Schedule

July 3, 2023

Just now, Angry Goose said:

Raty has proven anything yet, and he definitely hasnt beaten my boy Aman out of a roster spot.

Big fat L for that one

Aman is a good prospect and a good call up prospect. He had a good surprising rookie year. An acquisition of Blueger & Oskar makes him a bit redundant.

Aaty has a higher ceiling offensively and playmaking. Adjusted stats indicates Aaty is the superior player.

July 3, 2023

Just now, Bob.Loblaw said:

you're taking two forwards who couldn't make the team last year and placing them on the first line. Rebuilding teams do that. Kuzmenko and Mikheyev have earned the right to play in the top six.

Agreed. Kuzmenko and Mikheyev have earned their respective spots. The line composition are based more on having balance through out the line up. Both insulating a big young centerman in Raty. Mikheyev providing veteran defensive presence and forecheck. Kuzmenko adding scoring punch.

Pettersson has the pedigree of carrying a line. Much improved Pods & Hogs. Both had a down sophmore year. They have the making of a future dominant line if given the time to mature together. The team needs an infusion of youth in more prominent roles.

July 3, 2023

I’ve been really impressed with the moves, Alvin & co, have made so far this offseason - they've shown restraint by not overpaying on dollars & term in free Agency. The moves have been calculated, forward looking and aimed at not cap strapping the team in the near future. I hope they remain discipline and stay the course.

Chasing sexy acquisitions like, Brett Pesce & co, appear enticing however is shortsighted. Reasons been:

Recency bias: team structure and environment can at times over inflate the effectiveness of that same player on a different team. Comes with a high degree of risk that may become a huge anchor. Ex Messier
acquisitions like this at this time will require giving up huge assets (1^ST round pick(s), Top tier prospects). Assets that will be on attractive entry level contracts to balance out higher ticket items.
The contract and/or extension eats up a huge portion of the team salary cap without necessarily putting the team over the top. This hampers the ability of the team to build a strong supporting cast. Pettersson, Hronek, Kuzmenko etc will require big extensions shortly. Cap space management will be key to maintaining a quality team moving forward.

Generally competitive teams are built around elite Goaltending or tandem, elite Center, Elite Dman, and quality complementary depth that are above average in their respective roles.

All these recent Championship teams (Vegas, Colorado, Tampa, LA) had that.

Quality depth requires strong internal prospect development program. Teams lacking this, require cap flexibility to acquire the necessary depth to contend. Teams that struggle to get over the hump tend to be teams that are heavily committed to just a few big ticket items and not enough cap to ice above average quality complimentary pieces. Ex Toronto, Edmonton etc.

The stated objective of this Management were:

Drafting well and developing prospects
Getting heavier and bigger
Revamping D
having quality depth both on team and in the farm
clearing cap space and continuing to be efficient with cap management moving forward

That said some prudent moves IMHO will be:

1. Target David Savard (6’1” 234lbs RD) via trade:

On a reasonably contract for another 2yrs and in line with our recent Dman signings.

Scouting Report:

A prototypical defensive defenseman, he is reliable in a shutdown role but will not contribute much offense. Moves the puck well and is a rugged, fearless shot blocker who will get in front of anything. He was never fast and figures to lose a little bit of speed now that he is on the far side of 30, but remains capable of playing 20-plus minutes per game.

He fills that complementary role alongside an elite puckmoving defenseman like Hughes at a fraction of the cost without a significant drop in productivity. Adds the stated goal of added toughness, 5v5 & special teams defense. The added savings from slightly similar production can be used to balance out the rest of the line number with everyone falling in line.

Trade bait

Anthony Beauvillier, Jack Rathbone & 2024 4^th (Min).

MTL acquires a younger puck mover that can develop with their young core along with a serviceable forward that they can flip at the deadline.
In addition to the complementary intangibles that Savard adds to the team, Vancouver also clears cap space that is required to activate Tanner off LIR and opens up roster space for a young entry level prospects

2. Sign a Veteran Versatile Right shot Center/Winger on a 1yr deal

Target: Oskar Sundqvist (Swede) C/RW 6’3” 220

Scouting Report

The towering Swedish forward has great size and he knows how to use it to play a consistent physical game. Is fearless despite a couple of major injuries during his NHL career, and is more than willing to sacrifice his body in order to win. Is not a gifted offensive player but can produce enough points to be useful in a bottom-six forward role. Can play either wing or center

Roster Composition

Feature key prospects (Hoglander, Podkolzin, Raty) in prominent roles.
Roll 4 balance lines. A rugged line that can inject energy and forecheck
Line of the future to build chemistry and repetition
A rugged line that can inject energy and forecheck
Keep Myers (on a contract year)

Special Teams

Penalty kill options at Tail end: Pettersson & Miller.

Suggested additions:

September 17, 2022

Extract from Sportsnet.

Boudreau said he believes the team is better, due to the speed and skill added on the wings, and offered some hints about how players may be deployed.

• He likes the idea of rolling out J.T. Miller, Bo Horvat and Elias Pettersson at centre, rather than using Pettersson on the wing, because there are now enough talented wingers to build a top-nine that can score.

• Boudreau confirmed that elite defenceman Quinn Hughes will switch to the right side from the left, at least for training camp, potentially beside Oliver Ekman-Larsson on a new top pairing.

• He wants to better manage the workload of star goalie Thatcher Demko, who played in 64 games last season before breaking down in April, but that this will depend on how well backup goalie Spencer Martin plays.

“I think Petey can play with anybody,” Boudreau said of Pettersson, who moved between lines and positions last season while scoring 28 goals and 56 points under the new coach. “I think he's proved that he can play any type of game. Like, I watched all these games again this summer, and. . . he's a physical player. You know, he hits. When he killed penalties, he was good at it. The offensive stuff takes care of itself. I still think the sky's the limit if he's healthy.”

Boudreau said by playing Pettersson at centre, even if it’s theoretically on the third line, one of Pettersson, Horvat or Miller is going to get an advantageous matchup.

“I think it's easy to say that no one's going to be classified as really a third-line player because most of them are going to be on the power play,” he said. “Our third line last year was Tyler Motte, Juho Lammikko and Matthew Highmore. They would kill penalties, but their role (at even strength) was to make sure the other team didn't score. And they did a great job at it. But I think this year's so-called third line is going to be asked to score.

“There's a lot of rolling parts here. Believe me when I say I've gone over it 5,000 times this summer.”

Denied an extension by new general manager Patrik Allvin and president Jim Rutherford, Boudreau will be coaching the final season of the two-year deal he signed with Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini in December.

After sharp year-end remarks by Rutherford about the Canucks’ “structure” under Boudreau and how poorly the team exited its defensive zone, the coach has only the same defencemen to work with. Allvin landed Mikheyev from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Kuzmenko from the Kontinental Hockey League, but failed in his stated mission to upgrade the defence over the summer.

“You know what, I think they're really underrated,” Boudreau said of his blue line group. “I've worked in my head and on video a lot on that, and we'll be better (at zone exits). Yeah, we want great exits. Everybody does. At the same time, I'd rather be great defending. I think in the last 57 games we were the third-best defensive team. We might have scrambled a little bit but we protected ourselves off of mistakes and we had good goaltending. And I'm not going to apologize for good goaltending.”

September 8, 2022

On 8/29/2022 at 9:46 AM, wai_lai416 said:

Lots of good analysis but I’m not a fan of your ep hoglander mik line. You put ur most offensively gifted forward with a guy with 18 and 32 points and hope one will bounce back and the other have another gear?? While giving all the players with much higher offensive potential to miller and Horvat.

so mikheyev adds defensive presence. Ep is a good defender himself.. so are we trying to turn this into a shutdown line? If anything mikheyev should play with miller since miller willingness to play defense is questionable at best..

if anything I put ep at least podkolzin or kuzmenko before I put him with hoglander or mikheyev. Kuzmenko play making ability should make EP a threat with his ability to finish.

I also find it unlikely Pearson Dickinson will be your rotating forward on the 4th line. 6mil+ rotating in and out of the press box? Ya I get you guys have a hate on Pearson for whatever reason.. but he’s as productive as mikheyev and make quite a bit less.. so why is he all of a sudden a candidate to rotate into the press box?

The idea was more predicated on creating a balanced line composition based on:

Team defense (not your traditional 1 or 2 offensive line, a checking line & energy line). A top 9 that can score and defend equally. Best defense is based on possession not a checking line pinned in their zone for entirety of their shift. Each line features at least 2 defensively responsible forwards, player with speed to push play offensively & cover defensively). at least a true playmaker on each line
Pettersson is most dangerous when he is the alpha and has the puck on his stick pushing play on his line. He has the ability to make his line mates better. His defensive awareness along with Mikheyev's fit within that idea of atleast 2 defensively responsible forwards. Hoglander has an extremely underrated offensive skill, playmaking ability, creativity that complements Pettersson nicely. He has the speed to keep up with Mik & Petey. The line is a continuation of Podz - Petey - Hogz line with Podz moving to Millers line to add more balance.
Podkolzin & Garland are your 2 defensively responsible forwards on Millers line that are able to get back on D with speed and tenacity. Miller as your alpha on the line and Garland as your second playmaker.
Kuzmenko as your true playmaker on Horvat & Boeser's line. He brings an element that we have missed for a while - ability to setup plays from behind the net. Horvat around the crease and Boeser on the wing ready to accept setups.
i like Pearson and think he is a good player. He just unfortunately lacks speed. We just have more forward depth now and ability to earn a spot should not be based on salary. I personally think Dickinson (sp) is a better fit if he has a bounce back season.
Our defense will be better with right forward deployment that fits within the team defense mantra - retaining possession (less dump & chase), forwards supporting Dmen when without the puck and on breakouts for better zone control & exits. Mobile Defense with puck mover on each D pair.

