Random thoughts heading into this weekend's NHL draft and the July 1 free agency opening ...
Canucks will make a good draft pick
The Vancouver Canucks stand to gain from the draft, because they can't do much worse than they have in past years. It also helps to have the fifth overall pick, which should land Pierre-Luc Dubois from Cape Breton of the QMJHL. Dubois showed his offensive upside by recording 99 points during the regular season. He also stood out during the Top Prospects game in Vancouver, where he scored a goal and added two assists in Team Orr's 3-2 victory over Team Cherry. From there, he averaged a point per game in the playoffs with 12 points in as many post-season contests.
Other advantages: Dubois, a Sainte-Agathe-des-Mont, Que., native who turns 18 on Friday, can play both centre and wing, has size (six-foot-three and 200 pounds) plus nastiness (112 penalty minutes) and, therefore, fits the profile of a power forward that every team covets. The only question is whether the Edmonton Oilers will upstage the Canucks and take him with the fourth-overall pick instead of American prospect Matthew Tkachuk of the OHL's London Knights, who plays left wing. But even if the Oilers take Dubois, the Canucks stand to prosper, considering that Tkachuk, the son of formerly NHLer Keith Tkachuk, produced 107 points in the regular season and added 40 -- yes, 40 -- points in the playoffs as the Knights captured the Memorial Cup.
Either pick is a no-brainer and, barring unforeseen events, will land a spot in the Vancouver lineup next season, furthering a youth movement (if not a rebuilding program) under competent, but increasingly criticized general manager Jim Benning. While Benning might deserve criticism for failing to land talent at the trading deadline, he has succeeded in steadily injecting youth into the lineup -- whereas former GM Mike Gillis failed miserably.
The selection of Dubois or Tkachuk will make up for a shortage of Canuck draft picks this year due to past moves. But the lack of picks will be relatively moot, considering that the Canucks will still be able to stock some young talent for future years. Unlike in 2015-16, the Canucks will not shuffle their roster next season, because holes have been filled after all of the juggling that occurred. If Dubois or Tkachuk become long-time core players as expected, any poor picks by Benning will be forgotten, if not forgiven.
Benning has money to spend
Benning can also make up for any struggles at the draft when the free agent frenzy begins July 1. Whereas the Vancouver GM is unlikely to swing a significant draft-day trade, he has a chance to make a splash in free agency. Simply put, the Canucks have money to spend -- just under US$10.5 million at this point and potentially more if they buy out the contracts of wingers Chris Higgins and/or Alex Burrows. Chances are that at least one buyout will occur.
If both are bought out, Benning would have an additional US$7 million to play with, according to NHLnumbers.com. Add a slight US$1-million boost in salary cap, and he has up to US$18 million at his disposal. He only has to dedicate a small portion of that cash to restricted free agents Emerson Etem and Linden Vey, and the latter is in danger of being let go for nothing or traded for a draft pick.
Potential high-end signings include Vancouver native Milan Lucic from Los Angeles, Loui Eriksson from Boston, Mikkel Boedker from Colorado and Kyle Okposo from the New York Islanders, among others.
Lucic is a seemingly good fit because of his hometown roots, grittiness and scoring ability, but the prediction here is that he will sign elsewhere. Although he has expressed interest in playing for the Canucks, they are likely not his first choice. He has been subject to some off-ice abuse from fans during past returns to Vancouver, and a source indicates that he is not keen on facing the pressure of being a hometown boy on a team in a Canadian market. He might also be looking for more money -- in excess of US$6 million -- than Benning is willing to pay.
Eriksson, a 30-year-old Swede, is a good fit because he has played with Henrik and Daniel Sedin during international competitions and would likely slide seamlessly into a dressing room culture that revolves around the twins. He is also a good all-around player who can score, producing 63 points with the Bruins in 2015-16.
Boedker, 26, has been criticized for a lack of defensive proficiency, but would likely improve under the guidance of Canucks coach Willie Desjardins and assistant Perry Pearn. More importantly, Boedker produced a career-high 61 points in a 2015-16 campaign split between the Avalanche, who acquired him at the trading deadline, and Arizona Coyotes.
Boedker's age definitely appeals to the Canucks, because he would be a rare top free agent who could stay for upwards of a decade. Also, having played in the west, he is used to arduous travel, and would likely be keen to receive some mentorship from fellow Dane Jannik Hansen, who has become a model professional and two-way player.
Okposo, an American, might find it more difficult establishing links to Vancouver, but he would appeal to Benning for obvious offensive reasons. He is a high-scoring right winger, of which the Canucks need more.
Okposo recorded 64 points with the Isles in 2015-16 and has produced no fewer than 51 in the past three seasons. During that time, he has accumulated a respectable 184 points. His age, 28, also makes him a potential long-term fit.
Troy Brouwer, a versatile 30-year-old winger who scored 18 goals for St. Louis last season en route to posting 39 points, might be a darkhorse candidate to sign with the Canucks. A Vancouver native, he would provide a strong physical presence and leadership while being popular in the community. He also tends to stand out in the playoffs.
