Yeah all great points. I just want the Canucks to finish dead last so they can draft top 3. At the end of the day I'm not holding our much hope for the lottery itself.theman wrote: ↑Sun Feb 08, 2026 2:38 pm I’m not really worried about anyone overtaking the Canucks in last place, I am worried about the lotto balls.
Even if the Flames went 5 - 20 to close out the season, the Canucks would still need to go , something like,15 - 10 to catch up to them in the standings. Also let’s not forget about those teams also getting loser points.
Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Moderators: donlever, Referees
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Top 3 competitors for worst team in the league with Canucks....
(1) Rangers: There's so much broken here, and so much incentive to move on because the not-productive enough group is long in the tooth and may earn a deadline return -- problem is so many are handcuffed by NTC/NMC and longer term deals. Sure, I can see them willing to waive, but expect the conditions to limit the market. There isn't a lot to "replace" moved players at 80% from below, and so there's a real risk that if they are able to pull off a firesale, the team might find themselves losing. A ton. Of course there is so much unevenness to the group that exists, the Canucks finding their "March" game and getting a little healthier could very well make up the difference even if they can't pull off the sale. The Rangers are a team whose management I might think is as bad as the Canucks; go figure they acquired Miller. Sort of like Benning getting OEL. If only the Canucks had held that pick and chosen as the Pens did.....
(2) Flames: Better goaltending is a big deal, and whatever their future is I assume it it includes Wolf. Even while being outplayed by journeyman one-year-ever-as-AHL-starter 28 yo Devin Cooley, he has performed better than the Canucks goaltending. The team is beyond putrid on paper (and when Kadri etc are dealt....), but they've played above their paper status for the past couple seasons and I just get the feeling the team has a fair amount of self-respect (especially at home). No matter how pop gun the offense, it is just easier to earn points when you are usually giving up 2 or 3 goals instead of 3-4 (or worse). The goal differential reflects that. Still, to me, this is the team that concerns me the most from the West. IT is not an NHL roster.
(3) Blues: The Blues have arguably been hit as hard as the Canucks in the injury department this season. Healthy, that team is much better thank its iced and has parts (Thomas and Kyrou, but especially Thomas) that are young enough to be top 6 players through a next wave if they use the aging assets to boost some future assets. I think there is too much "injury" excuse here for them to think the team they supplemented a year and a half ago with Broberg and Holloway is more like it has played to date instead of the team they were last season (and growing). If they were a Canadian team, they'd be hanging on to "we have a competitive group" idea... Point is, I don't think the dismantling will be totalistic; beaten up they are at Canucks level, healthier they should be better. If they move Faulk or Binnington, I just don't think it moves the needle as much as the Flames primary guys getting dealt.
The Blackhawks and Sharks could each suffer from "haven't breather this air in a while and now I have a headache" that often hits up an coming teams, but I just don't see anything happening to a degree where the Canucks will catch them. Canucks "March" hockey is still peaking at post-Miller trade (which I don't think they will reach even though they I think they are likely they will improve somewhat with health and young guys getting more experience) and not post-BB or post-Tockey changes. The Jets record is an anathema to me. They lost their mojo with Helle's injury and just were stuck in neutral. Plus, I haven't heard them going a tear down direction.
(1) Rangers: There's so much broken here, and so much incentive to move on because the not-productive enough group is long in the tooth and may earn a deadline return -- problem is so many are handcuffed by NTC/NMC and longer term deals. Sure, I can see them willing to waive, but expect the conditions to limit the market. There isn't a lot to "replace" moved players at 80% from below, and so there's a real risk that if they are able to pull off a firesale, the team might find themselves losing. A ton. Of course there is so much unevenness to the group that exists, the Canucks finding their "March" game and getting a little healthier could very well make up the difference even if they can't pull off the sale. The Rangers are a team whose management I might think is as bad as the Canucks; go figure they acquired Miller. Sort of like Benning getting OEL. If only the Canucks had held that pick and chosen as the Pens did.....
(2) Flames: Better goaltending is a big deal, and whatever their future is I assume it it includes Wolf. Even while being outplayed by journeyman one-year-ever-as-AHL-starter 28 yo Devin Cooley, he has performed better than the Canucks goaltending. The team is beyond putrid on paper (and when Kadri etc are dealt....), but they've played above their paper status for the past couple seasons and I just get the feeling the team has a fair amount of self-respect (especially at home). No matter how pop gun the offense, it is just easier to earn points when you are usually giving up 2 or 3 goals instead of 3-4 (or worse). The goal differential reflects that. Still, to me, this is the team that concerns me the most from the West. IT is not an NHL roster.