August 20, 2022

On 7/28/2022 at 10:42 PM, ButterBean said:

Here’s to hoping Bo and Boeser can regain that chemistry that has been somewhat lost the last couple years. If that combo does’t work out I’d pair Boeser with Miller, thought they did good work together when Petey was out.

Boeser will have a breakout year on a line with Horvat & Kuzmenko

August 20, 2022

On 8/15/2022 at 1:31 AM, 70seven said:

For me it’s all about developing pairs. The Canucks can boast some solid forward depth here and it should be a strength against other squads.

Miller and Boeser

…proven chemistry. Big year for Brock

Horvat and Garland

…Garly pulls Bo into the fire. I like that!

Petterson and Podkolzin

…This could be an explosive year for both

Lazar and Dickinson

…ideally the shutdown pair

Try to build the best chemistry in camp through different looks, but these are the duos I would start with. The Dickinson add is questionable but with the amount of the cap he’s eating and after the dreadful season, you have to see IF he can return to being a valuable defensive forward that wins heavy puck battles and relieves zone pressure for our D corps. He can also play any F position which adds in game value. Big IF, but I have a hunch he’ll play.

My guess is the other four wingers to make the cut are…

Mikheyev- solid complimentary anywhere

Pearson- yes the veteran will play top 9

Kuzmenko- with Pete and Podzilla!?

Joshua- truculence and PK
Lockwood is my 13th F

Hoglander is battling Kuzmenko for a spot… or he will have to show he can win puck battles, play smart, and kill penalties if he is to make this squad. I just don’t think he’ll do it better than Pearson, Dickinson, Joshua, or Lockwood.

Similarly also believe in developing pairs with complementary forward. Each line has speed, defensively responsible and playmaking ability with finish. My pairs would be:

1. Horvat and Boeser with Complementary forward Kuzmenko

Boeser has the best chemistry with Horvat. His best statistical performance 5v5 was when he was on a line with Baertschi - Horvat.
Other that the lotto line (which was more of a factor of Pettersson & J.T performance and Boeser a passenger), He had his best statistical performance 5v5 with Horvat.
Horvat provides the bull net drive that created room for Boeser to use his shot and Baertschi added playmaking on the wing. One weakness of the line was Baertschi's weakness on the walls (Board battle/play).
Kuzmenko adds speed, strength on the wall, playmaking on the wing and most importantly ability to setup from behind the net with options to pass to from the crease (Horvat) and above the crease from either the left or right side (Boeser).
Boesers best GF% last season was on a line with Horvat at 56.6%.

2. Miller and Garland with complementary forward Podkolzin

Miller is most effective when he is driving the bus on a line. Its not surprising that he had his best statistically performance at center last season.
Garland adds playmaking from the wing, ability to setup from behind the net (play that worked a few times with Podkolzin). With Millers tendency at times to give up on plays at times, is made up for the relentless none stop engines of Podkolzin & Garland.
Of all the line combinations 5v5 from last season that Miller played on with the best GF% (62.1 & 58.4%) featured some combination of Miller with Garland Or Miller & Podkolzin. Stats below

3. Pettersson - Hoglander with complementary forward in Mikheyev.

Mikheyev adds defensive presence and speed to creates space for Hoglanders & Pettersson east-west puck possession game.
Similar to Miller, Pettersson is most effective when he is driving a line and not deferring (Miller & Boeser). In their brief time together, Podkolzin- Pettersson-Hoglander, showed promise. Mikheyev replaces Podkolzin essentially on that line (adding similar qualities in feistiness).
Other than the paring with Horvat & Pearson, Hoglander's best GF% last season was on a pair that featured Pettersson at 59.6%, 59.4%.

4. Lazar - Joshua with complementary rotating forward Lockwood, Pearson & Dickinson

Two Centerman - one Right & other left that can also play forward on corresponding sides.
an identity line that can be hard on the forecheck, creating energy and turnovers.
The success of the Lammiko(sp)-Motte-Highmore line last season was the ability of the line (mostly Motte) to get in on the forecheck with speed. The added need of speeds puts Lockwood & Dickinson in a better position thus unfortunately leaving Pearson as odd man out.
Lazar & Joshua have the making of 2 Motte's on the forecheck.
Lazars best GF% with Boston was on a line with Nosek at 70.4%. Joshua has better statistical trajectory than Nosek.

IMHO...other complementary defensive combination and optimization of our roster this season is also outlined in this thread below:

July 28, 2022

I believe Allvin and co have done an excellent job so far this offseason with their astute forward additions. Their ability to be patience by not making rushed decisions to simply trade away pieces for ones that are not much more better than what we currently have,

IMHO the team as currently composed (abide could always be better) , is a playoff team if deployed the right way. Our success this coming season hinges primarily on coaching decisions made related to:

Defensive & Forward line composition and deployment
Team 5v5 Strategy
Power play strategy
Pk Strategy

Below are some of the ways we could maximize the current roaster without necessarily selling the farm chasing a Right shot defenseman that is not much more better than what we have in Myers (they are generally drafted and developed in house).

Team Composition on Defense

A. Move Quinn Hughes to Right D

When you look at most historical successful teams (2021 Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay lighting, Detroit in the mid-90s), the talents come first. The talents were developed and put in the best position to utilize their natural talent. Each one of those teams featured a top talented defenseman. Some with size (Hedman, Pronger) and some not so much (Makar, Fox, Niedermayer). The common theme was that each played to their strengths and were deployed as such. The true top defensemen have the ability to make their pairing partners better (elevating their value that may not have been same if paired on a top unit elsewhere - Devon Teows, Rutta etc).

New age top defenseman no longer have to have the size that was imperative in the clutch & grab era. They need elite skating, puck skills, elite edgework, playmaking/passing skill, puck transitioning skills. smarts defensively that is based on body position thus limiting the need to be towering.

Vancouver has the luxury of potentially having one in Quinn Hughes if developed and deployed the right way. A look at some defensemen in the statue of Hughes reveals a common theme. Most are effective playing their offwing (Scott Niedermayer). The ones playing their right side (Makar) have a propensity to default to their offwings while transitioning the puck or in the offensive zone.

A player playing this offwing provides him the below advantages:

When he cuts east-west across the ice, it's easier to protect the puck. The puck is protected more easily on your forehand as you cut east-west (laterally). A right handed Dman cutting off the right wall on entry will have to pull the puck to his backhand in order to protect the puck from the stick of opposing defenders/forwards.
It's easier to shoot high percentage shots: When you carry or pass the puck east-west in the offensive zone, the goalie has to constantly adjust to puck movement thus increasing chances of scoring.

Defenseman playing their natural shooting side is best suited for a north-south play. A highly skilled rover type defenseman, like Quinn Hughes, is best suited playing his offside. The Video samples below of some other top defenseman in transition illustrates some of the above.

Cale Makar, even though he is playing his rightside, drifts majority of the time to his offside (left wing as a right shot defenseman). Most of his dangle plays are made from the left side.

B. Pair your best 2 Dman and deploy with most offensive starts:

some examples are Colorado pair of Toews - Makar and Vancouver 2011 team pair of Edler - Erhoff(sp)

OEL (contrary to popular believe) is still an effective 2 way defenseman whose skill sets complements Hughes quite nicely. A stay at home right shot physical Dman is not necessarily the best complement for Hughes.

An ideal defensive partner is one with smarts, ability to read plays, good positionally (not necessarily physical nor one with towering size). Take Colorado's top pair as an example

These were qualities that made Tanev effective with Hughes. OEL is a highly underrated Dman with smarts in spades to read plays that complements a highly skilled Dman. OEL ,even though he was played in a more defensive role this last season, still projects as a top pairing Dman whose numbers are not that far off from Toews. This is also in spite of him facing more higher quality of competition with way less offensive deployment as shown below.

Additionally (although a limited sample), a pairing of OEL & Hughes last season had a significantly better GF% 5v5 compared to a Hughes/Schenn & Myers pair(s).

With more offensive deployments this coming season, a pair of OEL-Hughes has the potential to statistically rival some of the top pairings in the league.

C. Retain Myers (target a 2 way Left Dman with preferably size instead):

Myers is a north-south offensive defenseman and should be used as such, He is at his best when he is moving, joining the rush and using his shot. He has a mean streak at times when separating forwards from pucks. However he shouldn't be cast as a shut down stay home defenseman.

Myers has better statistically numbers than a lot of the popular trade targets.

Focus should be attempting to acquire a left shot 2way defenseman from a cap strapped team like Vegas.

Ideal target would be Nicloas Hague via trade from Vegas

Perhaps a package involving Dermott. These paring would add size (affording the team the ability to have 2 smaller skaters in Quinn & Rattbone.