Lightning losing leverage on Stamkos
With the draft set to begin Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning could be missing the boat on a large return for pending unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos.
It appears increasingly unlikely that Bolts GM Steve Yzerman will be able to re-sign the superstar captain, who could fetch as much as US$12 per season on the free agent market. But the Lightning have yet to swing a trade that would give a club the exclusive right to negotiate with Stamkos until July 1. Several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, are likely willing to trade assets for such a chance, and the draft serves as a deadline for increasing the ante.
If Yzerman does not trade him before the draft, the return to Tampa Bay is likely to be less, because clubs would have a shorter period in which to negotiate with Stamkos.
The most likely scenario for Stamkos to shift teams before July 1 could involve a sign-and-trade deal whereby a club works out a contract with him before determining trade components with the Lightning. Rules allowing players to talk to prospective new teams before July 1 also create the possibility of other sign-and-trade deals. But, in most cases, they are not likely to occur. Stamkos would be an obvious exception, if he agrees to such a move.
Torts quote of the day
This year's draft has not been held yet, but you can already bet on one quote to come from Columbus coach John Tortorella. No matter who the Blue Jackets take, Torts will say :"He's going to block shots."
The old-school coach has a weird fixation on shot-blocking that, one might argue, contributed to an injury to Daniel Sedin in 2013-14. Hence, Finnish winger Jesse Puljujarvi, the most likely Columbus pick at No. 3 overall, had better be prepared to block shots like he never has before -- and, perhaps, wear Kevlar socks to protect the backs of his legs.
Puljujarvi is a seemingly good fit with the Jackets, because GM Jarmo Kekalainen is a fellow Finn and, theoretically, should help the teen feel comfortable adjusting to the pros. It always helps to have a compatriot when you're far from home, especially in the case of the soft-spoken Puljujarvi, who hails from a small town in Finland and faces an adjustment to on-ice and off-ice life in the U.S. Having said that, it will be interesting to see whether Puljujarvi sticks with Columbus in 2016-17, because Tortorella has a preference for deploying veterans. Some might call it a bias.
Plenty of goalies available
Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving will have plenty of goaltenders to ponder, via trade or free agency, as he addresses his team's most pressing need.
Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury, who lost his starting job to rookie Matt Murray, as the Penguins overcame a slow season start to win the Stanley Cup, is an obvious trade candidate. The same might be said for either, or both, of high-paid Dallas goaltenders Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi. Detroit veteran Jimmy Howard is another possibility, but he and all of the above candidates have expensive contracts. Several low-priced free agent net minders could also peak Treliving's interest, for both starting and backup duty, instead.
The free agents include: James Reimer (San Jose), who tends to produce good stats despite having endured a porous Toronto defence for several seasons, and Carter Hutton (Nashville), who excelled while replacing an injured Pekka Rinne a couple of seasons ago but has struggled to get out of his shadow since then. Jonas Gustavsson (Boston), who appears to have overcome some health woes, might also be of interest based on plenty of NHL experience. Meanwhile, Anton Khudobin (Anaheim) a third wheel behind league-leading Ducks goaltenders Fredrik Andersen (since traded to the Maple Leafs), and John Gibson, could merit Treleving's attention, along with Jhonas Enroth (Los Angeles).
With the expansion draft a year away and GMs seeking a return on assets instead,
several other trade-worthy goaltenders could also be in play this weekend. For
instance, Ottawa might be inclined to part with Craig Anderson or Andrew
(the Hamburglar) Hammond rather than lose one for nothing to Las Vegas. And, Jonathan Bernier could also move from Toronto after losing his No. 1 job to Andersen.
So Treliving will be in a good negotiating position.
Showing posts with label Jim Benning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Benning. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Monday, April 27, 2015
Bieksa doesn't see himself leaving Canucks
Dan Hamhuis didn’t want to contemplate the question. Neither did Kevin Bieksa.
So the two Vancouver Canucks defencemen sidestepped the issue of whether they would agree to waive their no-trade clauses if asked by general manager Jim Benning.
“That’s something I never really thought of,” said Hamhuis as all Canuck players met with reporters Monday following their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs over the weekend. “I’m not really prepared to give an answer on that. It’s something I’ll probably think about if it ever happens.”
Bieksa offered a slightly more elaborate response, but still made his feelings clear. He is not looking to go anywhere after the Canucks lost in 4-2 in their opening-round playoff series with the Calgary Flames.
“I’ve never had to cross that bridge before,” said Bieksa. “I haven’t heard it brought up by anybody in the organization. I know you guys are poking around. It’s your job. But that’s not something I really even need to respond to.”
Bieksa and Hamhuis came under criticism after the Canucks fell 7-4 in Saturday’s decisive sixth game. The two blue-liners and others were blasted for allowing the Flames to overcome a 3-0 lead. Bieksa, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks, said he has never been asked to waive his no-trade clause.
“My loyalty has always been to this organization and this city,” he said. “I love playing here. I don’t see anything else changing.”
