Canucks Young Guns

[Madcombinepilot]

Subban better get comfy in Utica. Hopefully he learns how to play in a big-man's league at some point soon. Somehow doubt it.

And what's that based off? Have you watched him? You a pro scout? Perhaps you have an inside track??
Please elaborate...

[Blob Mckenzie]

Subban better get comfy in Utica. Hopefully he learns how to play in a big-man's league at some point soon. Somehow doubt it.

And what's that based off? Have you watched him? You a pro scout? Perhaps you have an inside track??
Please elaborate...

He's just an angry fan living in Ontario

[Lancer]

Too bad we don't have a forward who gives us cause to wonder if he'll snag a top-6 spot this year or next.

Ummm.... Rodin, Virtanen, Baertschi, and Horvat???


Awe we not all wondering and hoping one or two of those guys have developed???

I thought we were talking about the kids who were on the farm last year. With the exception of Virtanen, none of them would be what one would call 'prospects'.

Even so, you really think any of those folks you mention are going to set the league on fire next season?

Rodin may surprise. If he turns out to be a Naslund-calibre surprise great. Low odds though, but then it's not like having Rodin in camp cost Benning anything.

I anticipate incremental improvement from Baertschi. I wager he'll become a 20-25 goal scorer, maybe top out at 30 sometime before he's 35 years old, which ain't bad. Nothing that will put a run on Baertschi jerseys outside of the lower mainland, but if somebody told me that Benning turned a 2nd-round pick into a consistent 20-25 goal scorer, I'd say he did okay with that pick.

I wager Horvat, like Baertschi, will show incremental improvement this year - I'm not anticipating a bust-out season. He'll be good - and will likely be one of the best 3rd-line centres in the league in short time - but I don't think anybody's expecting him to be the next Toews. More like Bergeron-lite. Not a bad asset to have on even a contending team, and lots to like about the kid, but nobody's forecasting individual silverware in his future.

I'm going to go there, and say that Virtanen will go to Utica this year. He'll get playing time. He'll learn and develop under Green. He'll put up some points and build his confidence. He'll develop. Far from the end of the world, and he will come to the club next year far more ready for a top-6 role than he is this year. He can tone up all he likes, but he needs to better learn the pro game - and better he learn it in the minors.

[Lancer]

Subban better get comfy in Utica. Hopefully he learns how to play in a big-man's league at some point soon. Somehow doubt it.

And what's that based off? Have you watched him? You a pro scout? Perhaps you have an inside track??
Please elaborate...

I'm no more a pro scout than any of the other punters spouting off their opinions around here.

You can see by the defensive prospects that Benning has acquired to see what kind of defenceman he wants - at least 6'2", mobile and mean. Subban is mobile, but otherwise nowhere near that description. Subban was a Gillis pick, so Benning has no attachment and may well see his value more as a trade chip.

Larsen is more like Subban, but is an anomaly and a nod by management that they need a puck-mover who can help the powerplay. Even then, Larsen measures 6' and 190 pounds. Subban tops out at 5'9" and 185. Subban may supplant Larsen in that role of 6/7 powerplay specialist, but again he will need to learn how to defend against the Getzlaffs, Kopitars, Thorntons, Benns, etc. When dealing with the beefy forwards he will undoubtedly face in the western conference, unless Subban develops some mitigating skills he will get creamed a quarter-way into the season.

Some folks look at Subban and dream of him being the next Rafalski. They can keep dreaming.

[Lancer]

He's just an angry fan living in Ontario

...says the guy known 'round this board for taking baths in his own piss and having an irrational, visceral hatred of Benning and crowd. Aren't you due for another outpouring of Benning Bile?

As for me, not angry here. Just realistic about the kids' chances this year. The prospect pool looks better than it has in years, but there's still nobody in the prospect pool that has anyone saying, 'this guy will be a Calder contender' this year.