D. add Rathbone as third paring puck mover paired with a stay home D (Poolman with Schenn subbing in some games)

General Synopsis on defense:

No shut down D pair. instead a 5 man team defense. This has been bolstered with most of the new forward additions.
A top pairing defensive unit that are highly mobile and transitional. Each Dman can transition the puck out
Other 2 defensive pair each has a puck move. Employing quick transition out of the d zone meaning less team spent defending (a system used by top teams like Colorado, Tampa, NYR etc).

full defense

Forward team composition and strategy

Employ an aggressive forward forecheck that requires rolling 4 aggressive lines. Duo with a forechecker that is strong along the boards.
Aggressive attacking style that is based on quick transitions, immediate counter attack, puck possession
speed on each line
each forward line & complementary primary D pairing have at minimal 2 play drivers (whether on the wings, center and/or backend) allowing for quicker breakouts and transition,

A. Miller and Garland with complementary forward Podkolzin

Miller is most effective when he is driving the bus on a line. Its not surprising that he had his best statistically performance at center last season.
Garland adds playmaking from the wing, ability to setup from behind the net (play that worked a few times with Podkolzin). With Millers tendency at times to give up on plays at times, is made up for the relentless none stop engines of Podkolzin & Garland.
Of all the line combinations 5v5 from last season that Miller played on with the best GF% (62.1 & 58.4%) featured some combination of Miller with Garland Or Miller & Podkolzin. Stats below

conceptually similar to

The forward & D paring strengthens the overall team defense that might be lacking otherwise. 3 defensively aware forwards complementing a puck mover in Rathbone,

Forechecker: Podkolzin

B. Pettersson - Hoglander with complementary forward in Mikheyev.

Mikheyev adds defensive presence and speed to creates space for Hoglanders & Pettersson east-west puck possession game.
Similar to Miller, Pettersson is most effective when he is driving a line and not deferring (Miller & Boeser). In their brief time together, Podkolzin- Pettersson-Hoglander, showed promise. Mikheyev replaces Podkolzin essentially on that line (adding similar qualities in feistiness).
Other than the paring with Horvat & Pearson, Hoglander's best GF% last season was on a pair that featured Pettersson at 59.6%, 59.4%

Hague & Myers add size along with tenacity from Mikheyev that allows Petty & Nils to play bigger.

Conceptually (not stylistically) similar to

Complementary piece: Mikheyev. his speed drawing defenders back allowing for a east-west movement play from Pettersson & Hoglander.

C. Horvat and Boeser with Complementary forward Kuzmenko

Boeser has the best chemistry with Horvat. His best statistical performance 5v5 was when he was on a line with Baertschi - Horvat.
Other that the lotto line (which was more of a factor of Pettersson & J.T performance and Boeser a passenger), He had his best statistical performance 5v5 with Horvat.
Horvat provides the bull net drive that created room for Boeser to use his shot and Baertschi added playmaking on the wing. One weakness of the line was Baertschi's weakness on the walls (Board battle/play).
Kuzmenko adds speed, strength on the wall, playmaking on the wing and most importantly ability to setup from behind the net with options to pass to from the crease (Horvat) and above the crease from either the left or right side (Boeser).
Boesers best GF% last season was on a line with Horvat at 56.6%.

D. feisty Worker/Grinding line

Lazar - Joshua with complementary rotating forward Lockwood, Pearson & Dickinson

Two Centerman - one Right & other left that can also play forward on corresponding sides.
an identity line that can be hard on the forecheck, creating energy and turnovers.
The success of the Lammiko(sp)-Motte-Highmore line last season was the ability of the line (mostly Motte) to get in on the forecheck with speed. The added need of speeds puts Lockwood & Dickinson in a better position thus unfortunately leaving Pearson as odd man out.
Lazar & Joshua have the making of 2 Motte's on the forecheck.
Lazars best GF% with Boston was on a line with Nosek at 70.4%. Joshua has better statistical trajectory than Nosek.

Full projected forward line up

Some samples of top team deployments (that play a similar system that align with the vision of coaching/management team) from this past season:

Colorado

Tampa

Rangers

Power play & PK to follow...

July 2, 2022

This offseason is a critically defining moment that sets the tone and direction of the team moving forward. Key team priorities and needs moving into the draft & free agency are:

Create some cap flexibility to resign core player(s) in the near future
add a franchise/super star player on a short term deal to bridge the gap until core is fully ready
add gritty defenseman
add center depth & versatile forwards
add to prospect pool
Change/define identity

Below are some prudent moves to make:

Trades:

Main Trade:

Why: Miller is a great player in his own right. However committing an 8yr term would be a contract that will not age well thus handcuffing the team in the future. Miller although is a great player however is a strong personality that overshadows the room and team play on the ice. The team goes as Miller goes. When on his game, he is dominate but when he is off his game can be quite lazy on plays. Miller in my opinion is not a franchise player that you commit significant cap space and term to. By no means is Miller a distraction in the room but this move could give more voice future younger core. Could have a similar effect to when Matt Duchen(sp) was traded from Colorado.

Return: 5th pick in 2022 first & Scott Laughton .6'1 190 C/LW

Other Secondary Trades for future cap space:

Tanner Pearson and Travis Dermott become a bit redundant with addition of Laughton & promotion of Rathbone. Team adds some draft picks and futures.

Don't trade at this time:

Tyler Myers - Patience is key here. trading him will create a further hole on the Right side. Additionally not much in free Agency that would be a big upgrade from what he currently provides without handcuffing the team in the future i.e Josh Manson. Myers is an offensive defenseman that should be let loose to roam. Pairing him with a true defensive defenseman will up his value, effectiveness and production. Including next season, he is only on the books for another 3 seasons as oppose to an over inflated free agent Dman with significantly more term.

Tucker Poolman: Patience again, Similarly cost of replacing him at this time in free agency is a lateral move. His underlying numbers when utilized properly are actually decent.

Draft in First round

Free Agent Signing

1. Evgeni Malkin C 2yr @ 8.5million AAV

Add a Superstar on a short term deal (Sundin effect). Easily replaces Millers production.

Vs Miller

2. Chris Tierney 2yr @ $1.8million AAV

3. Ben Chiarot 3yr @ $3 - $3.5 milllion AAV

4. Riley Nash C/LW 1yr at $750k

5. Cedric Paquette C/LW/RW 1yr @ $750k

Projected team & Cap going into the Season

April 13, 2022

Great work OP. Was going to do one later in the offseason.

Agree on your analysis of team needs:

1. Defense (Top 4 minute eating Right shot)

2. Top 9 Wingers (Left wingers/C depth)

3. 3C match-up with Penalty Killing/Face off % (speed and scoring support)

4. Overall Team Size/Grit

5. Cost effective contracts and/or low risk + high reward players

i would add that we need star power from a revenue stand point and bringing excitement back to the market. Example McDavid & Draisaitl in Edmonton, Matthews & Marner in Tor, etc.

the below offseason moves would instantly give use a balanced, electrifying dominate payoff team that has a bit of everything. Team has number 1 center, Dman, Goaltender and supporting cast.

Trades:

1. J.T Miller to Rangers/ Filip Chytil(C/LW) & Kaapo Kakko (RFA Rights) & Braden Schneider (RD) to Vancouver

resign Kakko Kaapo to a bridge contract (3yr $3million per contract)
move allows us to get young, add potential future top 4minute RD, size, cost effective contract and low risk + high reward players & grit

2. Brock Boeser (RFA Rights) to Islanders/ Oliver Wahlstrom (C/RW) & Aatu Raty to Vancouver

replace Boeser shot with Wahlstrom with better speed.

3. Tanner Pearson & Tucker Poolman & Pick (3rd) to Flyers/ Scott Laughton (C/LW) to Vancouver

defensive forward that provides scoring support.

4. Tyler Myers for a later pick (or prospect with size: Kevin Bahl)

5. Jason Dickinson for later pick or futures

Signings:

1. Evgeni Malkin (C/LW)to 2yr $9.5million per

star power (Malkin & Pettersson & demko etc), size & skill. Malkin steps out of Crosby's shadow.

2. Nick Paul (C/LW) to 2yr @ $2million per

3. Josh Manson (RD) to 3-4yrs @ $4.5 - $5million per

Top 4 minute eating Right shot with size, physicality & grit

4. Ben Chiarot (LW/RD) to 3yrs @ $4.5million per

Top 4 minute eating Right shot. Penalty killing ace.

5. Third String Goaltender:

Resign:

Matthew Highmore, William Lockwood, Jack Rathbone, Juho Lammikko (depth)

Entry level/AHL depth:

Linus Karlsson, Arvid Costmar

ROSTER SIZE	SALARY CAP	CAP HIT	OVERAGES	BONUSES	CAP SPACE
23	$81,500,000	$78,658,334	$0	$2,087,500	$2,841,666

Roster

Left Wing	Centre	Right Wing
Chytil, Filip $2,300,000 C, LW RFA - 1	Malkin, Evgeni $9,500,000 C UFA	Wahlstrom, Oliver $894,167 RW, C RFA - 1
Garland, Conor $4,950,000 RW, LW UFA - 4	Pettersson, Elias $7,350,000 C, LW RFA - 2	Kakko, Kaapo $3,000,000 RW RFA
Podkolzin, Vasily $925,000 LW, RW RFA - 2	Horvat, Bo $5,500,000 C UFA - 1	Höglander, Nils $891,667 LW, RW RFA - 1
Paul, Nicholas $2,000,000 C, LW UFA	Laughton, Scott $3,000,000 C, LW UFA - 4	Highmore, Matthew $900,000 LW, RW RFA
	Lockwood, William $900,000 RW RFA

Roster created at CapFriendly.com \| Follow on Twitter @CapFriendly

Left Defense	Right Defense	Goaltender
Hughes, Quinn $7,850,000 LD UFA - 5	Manson, Josh $4,500,000 RD UFA	Demko, Thatcher $5,000,000 G UFA - 4
Ekman-Larsson, Oliver $7,260,000 LD NMC UFA - 5	Schneider, Braden $925,000 RD RFA - 2	Martin, Spencer $762,500 G UFA - 2
Rathbone, Jack $1,000,000 LD RFA	Chiarot, Ben $4,500,000 LD/RD UFA
Dermott, Travis $1,500,000 LD/RD RFA - 1	Schenn, Luke $850,000 RD UFA - 1

Special Teams (Optional)

Power Play 1
Malkin, E.		Pettersson, E.		Kakko, K.
	Hughes, Q.		Ekman-Larsson, O.