The questions came up as critics called for the Canucks, who returned to the playoffs this season after missing out in 2013-14, to get younger in order to keep up with the Flames and other Western Conference rivals in the chase for a championship. But Bieksa and others said getting younger is not the sole solution to contending for the Stanley Cup.
“I don’t think you have to rebuild anymore,” said Bieksa. “I think you’re able to be competitive every year. I don’t think youth is always the answer. I don’t think making the team younger is going to help us get over the hump. You need the best players, regardless of how old they are.”
Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who were among the NHL’s top scorers in the regular season, echoed his sentiments as the issue of their ice time continued to come up. Last week, coach Willie Desjardins was blasted for not playing them enough. Monday, skeptics suggested the club might benefit if younger players get more action and increased offensive responsibilities.
But the twins tried to put the season in perspective despite Saturday’s disappointing loss. The Canucks finished second in the Pacific Division after sitting on the sidelines during the 2013-14 post-season.
“It’s a small step but a good step in the right direction,” said Henrik Sedin.
“As disappointing as it is, I think people should be excited about the future,” added Daniel Sedin.
They also dismissed the notion that the Canucks core, which was criticized by former coach John Tortorella last year as being stale, no longer has the skills needed to win the Stanley Cup within the next few seasons.
“We have no plans of getting any worse,” said Henrik Sedin. “We’re not young anymore, but we showed this year we can still be a big part of the group. We can play well, and I don’t see that changing in the next couple of years.”
In other words, the Canucks need more than just a fountain of youth to help them win their first NHL title since entering the league in 1970.
Henrik Sedin is calling for the Canucks to use a mix of youth and veteran savvy to get closer to a Stanley Cup title.
“There’s different ways to mature," he said. "If you look at teams that won, they brought the young guys up and the young guys made a difference.”
“We’re not getting younger, but I think we can still play, and I think we showed it this year,” added Daniel Sedin.
He and his brother praised Desjardins, Benning and president of hockey operations as a long-term solution that can bring Vancouver a long-sought championship. Some changes are inevitable, though.
Goaltender Eddie Lack’s future is in question because of the presence of veteran Ryan Miller, who has two years to go on a contract that pays him $6 million annually. Lack is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season, and the Canucks will likely want to get some assets in return rather than risk losing him for nothing. Forwards Brad Richardson and Shawn Matthias will become unrestricted free agents this summer, and it appears likely that Matthias, who had a career year, will sign for a higher salary elsewhere.
Richardson will spend the summer recovering from ankle surgery, and it also appears that his days in Vancouver are numbered following an injury-plagued season.
Many of the adjustments will occur around the time of the NHL draft and the opening of free agency in late June and early July.
“I think Jim (Benning) and Trevor (Linden) have a clear plan with what they want do with this team, and we have a lot of confidence in the management in that department,” said Daniel Sedin.
Henrik Sedin said people have to understand how tough it is to make the playoffs now, noting talented Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas and Colorado teams missed this year’s post-season. So the Canucks must continue to improve. The Sedins said they are aware of Benning and Linden’s plan for improving the club, but it was up to the managers to discuss it.
“They know what they need to do, and we have confidence in what they’re going to do to make us better,” said Henrik Sedin.
So the two Vancouver Canucks defencemen sidestepped the issue of whether they would agree to waive their no-trade clauses if asked by general manager Jim Benning.
“That’s something I never really thought of,” said Hamhuis as all Canuck players met with reporters Monday following their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs over the weekend. “I’m not really prepared to give an answer on that. It’s something I’ll probably think about if it ever happens.”
Bieksa offered a slightly more elaborate response, but still made his feelings clear. He is not looking to go anywhere after the Canucks lost in 4-2 in their opening-round playoff series with the Calgary Flames.
“I’ve never had to cross that bridge before,” said Bieksa. “I haven’t heard it brought up by anybody in the organization. I know you guys are poking around. It’s your job. But that’s not something I really even need to respond to.”
Bieksa and Hamhuis came under criticism after the Canucks fell 7-4 in Saturday’s decisive sixth game. The two blue-liners and others were blasted for allowing the Flames to overcome a 3-0 lead. Bieksa, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks, said he has never been asked to waive his no-trade clause.
“My loyalty has always been to this organization and this city,” he said. “I love playing here. I don’t see anything else changing.”
The questions came up as critics called for the Canucks, who returned to the playoffs this season after missing out in 2013-14, to get younger in order to keep up with the Flames and other Western Conference rivals in the chase for a championship. But Bieksa and others said getting younger is not the sole solution to contending for the Stanley Cup.
“I don’t think you have to rebuild anymore,” said Bieksa. “I think you’re able to be competitive every year. I don’t think youth is always the answer. I don’t think making the team younger is going to help us get over the hump. You need the best players, regardless of how old they are.”
Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who were among the NHL’s top scorers in the regular season, echoed his sentiments as the issue of their ice time continued to come up. Last week, coach Willie Desjardins was blasted for not playing them enough. Monday, skeptics suggested the club might benefit if younger players get more action and increased offensive responsibilities.
