Canuck Surfer Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 (edited) Most have Scott Laughton pegged to be a near-lock for PHI but Brendan Gaunce who beat him in the OHL defensive forward voting isn't ready for a role on the Canucks bottom 6? I see him making this team as the 3rd line center, and Jordan playing on Kesler's wing. Jensen will spend the year down in the minors OR if Booth isn't ready, spend a few games up with the big boys. I just don't see where Schroeder fits with Kesler? Yeah I get he's a better play maker than many other options. But he's a two way player not a defensive stud. Nor is Booth. What's the point in having a "Selke" calibre center if you play him with two offensive forwards (Schroeder and Booth)? It's possible he outplays Richardson or Santorelli as the 4th line C. Even though many see that as waste of an ELC year. I'm ok with that if he out plays them! I see Gaunce making it at the expense of Schroeder, or most likely as the 2knd line wing. Gaunce played wing in the 2knd half of last year in the OHL. Gaunce is a great defensive forward, a left hander which means him and Kesler could take situational draws and him (207 lbs), Booth (212 lbs) and Kesler (202 lbs) actually make a very physically capable defensive line! And Gaunce isn't a bad passer either, a definite upgrade on anyone since Samuelsson. Edited August 16, 2013 by Canuck Surfer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stexx Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 That's just a coaches poll , not actually an award... uh yeah and a coaches poll means a heck of a lot more than any NHL award that is voted by the moronic media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missioncanucksfan Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Imo.... Gaunce HAS to start here next year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Slot Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I just don't see where Schroeder fits with Kesler? Yeah I get he's a better play maker than many other options. But he's a two way player not a defensive stud. Nor is Booth. What's the point in having a "Selke" calibre center if you play him with two offensive forwards (Schroeder and Booth)? It's possible he outplays Richardson or Santorelli as the 4th line C. Even though many see that as waste of an ELC year. I'm ok with that if he out plays them! I see Gaunce making it at the expense of Schroeder, or most likely as the 2knd line wing. Gaunce played wing in the 2knd half of last year in the OHL. Gaunce is a great defensive forward, a left hander which means him and Kesler could take situational draws and him (207 lbs), Booth (212 lbs) and Kesler (202 lbs) actually make a very physically capable defensive line! And Gaunce isn't a bad passer either, a definite upgrade on anyone since Samuelsson. I think you are underestimating Schroeder and overestimating gaunce. Gaunce hasn't played a game vs pros. Schroeder has a year and a decent one at that in the NHL and a few in the ahl. While I agree we need gaunce to make it, I see him on the fourth with potential third or second line duty if he Shows he can handle it and depending on who else of our young players make it. I see lines like this: Sedin sedin kassian Burrows Kesler Jensen Booth Schroeder Hansen Gaunce Richardson Higgins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henrik Kesler Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I think you are underestimating Schroeder and overestimating gaunce. Gaunce hasn't played a game vs pros. Schroeder has a year and a decent one at that in the NHL and a few in the ahl. While I agree we need gaunce to make it, I see him on the fourth with potential third or second line duty if he Shows he can handle it and depending on who else of our young players make it. I see lines like this: Sedin sedin kassian Burrows Kesler Jensen Booth Schroeder Hansen Gaunce Richardson Higgins I like the potential that lineup has. A lot of players can move up or down the lineup depending on game situations (imperative for playoffs, IMO) and the 4th line could take 10-12 minutes with realative ease, although I don't think the Canucks want to pay Higgins 2.5 mil to play the 4th line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred65 Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Schroeder = one way contract making $600K Gaunce = two way contract and a $1.1 million Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I just don't see where Schroeder fits with Kesler? Yeah I get he's a better play maker than many other options. But he's a two way player not a defensive stud. Nor is Booth. What's the point in having a "Selke" calibre center if you play him with two offensive forwards (Schroeder and Booth)? It's possible he outplays Richardson or Santorelli as the 4th line C. Even though many see that as waste of an ELC year. I'm ok with that if he out plays them! I see Gaunce making it at the expense of Schroeder, or most likely as the 2knd line wing. Gaunce played wing in the 2knd half of last year in the OHL. Gaunce is a great defensive forward, a left hander which means him and Kesler could take situational draws and him (207 lbs), Booth (212 lbs) and Kesler (202 lbs) actually make a very physically capable defensive line! And Gaunce isn't a bad passer either, a definite upgrade on anyone since Samuelsson. While Kesler will certainly be relied upon for his two way (ie: not JUST defensive) game, he will also be relied upon for his offense as the second wave behind the