Power Play 2
Wahlstrom, O.		Horvat, B.		Podkolzin, V.
	Garland, C.		Rathbone, J.

Penalty Kill 1
	Laughton, S.	Paul, N.
	Chiarot, B.	Schneider, B.

Penalty Kill 2
	Horvat, B.	Pettersson, E.
	Ekman-Larsson, O.	Schneider, B.

October 1, 2021

Rick Dhaliwal

@DhaliwalSports

·

Sep 30

Petersson could be 3 times 7.7M

Hughes could be 6x7.75

October 1, 2021

Just now, King Heffy said:

The extra benefit is that this gives us three true scoring lines and a shutdown line.

Just now, Kobayashi Maru said:

Would be worth a try. It means the other winger needs to be a high skill guy to offset like Hogz:

Hoglander Pettersson Gadjovich

Garland Miller Boeser

Pearson Horvat Podkolzin

Lockwood Dickinson Chiasson

Gadjovich adds a dimension that the team has lacked for a while (Tomas Holmstrom type net presence). its not always about loading up skill on one line but balance and sustained pressure from every line that steps on the ice. I would personally like to see 3 top lines and a transitional line:

Top 3 lines:

Gadjovich - Pettersson - Hoglander

(reminiscent of the Holmstrom - Datsyuk-Zetterberg Detroit line in terms of style).

Podkolzin - Horvat - Boeser

(Miller with Boeser doesn't work. Bo & Boeser is a better offensive tandem. Podkolzin adds strength on the wall that Pearson would have otherwise provided with the added playmaking skill and size)

Pearson - Miller - Garland

(2 veterans flanking Miller. Pearson complements the north-south Miller style with Garland adding the feisty skill making. Millers assertiveness will not dominate)

Transitional / Blue collar line

Lockwood(Motte) - Dickinson - Chiasson

Highmore and/or Giuseppe/MacEwen as extra forward(s).

Defense

Olli over Rathbone because of roster defensive/pk left D need. Team has enough puck movers in OEL (LD), Hughes(LD), Myer(RD). Rathbone as first call up playing top line minutes in the A (asset management as doesn't require waiver).

OEL - Poolman

Hughes - Schenn (Hamonic***)

Olli - Myers

Brad Hunt (extra D if Hamonic opts out or teams goes with a 13forward 8 D format)

2 Balanced PP Units;

Chiasson/Gadjovich(net presence)

Garland(Left wall) Pettersson (Right Wall)

Podkolzin(Bumper)

OEL (Point shot)

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bo Horvat (net presence/bumper position)

Boeser(Left wall) J.T Miller (Right wall & right side of net)

Hughes (rover/ bumper)

Myers(Point shot)

PK Units:

Dickinson - Lockwood/Chiasson/Podkolzin/Pearson/Hoglander/Gadjovich

OEL - Poolman/Myers /Schenn/Hamonic****

Bo/Miller - Lockwood/Chiasson/Podkolzin/Pearson/Hoglander/Gadjovich

Olli - Myers/Poolman/Schenn/Hamonic*****

September 1, 2021

On 8/3/2021 at 1:56 AM, Timråfan said:

Very good, it fits nicely with my idea that Petey shouldn’t play with Miller.

Green needs to spread the goodies so the other coach will scratch his head what to do.

Absolutely on 5v5. Miller tends to be a line driver with a big influence (stylistically) on whichever line he is one. Petey defers a lot to Miller when aligned together. Stepping away from his biggest strengths - his shot & possession game with give and goes. Petey and Miler are best served each driving heir own line 5v5 (Can be united on PP). Eye test below:

August 3, 2021

Hockey is a strong link game - having your best players throughout your lineup increases the chances of winning. The default tendency is to load up a top line. In most cases, absolutely entertaining to watch with short term results. Unfortunately detrimental to prolonged team success.

Statistically, a team's success rate is increased exponentially by spreading out talent across the line up. Playing team's best players across the line up elevates less-elite line mates.

The Key however is to compose lines where playing styles mesh. Playing style combination yeilding the highest xG% and the lowest drop off in chain link from forward line 1 to 4 (variance),

Example:

Team Blue features

line A xG% 55.4%
line B xG% 55.0%
Line C xG% 52.7%
Line D xG% 48.9%

Team Yellow features

line A xG% 58.9%
line B xG% 51.5%
Line C xG% 48.9%
Line D xG% 48.9%

Even though Team Yellow's line A has the highest xG% on the top line, it has the lower probability of long term success, because of a bigger drop off (variance) from line to line.

The most successful teams feature a high xG% on the top line and lowest variance from top line to bottom.

20-21 Edmonton Oilers (Team yellow): Connor McDavid - Leon Draisaitl
20-21 Tampa (Team Blue): Point - Kucherov, Stamkos-Cirelli, etc.

The criteria used for this composition are as follows:

1. Playing Style (based on 5v5 play):

Metric:

a. Playmakers: CF% => 54.1% and xGF60 => 2.64

b. Shooter: 52.0% <= CF% < 54.1% and 2.51 <= xGF60 < 2.64

C. Balanced: 50.2% <= CF% < 52.0% and 2.35 <= xGF60 < 2.51

d. Dependent: CF% <= 45.6% and xGF60 < 2.02

Current Roster forward composition CF% and xGF60 (stat average over the last 3 seasons):

Tanner Pearson (48.11%, 2.62) - falls within two playing styles depending on his position on ice (primarily a dependent & secondary a shooter). He tends to be dependent when lined up on the Left wing. Playing off wing as a RW he utilizes his shoot more. Video eye test below:

Elias Pettersson (53.7%, 2.74) - fits as both a playmaker (when playing as a center) and a shooter playing the wing.

Nils Hoglander (50.71%, 2.50) - limited sample size. fits into the dimension of balanced

Bo Horvat (49.28%, 2.73) - fits primarily as a playmaker then secondary as a dependent.

Boeser (51.2%, 2.54) - fits primarily as a shooter then secondary as balanced

J.T. Miller (50.90%, 2.65) - fits primarily as a playmaker then secondarily as balanced

Jason Dickinson (51.59%, 2.14) - fits primarily as balanced then secondary as dependent

Conor Garland (59.06%, 2.55) - fits primarily as a shooter when playing RW and playmaker on the LW. Eye test video below:

Brandon Sutter (44.42%, 2.10) - fits as a dependent

Tyler Motte (42.51%, 2.14) - dependent

Highmore (40.32%, 2.12) - dependent

Zack Macewen (45.15%, 2.01%)

Jonah Gadjovich (limited sample) - projects as a dependent

Podkolzin (no sample) - projects primarily as a playmaker and secondarily as balanced.

2. Playing Style composition xG%:

Probability that a shot will result in a goal based on the characteristics 5v5 expected goal. The line composition below are not based on LW-C-RW composition but more chemistry fit for each playing style.

Metric

1. Playmaker - Playmaker - Playmaker = 58.9%

2. playmaker - Balance - Playmaker = 57.2%

3. playmaker - Playmaker - Shooter = 55.4%

4. playmaker - shooter - shooter = 55.1%

5. Balanced - playmaker - shooter = 55.0%

6. balanced - shooter - shooter = 54.7%

7. playmaker - dependent - playmaker = 54.5%

8. balanced - playmaker - balanced = 52.2%

9. dependent - shooter - shooter = 52.1%

10. balanced - balanced - balanced = 51.5%

11. balanced - balanced - shooter = 50.9%

12. dependent - playmaker - shooter = 50.3%

13. shooter - shooter - shooter = 50%

14. balanced - dependent - playmaker = 48.9%

15. balanced - dependent - shooter = 48.5%

16. Dependent - playmaker - dependent = 45.8%

17. balanced - balanced - dependent = 45.4%

18. depensent - shooter - dependent = 44.7%

19. balanced - dependent - dependent = 44.6%

20. dependent - dependent - dependent = 41.8%

3. Forward Roster composition based on the 2 above metrics:

Alternative option:

Line a: Pearson (LW) - Pettersson - Podkolzin (RW)

7. Dependent - playmaker - playmaker = 54.5%

Line b: Miller (LW) - Dickinson - Garland (RW)

5. playmaker - Balanced - shooter = 55.0%

Line c: Hoglander (LW) - Horvat - Boeser (RW)

5. balanced - playmaker - shooter = 55.0%

Line d: Gadjovich (LW) - Sutter - Motte (RW)

20. dependent - dependent - dependent = 41.8%

Extra forward on line d: Highmore & Macewen.

Analysis: not much variance from line a - c. The average score for the top 3 lines is 54.83%. Weak link is line d. composition given that it comprises all forwards that are dependent. This line construction also adds the advantage of having a defensive presence on each line along with some grit whether on the wing or middle.

Optimal option:

Line a: Gadjovich (LW) - Pettersson - Garland (LW/RW)

7. Dependent - Playmaker - Playmaker = 54.5%

Line b: Hoglander (LW) - Horvat - Boeser (RW)

5. Balanced - Playmaker - Shooter = 55.0%

Line c: Pearson (LW) - J.T Miller - Podkolzin (RW)

7. Dependent - Playmaker - Playmaker = 54.5%

Line d: Motte (LW) - Dickinson - Sutter (RW)

19. Dependent - Balanced - dependent = 44.6%

Analysis: Also has low variance from line a - c. Average score of the top 3 lines are slightly below at 54.67% when compared to first option. It however has the advantage of having a lower drop off from top 3 lines to line d at 44.6% compared to 41.8% (meaning a more productive line and better overall balance). Eye test advantage of aligning players that complement a certain playing style.