(3) Blues: The Blues have arguably been hit as hard as the Canucks in the injury department this season. Healthy, that team is much better thank its iced and has parts (Thomas and Kyrou, but especially Thomas) that are young enough to be top 6 players through a next wave if they use the aging assets to boost some future assets. I think there is too much "injury" excuse here for them to think the team they supplemented a year and a half ago with Broberg and Holloway is more like it has played to date instead of the team they were last season (and growing). If they were a Canadian team, they'd be hanging on to "we have a competitive group" idea... Point is, I don't think the dismantling will be totalistic; beaten up they are at Canucks level, healthier they should be better. If they move Faulk or Binnington, I just don't think it moves the needle as much as the Flames primary guys getting dealt.
The Blackhawks and Sharks could each suffer from "haven't breather this air in a while and now I have a headache" that often hits up an coming teams, but I just don't see anything happening to a degree where the Canucks will catch them. Canucks "March" hockey is still peaking at post-Miller trade (which I don't think they will reach even though they I think they are likely they will improve somewhat with health and young guys getting more experience) and not post-BB or post-Tockey changes. The Jets record is an anathema to me. They lost their mojo with Helle's injury and just were stuck in neutral. Plus, I haven't heard them going a tear down direction.
Hono_rary Canadian
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Yeah top 3 is pretty key, so finishing dead last should be mandatory for the brass.rockalt wrote: ↑Sun Feb 08, 2026 3:11 pmYeah all great points. I just want the Canucks to finish dead last so they can draft top 3. At the end of the day I'm not holding our much hope for the lottery itself.theman wrote: ↑Sun Feb 08, 2026 2:38 pm I’m not really worried about anyone overtaking the Canucks in last place, I am worried about the lotto balls.
Even if the Flames went 5 - 20 to close out the season, the Canucks would still need to go , something like,15 - 10 to catch up to them in the standings. Also let’s not forget about those teams also getting loser points.
LTIR for all interested. Brock's vasectomy, Chytil's lobotomy, Petey's HGH injections....
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Yeah UW...good post...summarizes the OP nicely.
What to add?
Nothing...
Agree completely...
What to add?
Nothing...
Agree completely...
DeLevering since 1999.
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
What would be some semblance of ideal considering a proposed return and into the future moving EP to Chicago to be #2 behind Bedard....
McKenna Rondell Boeser
Ohgren Rossi Vanacker
Cootes
Raty/Bleuger
What we will more likely see...
Stenberg EP11.6 Boeser
Ohgren Rossi Sushi boy
DeBrusk Chytil Garland
Cootes
...sucks to be us.
McKenna Rondell Boeser
Ohgren Rossi Vanacker
Cootes
Raty/Bleuger
What we will more likely see...
Stenberg EP11.6 Boeser
Ohgren Rossi Sushi boy
DeBrusk Chytil Garland
Cootes
...sucks to be us.
DeLevering since 1999.
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Sorta explains this in no uncertain terms…..
Somewhere in NW BC trying (yet again) to trade a(nother) Swede…..
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
The eating of our own by the Vancouver Canuck fan base is not only of questionable intent but a laughable endeavor as well.
Is it any wonder we are regarded within the optics of lunacy and so hated by others around the league (you will recall the 2011 run where the rest of the Nation appeared Bruin fans).
Quinton Jerome Hughes did not "quit" on your Vancouver Canucks nor should he be tagged with the moniker Quit Hughes.
Honestly I am not sure why we harbour such anger and aggression towards him.
We have heard many times that the league is a business. This is true of/for both player and owner/management.
Owner/Management cut the legs out from under players all the time...why is the opposite a harbinger of such discontent?
No need to list names, the Canucks have bailed on players for business reasons as have all teams in this league.
We live (purportedly, OF discussions aside) in a democratic, free enterprise system where personal choice is an allowable undertaking.
Hughes is an elite hockey player who wants to win.
He was a large piece of a solid core which appeared ready to take steps further along that path and hopefully towards a Stanley Cup.
He accepted the Captaincy of the group when offered absorbing the additional pressure of that burden (especially in a City/fan base replete with team based neurosis such as ours) willingly and with positive intent.
He then had a front row seat to perhaps the most (ongoing and continued) aborted efforts at Management of a franchise perhaps in the history of professional sports.
