The Similarities between the Brandon Sutter and Erik Gudbranson trades and Asset Management

[Nuck89]

The name is NUCK89 and I am new to the boards(first post). I've always wanted to join the community and decided to finally take the plunge. I am a diehard Canuck fan, who bleeds blue and green. As a result, I am also extremely opinionated regarding the Vancouver Canucks and the National Hockey League. I would like to think I have pretty good insight and knowledge about the game both on and off the ice but I'll let you guys decide that. There are a number of topics that I would love to talk about (and will in the future) but for my first post I wanna discuss the similarities between the Brandon Sutter and Erik Gudbranson trades and Asset Management. So Lets Go! 

 

When the Canucks traded for Brandon Sutter, they traded for a 26/27 year old versatile center, who has great character, is a great leader in the room, plays hard every night, can score around 20 goals a year and is able to play the tough minutes against the opposing teams best players. 
 
When the Canucks traded for Erik Gudbranson, they traded for a 24 year old D man, who has great character, is a great leader in the room, plays hard every night, brings toughness this team has lacked for quite a while now, a player that will stick up for his teammates and a player that is able to play against the opposing teams best players.  
 
As you can see, these two players acquired by Jim Benning have some glaring similarities. However, I would argue that the most important similarity between the two players is their impact on two of our most promising young players currently in the line up. Those players of course being Bo Horvat and Ben Hutton. 
 
With Brandon Sutter, Bo Horvat was suppose to play the 3rd line center roll. A role in which he would have easier match ups on a nightly basis, a roll that would allow Canucks management to ease Bo Horvat into those tougher matchups and allow Canucks management to carefully pick and choose when to deploy Bo Horvat . As we all know, that was not the case due to Sutters injury riddled season and Bo was thrust into a much more difficult spot. For example, lets say the Canucks are playing the Anaheim Ducks. When the Sedins are on the ice, you know Ryan Kesler will be out there. When Sutter is healthy, he would most likely be matched up against the Ryan Getzlaf line which would allow Bo Horvat to matchup against either Andrew Cogliano or Richard Rakell (3rd line). However with the Sutter injury, Horvat was thrust into that shutdown roll and had to play against Ryan Getzlaf, Kopitar/Carter, Thornton/Pavelski, etc... As you can see, that's a pretty big jump in competition which could explain his terrible first half (adjustment period) and +/- as a 20 year old.
 
With Erik Gudbranson, Canucks management has stated that they feel Gudbranson will be a great fit with Ben Hutton and allow Ben Hutton to focus and potentially flourish his offensive game. This was one of many factors why Canucks management decided to execute the trade. 
 
THIS IS ASSET MANAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST!
 
In today's NHL, success (for the most part) starts and finishes with how well an organization can draft and develop their prospects or young players. Just look at some of the more successful teams in the last 5 years or so and a clear picture starts to emerge (Chicago, Tampa Bay, Washington, etc...). Not only do these organizations draft exceptionally well, but they also develop their prospects or young players exceptionally well which ultimately allow these players to reach their full potential. THIS IS THE KEY! These organizations do a terrific job at maximizing the full potential of their assets/prospects/young players and this is done by putting these players in good situations where they can learn and grow (ice time, deployment, line mates, time in the minors, etc...) 

 

Now when looking at the current Canucks management, specifically Jim Benning, he often gets criticized heavily for his asset management, especially when discussing Frank Corrado and Dan Hamhuis. However,  when you start to look at what Jim Benning has done in the last 2.5/3 years in terms of his drafts, trades, and lineups, you start to see a completely different picture.  

 

Firstly, Jim Benning and Canucks management have done a great job drafting young talent and replenishing the prospect pool. Before Benning joined the Canucks organization,  the prospect pool was consistently rated as one of the worst systems in hockey. 3 years later and Benning and Co. have made a number of excellent picks both in the early and late rounds of the draft which has raised the organizations stock significantly. Some of these picks include, Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, Brock Boeser, Olli Juolevi, Thatcher Demko, Nakita Tryamkin, Guillaume Breisbois, Gustav Forsling , and Tate Olson. Benning and Co. also inherited a number of good young talent from the Gillis regime including Bo Horvat, Hunter Shinkaruk, Brendan Gaunce, Cole Cassels, Jordan Subban, Ben Hutton and Jacob Markstrom (and Chris Tanev). 

 

Secondly, Benning and Co. have also made a number of trades to acquire young talent. Some of the more notable trades include acquiring  Sven Baertschi, Emerson Etem, Andrey Pedan, and Markus Granlund. 