Line a - a puck possession style with crease presence

Line b - puck possession with a crease presence in Horvat

Line c: Mix of dump & chase (suited to J.T Miller play style) and possession (Podkolzin on forechecks). Also features net presence.

Line d: features 2 match up centers and a high motor in Motte.

Popular option:

Line a: Miller (LW) - Pettersson - Boeser (RW)

3. playmaker - playmaker - shooter = 55.4%

Line b: Hoglander(LW) - Horvat - Garland(RW)

5. balanced - playmaker - shooter = 55.0%

Line c: Pearson (LW) - Dickinson - Podkolzin (RW)

14. dependent - balanced - playmaker = 48.9%

Line d: Gadjovich (LW) - Sutter - Motte (RW)

20. dependent - dependent - dependent = 41.8%

Analysis: feature 1 line with the highest % but the drop off from Line b to line c is significant. Average of the top 3 lines is 53.1%.

4. Comparison to other NHL Teams Depth Chart in the Pacific Division (compared against optimal option)

Calgary:

1. Gaudreau(shooter) - Elia Lindholm(playmaker) - Tkachuk(Shooter)=55.1%

2. Blake Coleman(Playmaker) - Sean Monahan(dependent) - Dillon Dube(shooter) = 50.3%

3. Mangiapane(Playmaker) - Backlund(playmaker) - Tyler Pitlick(dependent) = 54.5%

4. Lucic(dependent) - Byron Froese(dependent) - Brett Ritchie(dependent) = 41.8%

Analysis; top 3 line average of 53.3% (compared to Vancouver at 54.67%) and a bigger drop off of line 4 at 41.8% (Vancouver at 44.6%). Advantage Vancouver.

Edmonton;

1. Zach Hyman(playmaker) - McDavid(shooter) - Puljujarvi(dependent) = 50.3%

2. Nugent-Hopkins(balanced) - Draisaitl(playmaker) - Yamamoto(playmaker) = 57.8%

3. Warren Foegele(dependent) - Turris(dependent) - Kassian(dependent) = 41.8%

4. Devin Shore(dependent) - Derek Ryan(playmaker) - Josh Archibald(dependent) = 45.8%

Analysis: Edmonton lacks enough depth compared to Vancouver hence tends to be a top heavy team where at least 1 line features a much higher xG% than any of Vancouver's. The drop of from 1 line to next is significant, that includes moving Draisaitl to play with McDavid. Top 3 line average of 49.97% compared to Vancouver at 54.67%. Advantage Vancouver with a better strong link chain.

Vegas:

1. Pacioretty(playmaker) - Chandler Stephenson(playmaker) - Mark Stone(playmaker) = 58.9%

2. Marchessault(shooter) - Karlsson(shooter) - Reilly Smith(shooter) = 50.0%

3. Mattias Janmark(Tuch)(playmaker) - Nolan Patrick(dependent) - Evgeni Dadonov (dependent) = 45.8%

4. Carrier(dependent) - Brett Howden(dependent) - Nicolas Roy(playmaker) = 45.8%

Analysis: Vegas past success has been based on a strong link chain where there wasn't a significant drop off from line to line. However they have lost depth among the forward group but still feature a top heavy top line at 58.9%. An average of 51.57% compared to Vancouver at 54.67%. Vancouver has an overall better Chain however Vegas has a better top heavy line. Advantage Vancouver.

Statistical Suggestion:

Among the top favorite teams in the Pacific, Vancouver features the strongest chain between its lines using the optimal balance. It however doesn't have the top line in the division. Assuming its defensive core collectively perform better than does in its division, Vancouver is destined for the playoffs as a top 2 team in the division assuming all other things remain constant. The other key variables that would undermine or enhance these odd include:

How well the Defensive core & Goalie tanden below stacks up against the rest (along with well it meshes with the forward composition - Analysis soon):

VANCOUVER EDMONTON

Oliver Ekman-Larsson(6'2" 200) - Hamonic(6'2" 205)/Poolman Darnell Nurse(6'4" 221) - Tyson Barrie (5'11" 197)

Quinn Hughes(5'10" 170) - Poolman(6'2" 199)/Hamonic Duncan Keith(6'1" 192) - Cody Ceci (6'2" 210)

Olli Juolevi(6'2" 183) - Tyler Myers (6'8" 229) Kris Russell(5'10" 170) - Evan Bouchard (6'3" 194)

Demko & Halak Mike Smith & Mikko Koskinen

VANCOUVER CALGARY

Oliver Ekman-Larsson(6'2" 200) - Hamonic(6'2" 205)/Poolman Noah Hanifin(6'3" 215) - Chris Tanev (6'2" 197)

Quinn Hughes(5'10" 170) - Poolman(6'2" 199)/Hamonic Juuso Valimaki(6'2" 212) - Rasmus Andersson (6'1" 214)

Olli Juolevi(6'2" 183) - Tyler Myers (6'8" 229) Connor Mackey(6'2" 183) - Nikita Zadorov (6'6" 235)

Demko & Halak Markstrom & Daniel Vladar

VANCOUVER VEGAS

Oliver Ekman-Larsson(6'2" 200) - Hamonic(6'2" 205)/Poolman Alec Martinez(6'1" 209) - Alex Pietrangelo (6'3" 210)

Quinn Hughes(5'10" 170) - Poolman(6'2" 199)/Hamonic Brayden McNabb(6'4" 213) - Shea Theodore (6'2" 195)

Olli Juolevi(6'2" 183) - Tyler Myers (6'8" 229) Nicolas Hague(6'6" 221) - Zack Whitecloud(6'2" 209)

Demko & Halak Robin Lehner & Laurent Brossoit

A quick eye test suggests that Vancouver stacks up pretty well against its competition within the division. A separating factor will be health and special teams performance relative to others. Running 2 equally adept powerplay units & PK units. An opinion:

Power Play 1
Boeser, B.		Miller, J.		Pettersson, E.
	Hughes, Q.		Ekman-Larsson, O.

Power Play 2
Garland, C.		Horvat, B.		Podkolzin, V.
	Höglander, N.		Myers, T.

July 26, 2021

Benning has done a good job so far this offseason. Personally like the recent acquisitions of Ekman-Larson & Garland along with creating some cap flexibility.

imho the remaining items to address going into the season (not in a particular order) are:

1. add size and physicality on defense. Ideally right shots to complement our puck moving LHD

2. Resign Pettersson and Hughes to cap friendly deals to allow for some flexibility.

3. add size on the bottom forward group

4. Russian player to help Podkolzin acclimate to team/off ice (one that fits within our 22 - 26 core age group)

5. add a bottom forward center that is good at pk with character

The below moves allows us to address these aforementioned needs:

TRADES:

a.. Move Nate Schmidt & Jayce Hawryluk to Ana for Josh Mason & Alexander Volkov. moves helps accomplish 1 & 4 on the list of to dos.

b. Move Braden Holtby to Sea for Mason Appleton. Add a late draft pick (2023 3 or 4th) to facilitate trade. Sea gets a veteran to mentor young goalies. Van gains some cap flexibility.

RFA Signing:

a. resign Pettersson to a 5 - 7yr aav of approximately $7million

b. resign Q Hughes to a $6million aav for 5yrs

c. resign Juolevi to $950k - $1million aav for 2yrs

d. resign Conor Garland to a 2-3 yr on a $3.75million aav

e. resign Jason Dickinson to a $2.5miilion aav 2 - 3yr term

UFA Signing:

a. resign Travis Hamonic to a $2.5million aav for 2-3yrs.

b. resign Brandon Sutter at a $1million aav for 1-2yrs (good locker room presence and penalty killer)

c. sign Jani Hakanpaa to a 2yr $1million aav.

d. sign a Veteran goalie in Devan Dubnyk (could have a Stella season behind a D structure)

ROSTER SIZE	SALARY CAP	CAP HIT	OVERAGES	BONUSES	CAP SPACE
23	$81,500,000	$80,860,659	$648,780	$1,050,000	$639,341

Roll 4 productive lines (Each line features a playmaking scorer)

Line 1A: J.T Miller - Elias Pettersson - Conor Garland

Conor Garland - Can score goals but is at his best when setting up linemates, mostly because of excellent vision and passing skills. Great complementary piece allowing us to move Boeser to another line. Strong along the walls (like Toffoli was with us), drives the net and good setup man from behind the net.

Line 1B: Vasily Podkolzin - Bo Horvat - Brock Boeser

Vasily Podkolzin - playmaker to setup Boeser and has good one-one skills along with a power game.

Line 3A: Tanner Pearson - Jason Dickinson - Nils Hoglander

Nil Hoglander - playmaker and glue guy. Pretty much our second line this past season with Dickinson replacing Horvat on the line.

Line 3B: Tyler Motte - Brandon Sutter - Mason Appleton

Appleton - Owns excellent playmaking ability, but he can also score goals by himself. Tends to make his linemates better whenever he is on the ice

Extras: Alexander Volkov - Zack MacEwen

Defensive Pairs with a puck mover and size on each

PAIR 1: Quinn Hughes - Josh Manson (Myers can sub in for offensive starts)

PAIR 2; Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Travis Hamonic (Match up pair)

PAIR 3: Olli Juolevi - Tyler Myers

Extra: Jani Hakanpaa (start Rathbone in the minors. First call up to replace a LHD puck mover)

Goalies: Thatcher Demko & Devan Dubnyk

Power Play 1
Boeser, B.		Miller, J.		Pettersson, E.
	Hughes, Q.		Ekman-Larsson, O.

