VanNuck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9kDG0r_evs If you've ever watched Frozen, Elsa didn't want anything to do with being queen, made it quite clear to her sister, and threw her out. But ultimately she had no choice, because the kingdom was frozen over, and (though she didn't know how at first) only she could save them. What if Elsa never returned to Arendelle? What if Simba never returned to Pride Rock? What if Trevor (or Stan) won't take the job as GM? I can tell you this much: Gillis is a failure of a GM. Managed to build the Titanic only to sink it when he created a competent culture with Canucks that soon ego-centric and self-destructive. Individuals were elevated here, lauded for their greatness, only to be unfairly targeted and dashed (by the fans) when things went south. And Gillis merely stood by and did nothing as the ship sank. At this point, nobody could do any worse - but I can tell you that Smyl or Linden would not create an ego-centric atmosphere, but a Vancouver-centric one. They would know how to respond to the pressure of a Cup-hungry fanbase and would do everything in their power to get a Cup winning team. Like I said a thousand times, both guys can do the job. You want to talk experience? Enter Serge Savard, who became GM of the Canadiens in 1983, immediately upon retirement. Was that a bad move? Tell that to a Habs franchise that won Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993, and won in dramatic fashion. Linden has had more experience - served as NHLPA representative between his teammates and the Association, represented their concerns, and during his long tenure as NHLPA president, he negotiated the CBA directly with Bettman to end the lockout (albeit not in time to save the season, but he did it). You want business experience, he has it. He can and should do the job - to otherwise ignore it, would be like Simba not returning to Pride Rock or Elsa not returning to Arendelle.

Yup, after tonight, need I say more? Anyone looking for disappointment before letting go of Gillis - here it is. The Fire Mike Gillis Facebook page has grown to just under 2,000 likes, from barely 200, not two days ago. After tonight, the Nucks have a better shot winning a first-overall pick than a Cup (which might not be a bad thing). But Gillis sure wrecked the team. Why are they falling apart? Because what goes around comes around. Sow a culture of entitlement, reap players with egos that don't come through when it really counts... and then want out when the going is tough. Gillis has shown a lack of leadership, and this team needs leadership to get things right in the organization. I might be wrong about Linden or Smyl as being the leader, but let's say this, anyone would be better than Gillis.

With all the respect he's pick up beforehand, and knowing how much he's on Vancouver's side in this business, he can get away with the occassional unpopular decision more so than Gillis or anyone else. Why is he the man for the job? Because he is a leader, a respected leader with character and class. Everyone knows where his heart is for this city - he wants to see this city win. People trust guys like that to lead them into battle. As NHLPA president, he's held a key role in making negotiations to end the lockout. As a Canuck player, he's shown to be a leader for not only the city, but the community. And now, as a businessman, he's helping grow what's turning out to be a pretty successful athletic club. And where he has weaknesses on the job, he can always hire the support staff to help out (ie. scouts, trainers, etc.).

I like Gilman, but he's best off running the numbers and playing a supporting role. Rather would have Smyl or Linden running the hockey personnel. Actually, instead of Linden for GM, I'd say Smyl for GM, Linden and Gilman for assistants. Had in mind Scott Neidermayer for head coach. He's actually doing a pretty good job as an Anaheim assistant - but as long as Bruce Boudreau is there, he's not getting the head coaching gig in California. Jury's out on his ability to manage strategies as head coach - but the way the team is looking now, they might as well tank it next season, get a top-five pick and draft McDavid, or Barnaby if they miss the first overall. Hopefully, Neids will have mastered the Xs and Os by the time they're ready for next season.

As I've said for two years now, Linden or Smyl for GM... and I would talk about naming Scott Neidermayer head coach. The guy has been a surprisingly good teacher in Anaheim, knows all about how to prepare for big games. Jury's still out on his overall coaching ability - but if he were to coach in 2014-15, well given the shape the team is in, they (Smyl/Linden and Neidermayer) are better off tanking, and then drafting McDavid or Barnaby if they miss the 1st overall. Rebuild through the draft, and hopefully, Neidermayer will in time, get up to speed as head coach.

One, that is exactly my point, anyone but Gillis. Two, Linden has served as president of the NHLPA, which included mind you, making negotiations over the lockout. Gillis had similar kind of experience pre-running the Canucks. Three, unlike Gillis who is all about the bottom line, Linden would do everything it takes to stay with the fans, from winning to keeping positie relations - and unlike Gillis who came in with nothing, most fans will forgive him if they're slow to get there, as long as he promises they'll get there. Four, there's always Smyl, who has in-club experience. But Linden should be back in some capacity, just like Simba needing to return to Pride Rock.

In the Lion King, Simba has no interest becoming King. He wants to live up Hakuna Matata in the jungle - but Nala insists that he return, because the kingdom is in a mess. Whether or not he wants the job - he's got no choice. The entire kingdom depends on him. Now the Canucks are the pride, and Linden is Simba. And whether he wants to come back or not, well it's obvious now he's got little choice. Smyl can have the job, yes - but he can't do it alone. It'll take Linden's return to return the Canucks back to the pride of Vancouver once again.