Sedins. Finally having someone who can pass him and Booth the puck is EXACTLY what that line needs IMO and is EXACTLY what Schroeder brings (along with speed to match Booth and Kesler). His basic outline is a good passing/vision, fast skating small but strong forward who has slowly developed the defensive side of the game to a point now where he is no longer a defensive liability. He's actually naturally mostly an offense minded player and had to learn the two way game. So long as he's shows he's actually ready and earns a spot on the second line I'd LOVE to see him feathering passes to Kesler, firing his wrister in the slot/circles with Booth crashing the net and banging in rebounds. That line is FAST, has decent size and with Jordan would finally have a passer again to go with two pretty darn good shooters. Imagine Jordan setting up two guys way more talented than Weise with plays like this: As for Gaunce, I think he's going to give the coach's a lot to think about and could very easily earn a 3/4C or 4LW spot if he continues on his current trajectory. They're going to have to think REALLY hard on what's best for his development. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Surfer Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I think you are underestimating Schroeder and overestimating gaunce. Gaunce hasn't played a game vs pros. Schroeder has a year and a decent one at that in the NHL and a few in the ahl. While I agree we need gaunce to make it, I see him on the fourth with potential third or second line duty if he Shows he can handle it and depending on who else of our young players make it. I see lines like this: Sedin sedin kassian Burrows Kesler Jensen Booth Schroeder Hansen Gaunce Richardson Higgins I suggested Gaunce was a better fit with Kesler when it was suggested playing Schroeder with him. Maybe I also said he could win a job at the expense of Schroeder? It's about match ups. Schoeder is 5'8"and 175 lbs. I'm not lining him up with Kesler to take defensive shifts against Lucic / Krecji / Iginla, Marleau / Thornton / Burns or Perry / Getzlaf / Selanne. Marleau is 220 lbs, Thornton is 6'4"and 225 and Burns is 225 lbs and 6'5". It has little to do with underrating anyone. It's about giving them a role and situations to play in where they can be successful! 207 lb Gaunce (who had some of the best strength and conditioning scores of all athletes at his pre-draft combine) has a much better chance of surviving on a defensive line than Schroeder. Kesler's line will be a defensive line first and foremost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Surfer Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 (edited) While Kesler will certainly be relied upon for his two way (ie: not JUST defensive) game, he will also be relied upon for his offense as the second wave behind the Sedins. Finally having someone who can pass him and Booth the puck is EXACTLY what that line needs IMO and is EXACTLY what Schroeder brings (along with speed to match Booth and Kesler). His basic outline is a good passing/vision, fast skating small but strong forward who has slowly developed the defensive side of the game to a point now where he is no longer a defensive liability. He's actually naturally mostly an offense minded player and had to learn the two way game. So long as he's shows he's actually ready and earns a spot on the second line I'd LOVE to see him feathering passes to Kesler, firing his wrister in the slot/circles with Booth crashing the net and banging in rebounds. That line is FAST, has decent size and with Jordan would finally have a passer again to go with two pretty darn good shooters. Imagine Jordan setting up two guys way more talented than Weise with plays like this: As for Gaunce, I think he's going to give the coach's a lot to think about and could very easily earn a 3/4C or 4LW spot if he continues on his current trajectory. They're going to have to think REALLY hard on what's best for his development. 4 years ago Kesler scored a lot playing with speedster Raymond, and 220 lb Samuelsson who was also extremely savvy with the puck. 3 years ago Kesler scored a lot of goals (41), but he got a fair few of them playing PP with the Twins. Plus the Torres / Malhotra / Hansen line was taking the primary defensive zone shifts which freed him up to play offense. We wont have that luxury this year. Kesler will be heavily defensively focused this year. Yup Booth will be with him because as a defensive line it will need a big body with good wheels. But as Booth is not a "defense first" guy and Gaunce is > I see Gaunce as a much better bet as 3rd wheel rather than Schroeder? Besides, Gaunce is a pretty good passer. And how many years has it been since Schroeder had a good offensive season, 2008? Edited August 16, 2013 by Canuck Surfer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigpush Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 4 years ago Kesler scored a lot playing with speedster Raymond, and 220 lb Samuelsson who was also extremely savvy with the puck. 3 years ago Kesler scored a lot of goals (41), but he got a fair few of them playing PP with the Twins. Plus the Torres / Malhotra / Hansen line was taking the primary defensive zone shifts which freed him up to play offense. We wont have that luxury this year. Kesler will be heavily defensively focused this year. Yup Booth will be with him because as a defensive line it will need a big body with good wheels. But as Booth is not a "defense first" guy and Gaunce is > I see Gaunce as a much better