieu,

Since you've been generous enough to write, so will I.

One of the hardest things about being on the road is that a person can't always make every important event in our children's lives. It's a big sacrifice.

I just wanted to pass on my respect, admiration and gratitude to you and your team mates with children and loved ones for demonstrating this kind of dedication and professionalism. It does not go unrecognized, and it is truly the reason you are held in such high esteem by so many.

Heads up, noses to the grindstone, and the Cup is all yours!

[Optimist Prime - 11.06.2009]

Optimism is fine as long as there is sufficient reason. Blindly following with a smile on your face will lead you down the path of the Maple Leafs to Ballardom. Full arena, but diddly squat on the ice. Fan loyalty has to be earned and never taken for granted.

Having said, there is more reason for optimism today than ever before in Canuck history. Keep up the great work everybody. It reflects well.