Well after how this season is going, more and more fans are calling for MG to be fired. Years of contending for the division followed by what? A lack of offense, inconsistent play, being on the outside of the playoff hunt, and now, players are starting to want out of Vancouver! And just when things couldn't get worse, Gillis finally trades Luongo, getting in return, two guys who at best won't likely ever accomplish what Lu has done - and they most certainly don't look capable of being a starring role in a successful Cup run. Lu can still do the latter (maybe not with a messed up Canucks team though). All I got to say is, I told you so, two years ago. After this travesty, Gillis has proven to be a failure at handling the club's relations with his key players and has made many ill-fated or mediocre-at-best moves. He should be fired and replaced with either Linden or Stan Smyl.

That's just it. After this trade, the team will lose. I highly doubt the fans will come back to Rogers the remainder of the season now - I won't. Not until Gillis is gone.

1) Gillis waited until it was too late to take action, and then he utterly fails on the Luongo trade - Mattias and Jacobsen won't add up to one third of what Luongo has been in Vancouver. As if trading Schneider and getting only a ninth overall in return weren't enough, (or trading Grabner and a first rounder for Ballard weren't bad enough, or even trading Hodgson). His patience is really inaction - he waits until he sees the train running the wrong way, and then he changes course only to derail. 2) Only two draft picks of his ever saw NHL action, despite all the high promise. Question on his scouting assessment. 3) He's an utter failure in maintaining relations with key people. Just ask Hodgson and why he wanted out. Luongo ditto. Kesler, I could go on. Not much of a relationship builder with fans, beyond some token community activity like Canucks Place. 4) His strategy for skilled skaters worked out well didn't it? As I've been saying for the past three years, Gillis has to go, and now I'm being proven right, when you look at the growing number of fans wanting him gone. Fire Gillis, replace him with Stan Smyl.

One more thing... if you guys want Gillis gone, then I suggest you join me in Canuxodus and withhold your support for the team. Sometimes tough love is necessary to get the message across, but until MG is replaced, I will withhold my support.

Wow, more and more people calling for Gillis to be fired... Glad I'm not alone in this. Got to say this - after being utterly demolished in Anaheim, not to mention losing to LA and Phoenix despite a strong show, I was happy. It's giving a strong message that there is something utterly wrong with the Canucks, and Gillis has failed to address and correct it. As I've said before, I'd like Gillis to be removed as GM and replaced with Stan Smyl, a longtime front office veteran who served at every level throughout the organization and knows how it all works, plus he cares more about Vancouver and winning a Cup for Vancouver than anyone else. Also would like to see Trevor Linden brought back as assistant GM for personnel, and if they need hire a new coach, I advocate Scott Neidermayer. Case you didn't know, Neidermayer's shaping up to be an excellent teacher in Anaheim under Boudreau. Instrumental in mentoring some of the young players there, and I feel he'd do well to be head coach sooner or later - ideally in his home province unless Anaheim or New Jersey come knocking.

Aren't there normally three alternates? If so, Getzlaf should get an 'A.' He's as much a leadership ace as anyone on this team, don't you think?

I was laughing a bit when they announced the rosters, after I'd accurately predicted seven of eight blueliners that would skate in Socchi - only guy I didn't get was Marc-Andre Vlasic. I'd suggested Mark Giodarno for the eighth spot because he seems like a fiestier competitor and difference maker for the Flames - without his injury, who knows where they'd place in the standings right now. Still, yeah looks like we've got a darned good defense. Have a couple fingers crossed on the forward lines though, but we'll see how it plays out.

I have to laugh whenever I hear people talk about needing a power forward and using Milan Lucic in the Olympics. Got to say now, nothing could be worse. Keep in mind, in 1998 and 2006, Canada sent grit and power players to European ice - only to get embarassed badly and fail to medal. You don't want to make that mistake again. To that end, the only big guys I would send are Shea Weber, Jonathan Toews, and Ryan Getzlaf - because these guys are mobile enough to skate the big ice. Also have to laugh a little at Carey Price making the team - no offense, I like the guy. He's talented and has a likable personality, but he just has nothing to show for in the big games. In 30 NHL playoff games, he's a woeful 9-17-3 and until last year, Habs fans could blame him for holding them back. The kid hasn't been in an international competition since the 2007 Juniors. In fact, I would pick Cam Ward and Devan Dubnyk over Price - one guy has won the Cup as a rookie, the other is undefeated in 7 WCs. The Oilers' guys Hall and Eberle should have the chance. Those guys are two of the best skaters in the league and absolutely essential on the Olympic ice. Skate them with Toews - it'd be like his own Chicago line with Kane. And Hamhuis certainly ain't getting no love (except from Canucks). Canada needs a left-handed guy and he is really one of the best blueliners in the league, capable of playing there.