But the twins tried to put the season in perspective despite Saturday’s disappointing loss. The Canucks finished second in the Pacific Division after sitting on the sidelines during the 2013-14 post-season.
“It’s a small step but a good step in the right direction,” said Henrik Sedin.
“As disappointing as it is, I think people should be excited about the future,” added Daniel Sedin.
They also dismissed the notion that the Canucks core, which was criticized by former coach John Tortorella last year as being stale, no longer has the skills needed to win the Stanley Cup within the next few seasons.
“We have no plans of getting any worse,” said Henrik Sedin. “We’re not young anymore, but we showed this year we can still be a big part of the group. We can play well, and I don’t see that changing in the next couple of years.”
In other words, the Canucks need more than just a fountain of youth to help them win their first NHL title since entering the league in 1970.
Henrik Sedin is calling for the Canucks to use a mix of youth and veteran savvy to get closer to a Stanley Cup title.
“There’s different ways to mature," he said. "If you look at teams that won, they brought the young guys up and the young guys made a difference.”
“We’re not getting younger, but I think we can still play, and I think we showed it this year,” added Daniel Sedin.
He and his brother praised Desjardins, Benning and president of hockey operations as a long-term solution that can bring Vancouver a long-sought championship. Some changes are inevitable, though.
Goaltender Eddie Lack’s future is in question because of the presence of veteran Ryan Miller, who has two years to go on a contract that pays him $6 million annually. Lack is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season, and the Canucks will likely want to get some assets in return rather than risk losing him for nothing. Forwards Brad Richardson and Shawn Matthias will become unrestricted free agents this summer, and it appears likely that Matthias, who had a career year, will sign for a higher salary elsewhere.
Richardson will spend the summer recovering from ankle surgery, and it also appears that his days in Vancouver are numbered following an injury-plagued season.
Many of the adjustments will occur around the time of the NHL draft and the opening of free agency in late June and early July.
“I think Jim (Benning) and Trevor (Linden) have a clear plan with what they want do with this team, and we have a lot of confidence in the management in that department,” said Daniel Sedin.
Henrik Sedin said people have to understand how tough it is to make the playoffs now, noting talented Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas and Colorado teams missed this year’s post-season. So the Canucks must continue to improve. The Sedins said they are aware of Benning and Linden’s plan for improving the club, but it was up to the managers to discuss it.
“They know what they need to do, and we have confidence in what they’re going to do to make us better,” said Henrik Sedin.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Dorsett and Sbisa looking forward to long stays in Vancouver
Derek Dorsett got the long-term deal he wanted from the Vancouver Canucks. Now, he’s looking to build a future for himself, his family and his team.
The winger was pumped Thursday, a day after signing a new four-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $2.65 million. The contract is the longest of the 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native’s NHL career.
“Me and my agents talked about trying to get a long-term commitment and, obviously, Vancouver made that offer,” he said as the Canucks prepared to face the Arizona Coyotes. “So we’re very happy with it and glad to be staying in Vancouver. That’s for sure.”
His previous three contracts ranged from two to three years.
“It means a lot,” he said of the contract length. “The ownership and management group have been nothing but great to me and my family. It’s a first-class organization, and I couldn’t be happier anywhere else. Being in Canada and being in a Canadian market and, obviously, it being a childhood dream to play in a Canadian market, now I get to do it for four years and work towards the goal that everyone wants to accomplish here – and that’s to win a Stanley Cup.”
Dorsett joined the Canucks in an off-season trade from the New York Rangers and has established a strong affection for the city after his son Dylan was born here. He has become a mainstay on a nominal fourth line with rookie centre Bo Horvat and fellow centre Jannik Hansen.
The line has been prominent down the stretch as the Canucks secured a playoff berth after a one-year absence from the post-season.
Before Thursday’s contest, Dorsett had posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He was leading the Canucks in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes ranked fourth in the NHL.
“Coming into a locker-room full of guys that you’ve had some pretty good wars against, it can be a little difficult and nerve-wracking,” he said. “But the guys opened the locker-room with open arms. It just shows what kind of leaders are on this team and the character of guys that are in this locker-room. It’s been a lot of fun this year. And, as soon as I got here, (seeing) how welcoming they are to me and my family, it just made me realize that I wanted to be here long-term.”
Dorsett has earned praise from coach Willie Desjardins and general manager Jim Benning for his physical ways and his willingness to stand up for teammates in altercations. In coming years, Dorsett, who has also played for Columbus, which drafted him from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, also hopes to become active with charitable causes in Vancouver and be more of a mentor to younger players.
“I still remember the first times I walked into an NHL locker-room star-struck at some of the guys that were walking around,” he said. “When I was in Columbus, you had the likes of Sergei Federov, you had Anson Carter, you had Michael Peca and Freddie Modin, guys like that. Walking around, you see them and you get caught in the moment. I can remember times when those guys made me feel welcome and always had time to chat with me; or if I had any questions, to show the way. So (mentoring) is something I take pride in. I hope I can do that for the next four years to some of the young guys. We’ve got some young talent coming up that will help this team win down the road, and it’ll be a fun role to take on.”
