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[rockalt]

I agree with pretty much everything they say.

The only thing I disagree with is when he said that the Sedins were everything you could want from your team's top players and leaders.

Marchand speed-bagging Daniel while the latter left his hands at his sides and did nothing is not what you want. It set a bad tone. I don't expect the top offensive players to drop the mitts, but I do expect them to at least defend themselves until a teammate comes flying in and manhandles their attacker. The pussified culture that they established with Vigneault was embarrassing.

I agree with the rest.

Yeah fair. I hated watching that and I'm sure all of us probably did. Having said that, if memory serves well the Canucks adopted this approach because in previous years the likes of Burrows and Kesler were seen as getting too distracted by all the after whistle crap and management wanted them to focus more on the game. Maybe I'm misremembering but I feel that was an issue in '09-'10 and they really cracked down in '11. Either way the Canucks had a some 'rats' and toughness on that team outside the Sedins. I don't remember why but I don't remember Torres being more of a factor in that final (but everyone remembers that Seabrook hit in round 1).

Anyway side tour - I do find it odd how bad our Canadian talent is as a franchise. There are some good players in there but aside from Luongo no Hall of Gamers (and he has his obvious warts).

I don't normally care about nationalities - pick best player available but I think that's shifting in today's climate. I'm actually a big fan of Swedes - I think we've had some great ones and I think they can be a big positive part of a winning culture and I think they adjust better to the culture than Americans.... Honestly I'm a bit done with Americans. Love Brock's attitude but in my view there is too much risk that they will long to play in the US and it's just not worth it in my view.

I really think all things being equal the Canucks should draft Canadians if we can. There is enough of a talent pool that the team should really have a better history at this point. Watching Celebrini and Bedard lead other franchises makes me sad they didn't end up here (fucking Blackhawks of all teams). I know McKenna grew up a 'Hawks fan but I think he can change.

[Picker of Cherries]

Good post. One of the reasons the Grizzlies failed was the lack of non-American players. Hockey culture is not as extreme as the NBA, but the desire to play in one’s own country is still a pull more for Americans than any other nationality. I still think you take BPA in the draft but with a willingness to trade that player for a haul when he is at peak value if he’s American. BPA, but nationality should be a part of that calculation when two players are close in ability.

[donlever]

The Canucks have seemingly been averse to Western Leaguers for years.

AP has been banging that drum forever.

I suggest they amend their scope.

Sort of akin to Quinn brining in some BC Boys back in the day....

[Meds]

And the choir says “Amen”.

[Aaronp18]

It’s incredibly frustrating that we continue to ignore kids in our own backyard.

It’s not a stretch to think that you may get a little extra out of players who get to play close to home. Family and friends can attend more! Easier to train near home in the offseason.

When development of players and having kids coming up on ELCs is so important drafting locally seems to be that much more important imo.

Hopefully we can see a bit of a change in direction as we rebuild here in the coming years.