Boeser may generate that kind of talk next year - especially if he continues to light up the NCAA without Cagguila and Schmaltz for linemates - but that's next year. Demko has a good chance of becoming the team's rock between the pipes a couple years from now. Juolevi won't be in the conversation for a spot in Vancouver for at least another four years, just out of concern for the human pipe cleaner's health until the kid adds some muscle.

The big squad may make the playoffs next season - I give them decent odds to get one of the two bottom rungs in the bracket - and the kids will get better. I just don't foresee any Naslund-like bust-outs from any of the kids next season that changes the team's situation in the league drastically.

That's the thing about surprises, though: nobody's expecting them. I'd be happy to be surprised.

[Blob Mckenzie]

Nope you are definitely angry. Bitterness is clearly setting in. I'm here to help you if you need it.

[Mickey107]

He's just an angry fan living in Ontario

...says the guy known 'round this board for taking baths in his own piss and having an irrational, visceral hatred of Benning and crowd. Aren't you due for another outpouring of Benning Bile?

As for me, not angry here. Just realistic about the kids' chances this year. The prospect pool looks better than it has in years, but there's still nobody in the prospect pool that has anyone saying, 'this guy will be a Calder contender' this year.

Boeser may generate that kind of talk next year - especially if he continues to light up the NCAA without Cagguila and Schmaltz for linemates - but that's next year. Demko has a good chance of becoming the team's rock between the pipes a couple years from now. Juolevi won't be in the conversation for a spot in Vancouver for at least another four years, just out of concern for the human pipe cleaner's health until the kid adds some muscle.

The big squad may make the playoffs next season - I give them decent odds to get one of the two bottom rungs in the bracket - and the kids will get better. I just don't foresee any Naslund-like bust-outs from any of the kids next season that changes the team's situation in the league drastically.

That's the thing about surprises, though: nobody's expecting them. I'd be happy to be surprised.

Wow! I was kind of hoping it was anger about something!
I call your realism more along the lines of blatant pessimism.
I guess you like to look at things in a worst case scenario way and when it turns out better than you expect, and OBVIOUSLY it will, then you can be "happy to be surprised".
Bo will be better than you think.
Jake will be a ton better than you think.
Subban is going to take a huge step this training camp. He may or may not fit into our plans but he will become a valuable asset.
I could go on but just one more: Juolevi not being in the conversation for 4 years? Are you kidding?
Go to Starbucks in the morning and get a 6 shot Americano......later

[Lancer]

I guess you like to look at things in a worst case scenario way and when it turns out better than you expect, and OBVIOUSLY it will, then you can be "happy to be surprised".

Worst case scenario has the Canucks back at the draft lottery with better odds than last June - with a draft class that nobody is comparing to this year's.

I could go on but just one more: Juolevi not being in the conversation for 4 years? Are you kidding?

The kid has good hockey IQ, no doubt about that. He's also a toothpick on skates, and as skilled as he is he is nowhere near fast enough nor skilled enough at this time to avoid getting pummelled in the Western Conference. Nik Lidstrom he ain't, and even Lidstrom spent two years past his draft year before playing in Detroit. Four years may be conservative, but better than throwing him into the fire a-la Deadmonton.

Go to Starbucks in the morning and get a 6 shot Americano......later

I'll settle for a couple of happy surprises between now and this time next year, myself.

[Tciso]

I'm going to go there, and say that Virtanen will go to Utica this year. He'll get playing time. He'll learn and develop under Green. He'll put up some points and build his confidence. He'll develop. Far from the end of the world, and he will come to the club next year far more ready for a top-6 role than he is this year. He can tone up all he likes, but he needs to better learn the pro game - and better he learn it in the minors.