Power Play 2
Garland, C.		Horvat, B.		Podkolzin, V.
	Höglander, N.		Myers, T.

Penalty Kill 1
	Sutter, B.	Motte, T.
	Ekman-Larsson, O.	Manson, J.

Penalty Kill 2
	Dickinson, J.	Pearson, T.
	Juolevi, O.	Hamonic, T.

June 13, 2021

I've always been an advocate of a team composition that has strength down the middle, skilled and balanced top 9, and aggressive style of play. Expressed this in another piece before the start of 20-21 season ("Optimal Team Analysis 20-21).

Glad that Benning & co focuse going into the offseason and season are: to continue to draft well, constructing a skilled Top 9 that is aggressive, Organizational reviews e.tc.

Below is my take on what could/should be done:

Coaching Philosophy/Change

It definitely has been a good start with the recent coaching additions/shuffle:

Brad Shaw - adds veteran experience, a wealth of defensive knowledge, ability to develop players. Another often overlooked value of this addition, is that he adds a wealth of knowledge to our power play (having seen what works on PP's, after having to defend against them for years).

Jason King - had one of the better AHL power plays in 19-20 season. He believes in having a balanced effective 2 units that are equally adapt. Additionally, his PP features a lot of movement. A key element that our recent power play has been lacking thus making it easier to defend and ineffective. He has also shown ability to adjust in game.

Kyle Gustafson - eye in the sky for in game adjustments. Great hockey mind.

DRAFT

Drafting today based on organizational need will be a mistake as needs constantly evolve. Organizationally we need Top end Right Dman and Center(s). This Draft unfortunately doesn't feature top end, franchise defining talent to fill our RHD need.

I know the popular option at 9 is to draft MacTavish. Big body already playing against men. His current size will not be an advantage in the NHL once he is ready as most NHL forwards are already around his size. Our Prospect pool already has decent forwards with size Gadjovich, Kunz, Lind, e.t.c and fiesty forwards/Centers in Arvid Costmar, Dmitri Zlodeyev, Carson Focht, William Lockwood. We currently lack high end forward/center skill in prospect pool.

The best available forward at 9 is Kent Johnson. He is a potential steal of the draft. He possess the elite puck skill, hockey IQ and creativity in the mold of Patrick Kane, Ellias Pettersson, Barzel, Zegras (the pick some wanted before Podkolzin. Almost feels like a redo/destiny when we missed out on Makar and ended up with Quinn as a consolidation prize the next year. i digress)

Creativity and smarts will always dwarf size. He is equally adapt in the center position and wing. Already has decent height at 6;1" . The knock on him is that he is slight at 165lbs (a similar knock on Pettersson in his draft year). Most prospect drafted this year are not going to be playing in the NHL right away and as such affords him time to add size. It is not unlikely that he will top 186 - 191 in 2-3 yrs.

EXPANSION DRAFT:

Protect 7 forwards, 3 d and Tender: Brock Boeser, Bo Horvat, J.T Miller, Elia Pettersson, Gadjovich, Tyler Motte, Pearson(Bold move would be to expose Pearson if you get an impact foward), Hughes, Olli, Myers, Demko.

RFA SIGNINGS:

Resigning Pettersson and Quinn at approximately $7million average cap for 6 or 5yrs each
Resigning Joulevi $1million average for 2 yrs
Resigning Lind $925,000 average
Add RFA depth for comet and call up

UFA SIGNINGS:

1. Add 2 physical RHD to complement skilled LHD along with depth

David Savard (RHD) on a $3.2million average 3yr term (brad Shaw connection)
Travis Harmonic (RHD) on a 1-2yr $2.1million average term.
Resign Alex Edler (LHD) on a 1yr $2 million cap (to finish up career as a Canuck)
additional depth in Alex Biega, Jard Tinordi at league minimum.
Target Seth Jones (season after) as a long term RHD option (approx $7.5 million cap average for 6yr)

2. Add skilled multi positional forwards (Wing/Center) and cheap 4th line penalty killing forward

Eric Haula (C/LW) on a 2yr $2.1million average cap hit. A speedy big body with skill and adapt at finishing in front of the crease (a Virtanen/Gadjovich hybrid).
Mikael Granlund (C/RW) on a 3yr $4.5million average cap for 2-3yrs (skilled playmaker, drives the net and defensively strong and good penalty killer as well).
Brandon Sutter (C/RW) on a 1yr $1million cap (Alternatively Nick Bonino).

BUYOUTS:

assuming Louie retires after not playing & collecting free money and Virtanen's contract is terminated (unfortunately needs a change of environment).

Antoine Roussel: $1,733,334

Recapture Fees

Roberto Luongo: $3,035,212

DEPTH DOWN THE MIDDLE AND USE FORWARD PAIRS:

Pettersson & Granlund: Centering a line by himself. He is more effective and most engaged when he is the play driver and not deferring to others. Complement him with a skilled playmaking forward (Granlund) and a high IQ big bodied forward that scores from the crease (Haula). Almost reminiscent of his first NHL season 10 games, when he was flanked by Loui (Haula) and Goldobin (Grandlund). Knock on him has been that his faceoff is not strong. You can have a strong faceoff man draw in (Horvat, Miller). However Granlund is equally good at faceoffs as a center playing on the wing.

J.T. Miller & Podkolzin: Both driving play and crashing the net with a finisher on the Left wing trailing the play in Boeser (playing his offwing to better utilize his shot)

Horvat & Pearson: flanked by Hoglander driving play from the wing.

Motte & Highmore: speedy high pressure bottom forward to keep intensity high.

DUAL THREAT POWER PLAY UNITS WITH LOTS OF MOVEMENT:

PP1:

Movement between Boeser (Left wall & point), Horvat (bumper & grease), Hughes (Point)

Movement between Miller (right down low & grease) & Pettersson (Right wall & point) and Hughes

PP2:

Podkozin on the right wall with Hoglander on the left wall. Haula as crease presence and bumper, Myers as point shot complemented by Granlund as other rover play driver.

CALL UP DEPTH IN AHL:

Jack Rathbone (LHD skill depth), Tinordi (LHD), Biega (RHD), Madison (RHD)
Lockwood, Hawryluk, Michaelis,

SUMMARY OF 2021- 2022 SEASON ROSTER, PP & PK

ROSTER SIZE	SALARY CAP	CAP HIT	OVERAGES	BONUSES	CAP SPACE
23	$81,500,000	$81,293,546	$0	$1,050,000	$206,454

Delete Signed Player

Buyout

Add to Trade

Roster

Left Wing	Centre	Right Wing
Haula, Erik $2,100,000 C, LW UFA	Pettersson, Elias $7,000,000 C RFA	Granlund, Mikael $4,500,000 C, RW UFA
Boeser, Brock $5,875,000 RW RFA - 1	Miller, J.T. $5,250,000 LW, C UFA - 2	Podkolzin, Vasily $925,000 RW RFA - 3
Pearson, Tanner $3,250,000 LW NTC UFA - 3	Horvat, Bo $5,500,000 C UFA - 2	Höglander, Nils $891,667 LW, RW RFA - 2
Motte, Tyler $1,225,000 LW, RW UFA - 1	Sutter, Brandon $1,000,000 RW, C UFA	Highmore, Matthew $725,000 LW, RW RFA - 1
Lind, Kole $975,000 RW RFA	Gadjovich, Jonah $783,333 LW RFA - 1

Left Defense	Right Defense	Goaltender
Hughes, Quinn $7,000,000 LD RFA	Savard, David $3,200,000 RD UFA	Holtby, Braden $4,300,000 G M-NTC UFA - 1
Schmidt, Nate $5,950,000 LD/RD M-NTC UFA - 4	Hamonic, Travis $2,100,000 RD UFA	Demko, Thatcher $5,000,000 G UFA - 5
Juolevi, Olli $975,000 LD RFA	Myers, Tyler $6,000,000 RD M-NTC UFA - 3
Edler, Alexander $2,000,000 LD UFA

Special Teams (Optional)

Power Play 1
Boeser, B.		Horvat, B.		Miller, J.
	Hughes, Q.		Pettersson, E.

Power Play 2
Höglander, N.		Haula, E.		Podkolzin, V.
	Myers, T.		Granlund, M.

Penalty Kill 1
	Sutter, B.	Motte, T.
	Hamonic, T.	Savard, D.

Penalty Kill 2
	Horvat, B.	Podkolzin, V.
	Juolevi, O.	Myers, T.

February 25, 2021

34 minutes ago, EmilyM said:

I am going to put together words that have never been put together o this forum before:

I like those lines.

its about time. Proposed this in a thread before start of season

Strength down the middle:

Pettersson, Horvat, J.T Miller, Beagle

December 26, 2020

I know most would like to see the Lotto Line together, an absolutely valid thought. I mean they were as productive of a line as any in the league. However having all on the same line leaves the rest of the roster influx. as productive as they were, as a team, we only controlled play at an abysmal rate of 48.3%. This leads to us relying on goal tending to win games. We were outshot at a rate of 3212 to 3005 on the season.

The most effective teams in the league controlled play 5-on-5 with CF% north of 51% at least. Key to their success were balance down the middle, productive top 9 forward(some top 12 forward), Aggressive play, mobile 6 D group.

Our success lies on these:

1. A Coaching Philosophy Change

Adapting a more puck possession aggressive style of play. Attack opponents on entry as oppose to a collapsing style of simply allowing the puck carrier to easily game the zone. Mitigating player fatigue by simply playing key players over 20 mins night after night but adapting a more balanced minute distribution. This allows for a sustained high temp & pressure style. The team was most successful last season when they didn't sit back but simply played a high tempo game regardless of score. An evenly distributed mins of 17 mins each b/w the top 9 forward group with 10 mins for bottom 3 forwards.

