If I'm Mike Gillis rebuilding the Canucks in the off-season, this is what I'd do: (This is my last Canucks status of the season....I promise.
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Ps - I've been working on this for a week........but I do have a life. Please don't judge me, lol.
The Vision: Since the league appears to be devolving back to the "clutch and grab" era, I wouldn't mind seeing the Canucks model themselves after the New Jersey Devils from 1995-2003. Deep in goal, deep on defense, 4 two-way centers that could all shut down and win face-offs. If the team had talented offensive forwards.....take more offensive risks. If team lacked scorers.....play 1-3-1 or trap.
The Plan: Make defense the best in the league.....to support what should already be one of the top goalies in the league. Acquire shut down centers to add to that strength. If you look at the Canucks' current line-up, they are pretty much 1 good defenseman away from having the deepest defense in the league.
Free Agents to Target: Personally, I would target two-way forwards that can play exceptional defensively if need be.
Power Forwards will not come cheap: Given the success of the Bruins and Kings the last few years, combined with the massive promise that teams like the Blues and Rangers have shown, Big and Skilled Power Forwards will be huge in demand.......but they won't come cheap. Guys like Nathan Horton and Ryan Clowe will be given small fortunes in this off-season.
Action Steps:
1) Luongo and either the Sedins' OR Kesler (I'd prefer to keep Kesler) for Bjugstad and Gudbranson.
2) Sign Tyler Bozak
3) Schroeder + draft pick for Steve Ott
4) Buy out Booth and Ballard
5) Let Lapierre, Raymond, and Roy walk.
What is achieved: More Cap space, Possible future stars at Center and Defense, Very deep defense, Very deep depth at Center stacked with two-way centermen that have the ability to shut down....or be integral to scoring if supported with strong wingers.
Forwards:
###-Kesler-###
###-Bozak-###
###-Ott-###
###-Bjugstad-
Burrows, Hansen, and Higgins play anywhere on the top 9......adding to the Canucks strength of having superb two way forwards that have the ability to shut down and play well defensively).
(As Kassian, Bjugstad, and Jensen develop down the road, their lines can play more offensively).
Defense and Goal:
Hamhuis-Garrison
Edler-Bieksa
Gudbranson-Tanev
Schneider
Lack
For the First Few Years:
Assuming the above is implemented, I'd have this team play very similarity to how they played from 2006 to 2008 (I.e. weak side lock or even 1-3-1......focusing on defense first).
After a few years:
After a few years, I'm assuming that guys like Gudbranson, Bjugstad, Kassian, Jensen, and Gaunce will be on another level. In Bjugstad and Gudbranson's case, they may even be ready to lead this team. Once Gaunce develops, you can move Bozak to the wing.
Kassian-Bjugstad-Jensen
Burrows-Kesler-Bozak
Higgins-Ott-Hansen
###-Gaunce-###
Gudbranson-Garrison
Hamhuis-Bieksa
Edler-Tanev
Schneider or Lack
###
Anyway - that is how I would personally try and rebuild this team moving forward. As this was my last season as an obsessed die-hard fan, I do wish the organization that has been my heart and soul these past 26 years the very best of luck.
For RD Doc, HW.. & island knuckehead..from a friend
