saucypass

Thanks for providing the stat about league conversion rates. Did not know that and very cool to know. I've always thought the NCAA gives the best chances for prospects to make the NHL, whereas perrenial Canadian All-Stars typically come from the CHL.

Yep. Much like how Kane, Toews, Matthews and Kesler is part of the Nike Bauer sponsorship.

Let's see how Boeser does next year. Not that I think he'll end up in the AHL, but even Jensen won our hearts in the few games he debuted for us. EDIT: Just trying to make sure I don't expect the world from Boeser and be disappointed if he doesn't deliver.

So very true. +1. Still doesn't change the fact we want him to succeed. Those who are calling him a bust are trolls. Objective analysis doesn't lump us into the same category.

I agree. I think our lines next year should be quite spread out. I would like to see Edler-Stecher Hutton-Tanev Sbisa-Gudbranson No true hierarchy on the lines, except for maybe Sbisa-Gudbranson. Two years ago we saw how good Hutton was with Tanev, and just last year Edler played quite well with Stecher on the first line. Sbisa and Gudbranson provides a classic gritty shutdown third pairing.

I was upset about it too like with other players. I think Ritchie is what we wanted in Virtanen but with more speed. Either way, hope Jake will get there soon.

I agree with @Where'd Luongo?, I really do hope we see Jake play on his LW this coming year. I think he might actually play better coming down the wing, generating some quality shots with a better angle. I felt like Jake was more effect playing LW back in junior as well. Would also be nice to see him T a few up this year from the hash marks like Stamkos and Ovechkin.

Although the Bruins still had an elite player in Chara . Suppose it's either an elite center or an elite defenseman.

Edler an enforcer? Stralman is no less of an enforcer than Edler, and when you're talking about overall career, what kind of enforcers have 40+ point seasons from the blueline? Edler at the World's is no enforcer, and as bad as he's been on the Canucks, he's arguably better than Stralman given the right matchups and TOI per night.

If it was Subway he should not make the team next year for that alone.

Same. Expressed the same sentiments in earlier posts. I suppose I am hoping he surprises and challenges if he transforms into a monster this summer.

Really do hope he sticks this year and prove everybody wrong. Botch is right, we really do need his size, speed, and physicality. I hope Virtanen has a good summer and is ready to fight for a spot on the third line.

I know some people want/expect Jake to play for the Canucks next year, but why? Personally, I want to see him play a full year in the AHL and absolutely tear it apart. Sign an AHL star playmaking centers to mentor Jake and watch him blossom as a player. The year after we'll see a real nicely finished product. Although if he kills it at camp I'd be happy to see him on the main team too.

I think one of the issues is that 2014 was a year where Lucic and power forwards in general were highly coveted, (much like how smooth skating defenseman are now) and people thought that there was potential to be a game changer (albeit a small one). Really hope he ends up like Hansen. Ain't nothing wrong with that indeed.

I hope you're right. Although that would mean he doesn't "own his line." Those players create offense no matter who they play with. I would personally be pretty happy with him being that complimentary piece with all things considered. Fast, hard hitting, and finishes off plays.

Hey, calm down there bud. I'm just explaining why people might be down on Jake. He scored in junior but that was ages ago and he hasn't produced much since. Even in junior you could argue he didn't product as much as he could've. Yes he scored in the NHL, but not a whole lot, certainly not enough to project top 6 production. (Not to say he will never) I hope for the best for Jake and I think he'll do great, but maybe just not as a top 6 forward. Although I don't agree with all the pessismism, I don't think it's completely undeserved.

Actually quite happy to hear there are no news. Less to talk about means less media distractions. I am sure he's woring hard. Excited to see what he can do.

The point people are trying to make is that top 6 forwards who don't produce points are not top 6 forwards. If he can't score at lower levels, how can we expect him to score in the NHL? I think he needs time and that's okay. But it's not unreasonable to say he hasn't met reasonable expectations.

Don't know much about the kid, but that stat line is real easy on the eyes. Unfortunately I doubt he'd make it to us too based on rankings either.

Then we should trade the pick for PK, Weber, or Keith then eh?

Which defenseman do you have in mind Alf?

I know we might've moved past it a little, but Oettinger would be a good pick. Honestly, if you think Demko would make a good pick at 33, then so would Oettinger -- at the very least with our CBJ pick for sure.

Also excited to see what Boeser can do next year!

Why should anyone care about Virtanen in a Boeser thread? Virtanen as of the moment is undoubtedly the inferior prospect compared to Boeser right now. What the reality is, is that Jake is the wrong pick at 6 like it or not. But he's also young and immature, and even though him having a bad year is a huge understatement with all things considered, he's working hard and trying to get it together. As Canuck fans and hockey fans, it's true we shouldn't be blindly cheering for a prospect. But it means we should still cheer them on and hope that they make they can contribute to our team and to the game of hockey as much as they possibly can. Sometimes crticism is warranted, and even welcomed, but there comes to a point where it's over the top. Which is why I believe once you're making things up about a prospect in another prospect thread, you have crossed that very solid line.

You're not understanding the point of what I'm trying to say. It's not about his feelings being hurt, it's about how he got his point across and how unprofessional it is. Criticism is great, but if you're going to do it publicly, you do it professionally. No need to add the bit about the balls or whatever.