I these pairings, but you can't just stick with what you know works - it's like using a regular hammer from your toolkit to break apart a mountain. I say if anything, switch partners on the second and third pairings and you never know, those guys can probably develop the necessary chemistry. For what it's worth, they need to spread out their talents. The Blues duo is largely offensively-oriented and mostly finesse. The former Nashville pair is gritty and defensive - they'll get in trouble playing together on the Olympic ice. Weber with Pietragalo would do more damage, probably outdo Keith and Seabrook. Ditto for Hamhuis and Bouwmeester.

Why do people put lopsided top lines - if you have lines like Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos, they might score plenty, but what's going to happen when they lose the puck and someone has to backtrack? Just put two of these guys on your top line and throw in a defensive third winger. People are high on Price making the team, but honestly, I am anything but sold on him - he is perhaps the most talented goaltender since Hasek perhaps but his playoff track record is lousy. Again though, my biggest issue is the coaching - nothing against Babcock and his staff, but I strongly feel Trotz and McLean should have been on his staff.

Have to agree about St. Louis - that's why my second choice would be to substitute St. Louis for Lecavelier on the second line. Of all the other guys you mentioned, I would consider probably Carter or Iginla, based on their play on the international stage and clutch ability. However, I would revert back to the big ice - Cammellerri's style of play is better suited for the bigger ice than Carter or Iginla. As for all the others, Cammallerri has more international experience than most of them, has outperformed many others in clutch situations, or again, is better suited for the bigger ice. If Alex Pietrangalo makes the cut, it will come at the expense of Jay Bouwmeester, not Dan Hamhuis. Pietrangalo, for one shoots right like Bouwmeester - Hamhuis shoots left. More importantly, Pietrangalo is not as reliable defensively as Hamhuis - he's more of an offensive playmaking blueliner like Bouwmeester, albeit with a physical edge. That being said, the physical edge is not needed in the Olympics, and Bouwmeester has more experience and is a better offensive blueliner. Pietrangalo is good, but not quite good enough yet.

I like the top four in the defense there, except where is Seabrook? Letang and Pietrangelo are both more offensively minded, not quite reliable enough in their own end. The forward crops are too imbalanced - top six too much offensive focus, no good back-checkers, put Toews in the second line maybe. I like Thornton and Perry, but they aren't a good fit for the big ice. Price, I like his talent and overall potential - but his mental strength is suspect. That's even more important than talent - case in point (correct me if I'm wrong), but he's never backstopped the Habs past the first or second round, and in fact last season fell to a lower seeded Senators team.

Once again, there was a mistake, "St. Louis" on top line, should be Stamkos. Burrows-Crosby-Stamkos for the top line. Cammallerri gets a pick for his character, plus his style of play suits the big Olympic ice. The big clincher on him is his clutch play - my favourite example is when he helped upset the Capitals and the Penguins in 2010, before falling to Richards' Flyers. Both guys play well when cast as underdogs - put them together on the fourth line, I'm banking they'll come through strongly in the clutch. Bolland is one of the best defensive forwards in the game, despite his dirty reputation (which ain't worse than former Olympians like Fleury, or perhaps Bertuzzi or Lindros). He can play honest defensive hockey and give some good clutch offense on that fourth line. All right, I'm being nice to Lecavelier, letting him have a chance to medal, but if I were to change something, on this lineup it'd be to put someone like St. Louis on this line. Barring serious health issues, he is an effective warrior and character player - proved to be an exhorbitant cap mole, but still an effective warrior. Also, this combination is meant to give Toews linemates similar to Kane and Hossa. (You can suggest Perry, but I would stay away from him, since he depends on his size more than Lecavelier). Eberle and Tavares are IRs, because their would-be roles are already filled with the likes of Crosby, Stamkos, Hall, etc. I've seen people suggest putting Tavares on the top line with Crosby and Stamkos, but then, who's going to backcheck? Pietrangalo is a good defenseman with lots of runway, but Hamuis simply has more experience on the international stage (not to mention more NHL playoff experience), and is a much steadier shut-down guy than Pietrangalo (not to mention a rare left-shooting defenseman among Olympic contestants). All right, let's see your suggestions now.

True, ironically Fleury, Bertuzzi, and Lindros have been invited despite being as dirty. But yeah, Marchant is filthy. Burrows would be a better fit - not quite as dirty, and would actually make an appropriate third winger next to Crosby and Stamkos. Can back them up with good defense and clutch offense.

One thing I bet a lot of you would like is that almost half this roster come from Canadian teams, with every franchise (minus Winnipeg) represented. That's quite different from 2010, when Lu and Iggy were the only ones on Team Canada. Either way, Canadians would sure to get on board, eh?

You already saw that Gillis is on the hot seat now. Just watch this season unfold - the Sedins and Edler will be bolting out of here once Torts gives them a real hiding. That will be the last straw and Gillis will be gone. Like I said a thousand times, if he doesn't return, it's the Canucks' loss, because they need him even more than he needs them. Or, like more of us suggested, if he doesn't take the job, then give it to Smyl.

Cheap trick, huh. Well, then Weise should have gone for Thornton - a real warrior would be like, "I'll take on both of you if I have to," win or lose.