-AJ-

They are probably closer than some think, but I would agree with some that Hughes is a #5-10 guy in the league, whereas Dahlin is a bonafide top 3 right now. That said, although Hughes lags behind defensively, that's not to say that he's bad defensively. In fact, I would argue that at minimum he's average defensively and arguably even a bit above average. However, when the bar you're setting is Norris level, you need to be incredible at both offense and defense. Both are #1 D in the league and both will get a considerable number of Norris votes, but Hughes won't be a finalist unless he either scores 90+ points or gets even better defensively. Dahlin is already at that level.

Almost certainly worth $10M. Was at least a top 5 D in the League this year.

If I'm not mistaken, this video is actually like 8 years old or something, but seems to have been reposted by another channel.

I'd like him on our 3rd pairing, possibly with Hirose, but really anyone who makes the team in that role would play with him there.

Aman or Dries continue as the centre and we have a plethora of winger options, so moving Joshua from 4th line wing to 3rd line centre shouldn't be an issue.

Yeah, Bear doesn't quite do the job, but if Hronek is capable of filling the role alongside Hughes (which I think he is), then we're looking for a 2nd-pairing D and although Severson fits that role, as a pending UFA, he'll likely cost quite a bit. I'd rather develop or trade for a decent contract. Until we're looking ready to be a solid playoff team, I don't think I'd like to spend $5M or whatever to pay a guy like Severson to be our 3/4.

Saying what I said in the other similar thread--Joshua is the best choice to give a chance in the role I think. Let's see how he does in the pre-season.

Hronek is just better and a lot younger. This might make sense had we not already acquired Hronek.

Fair, but if he's not the best option for Vegas, then I can see it being very reasonable for them not to play him.

Agree with this. Quick has a far greater legacy and is already on two Cup winning teams, playing a huge role in both teams. No need for a taste of glory that he's already seen.

Certainly paying for potential here, but I'm betting this deal pans out. Caufield is just 22 and already at least a strong 2nd liner.

I would tend to agree with this. As for the "Canucks were mediocre" argument, it is fair to some extent, but it's worth noting that a lot of bad teams made the playoffs in the 80s. There were a lot of upsets in the '82 playoffs though, so the Canucks repeatedly faced teams with worse records than their own. The 1982 playoffs in total were likely exciting with so many upsets, but the finals being a sweep may have been rather uninteresting.

Joshua played as centre for both his NHL seasons in St. Louis and has a career face-off percentage of 54.9% with 182 faceoffs taken. Not sure where you get the notion he isn't an NHL centre. Vancouver is the first place in his NHL career where he hasn't played as a centre.

"I haven't seen a shellacking this bad since my pancake incident!"

Honestly, I can bear missing the playoff next year for a better 2024-25 season. Just do our best with what we have in 2023-24 and see how it goes, but look at going big in 2024-25 depending on how 2023-24 goes.

This echoes my sentiments. I'm not a huge Ferraro fan, but there's no question that he knows the game well and is also a good presenter. I'm not really looking for a blind love for the team, but I would like a colour guy who at least does root for our team to do well and given Cammi's role, Ray will certainly be rooting for our guys. I just hope he doesn't let negativity overwhelm his casts, lest it be too difficult to watch losing games. Shorty and Cheech were great at making even bad games more enjoyable.

Note: Tags are mandatory only in the Trades, Rumours, Signings forum and in the Proposals and Armchair GM'ing forum.

Wolanin is far superior to Rafferty, though he is a LHD, so maybe that would be a difference maker.

Will be interesting to see if he can do it in the NHL or if he's an AHL star. He's not super young at 24 (turning 25 near the start of the season), but is still young enough to develop. My money is on him at least having some spot duty as a bottom six winger in the NHL during his best years.

And not only that, but he has extensive experience playing C, so it's not like he would be trying a new role.

Why aren't we looking at Dakota Joshua? Seems like the obvious fit to me. Only caveat is that 23 points is a little low for a 3rd liner, but his face-off percentage is fairly strong despite being used mostly as a winger in Vancouver. If he can up his game to 30 points, he'd be an easy fit.

I do wonder if it will go this way. He does a lot in the community, which is nice and can even be considered to add to his value, but I still believe he's a 4/5 guy, akin to how Stecher was and probably not a super solid 3/4.

For sure. Jarry is probably the most prominent name for me, but Skinner or Thompson could get to a higher level.

Personally, I think that's crazy. IMO Bear is worth about $1.9M on a one or two-year deal. $2.9M for three years would be a serious overpayment.

Some other good candidates are both of the Vegas goalies in Adin Hill and Logan Thompson (I think Thompson has more potential personally). Skinner and Jarry are arguably also better than the names provided, but that could vary from year to year. EIther way, the fact is while Canada has some good goalies, we don't have any current star netminders.