But first, there’s a Stanley Cup to play for this season. Dorsett is glad that he won’t be distracted by contract issues as the Canucks chase a championship.
“It’s an important time of year and it’s obviously a relief to get it over with,” he said.
Meanwhile, defenceman Luca Sbisa was also relieved that he could also focus on the playoffs after signing a new deal of his own. Sbisa signed a three-year deal with a yearly cap hit of $3.6 million Wednesday.
“From a personal standpoint, that’s huge,” he said. “(There were) a lot of question marks coming into this year. So it’s good to have the confidence of upper management, the coaches and all that to be here for another three years.”
Sbisa, 25-year-old Swiss product of Italian descent, was acquired from Anaheim at the trade deadline as part of the Ryan Kesler deal. After some early struggles, Sbisa has established himself as a regular. He solidified his spot after helping the defence corps get through a plethora of injuries with a strong run early in 2015.
“Joining a new team, you don’t really know where you fit in and all that, so I think it took me a while to get going,” he said. “The second half of the year, I started to play better. … When those injuries happened on the back end, obviously, that was a bad thing. But at the same time, it was an opportunity for some other guys in the room. I think that’s when I stepped up a bit and started to play better hockey. It’s nice to get rewarded with a contract.”
Benning did not give no-trade clauses to either Dorsett or Sbisa. But they are not going anywhere soon.
The winger was pumped Thursday, a day after signing a new four-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $2.65 million. The contract is the longest of the 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native’s NHL career.
“Me and my agents talked about trying to get a long-term commitment and, obviously, Vancouver made that offer,” he said as the Canucks prepared to face the Arizona Coyotes. “So we’re very happy with it and glad to be staying in Vancouver. That’s for sure.”
His previous three contracts ranged from two to three years.
“It means a lot,” he said of the contract length. “The ownership and management group have been nothing but great to me and my family. It’s a first-class organization, and I couldn’t be happier anywhere else. Being in Canada and being in a Canadian market and, obviously, it being a childhood dream to play in a Canadian market, now I get to do it for four years and work towards the goal that everyone wants to accomplish here – and that’s to win a Stanley Cup.”
Dorsett joined the Canucks in an off-season trade from the New York Rangers and has established a strong affection for the city after his son Dylan was born here. He has become a mainstay on a nominal fourth line with rookie centre Bo Horvat and fellow centre Jannik Hansen.
The line has been prominent down the stretch as the Canucks secured a playoff berth after a one-year absence from the post-season.
Before Thursday’s contest, Dorsett had posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He was leading the Canucks in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes ranked fourth in the NHL.
“Coming into a locker-room full of guys that you’ve had some pretty good wars against, it can be a little difficult and nerve-wracking,” he said. “But the guys opened the locker-room with open arms. It just shows what kind of leaders are on this team and the character of guys that are in this locker-room. It’s been a lot of fun this year. And, as soon as I got here, (seeing) how welcoming they are to me and my family, it just made me realize that I wanted to be here long-term.”
Dorsett has earned praise from coach Willie Desjardins and general manager Jim Benning for his physical ways and his willingness to stand up for teammates in altercations. In coming years, Dorsett, who has also played for Columbus, which drafted him from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, also hopes to become active with charitable causes in Vancouver and be more of a mentor to younger players.
“I still remember the first times I walked into an NHL locker-room star-struck at some of the guys that were walking around,” he said. “When I was in Columbus, you had the likes of Sergei Federov, you had Anson Carter, you had Michael Peca and Freddie Modin, guys like that. Walking around, you see them and you get caught in the moment. I can remember times when those guys made me feel welcome and always had time to chat with me; or if I had any questions, to show the way. So (mentoring) is something I take pride in. I hope I can do that for the next four years to some of the young guys. We’ve got some young talent coming up that will help this team win down the road, and it’ll be a fun role to take on.”
But first, there’s a Stanley Cup to play for this season. Dorsett is glad that he won’t be distracted by contract issues as the Canucks chase a championship.
“It’s an important time of year and it’s obviously a relief to get it over with,” he said.
Meanwhile, defenceman Luca Sbisa was also relieved that he could also focus on the playoffs after signing a new deal of his own. Sbisa signed a three-year deal with a yearly cap hit of $3.6 million Wednesday.
“From a personal standpoint, that’s huge,” he said. “(There were) a lot of question marks coming into this year. So it’s good to have the confidence of upper management, the coaches and all that to be here for another three years.”
Sbisa, 25-year-old Swiss product of Italian descent, was acquired from Anaheim at the trade deadline as part of the Ryan Kesler deal. After some early struggles, Sbisa has established himself as a regular. He solidified his spot after helping the defence corps get through a plethora of injuries with a strong run early in 2015.