bet as 3rd wheel rather than Schroeder? Besides, Gaunce is a pretty good passer. And how many years has it been since Schroeder had a good offensive season, 2008? You really cannot compare point totals Schroeder and Gaunce as one still plays in Juniors and the other in the Pro's. Gaunce might be a pretty good passer but so is Schroeder in fact I would argue he was the third best playmaker last year on the canucks behind the Sedin's. Stats don't show this but he was constantly making great passes in traffic and has the patience and skill to hold onto the puck before dishing it. I watched him as much as possible before the NHL season started with the Wolves and he has shown good vision there as well. Maybe Gaunce shows he has better ability but it is extremely rare for a player to be successfull going straight from junior to NHL and the the ones who are do are usually putting incredible numbers in Junior or putting up good numbers in European leagues playing against men. No one knows what kind of role Kesler will be asked to play this season but I really believe that he is going to get the most minutes as long as he stays healthy. I think Kesler will be used against other teams top lines and would surround him with guys that can thrive in that role as well. IMO that should be Burrows and Hansen but I could maybe see Booth there if Burrows plays with the Sedin's. Schroeder should be surrounded by guys with size who go hard to the net, Booth, Kassian and Higgins would be my choices. Gaunce I hope stays in juniors and develops his offensive game to another level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mangoes Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 He got 4 points in 2 games with team Canada in camp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 4 years ago Kesler scored a lot playing with speedster Raymond, and 220 lb Samuelsson who was also extremely savvy with the puck. 3 years ago Kesler scored a lot of goals (41), but he got a fair few of them playing PP with the Twins. Plus the Torres / Malhotra / Hansen line was taking the primary defensive zone shifts which freed him up to play offense. We wont have that luxury this year. Kesler will be heavily defensively focused this year. Yup Booth will be with him because as a defensive line it will need a big body with good wheels. But as Booth is not a "defense first" guy and Gaunce is > I see Gaunce as a much better bet as 3rd wheel rather than Schroeder? Besides, Gaunce is a pretty good passer. And how many years has it been since Schroeder had a good offensive season, 2008? You could be right. Or Booth, Kesler, Schroeder could be an offensive second line with decent D and Burrows, Guance, Hansen will be our 3rd/checking line (with some decent scoring ability to boot). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robongo Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 uh yeah and a coaches poll means a heck of a lot more than any NHL award that is voted by the moronic media. While I agree , that has nothing to do with the argument. People are trying to be smart asses on here( as usual), claiming there is an actual award, when in fact there isn't . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wshdrvvn Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 While I agree , that has nothing to do with the argument. People are trying to be smart asses on here( as usual), claiming there is an actual award, when in fact there isn't . jeepers creepers man its just symantics. fact of the matter is he was recognized as the top defensive forward in the eastern conference. just cause there isn't a trophy for it doesn't make it less of an honor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stexx Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 While I agree , that has nothing to do with the argument. People are trying to be smart asses on here( as usual), claiming there is an actual award, when in fact there isn't . "An award may also simply be a public acknowledgment of excellence, without any tangible token or prize". so yes, by definition it is an award and since the coaches vote on it, i would say its a good indicator of his defensive skill and not a FOTM media pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Surfer Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) You really cannot compare point totals Schroeder and Gaunce as one still plays in Juniors and the other in the Pro's. Gaunce might be a pretty good passer but so is Schroeder in fact I would argue he was the third best playmaker last year on the canucks behind the Sedin's. Stats don't show this but he was constantly making great passes in traffic and has the patience and skill to hold onto the puck before dishing it. No one knows what kind of role Kesler will be asked to play this season but I really believe that he is going to get the most minutes as long as he stays healthy. I think Kesler will be used against other teams top lines and would surround him with guys that can thrive in that role as well. IMO that should be Burrows and Hansen but I could maybe see Booth there if Burrows plays with the Sedin's. Schroeder should be surrounded by guys with size who go hard to the net, Booth, Kassian and Higgins would be my choices. Gaunce I hope stays in juniors and develops his offensive game to another level. I don't disagree with the bolded statement at all. Schroeder has good puck possession / puck distribution skills. I am just stronger on the opinion that Kesler's line will be handling the primary defensive