 

Lastly, Benning and Co. have done a good job in inserting some of the organizations young talent into the lineup. For example, in Bennings first year with the organization, Bo Horvat and Linden Vey were really the only two young players with little to no NHL experience in the lineup. One year later and this number grew considerably. The list includes, Bo Horvat, Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, Sven Baertschi, Emerson Etem, Markus Granlund, Ben Hutton, Nakita Tryamkin, Brendan Gaunce, Alexander Grenier, Andrey Pedan, Linden Vey, Mike Zalewski, Alex Biega and Jacob Markstrom. For the upcoming 2016-17 season, we can expect this number to grow especially considering that the majority of the players just mentioned will be back with the big club (also for injury call ups) and new additions like Anton Rodin and Philip Larsen will also get a shot to make the team out of training camp. 

 

Just like the rest of the NHL, the current Canucks management have identified that an organizations prospects and young players are its most valuable assets and are key for the clubs current and future success. As I previously stated, Benning has done a good job of acquiring young talent and inserting this talent into the lineup. Now the goal for the organization is to develop these players properly so they can reach their full potential and this is where Benning and Co. do not get enough credit for the job they’re doing. 

 

Going back to the Sutter & Gudbranson trades, these two players were acquired because they put young players like Bo Horvat and Ben Hutton in better positions and situations to succeed. These two trades are prime examples of the organization prioritizing the development of its young players and trying to maximize the full potential of their assets. On top of that, not only do Sutter & Gudbranson play significant roles in the development of two of our more important young players, but they are also at a age where they can help the team win now and in the future (THE DEFINITION OF A FOUNDATIONAL PLAYER!).

 

Although the trade did not work out as well as the organization had hoped for, the acquisition of Brandon Prust was  also suppose to help young players like Jake Virtanen feel more comfortable on the ice. Jake Virtanen plays a very physical, hard nosed, in your face type of game. Playing this style of game as a 19 year old can be quite the daunting task both physically and mentally. On top of that, this style can also put Jake in a very difficult position where opposing players could take runs at  Jake or even challenge him to a fight. However, having a player like Brandon Prust who “creates a safe working environment” for young players like Jake Virtanen allows Jake to feel comfortable playing his style of game knowing that Brandon Prust (and Derek Dorsett) are there to support him and prevent opposing players from taking liberties on him or any of our players.

 

Another great example of how Benning and Co.  have prioritized young players and their development is highlighted by the way this organization has treated Sven Baertschi. In Calgary, Sven Baertschi was always on a short leash. He could never win over the organization that drafted him and get a regular spot with the big club. The majority of his time with the Calgary Flames organization was spent with their AHL affiliates. When he did get called up, he never really got an extended look with the club and was often sent down fairly quick. Sven simply could not get into a rhythm as a member of the Calgary Flames organization. As a result, Sven lost confidence in himself and in the Calgary Flames organization, and Calgary lost their confidence in Sven. Now when you look at the Vancouver Canucks organization, they handled Sven Baertschi in the complete opposite manner.  The Vancouver Canucks organization were extremely patient with Sven Baertschi and relayed their confidence in his ability to become a regular NHL player. This was done by giving Baertschi a spot on the big club out of training camp and by giving him consistent playing time throughout the season. Whether Sven had a good game, bad game, good month or bad month, Sven continued to get his ice time, As a result, Sven’s potential started to become reality and many Canucks fans started to understand what made him a former first round pick. Once again, Benning and Co deserve full props in how they’re treating and handling their young players in the NHL. 

 

In conclusion, Benning and Co. continue to get criticized by many Canucks fans about their asset management skills, especially when discussing the Frank Corrado and Dan Hamhuis situations and maybe rightfully so. However, when it comes to this organizations most important and # 1 assets; the young players and prospects, Jim Benning and Co. are doing a tremendous job. 

 

Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think? 

 

PS. Sorry for the length of the post, I just wanted to be thorough. Also look out of for my next post sometime next month called “In defence of Wille D and his deployment of Linden Vey” (not a Linden Vey fan).  

 

Thanks and GO CANUCKS GO!!!!!

 

NUCK89 OUT.  

 

EDIT: SORRY FOR THE FONTS AND SPACINGS. DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT!!! I WROTE THIS ON 2 DIFFERENT COMPUTERS!!!

 

[Boudrias]

Nice job. Good summary. No doubt in my mind that Benning/Linden have a clear idea of where they are going. An issue exists with a fan base who are IMHO challenged by expectations that are not realistic. Substantial number of fans who think the current lineup are CUP contenders.