2. Strength & Balance Down The Middle

Last season the top 2 line center featured Pettersson & Horvat with a revolving bottom center group of Gaudette, Beagle & Sutter. A rejigging of the top 3 line as follows:

Elias Pettersson (17mins)- had the highest Defensive Point Share (DPS) on the team at 2.0. This score for reference allocates a score to each point scored by a player using concept of marginal goals for and against. Comparatively his Offensive Point Share(OPS) on team was an impressive 5.7, second on the team in production. His one area of opportunity was in face off, were he won only 41.8% of his draws (FO%). This could be bolstered by having a stronger face-off man step in on occasions for draws (similar to Kesler/Malhotra stepping in on draws with the Sedins).

Bo Horvat (17mins) - Took the most draws on the team and ended up with 57.3% FO%, for second on the team. He finished the season with a decent OPS of 3.7 and 0.9 DPS (both above 0 meaning he contributed more on both the offensive & defensive side than he gave up)

J.T Miller (17mins) - is a play driver that can anchor a line as a center allowing play to flow through him. Statistically he had the best FO% on the team at 59.2% in addition to the highest team OPS at 6.0. Equally his DPS was strong at 1.9

Jay Beagle (10mins) - Has the best FO% on the team at 59.1% relative to his immediate competition fot the position with Gaudette at 41.2% and Sutter at 48.9%. Yes his OPS is negative at -0.9, conversely his DPS is positive at 0.4

3. 5-on-5 Duo Pair with a complementary 3rd Forward (Interchangeable)

A. Nils Hoglander - Elias Pettersson

Two highly skilled cerebral forwards that can create and play of each other. A control style of play - East West as oppose to dump & chase. They provide multiple options to gain offensive zone entry when opponents key in on one. Both are equally responsible defensively. Hoglander is highly skilled from behind the net plays (an element we soley lack). Both are not afraid to drive/mix it up from the crease.

Complementary glue forward with speed, can score around the harsh mark & doesn't need the puck much, preferably a right shot that can drive the net for feeds from behind the net.

Best Candidate: Adam Gaudette

multi positional rightshot that can play the middle allowing Pettersson to set up on his off wing(RW) for one timers. Though limited sample size, Petterssons xGF% with Gaudette is an impressive 62.37%. In context his xGF% with J.T Miller is 56.92%, 52.95% with Boeser & 51.79% with Virtanen.

Alternate Option: Miller double shifts for Gaudette on key draws as he has the teams best FO% and next best xGF% with Petey

B. Bo Horvat - Brock Boeser

Strong two way bull center that drives the net thus drawing defenders opening up lane for a sniper forward. Boeser needs space for his shot. Horvat's xGF% without Boeser is at 48.8% and improves to 49.23% with Boeser as a winger. Similarly Boeser's xGF% without Bo is still lower at 49.01%.

Popular option is Pearson with Horvat which on the surface appears productive as they bolst an xGF% of 51.45%. However upon removal of empty net tallies, that number drops significantly to an abysmal 20.82%. Similarly J.T. Millers xGF% without Bo is at 55.20% but when paired with Bo that number decreases significantly to 38.98%.

Complementary glue forward would be a skilled creative play-making forward. A long term option in Podkolzin,

Best Current Candidate: Sven Baertschi (placeholder. Preconcussion & tentative version) is the next best playmaking forward with chemistry with Bo

C. J.T Miller – Jake Virtanen

Two powerful forwards that play a north-south style. Both have/had similar challenges earlier on in their careers (Mentor pair). Moving Miller to the middle to anchor a line provides the line a strong 2 way faceoff play driving center. With minutes distributed evenly among the top 9 group and rotation with Gaudette on draws, PP time, Miller still gets ample amount of minutes.

Jake drawing in on the Left wing allows him to use his speed more to drive the net and make plays off the rush. On defence, it allows him to lay the body more. Miller with Virtanen xGF% is 55.28% compare to 52.22% without Virtanen and 45.35% Jake without Miller,

A glue complementary forward would be one that has a good shot, strong along the walls, north-south player. Preferable a left shot that can swap wings. A chip & chase player works as Virtanen’s speed allows for puck retrieval.

Best Candidate: Tanner Pearson (Placeholder) has the best xgf% adjusted for empty netters at 100% with Virtanen. J.T Miller provides that similar synergy as a Pearson-Toffoli pair.

Other options: Michael Ferland, Zack MacEwen, Adam Gaudette

D. Jay Beagle – Tyler Motte

Veteran center with the strongest faceoff ability on team & defensive game, paired with a spark plug energy forward with underrated skill set to chip in goals. They both have a xGF% of 42% compared to a Sutter w Motte xGF% of 37.79%

Revolving third option forward: Antoine Roussel, Jayce Hawryluk, Sutter,

4. Skilled Balanced D Group (puck possession balance style defense)

A. Alexander Edler – Quinn Hughes

Edler plays the stay home two-way D partner for a more revolver puck carrier in Quinn (similar to Erhoff(sp) pair with Edler). Quin playing his offside gives him the ability to be more creative playmaking D man serving as a 4^th forward. Edler plays more physical in a shut down capacity as oppose to when he is the puck carrier.

B. Nate Schmidt – Tyler Myers

A stable play driving responsible two way D man in Schmidt calming/covering for a towering roving Myers. A lot more physical pair than a Hughes-Myer pair & a more mobile unit than an Edler – Myer pair.

C. Olli Juolevi – Travis Hamonic ($2million 1yr term)

Up and coming young D man with great first pass sheltered by a steady defensive physical partner.

5. Effective/efficient Penalty Kill Duo’s

Jay Beagle – Tyler Mott unit
Bo Horvat – Pearson unit

Penalty Kill 1
	Beagle, J.	Motte, T.
	Edler, A.	Hamonic, T.

Penalty Kill 2
	Horvat, B.	Pearson, T.
	Schmidt, N.	Myers, T.

J.T Miller – Pettersson unit (only deployed at 10secs or less end of a kill similar to how the Sedins were deployed).

6. Two Potent Power Play Units Anchored by a strong QB and movement (not stationary)

A. Pettersson Unit:

Nate Schmidt - a strong point shot/puck carrier
Olli Juolevi - A left shot cross ice feeds from the point to the right cycle forward (Pettersson) for 1 timers. A strong below the left cycle wrister.
Virtanen/Gaudette rotation – a strong right shot from the left cycle that moves up & down below the goalie paint
Hoglander – a skilled bumper forward that can play in front of the net & behind the net. Drawing opposing forwards to him thus opening up the two shots from the cycles along with point shots.

Power Play 1
Virtanen, J.		Höglander, N.		Pettersson, E.
	Juolevi, O.		Schmidt, N.

B. Hughes Unit:

J.T Miller as the right side shot that moves in front of the net
Bo Horvat at the bumper spot/net front presence
Boeser as your Pettersson shot on the left cycle. Moves back and forth from the left cycle to the point
Rotate Edler, Pearson, Baertshi, Myers

Power Play 2
Boeser, B.		Horvat, B.		Miller, J.
	Hughes, Q.		Edler, A.

7. A versatile Taxi Squad

Loui Eriksson (RW/LW), Brandon Sutter (C,RW), Jayce Hawryluk (C, RW, LW), Tyler Graovac (C,RW,LW), Guillaume Brisebois (LD), Jalen Chatfleld (RD)

With the above on the taxi squad and the following as extras (Zack MacEwen (C,RW), Jordie Benn (LD,RD), Brogan Rafferty (RD), roster fits under the cap at $80,881,878 assuming Ferland on IR

Roster

Left Wing	Centre	Right Wing
Höglander, Nils $891,667 LW RFA - 3	Pettersson, Elias $925,000 C RFA - 1	Gaudette, Adam $950,000 C RFA - 1
Baertschi, Sven $3,366,666 LW UFA - 1	Horvat, Bo $5,500,000 C UFA - 3	Boeser, Brock $5,875,000 RW RFA - 2
Virtanen, Jake $2,550,000 RW RFA - 2	Miller, J.T. $5,250,000 LW UFA - 3	Pearson, Tanner $3,750,000 LW UFA - 1
Motte, Tyler $1,225,000 LW, C UFA - 2	Beagle, Jay $3,000,000 C M-NTC UFA - 2	Roussel, Antoine $3,000,000 LW M-NTC UFA - 2
	MacEwen, Zack $825,000 C, RW RFA - 2

Left Defense	Right Defense	Goaltender
Edler, Alexander $6,000,000 LD NMC UFA - 1	Hughes, Quinn $916,667 LD RFA - 1	Demko, Thatcher $1,050,000 G RFA - 1
Schmidt, Nate $5,950,000 LD/RD M-NTC UFA - 5	Myers, Tyler $6,000,000 RD M-NTC UFA - 4	Holtby, Braden $4,300,000 G M-NTC UFA - 2
Juolevi, Olli $863,333 LD RFA - 1	Hamonic, Travis $2,000,000 RD UFA
Benn, Jordie $2,000,000 LD UFA - 1	Rafferty, Brogan $700,000 RD RFA - 1

Scratches	Injured Reserve (IR)	Long Term IR (LTIR)
		Ferland, Micheal $3,500,000 LW, RW NMC UFA - 3