The writing was on the wall.
Where we are is where we were descending towards.
For some time.
Rapidly.
So he exercised his right to move on (as the CBA and league rules allow) and, unlike some players, undertook his efforts behind the scenes and out of the public eye as a professional entity would and should.
Our inept power brokers then stumble fucked their way through calling him out in public forums.
And we expect him to remain committed after all of that?
Laugh.
Out.
Fucking.
Loud.
The free enterprise system in the pro sports business allows for things like this to occur.
We as fans accept that by continuing to watch.
Quinn Hughes is an exceptional hockey player who wants to win Championships.
He performed admirably on the ice and in the room under that umbrella in Vancouver in an effort to do so.
He then watched as a group of bumbling fools tore it apart with the aforementioned inept efforts of running a business.
Ownership has shown limited to no concern or give a fuck and have demonstrated zero leadership nor made public comment regarding the abysmal state of our team.
Hell, as discussed before here, they can not even figure out how to upgrade stadium seats, build a legitimate practice/training facility or reward a Championship team properly, let alone construct a winning NHL franchise.
And through all this we expect him to sacrifice his career and stick it out?
Yeahno.
He moved onwards toward other opportunities with greater chance of success.
Marry a partner.
Do your damndest to make it work.
If the other entity in the relationship works against that on a continual basis it will become irreparable, move on and do so as a soon as possible or you are wasting your life (personal experience...I have lived it).
A pro hockey player regarded a failing entity, assessed his future and exercised his right to move on to other opportunities.
As any one of us would do were a similar scenario occurring with an employer we worked for who was burning the business to the ground and a more stable environment was available elsewhere.
Being a Vancouver Canuck should not mean sacrificing your life's goals to support a group of inept, Yakety Sax dancing donkeys who have limited idea how to build a winner.
Unfortunately for all, us included, it does.
I'd move on too.
I have a good deal of respect for Quinn Hughes as a player and as a human being.
I wish we had a GM with half the ability and balls of Bill Guerin.
I hope Minnesota wins a Cup this year and our illustrious owner has an epiphany moment when they do.
Alas.
He won't.
Good luck Quinn.
I, for one, appreciate you for your time and efforts in my City playing for my team.
Is it any wonder we are regarded within the optics of lunacy and so hated by others around the league (you will recall the 2011 run where the rest of the Nation appeared Bruin fans).
Quinton Jerome Hughes did not "quit" on your Vancouver Canucks nor should he be tagged with the moniker Quit Hughes.
Honestly I am not sure why we harbour such anger and aggression towards him.
We have heard many times that the league is a business. This is true of/for both player and owner/management.
Owner/Management cut the legs out from under players all the time...why is the opposite a harbinger of such discontent?
No need to list names, the Canucks have bailed on players for business reasons as have all teams in this league.
We live (purportedly, OF discussions aside) in a democratic, free enterprise system where personal choice is an allowable undertaking.
Hughes is an elite hockey player who wants to win.
He was a large piece of a solid core which appeared ready to take steps further along that path and hopefully towards a Stanley Cup.
He accepted the Captaincy of the group when offered absorbing the additional pressure of that burden (especially in a City/fan base replete with team based neurosis such as ours) willingly and with positive intent.
He then had a front row seat to perhaps the most (ongoing and continued) aborted efforts at Management of a franchise perhaps in the history of professional sports.
The writing was on the wall.
Where we are is where we were descending towards.
For some time.
Rapidly.
So he exercised his right to move on (as the CBA and league rules allow) and, unlike some players, undertook his efforts behind the scenes and out of the public eye as a professional entity would and should.
Our inept power brokers then stumble fucked their way through calling him out in public forums.
And we expect him to remain committed after all of that?
Laugh.
Out.
Fucking.
Loud.
The free enterprise system in the pro sports business allows for things like this to occur.
We as fans accept that by continuing to watch.
Quinn Hughes is an exceptional hockey player who wants to win Championships.
He performed admirably on the ice and in the room under that umbrella in Vancouver in an effort to do so.
He then watched as a group of bumbling fools tore it apart with the aforementioned inept efforts of running a business.
Ownership has shown limited to no concern or give a fuck and have demonstrated zero leadership nor made public comment regarding the abysmal state of our team.
Hell, as discussed before here, they can not even figure out how to upgrade stadium seats, build a legitimate practice/training facility or reward a Championship team properly, let alone construct a winning NHL franchise.