 

Having quality players who will be able to play through the tough times will be imperative with the youth coming into the roster. Sutter and Gudbranson are key adds.   

[Nex is my ex]

Best first post i've ever seen, you've earned a +1

[Nuck89]

2 minutes ago, Boudrias said:

Nice job. Good summary. No doubt in my mind that Benning/Linden have a clear idea of where they are going. An issue exists with a fan base who are IMHO challenged by expectations that are not realistic. Substantial number of fans who think the current lineup are CUP contenders.

 

Having quality players who will be able to play through the tough times will be imperative with the youth coming into the roster. Sutter and Gudbranson are key adds.   

Thanks, I appreciate it! 

[Rush17]

Love and appreciate the time and effort you put in.

 

Thanks for taking your time to relay your thoughts. It's refreshing to hear or in this case read a well thoughtout statement.  I think many of us have similar views on it all too. Thanks for laying it out that don't.

 

Most fans here are pretty knowledgeable wish the callers on tsn1040 were as educated as the average forum commenter here.

[Nuck89]

Thanks! Took me a while to put it all together lol. 

[naslund.is.king]

Good job Nucks 89. Posts like that are always welcome(no matter the view) 

Welcome to CDC

.

[surtur]

17 minutes ago, Nuck89 said:

The name is NUCK89 and I am new to the boards(first post). I've always wanted to join the community and decided to finally take the plunge. 

You make it sound like a marriage when the reality of CDC is more like a bad divorce. But welcome and good post.

[Ghostsof1915]

If there's a term I am loathing more than "real good", or "It's a process" is asset management.

 

The Canucks are not a stock portfolio. These are hockey players, you know HUMAN BEINGS. We don't draft them to

 

get value and trade them for better or more picks. You make trades to improve your club. Not all picks will work.

 

Teams like Columbus, Edmonton, and Colorado have had 1st overall, and high picks. And unlike Chicago or LA, they've had no

success in recent years. All the tank nation folks seem to forget we finished third last. But where did we draft? 5th. 

 

Relying on luck or timing to get first overall and get a generational player is not going to happen as often with this era of parity. 

 

As a GM you try and build the best hockey club you can period. In whatever manner works best. I'll be curious to see how the new format will work. Because I think the team that benefitted was not Toronto, but Winnipeg. 

[snipes2539]

2 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

If there's a term I am loathing more than "real good", or "It's a process" is asset management.

 

The Canucks are not a stock portfolio. These are hockey players, you know HUMAN BEINGS. We don't draft them to

 

get value and trade them for better or more picks. You make trades to improve your club. Not all picks will work.

 

Teams like Columbus, Edmonton, and Colorado have had 1st overall, and high picks. And unlike Chicago or LA, they've had no

success in recent years. All the tank nation folks seem to forget we finished third last. But where did we draft? 5th. 

 

Relying on luck or timing to get first overall and get a generational player is not going to happen as often with this era of parity. 

 

As a GM you try and build the best hockey club you can period. In whatever manner works best. I'll be curious to see how the new format will work. Because I think the team that benefitted was not Toronto, but Winnipeg. 

Winnipeg were the true winners of the lottery this past off-season.  Made out like bandits jumping all the way to 2nd.

[Nex is my ex]

Benning is trying to build us into the 2011 boston bruins (minus the cheap and disgraceful play)

Virtanen= a better Lucic
Tryamkin= Chara
Horvat= Bergeron
Demko= Thomas

[snipes2539]

6 minutes ago, Nex is my ex said:

Benning is trying to build us into the 2011 boston bruins (minus the cheap and disgraceful play)

Virtanen= a better Lucic
Tryamkin= Chara
Horvat= Bergeron
Demko= Thomas

Completely agree, a team of skilled and hard working players without any actual stand out superstar "generational talent" forward.  It worked in 2011, let's see if it works for the Canucks.

 

Although I really hope Demko isn't the equivalent head case that Thomas is....boy that man was insane, i'm certain he's voting for Trump.

[Where's Wellwood]

Funnily enough, the way Calgary treated Baertschi doesn't sound dissimilar from how the canucks would probably have used Shinkaruk. 

[Rocksterh8]

Good post, I agree with most of what you've stated, except when you are grading players, remember these are all subjective grades based upon your opinion. Others have different opinions of these players (Sutter or Guddy) which may not be inline with your opinions.

