saucypass

The idea sounds nice, but I like how they're seperate since they're different individual players. Maybe we can have a combined thread with two individual subthreads? However,I think the main reason their threads don't gain much traction is because when it comes to the Sedins, there's not much to say. They're consistent and well-established NHL players who are great, charitable, hardworking people that exemplifies leadership and class, and people like tha typically don't create much controversy. All true Canuck fans already knows this and therefore ends up talking about real talking points of other players under the microscope. (E.g. Will Baer, Hutton breakout this year? Will Stecher Tryamkin Larsen Rodin or Gaunce make the team? Will we get rid of Sbisa? Will Eriksson score 40 with the twins? Will he even play with the twins? Does Gudbranson come as advertised? Will Granlund and Etem finally solidify their spots or will a player like LaBate steal it? Etc... you get the idea)

I think there's more to his game then we're seeing. So far a lot of high percentage and very intelligent plays. Once he adapts and gets comfortable, I'm sure we'll all start seeing the flash.

After reading some of the comments on here I realize that my disappointment with the pick came from the fact that I expected the Canucks to pick a player that could project to put up 70 pts a season at the 6th overall spot. Although it's still very early, I like others don't really see that as a realistic possibility for Jake and I'm actually okay with that. Of course, there is the possibility he hits those numbers some day and I would be happily proven wrong. However, the projection of about 40 points a season with his intense speed, elite hitting ability, hard shot, ability to wear down opponents, as well as being able to both compliment and protect our star players makes me feel like this is a high accomplishment for any NHL player.

No assist on the goal by Tuomo Ruutu, but great defensive play in his own end and great offensive play by drawing a defender with him when rushing to the net. No goal without Stecher on that play for sure.

I always think about what Raymond could've been had he stayed an extra year in college and played a year or two longer in the AHL. I still feel like he was rushed into the NHL.

Aw crap. I forgot the game was today. I'll be sure to go to the one on the 15th against Bentley and hopefully take some videos too. I live like 2 minutes away from Matthews so no excuses for me next time. Everybody I've talked to said Gaudette had a good game though, so that's a good sign.

Holy shiznakz, this guy was flying tonight! Loved the speed and skill of his end to ends. Really exciting to see what he can do this season with a better defensive partner in Gudbranson.

Easily my favorite Canuck on the ice tonight, and that's saying a lot considering how many Canucks that showed up tonight. Was just a really smart player who could not only collect the puck pretty quickly and move it up the ice but also showed shrewd offensive prowess in the offensive zone as well. Didn't back down and handled the physicality really well.

Salivating at the thought of a developed Baer Horvat and Sutter line... Killer combo of Grit, speed, and skill...

My expectations for Virtanen in a couple years or so would be like perfect vision, 20/20 for 40pts.

Hahaha wow 200 pucks a day... I remember when Kesler shot 100 I believe. Honestly if Hutton can work on getting a howitzer (and Juolevi too of course) and then put on mass to handle opponents in the D-zone, then we're going to have some scary defense that can beat you in all 200ft of the ice. Puck handling is definitely there! (Missed watching Ehrhoff in his prime)

20gs and 42pts. is what I'm hoping for. Definitely doable with the right line mates and PP time.

You're right Alf! Definitely a big difference from SHL to the NHL. But Rodin didn't really get much of a chance back when he was still in the Canuck system. Back then our farm team was the Chicago Wolves and they were abysmal when it came to developing our prospects. I still have high hopes for Rodin, and still think he'll stick in the NHL. I remember when we first drafted Rodin, and I paid close attention to him. He has legitimate top 6 speed and skill. He just lacked the strength to make it in the NHL. I'm really hoping he hits around 35 points this season!

Love this kid, would also like to see him to improve his shot if he goes back to London so he can rip it at the NHL level.

Definitely! And maybe give Rundblad one more chance at sticking in the NHL? He's only 25 so this might be his last shot. Would be cool to see the "Swedish Connection" with him and Edler on the blueline.

So happy we got him! Total bargain compared to the Lucic deal. No NMC makes a HUGE difference! I can see Eriksson and the Sedins prolonging their careers from this.

I get your point, but unlike some posters who are adamant on their assessments being right, I'm not afraid to be wrong, and in some cases, to be right either. I mean it's a forum, we discuss our opinions, and a lot of that is stemmed through assessments no? But again, I get your point. There are definitely posters here who end up having very strong opinions and aren't able to let go. But there are also posters who engage in intelligent discussion with strong opinions and assessments of players.

Really? I thought Pickard was rated higher. I just remember thinking that they should've picked Fowler.

Seemed pretty creativeto me at the WJC's.

I suppose he'd have to drop it with Jonathan Quick around. I'd say this was a great trade for the Kings as I'm not a huge Ebert fan and this replaces what Martin Jones was for the Kings.

I agree with you on the fact that putting a ceiling this early on Lockwood is definitely premature. However, even if he did end up becoming as good as Hagelin, I'd call that a HUGE win. Skates like a speed demon, puck hound, can deke like a top 6 player, incredible shot, and puts up about 30-40 points a season. Definitely a huge win as a 3rd round pick. Anyways, I do see a Gallagher type of player in him. He's clearly much more skilled than the points he put up this past season. Really hope to see him go all Johnny Gaudreau in Michigan next year.

And I believe he was also considered a huge reach and a shock pick at the time right? I never quite liked Campbell either, do you think he can turn it around? Make it as a backup I mean. As a goalie, he's got a few years left by his side.

Good thing he's got time to turn it around. Feels like a somewhat similar situation to Markstrom when we first acquired him.

Definitely for sure. Late physical maturity is sometimes a huge reason for late picks to surprise. Jamie Benn was scrawny, weak, and slow believe it or not. In fact, he wasn't even fully committed to hockey (contemplated baseball) but when he grew into his frame and focused on hockey... well you know the rest. Point is, you're definitely right in that once players fill out, they can really turn out to be anything. Which is why I'm waiting to see what we've got in Zhukenov. But also that some simply hit their expectations and that would make me happy already. Like if Gaunce potted 30pts. lined up on the 3rd line, I'd be happy with that too. I suppose some bust out too (Vey? Corrado?), but it only goes to show you that with late round risers, set standards low to medium so you don't expect much but not to the point of bashing the prospect for not reaching unrealistic expectations either. Some posters on here sometimes get too hyped (been guilty before) and sometimes too critical. I'm just glad he's got the opportunity to represent Team Canada.

@AlflivesI think that it's great that Brisebois is a fast late riser, but let's remember that although some late risers do go on to surprise in a good way, some risers just reach what their potential was in the first place and I think that would be really great as well. I would be quite happy if he just became a really steady 2nd pairing guy. Like a Marc-Edouard Vlasic-lite.