Taxi Squad
Eriksson, Loui $6,000,000 ($4,925,000) LW, RW M-NTC UFA - 2
Sutter, Brandon $4,375,000 ($3,300,000) RW, C M-NTC UFA - 1
Hawryluk, Jayce $800,000 ($0) LW, C RFA - 1
Graovac, Tyler $700,000 ($0) C UFA - 1
Brisebois, Guillaume $700,000 ($0) LD RFA - 1
Chatfield, Jalen $700,000 ($0) RD RFA - 1

June 29, 2020

Wilds just before the season pause, were playing more of a balanced line and had good run late. An effective strategy for Vancouver would be to counter each line employing the same balanced line up. My line up would be:

Zack Parise(Rating:76.3) – Joel Eriksson Ek(Rating: 71.6) – Luke Kunin(Rating: 72.5)

Ryan Sutter(Rating:76.3) – Jared Spureon(Rating:76.1)

VS

Jake Virtanen(Rating: 72.0) - Elias Pettersson(Rating: 77.7) – J.T Miller(Rating:78.5)

Chris Tanev(71.0) - Tyler Myers(Rating:72.6)

Marcus Foligno(Rating:71.7) – Alex Galchenyuk(Rating:70.8) – Mats Zuccarello(Rating:71.8)

Jonas Brodin(Rating:73.7) – Mathew Dumba(Rating:74.5)

VS

Michael Ferland(Rating:71.7) – Bo Horvat(Rating:74.8) – Brock Boeser(Rating: 74.1)

AlexanderEdler(Rating:74.2) – Quinn Hughes(Ratin:75.2)

Jordan Greenway(Ratin:71.2) – Eric Staal(Rating:74.2) – Kevin Fiala(Rating:78.3)

Ryan Sutter(Rating:76.3) – Jared Spureon(Rating:76.1)

VS

Tyler Motte(Rating:68.8) – Jay Beagle – Brandon Sutter(Rating:70.1)

AlexanderEdler(Rating:74.2) – Chris Tanev(71.0)

Ryan Donato(Rating:72.1) – Mikko Koivu(Rating:71.8) – Ryan Hartman(Rating:71.2)

Brad Hunt(Rating:73.7) – Greg Pateryn(Rating:70.5)

VS

Tanner Pearson(Rating:73.7) – Adam Gaudette(Rating:70.2) – Tyler Toffoli(Rating:75.9)

Jordi Benn - Troy Stecher(Rating:71.9)

June 20, 2020

On 6/16/2020 at 3:07 PM, Bure_Pavel said:

Miller-Petey-Boeser

Pearson-Horvat-Toffoli

Ferland-Gaudette-Virtanen

Roussel-Beagle-Sutter

Edler - Myers

Hughes - Tanev

Benn - Stecher

Markstrom

Demko

consensus lineup above. My personal lineup is based on a duo pair with a third revolving pivot(similar to how AV deployed forwards). not traditional first, second line etc. the best lines each night gets bulk of the mins.

FORWARDS (Duo Pairs in bold)

Ferland(LW) - Petey(C) - Boeser(RW) - match up against opponent 2 or 3rd line

Pearson(LW) - Horvat(C) - Toffoli(RW) - match up against opponent 1st when offence is required as a shutdown unit, otherwise against 2-4

Virtanen(LW) - JT Miller(C) - Gaudette(RW) - against line 2-4

Motte(LW) - Beagle(C) - Sutter(RW) - defensive match up against line 1-2 and line 4 head to head

Extra/Rotating forwards from first to last: Macwen RW(1), Roussel LW(2), Loui LW/RW(3), Baertschi LW(4)

DEFENCE (based on some capable Dmen playing their off wing allowing for a more puck transition pair. each pair with a puck mover and defensive partner)

Edler(LD) - Hughes(RD) (Edler plays well when paired with an elite puck mover.Think Ehroff, Karlsson & OEL on international stage)

Tanev(LD) - Myers(RD) (Myers is muchmore effective with a strong 2way positional sound defensive partner.Allows him to roam more)

Benn(LD) - Stecher(RD) (Benn adds more physicality to the pair than Oscar. Stecher as your 3rd pair puckmover)

April 28, 2020

2 hours ago, komodo0921 said:

So, I've been sitting here on a rainy day off watching a lot of player highlights out of shear boredom.

Watching Jake's, I noticed how lopsided his production is from the left side is compared to the right.

It's hard not to notice most of his offence comes from the left side.

I'm wondering if he could benefit from a permanent move to that side; Especially after Podkolzin arrives.

Couldn’t agree more. Puzzles my mind how he hasn’t been converted to a left winger permanently. Always thought player development was placing players in a position of strength. The glimpse of this year’s breakout Virtanen is the dominate Left-wing WHL Virtanen. With him on the left wing, our organizational left wing depth is slightly bolstered more thus also solving some of the glut on right wing.

April 21, 2020

43 minutes ago, Phil_314 said:

I COULD see Miller being a mentor to Adam and Jake on the 3rd line from time to time, but based on last season it appeared that Ferland and Pete/ Boeser's play style didn't gel, while Miller's cerebral play clicked really well with Pete, and we might need his 59% face-offs to help Pete in match-up line situations.

As much as we would like to have J.T. mentor the kids, we might be weakening two lines by putting a square peg with round slots on the first line -- sure the 3rd line would be really good, but would Ferland be able to have the same effect? I mean just imagining Ferland and Virtanen flying down the wings and terrorizing opposing defenses with their physical forecheck is exciting, as is the continuation of a breakout Lotto Line with an elite face-off presence that may be needed for continued success. I'm not saying that there's no way that your suggestions would work but until Ferland proves his suitability for the first unit he could work just as well on the 3rd. We could also groom Adam's face-offs by having him take quite a few as the 3rd line guy (plus he and Jake can also be the dynamic duo on that unit as he's quite creative and Jake can finish his passes off the rush).

JT Miller and Pettersson no doubt are great players in their own right, and in a traditional sense, you want your best players playing together on a line. When you actually look at and analyze the lotto line 5on5 play you start to see that true synergy wasn't there.

Miller controlled the play on ice. Preferring to slow the play down at times. A dump & chase style at times that was ill suited to boeser & pettersson to keep up with. Pettersson at times went away from the puck carrier role weaving his way on the rush. Each player (Pettersson & Miller) actually created a majority of their own scoring chance independent of each other that could have worked with any other linemate.

IMO the Miller - Pettersson - Toffoli & Miller - Pettersson - Virtanen lines were more effective than the lotto line because the complementary piece on the lines, that worked with Miller on ice play control, was strength on the walls in Toffoli/Virtanen.

Saying that, we can load up a top line in games (if chasing a lead) in the form of Miller - Pettersson - Toffoli. A healthy Ferland is an excellent complementary to skilled top players (look back to his time playing on the top line in Calgary & in Carolina). I believe he played on a line with Pettersson during preseason. New to the team at the time and still adjusting.

Absolutely the idea of having Ferland & Virtanen banging away is enticing. However the penalty called against would be a lot. Furthermore it takes Virtanen away from playing the left wall, a position that Ferland also would need to play. The idea was based on a scoring top 9 with an energy bottom 3

April 21, 2020

23 minutes ago, ruilin96 said:

This is more wishful thinking. It it is a lot harder to get rid-off the player you list who are under contract. It will likely cost us some prospects or draft picks to the shed some of the cap spaces. Ferland is a big question mark and as much as I wish for him to return to the line up, I just don't know until he actually plays a handful of games without getting any concussion related symptoms. I would not pencil him in on the 1st line. There is no way Miller gets 3rd line minutes with the year he had, him and Pettersson were the most dominant forwards playing on a line together, so there is no way JT doesn't stick on the top line with Petey and Brock. I do like the players you choose to bring back and resign though, I think they are the ones I would want to keep as well.

no doubt it is working on the premise that Ferland returns to full health (hope the best for him). Brandon Sutter still has NHL value. Giving up a 3rd or later round is quite possible. I believe Tampa gave up a 1st for a few bottom forwards. Roussel can still help a team. Admit Baertschi might be a bit harder.

Absolutely JT Miller deserves to play on a first line. However the combinations are based on potentially dominate top 9 forward combinations and pairs. Pettersson-Boeser pair, Horvat-Toffoli/Pearson pair, Virtanen-JT Miller pair. Was not looking at the traditional 1st, 2nd - 3rd line sense. 5v5, Special team deployments still allows the top players their 17+ mins a night.

April 21, 2020

2 hours ago, N7Nucks said:

Why is Tryamkin getting more money than Virtanen? Guy has done little at the NHL level. Had one full NHL season, that he showed up out of shape for but nobody mentions yet constantly bring it up for Jake. Also Jake was on pace for 20+ goals, 40+ points. But a 3rd pairing guy that was outta the league for the last 3 years deserves more money? Maybe I’m crazy.

You are right in a normal sense, Virtanen would be making more. However Defensemen are valued differently that forwards. Tryamkin adds an enticing element of size, physicality & mobility that puts him ahead of Virtanen at this time. Myers has a higher AAV than a lot of NHL forwards that have a higher point production. Additional Virtanen needs that extra motivation to be more. the lure of a bigger payday.

April 21, 2020

9 hours ago, Kevin Biestra said:

I like the forward thinking involved, but I don't think anyone is giving us anything, even a 7th rounder, to take on the Baertschi contract. We'd be lucky if we only had to give a 7th rounder for someone to take it.

Some team may take a chance on him given how he has performed in the minors. Given he is a free agent after this season may give him the extra motivation to perform. It is not unusual for a player to exceed expectation in a contract year. Furthermore the risk of him not, limits the risk for a potential suitor to this season only. A swap of a 7th for a lower pick (say Vancouver 6th) may get it done.

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