 

Jim has done a great job drafting and developing young players, but I still say his asset management is very poor so far and needs substantial improvements. Examples: not being prepared at the TDL and letting too many assets walk for nothing.

[riffraff]

Great comparison of deals.

 

as someone who is not cinpletely convinced of the method JB is using to build this team I feel that these two trades could turn out to be his best so far.  I agree with both trades.

 

the sutter for Bonino trade was a no brainer for me so I won't get into that any further.

 

however I want immediately sold on the GUD for Jared trade.  I'll start out by saying I'm a GUD fan and have wanted him here since his draft.  But McCann was really growing on me.  I appreciated what he showed to the time of the trade both in the skill and heart department.  Therefore I was looking forward to seeing him reach his perceived potential here.  I still think he will be an impact player.

 

when I look back on what I've considered one of our biggest needs, that need was assessed by bringing in EG.

 

so at this point while I don't agree with JBs method entirely as a fan I recognize that not every step will be pleasing. 

[TheCammer]

42 minutes ago, Nuck89 said:

The name is NUCK89 and I am new to the boards(first post). I've always wanted to join the community

 

Welcome aboard. Well thought out articulate post. A very weclome change.

 

I agree with a lot of what you have said. I'm definitely Pro-Benning. The mishandling of Hamhuis and Vrbata as assets is really my only issue with Benning so far. Also not crazy about the Shinkaruk for Granlund deal but I just really liked that kids' attitude.

[5nothincanucksohno]

48 minutes ago, Nuck89 said:

The name is NUCK89 and I am new to the boards(first post). I've always wanted to join the community and decided to finally take the plunge. I am a diehard Canuck fan, who bleeds blue and green. As a result, I am also extremely opinionated regarding the Vancouver Canucks and the National Hockey League. I would like to think I have pretty good insight and knowledge about the game both on and off the ice but I'll let you guys decide that. There are a number of topics that I would love to talk about (and will in the future) but for my first post I wanna discuss the similarities between the Brandon Sutter and Erik Gudbranson trades and Asset Management. So Lets Go! 

 

When the Canucks traded for Brandon Sutter, they traded for a 26/27 year old versatile center, who has great character, is a great leader in the room, plays hard every night, can score around 20 goals a year and is able to play the tough minutes against the opposing teams best players. 
 
When the Canucks traded for Erik Gudbranson, they traded for a 24 year old D man, who has great character, is a great leader in the room, plays hard every night, brings toughness this team has lacked for quite a while now, a player that will stick up for his teammates and a player that is able to play against the opposing teams best players.  
 
As you can see, these two players acquired by Jim Benning have some glaring similarities. However, I would argue that the most important similarity between the two players is their impact on two of our most promising young players currently in the line up. Those players of course being Bo Horvat and Ben Hutton. 
 
With Brandon Sutter, Bo Horvat was suppose to play the 3rd line center roll. A role in which he would have easier match ups on a nightly basis, a roll that would allow Canucks management to ease Bo Horvat into those tougher matchups and allow Canucks management to carefully pick and choose when to deploy Bo Horvat . As we all know, that was not the case due to Sutters injury riddled season and Bo was thrust into a much more difficult spot. For example, lets say the Canucks are playing the Anaheim Ducks. When the Sedins are on the ice, you know Ryan Kesler will be out there. When Sutter is healthy, he would most likely be matched up against the Ryan Getzlaf line which would allow Bo Horvat to matchup against either Andrew Cogliano or Richard Rakell (3rd line). However with the Sutter injury, Horvat was thrust into that shutdown roll and had to play against Ryan Getzlaf, Kopitar/Carter, Thornton/Pavelski, etc... As you can see, that's a pretty big jump in competition which could explain his terrible first half (adjustment period) and +/- as a 20 year old.
 
With Erik Gudbranson, Canucks management has stated that they feel Gudbranson will be a great fit with Ben Hutton and allow Ben Hutton to focus and potentially flourish his offensive game. This was one of many factors why Canucks management decided to execute the trade. 
 
THIS IS ASSET MANAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST!
 
In today's NHL, success (for the most part) starts and finishes with how well an organization can draft and develop their prospects or young players. Just look at some of the more successful teams in the last 5 years or so and a clear picture starts to emerge (Chicago, Tampa Bay, Washington, etc...). Not only do these organizations draft exceptionally well, but they also develop their prospects or young players exceptionally well which ultimately allow these players to reach their full potential. THIS IS THE KEY! These organizations do a terrific job at maximizing the full potential of their assets/prospects/young players and this is done by putting these players in good situations where they can learn and grow (ice time, deployment, line mates, time in the minors, etc...) 