“Joining a new team, you don’t really know where you fit in and all that, so I think it took me a while to get going,” he said. “The second half of the year, I started to play better. … When those injuries happened on the back end, obviously, that was a bad thing. But at the same time, it was an opportunity for some other guys in the room. I think that’s when I stepped up a bit and started to play better hockey. It’s nice to get rewarded with a contract.”
Benning did not give no-trade clauses to either Dorsett or Sbisa. But they are not going anywhere soon.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Canucks sign Dorsett and Sbisa to new deals
Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning had more than just a playoff berth to celebrate Wednesday.
Benning announced that winger Derek Dorsett and defenceman Luca Sbisa have signed contract extensions. Dorsett, a bruising fourth liner who plays way above his limited size, received a new four-year deal through 2018-19. Sbisa, who has emerged as a top-six rearguard, signed a new three-year contract.
Both are completing their first season with the team following off-season trades from the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively. The new contracts came after the Canucks qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers.
“We have some good, young players that are going to be on our team here in the next few years, so we want to make sure that we surround them with the right type of people and players,” said Benning. “And, I feel, with the decisions that we’ve made today, we’re going in that direction.”
Dorsett, a 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native has posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He leads the team in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes rank fourth in the NHL. In 408 career NHL games with the Canucks, Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets, he has recorded 98 points (38-60-98) and1,024 penalty minutes. He also has one post-season assist, with the Rangers last season as he helped them reach the Stanley Cup finals.
According to Canucks coach Willie Desjardins, he stands out in many ways. He also stands up for his teammates.
“Everybody knows that when he’s on the ice, your back’s covered,” said Desjardins. “There’s no problems. He’s out there. He’ll always come to your aid, and I think players appreciate that.”
“Derek Dorsett has the heart of a lion,” added Benning. “He plays hard every game. Some games, he doesn’t feel good. … But you get the same effort with him every game. That’s what we’re trying to do around here. We want to be a hard-working team every night, and he brings that to our group.”
Sbisa, 25, has recorded 11 points (3-8-11) and 46 penalty minutes. He ranks second on the team in both hits with 149 and blocked shots with 127.
“In this division, we’re playing against L.A., San Jose, Anaheim – big, heavy teams – and he plays his best games against big, heavy teams,” said Benning. “He’s a guy that can separate forwards from the puck, he has his strength, and he’s young. He’s 25 years old. He has one year of restricted free agency (remaining) and then we bought two years of unrestricted with him. So I feel it’s a good deal – for him and for the team.”
Born in Italy and raised in Switzerland, Sbisa has produced 67 points in 340 career NHL games the Canucks, Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him 19th overall in 2008.
“He’s continued to improve all year,” said Benning. “He’s physical, he blocks shots, he’s an old throw-back, stay-at-home, physical defenceman. I like the way he plays, and I think he’s an important guy going forward.”
Benning announced that winger Derek Dorsett and defenceman Luca Sbisa have signed contract extensions. Dorsett, a bruising fourth liner who plays way above his limited size, received a new four-year deal through 2018-19. Sbisa, who has emerged as a top-six rearguard, signed a new three-year contract.
Both are completing their first season with the team following off-season trades from the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively. The new contracts came after the Canucks qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers.
“We have some good, young players that are going to be on our team here in the next few years, so we want to make sure that we surround them with the right type of people and players,” said Benning. “And, I feel, with the decisions that we’ve made today, we’re going in that direction.”
Dorsett, a 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native has posted single-season career highs in points (25) and assists (18). He leads the team in hits (163) and his team-leading 169 penalty minutes rank fourth in the NHL. In 408 career NHL games with the Canucks, Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets, he has recorded 98 points (38-60-98) and1,024 penalty minutes. He also has one post-season assist, with the Rangers last season as he helped them reach the Stanley Cup finals.
According to Canucks coach Willie Desjardins, he stands out in many ways. He also stands up for his teammates.
“Everybody knows that when he’s on the ice, your back’s covered,” said Desjardins. “There’s no problems. He’s out there. He’ll always come to your aid, and I think players appreciate that.”
“Derek Dorsett has the heart of a lion,” added Benning. “He plays hard every game. Some games, he doesn’t feel good. … But you get the same effort with him every game. That’s what we’re trying to do around here. We want to be a hard-working team every night, and he brings that to our group.”
Sbisa, 25, has recorded 11 points (3-8-11) and 46 penalty minutes. He ranks second on the team in both hits with 149 and blocked shots with 127.
“In this division, we’re playing against L.A., San Jose, Anaheim – big, heavy teams – and he plays his best games against big, heavy teams,” said Benning. “He’s a guy that can separate forwards from the puck, he has his strength, and he’s young. He’s 25 years old. He has one year of restricted free agency (remaining) and then we bought two years of unrestricted with him. So I feel it’s a good deal – for him and for the team.”
Born in Italy and raised in Switzerland, Sbisa has produced 67 points in 340 career NHL games the Canucks, Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him 19th overall in 2008.