Jake is in an interesting spot. He's definitley in the top 12 of Canucks forwards for skill, and NHL ready (Sorry to Burrows, Etem and Granlund if I hurt your feelings), but, at 19, and waiver-exempt, Utica might be the place he lands, as he gets more ice time, and, from the team perspective, they have assets that they cannot afford to lose at the NHL level until they have time to evaluate them. He won't stay the whole year in Utica, but 30 or 40 games wouldn't hurt, and will give GMJB and Willie enough time to determine if Rodin, Granlund, Burr, etc are working out, or if Jake replaces one of them. Or, he is an injury call-up....

[Blob Mckenzie]

Jake is easily the most physical forward on the team. Take him out of the lineup and there isn't a single forward opposing defencemen would even think about on the forecheck. He IS one of the teams 12 best forwards. No way he should be in Utica.

[BladesofSteel]

Jake is easily the most physical forward on the team. Take him out of the lineup and there isn't a single forward opposing defencemen would even think about on the forecheck. He IS one of the teams 12 best forwards. No way he should be in Utica.

Bennings reasons for going after a skilled/gritty left-winger is to protect Baertschi. Sven is entering his 5th year as a pro, he'll be just fine after the acquisition of LE.

In reality, I think the team needs a gritty top six so they can justify starting Jake in Utica. If they can't acquire another physical presence up front, Jake's there only hope in the top 9.

[Mickey107]

Jake is easily the most physical forward on the team. Take him out of the lineup and there isn't a single forward opposing defencemen would even think about on the forecheck. He IS one of the teams 12 best forwards. No way he should be in Utica.

Bennings reasons for going after a skilled/gritty left-winger is to protect Baertschi. Sven is entering his 5th year as a pro, he'll be just fine after the acquisition of LE.

In reality, I think the team needs a gritty top six so they can justify starting Jake in Utica. If they can't acquire another physical presence up front, Jake's there only hope in the top 9.

What is this crazy virus "H1N1-WTF. most have in insisting Jake "MUST" be Utica bound.
We must buy or "acquire", (usually means lose something).
AGAIN I SAY: GROW OUR OWN!!! um, that would be Jake, hello?
I'm with ya on this all the way, Blob!!

[Blob Mckenzie]

Yes because there's only room for one forward over 200 pounds that will throw a body check and punish the opposition d.

[Meds]

Yes because there's only room for one forward over 200 pounds that will throw a body check and punish the opposition d.

Well seriously blob.....you don't want us getting a reputation as a team of goons.

[Lancer]

Jake is easily the most physical forward on the team. Take him out of the lineup and there isn't a single forward opposing defencemen would even think about on the forecheck. He IS one of the teams 12 best forwards. No way he should be in Utica.

Bennings reasons for going after a skilled/gritty left-winger is to protect Baertschi. Sven is entering his 5th year as a pro, he'll be just fine after the acquisition of LE.

In reality, I think the team needs a gritty top six so they can justify starting Jake in Utica. If they can't acquire another physical presence up front, Jake's there only hope in the top 9.

What is this crazy virus "H1N1-WTF. most have in insisting Jake "MUST" be Utica bound.
We must buy or "acquire", (usually means lose something).
AGAIN I SAY: GROW OUR OWN!!! um, that would be Jake, hello?
I'm with ya on this all the way, Blob!!

It's a matter of development.

Let's not forget that this kid managed 13 points in 55 games playing up to 15 minutes a night with 3rd/4th line linemates. How much can he really develop in this situation?

Will we be satisfied seeing Virtanen in the NHL playing 10-14 minutes a night and developing into another Raffi Torres 3rd-liner? Just so we can see somebody homegrown lay out some hits next season?

Or

Would we rather wait a year, let Virtanen get bigger minutes, grow more confidence and learn his lessons so that he becomes more like a Tkachuk-lite?

The Canucks may make the playoffs next season, but no way they'll be contending unless something epic and unforeseen transpires, so what's the point of rushing the kids early onto the big club?

Virtanen has it in him to be a good top-6 power forward, but he's far from there now so what's the point of keeping him up beyond seeing him run around for the big hit?