 

Now when looking at the current Canucks management, specifically Jim Benning, he often gets criticized heavily for his asset management, especially when discussing Frank Corrado and Dan Hamhuis. However,  when you start to look at what Jim Benning has done in the last 2.5/3 years in terms of his drafts, trades, and lineups, you start to see a completely different picture.  

 

Firstly, Jim Benning and Canucks management have done a great job drafting young talent and replenishing the prospect pool. Before Benning joined the Canucks organization,  the prospect pool was consistently rated as one of the worst systems in hockey. 3 years later and Benning and Co. have made a number of excellent picks both in the early and late rounds of the draft which has raised the organizations stock significantly. Some of these picks include, Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, Brock Boeser, Olli Juolevi, Thatcher Demko, Nakita Tryamkin, Guillaume Breisbois, Gustav Forsling , and Tate Olson. Benning and Co. also inherited a number of good young talent from the Gillis regime including Bo Horvat, Hunter Shinkaruk, Brendan Gaunce, Cole Cassels, Jordan Subban, Ben Hutton and Jacob Markstrom (and Chris Tanev). 

 

Secondly, Benning and Co. have also made a number of trades to acquire young talent. Some of the more notable trades include acquiring  Sven Baertschi, Emerson Etem, Andrey Pedan, and Markus Granlund. 

 

Lastly, Benning and Co. have done a good job in inserting some of the organizations young talent into the lineup. For example, in Bennings first year with the organization, Bo Horvat and Linden Vey were really the only two young players with little to no NHL experience in the lineup. One year later and this number grew considerably. The list includes, Bo Horvat, Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, Sven Baertschi, Emerson Etem, Markus Granlund, Ben Hutton, Nakita Tryamkin, Brendan Gaunce, Alexander Grenier, Andrey Pedan, Linden Vey, Mike Zalewski, Alex Biega and Jacob Markstrom. For the upcoming 2016-17 season, we can expect this number to grow especially considering that the majority of the players just mentioned will be back with the big club (also for injury call ups) and new additions like Anton Rodin and Philip Larsen will also get a shot to make the team out of training camp. 

 

Just like the rest of the NHL, the current Canucks management have identified that an organizations prospects and young players are its most valuable assets and are key for the clubs current and future success. As I previously stated, Benning has done a good job of acquiring young talent and inserting this talent into the lineup. Now the goal for the organization is to develop these players properly so they can reach their full potential and this is where Benning and Co. do not get enough credit for the job they’re doing. 

 

Going back to the Sutter & Gudbranson trades, these two players were acquired because they put young players like Bo Horvat and Ben Hutton in better positions and situations to succeed. These two trades are prime examples of the organization prioritizing the development of its young players and trying to maximize the full potential of their assets. On top of that, not only do Sutter & Gudbranson play significant roles in the development of two of our more important young players, but they are also at a age where they can help the team win now and in the future (THE DEFINITION OF A FOUNDATIONAL PLAYER!).

 

Although the trade did not work out as well as the organization had hoped for, the acquisition of Brandon Prust was  also suppose to help young players like Jake Virtanen feel more comfortable on the ice. Jake Virtanen plays a very physical, hard nosed, in your face type of game. Playing this style of game as a 19 year old can be quite the daunting task both physically and mentally. On top of that, this style can also put Jake in a very difficult position where opposing players could take runs at  Jake or even challenge him to a fight. However, having a player like Brandon Prust who “creates a safe working environment” for young players like Jake Virtanen allows Jake to feel comfortable playing his style of game knowing that Brandon Prust (and Derek Dorsett) are there to support him and prevent opposing players from taking liberties on him or any of our players.

 

Another great example of how Benning and Co.  have prioritized young players and their development is highlighted by the way this organization has treated Sven Baertschi. In Calgary, Sven Baertschi was always on a short leash. He could never win over the organization that drafted him and get a regular spot with the big club. The majority of his time with the Calgary Flames organization was spent with their AHL affiliates. When he did get called up, he never really got an extended look with the club and was often sent down fairly quick. Sven simply could not get into a rhythm as a member of the Calgary Flames organization. As a result, Sven lost confidence in himself and in the Calgary Flames organization, and Calgary lost their confidence in Sven. Now when you look at the Vancouver Canucks organization, they handled Sven Baertschi in the complete opposite manner.  The Vancouver Canucks organization were extremely patient with Sven Baertschi and relayed their confidence in his ability to become a regular NHL player. This was done by giving Baertschi a spot on the big club out of training camp and by giving him consistent playing time throughout the season. Whether Sven had a good game, bad game, good month or bad month, Sven continued to get his ice time, As a result, Sven’s potential started to become reality and many Canucks fans started to understand what made him a former first round pick. Once again, Benning and Co deserve full props in how they’re treating and handling their young players in the NHL. 