“He’s continued to improve all year,” said Benning. “He’s physical, he blocks shots, he’s an old throw-back, stay-at-home, physical defenceman. I like the way he plays, and I think he’s an important guy going forward.”
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Zack Kassian glad to remain a Canuck
Zack Kassian has eluded the wolf for now.
The wolf was at the door as the NHL trading deadline came and went. Despite facing intense criticism and playing inconsistently for much of the season, Kassian remained a Vancouver Canuck.
“I guess I’m still here and excited to be a part of it,” Kassian said minutes before the noon Monday deadline. “It’s always a little nerve-racking, I think, for anyone. There is a lot more than just playing hockey. You have your family, your house, your condo, your cars … you have a lot of things on the go.
“I love Vancouver, love my team, love my teammates and I definitely want to be here. Obviously if the team didn’t think I fit in, or whatnot, I’d go somewhere else, but my heart is in Vancouver. We want to get into the playoffs and we want to do some damage.”
As he spoke to reporters, it was evident that Kassian was grateful for the chance to remain a Canuck. He appeared much more relaxed than he has recently when facing the media.
General manager Jim Benning admitted that he explored the possibility of trading Kassian, 24, to see whether players “of similar ilk” were available, but wound up keeping him – at least for now.
Kassian’s play has improved greatly in the past few weeks. He now finds himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. More importantly, he’s playing with an edge and showing signs that he can produce the offence expected of him when he was acquired in the 2012 deadline-day trade that sent Cody Hodgson to Buffalo. Heading into today’s home game against San Jose, the Vancouver winger had seven goals and two assists in his previous 11 games – a much improved output from earlier in the season, when he was a healthy scratch.
But the jury – which consists of Benning, coach Willie Desjardins and president Trevor Linden – is out until Kassian shows the consistency expected from him.
The wolf was at the door as the NHL trading deadline came and went. Despite facing intense criticism and playing inconsistently for much of the season, Kassian remained a Vancouver Canuck.
“I guess I’m still here and excited to be a part of it,” Kassian said minutes before the noon Monday deadline. “It’s always a little nerve-racking, I think, for anyone. There is a lot more than just playing hockey. You have your family, your house, your condo, your cars … you have a lot of things on the go.
“I love Vancouver, love my team, love my teammates and I definitely want to be here. Obviously if the team didn’t think I fit in, or whatnot, I’d go somewhere else, but my heart is in Vancouver. We want to get into the playoffs and we want to do some damage.”
As he spoke to reporters, it was evident that Kassian was grateful for the chance to remain a Canuck. He appeared much more relaxed than he has recently when facing the media.
General manager Jim Benning admitted that he explored the possibility of trading Kassian, 24, to see whether players “of similar ilk” were available, but wound up keeping him – at least for now.
Kassian’s play has improved greatly in the past few weeks. He now finds himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. More importantly, he’s playing with an edge and showing signs that he can produce the offence expected of him when he was acquired in the 2012 deadline-day trade that sent Cody Hodgson to Buffalo. Heading into today’s home game against San Jose, the Vancouver winger had seven goals and two assists in his previous 11 games – a much improved output from earlier in the season, when he was a healthy scratch.
But the jury – which consists of Benning, coach Willie Desjardins and president Trevor Linden – is out until Kassian shows the consistency expected from him.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Canucks GM Jim Benning differs from his peers at deadline
Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning took a different approach than his peers at the NHL trade deadline.
While most GMs made moves intended to help their team win the Stanley Cup, he swung one intended to help Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., claim the Calder Cup. That was the aim as Benning, who stood pat on tweaks to his NHL roster, acquired prospect Cory Conacher from the New York Islanders for minor-leaguer Dustin Jeffrey.
“We have a good team down in Utica this year, and we have some good prospects that are developing, but we think playoff success is a good teaching tool for that group to continue to grow and to learn from,” said Benning. “We thought, maybe, we were missing a scorer, like a power-play guy, a guy that’s a natural scorer, and Conacher has proven in his AHL career that he’s a real good scorer in that league.”
Conacher, a 25-year-old Burlington, Ont., native, has played 15 games with the Islanders this season, recording three points (1-2-3) and 14 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 28 games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, collecting 22 points (5-17-22) and 30 minutes. Altogether, he has toiled in 141 career NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, and Islanders, recording 58 points (19-39-58) and 84 penalty minutes.
In 2011-12, Conacher produced an AHL career-high 39 goals and 41 assists for 80 points, along with 114 penalty minutes, with the Norfolk Admirals. The next season, he recorded a respectable total of 57 points in 72 games while shuffling between Syracuse of the AHL, Tampa and Ottawa.
"(Conacher) is a power-play guy, so we made that deal to help that group down there, and he’s played NHL games,” said Benning. “In case we need him (in Vancouver), we have depth with him up here.”
BWhile helping Utica now, Benning also received a potential long-term benefit, because Conacher is due to become a restricted free agent, and the Canucks can tie up his rights going forward. On the other hand, the departed Jeffrey is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.