And through all this we expect him to sacrifice his career and stick it out?
Yeahno.
He moved onwards toward other opportunities with greater chance of success.
Marry a partner.
Do your damndest to make it work.
If the other entity in the relationship works against that on a continual basis it will become irreparable, move on and do so as a soon as possible or you are wasting your life (personal experience...I have lived it).
A pro hockey player regarded a failing entity, assessed his future and exercised his right to move on to other opportunities.
As any one of us would do were a similar scenario occurring with an employer we worked for who was burning the business to the ground and a more stable environment was available elsewhere.
Being a Vancouver Canuck should not mean sacrificing your life's goals to support a group of inept, Yakety Sax dancing donkeys who have limited idea how to build a winner.
Unfortunately for all, us included, it does.
I'd move on too.
I have a good deal of respect for Quinn Hughes as a player and as a human being.
I wish we had a GM with half the ability and balls of Bill Guerin.
I hope Minnesota wins a Cup this year and our illustrious owner has an epiphany moment when they do.
Alas.
He won't.
Good luck Quinn.
I, for one, appreciate you for your time and efforts in my City playing for my team.
DeLevering since 1999.
-
JelloPuddingPop
- MVP
- Posts: 1744
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 3:53 pm
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Just one point.
Not sure its fair to *just* single out Canucks Fans - have a look at Philly fans and their treatment of Cutter G. when he came back to the WF Centre with Anaheim.
"Jaimes Better" and "Fuck You Cutter" - is a lot worse than Quit Hughes will get upon his return to the Garage.
Not sure its fair to *just* single out Canucks Fans - have a look at Philly fans and their treatment of Cutter G. when he came back to the WF Centre with Anaheim.
"Jaimes Better" and "Fuck You Cutter" - is a lot worse than Quit Hughes will get upon his return to the Garage.
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Agreed.
Speaking to Canucks fans is all.
Speaking to Canucks fans is all.
DeLevering since 1999.
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
The two most dynamic players in Canuck history have been chased out of the organization by management.
Over the Internet, you can pretend to be anyone or anything.
I'm amazed that so many people choose to be complete twats.
I'm amazed that so many people choose to be complete twats.
-
JelloPuddingPop
- MVP
- Posts: 1744
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 3:53 pm
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
Are we referring to just this management group? Because 2 seems like a low estimation.
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
I think I understood Tops post on this subject, referring to the two most dynamic players that have been driven out of town I’d have to wager he’s referring to Bure and Hughes.
More have been driven to the airport for sure but none near the talent of those two!
We could easily go through the laundry list of errors this teams management has made over the years. Would be nice to see a group come in and' start to limit the errors and foster more successes.
One day.
Hopefully.
More have been driven to the airport for sure but none near the talent of those two!
We could easily go through the laundry list of errors this teams management has made over the years. Would be nice to see a group come in and' start to limit the errors and foster more successes.
One day.
Hopefully.
-
Lancer
- CC Hall of Fan Member
- Posts: 1681
- Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 10:41 am
- Location: Kingston, Ontario
Re: Not so deep thoughts by donlever
I object to this narrative that Hughes was this innocent bystander in the tailspin of that core and team - that the state of this team is 100% the fault of management, and if only management didn't fuck things up he would be playing in Vancouver still; as if Hughes had no agency in the trajectory of the team - even as team captain.
He was the team captain who presided over the implosion of that core. We rightly blame Petey and Miller for their parts; we blame Demko for his fragility and flakiness; yet the leader of the locker room somehow gets a pass from some for some reason.
Management can rightly take the lion's share of the blame for the state of the team when they traded Hughes, but Hughes' lack of leadership should be acknowledged as a significant contribution as well. He could have been part of the solution, but chose not to. You can argue that that doesn't make him a villain, but neither does it make him a hero.
In the end, he Quit on the team.
He was the team captain who presided over the implosion of that core. We rightly blame Petey and Miller for their parts; we blame Demko for his fragility and flakiness; yet the leader of the locker room somehow gets a pass from some for some reason.
Management can rightly take the lion's share of the blame for the state of the team when they traded Hughes, but Hughes' lack of leadership should be acknowledged as a significant contribution as well. He could have been part of the solution, but chose not to. You can argue that that doesn't make him a villain, but neither does it make him a hero.
In the end, he Quit on the team.
Love the Sport. Love the Team.
Hate the League.
Hate the League.