 

In conclusion, Benning and Co. continue to get criticized by many Canucks fans about their asset management skills, especially when discussing the Frank Corrado and Dan Hamhuis situations and maybe rightfully so. However, when it comes to this organizations most important and # 1 assets; the young players and prospects, Jim Benning and Co. are doing a tremendous job. 

 

Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think? 

 

PS. Sorry for the length of the post, I just wanted to be thorough. Also look out of for my next post sometime next month called “In defence of Wille D and his deployment of Linden Vey” (not a Linden Vey fan).  

 

Thanks and GO CANUCKS GO!!!!!

 

NUCK89 OUT.  

 

EDIT: SORRY FOR THE FONTS AND SPACINGS. DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT!!! I WROTE THIS ON 2 DIFFERENT COMPUTERS!!!

 

I totally agree, I think he has done a good job so far and his work will look even better in 2 years. 

 

I posted this in a previous thread but think it is relevant here. I find it funny why so many people continue to claim Benning does not have a plan (or that the plan is unclear - to be fair mostly TSN employees haha). I get that many believe the team should break everything down and rebuild but that is a lot different than not having a clear plan (a claim Benning is constantly accused of).

 

From my perspective, Benning isn't trying to speed up the process just to speed up the process, he is attempting to build a solid foundation of 21 to 27-year-old players. That foundation will then serve as the supporting cast to the next generation of high end players Benning is confident he can pick in the draft. I love his confidence when it comes to drafting (because drafting is what determines success or failure) and have no problem with his methods so far.

I think it is important to consider where the Canucks were two years ago. It is also important to understand that more often than not GMs need to overpay to get NHL players and Benning (over the last two years) has been in a position where he has needed NHL players...as time goes on, he won't need to overpay anymore because there won't be a massive void of players in that key age bracket (the 21 to 27 age range). Most importantly he won't have to overpay to retain culture guys like Sbisa and Dorsett.

I think it is also important to note that it will be a lot easier to move players in the 25 to 29-year-old age range compared to the 31+ year-olds that made up the roster when Benning took over (i.e. Benning will have a lot more flexibility in the upcoming years). Plus that depth will allow the new draft picks to develop at the right speed...won't need to rush them if they are not ready.

Benning is slowly but surely building the foundation for the next generation of Canucks and if they can get into the playoffs on a regular basis, then who knows...regardless, hopefully it is a fun ride.

[smithers joe]

good post lad....a little long but a good read....as someone said, we all have close to the same thoughts...benning isn't perfect but his asset management is often maligned.....it doesn't always work out that we can something back...

both chicago and dallas wanted hamhuis...chicago traded their high pick to get ladd....dallas traded their high pick to get the calgary d-man...were both clubs offering other options for hammer?...i'm sure they did...if all they were offering were 4th 0r 5th round picks, should benning have said yes?...

some say if benning did take late picks when they were asking for 1st or 2nd round picks, other gm's would file that away...they would say, if you stare benning down, he'll take what you want to give..

there are a lot more that goes into running a team than some fans think...

sometimes, addition by subtraction frees up cap space...to sign other players and that is the best you can do...

 

[Odd.]

3-4 minutes of my life well used. +1, good post.

[Nuck89]

4 minutes ago, smithers joe said:

good post lad....a little long but a good read....as someone said, we all have close to the same thoughts...benning isn't perfect but his asset management is often maligned.....it doesn't always work out that we can something back...

both chicago and dallas wanted hamhuis...chicago traded their high pick to get ladd....dallas traded their high pick to get the calgary d-man...were both clubs offering other options for hammer?...i'm sure they did...if all they were offering were 4th 0r 5th round picks, should benning have said yes?...

some say if benning did take late picks when they were asking for 1st or 2nd round picks, other gm's would file that away...they would say, if you stare benning down, he'll take what you want to give..

there are a lot more that goes into running a team than some fans think...

sometimes, addition by subtraction frees up cap space...to sign other players and that is the best you can do...

 

Well said and 100 percent agree about the hamhuis and even the vrbata situations at the trade deadline.