match ups. I dont see Torts handing that responsibility to Richardson or Gaunce centering lines to free Kesler to play O'. So we won't see 5'8"175 lb Schroeder with Kesler IMO. Some possible lines to take defensive responsibilities; Sestiti/Richardson/Weise They just dont match up to Hossa/Toews/Saad? This line would sit a lot! Higgins/Richardson/Hansen Yeah? But not against big lines like Lucic's, Getzlaf's or Joe Thornton's. Booth/Kesler/Burrows Two great defensive players and a big, fast physical body. I'm betting on this one! Ferreiro/Gaunce/Richardson I could see an exciting 4th line role here, all secondary defensive shifts? Higgins/Schroeder/Hansen This is extremely likely! But as secondary scoring, not key shut down shifts. Burrows/Kesler/Schroeder Too small to play the West's big lines. Gaunce/Kesler/Burrows This might even be better than with Booth? Look at these line combinations? If I were a coach I would agree with you but be crafting ways to place Schroeder in a secondary scoring role. And if Gaunce makes the team (or 8 games to start with Booth on the I/R) it makes too much sense to play him on a defensive line. Some say its a waste to put him on the 4th (I speculated Ferreiro/Gaunce/Richardson) rather than develop in junior? But I don't mind. He could also play the 2knd PP, kill penalties, take some dbl shifts on the second line. Any of these are a good possibility. Of course it could be a shocker, we might have a Dustin Brown on our hands. Gaunce has 1 round pick talent and does all the dirty work ala Burrows plus more size. Maybe he gets a shot with Hank and Danny? You could be right. Or Booth, Kesler, Schroeder could be an offensive second line with decent D and Burrows, Guance, Hansen will be our 3rd/checking line (with some decent scoring ability to boot). I can see where you're going? They're all good defensively. But is Burrows going to fall all the way to the 3rd? I also think its dangerous. If we played Gaunce with 185 lb Burrows and 185 lb Hansen he has just too much heavy lifting against big guys on his own. I don't see this as very likely. Edited August 17, 2013 by Canuck Surfer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robongo Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) jeepers creepers man its just symantics. fact of the matter is he was recognized as the top defensive forward in the eastern conference. just cause there isn't a trophy for it doesn't make it less of an honor. I'm not trying to take anything away from gaunce . My point is people are crapping on dangler about him saying That gaunce didn't win an ohl award when really he's right . People keep making it sound like he won some prestigious award when in actuality it was just a conference coaches poll. Edited August 17, 2013 by Robongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elvis15 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) I'm not trying to take anything away from gaunce . My point is people are crapping on dangler about him saying That gaunce didn't win an ohl award when really he's right . Actually, people are crapping on dangler for trolling that Gaunce isn't worth anything and ignoring the facts that he has very good potential to be a worthwhile player. EDIT: Here's the actual quote. Can't stand Gaunce. My prediction is that he doesn't make the team this year. He is Richardson 0.5 And his follow up. Are you people serious??? How can nobody understand. Gaunce will not become as great as you think! People expect him to fill the third line center role this year? Wow. I don't even know what to say. All you guys have in response are just rambles about how stupid I am. Where is your evidence? Because he was defensive OHL player of the year? Ok. Junior is a far different game then the NHL. Get Real. Also, i'm not here to ruffle any feathers. I am just extremely cautious when it comes to Gaunce. I think Horvat will eventually push Gaunce out of the organization. Respect the opinions of those around you. Edited August 17, 2013 by elvis15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashian Kassian Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 4 years ago Kesler scored a lot playing with speedster Raymond, and 220 lb Samuelsson who was also extremely savvy with the puck. 3 years ago Kesler scored a lot of goals (41), but he got a fair few of them playing PP with the Twins. Plus the Torres / Malhotra / Hansen line was taking the primary defensive zone shifts which freed him up to play offense. We wont have that luxury this year. Kesler will be heavily defensively focused this year. Yup Booth will be with him because as a defensive line it will need a big body with good wheels. But as Booth is not a "defense first" guy and Gaunce is > I see Gaunce as a much better bet as 3rd wheel rather than Schroeder? Besides, Gaunce is a pretty good passer. And how many years has it been since Schroeder had a good offensive season, 2008? Last year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeNiro Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Last year? Yep. Last season was Schroeder's best season offensively in the AHL. He also played the best defensively that he ever has. Anyone that's followed him knows that he done nothing but progress steadily in his time in the AHL. He just needs to prove that he can bring it consistently at the NHL level. He's alot closer to becoming a third line center than Gaunce or Horvat are at this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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