Benning acknowledged that Conacher has the same offensive orientation as Sven Baertschi, who was acquired in Vancouver's only other trade Monday, from Calgary for a 2015 second-round draft pick, and will also report to Utica. But the style duplication didn’t bother the GM.
“Why get one of those (potentially high-scoring) guys when you can get two?” he said.
While most GMs made moves intended to help their team win the Stanley Cup, he swung one intended to help Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., claim the Calder Cup. That was the aim as Benning, who stood pat on tweaks to his NHL roster, acquired prospect Cory Conacher from the New York Islanders for minor-leaguer Dustin Jeffrey.
“We have a good team down in Utica this year, and we have some good prospects that are developing, but we think playoff success is a good teaching tool for that group to continue to grow and to learn from,” said Benning. “We thought, maybe, we were missing a scorer, like a power-play guy, a guy that’s a natural scorer, and Conacher has proven in his AHL career that he’s a real good scorer in that league.”
Conacher, a 25-year-old Burlington, Ont., native, has played 15 games with the Islanders this season, recording three points (1-2-3) and 14 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 28 games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, collecting 22 points (5-17-22) and 30 minutes. Altogether, he has toiled in 141 career NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, and Islanders, recording 58 points (19-39-58) and 84 penalty minutes.
In 2011-12, Conacher produced an AHL career-high 39 goals and 41 assists for 80 points, along with 114 penalty minutes, with the Norfolk Admirals. The next season, he recorded a respectable total of 57 points in 72 games while shuffling between Syracuse of the AHL, Tampa and Ottawa.
"(Conacher) is a power-play guy, so we made that deal to help that group down there, and he’s played NHL games,” said Benning. “In case we need him (in Vancouver), we have depth with him up here.”
BWhile helping Utica now, Benning also received a potential long-term benefit, because Conacher is due to become a restricted free agent, and the Canucks can tie up his rights going forward. On the other hand, the departed Jeffrey is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.
Benning acknowledged that Conacher has the same offensive orientation as Sven Baertschi, who was acquired in Vancouver's only other trade Monday, from Calgary for a 2015 second-round draft pick, and will also report to Utica. But the style duplication didn’t bother the GM.
“Why get one of those (potentially high-scoring) guys when you can get two?” he said.
Sven Baertschi trade has plenty of upside for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks did not do much at the NHL trade deadline Monday, but they still managed to gain attention.
Shortly after the deadline passed, it was announced that the Canucks had acquired 22-year-old Swiss forward Sven Baertschi from the Calgary Flames for a second-round draft choice. This deal was newsworthy just for the fact that the Canucks made a rare deal with a Pacific Division rival.
Such trades almost never happen, because of fears that they will be harmful to each team’s positions in the standings. Usually, GMs prefer to deal with counterparts in opposing conferences. Sometimes, three-way trades can result in a player going to a divisional or conference rival but, ironically, the Flames initially approached the Canucks.
Vancouver general manager Jim Benning paid a high price, but Baertschi, chosen 13th overall in 2011, is an exceptional talent with tremendous upside – if his junior career is any indication.
“I don’t like giving up draft picks, but I think that in this case, Sven Baertschi, we feel, is gonna be a top-six NHL player for our team some day,” said Benning. “So we weighed getting Sven with what we would get in the second round with our pick and we made a decision: Let’s go ahead and do this. He’s a guy that fits our profile. He’s fast, he’s skilled, and I don’t know what happened with his development in Calgary, but we’re very excited to have him, and he’s going to be a big part of our skill group going forward.”
Baertschi has struggled to gain permanent NHL employment, but his former junior bench boss, Mike Johnston, now coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, told The Calgary Herald earlier this month that the light will soon go on for Baertschi.
“I just think it’s … such a tough league, the NHL,” said Johnston. “Hard for young guys. You can come in, lose your confidence and kind of lose your game. If you’re more of a grinder, a worker, a tough guy, it’s easier. But if you’re a skilled guy trying to figure out your game, it becomes more challenging.
“I’m hoping he can still do it. I believe he can.”
So does Benning. The same goes for Travis Green, coach of Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., who was an assistant with Portland during Baertschi’s junior days.
Baertschi had only four points in 15 games with the Flames this season and 25 points in 36 AHL contests with their Adirondack farm team. But in his last WHL season with Portland, he accumulated 33 goals and 61 assists 94 points, after producing 85 points in 66 games the year before.
To someone who saw him play during those two campaigns, it was obvious that Baertschi was well ahead of his peers and had the speed and skill necessary for the NHL. Whether he can handle the rough going remains to be seen.
Johnston was convinced that the Flames still believed in the youngster, but he was wrong. It’s also debatable whether the Flames developed him properly given some of the trials and tribulations that they were going through with coaching and management changes and on-ice struggles prior to this turn-around season in Calgary.
Now in his third season as a full-time pro, Baertschi has yet to play a full season in either the AHL or NHL, splitting time between both. That situation points to a lack of patience on the part of Calgary management – and the high expectations that they placed on Baertschi right from his rookie season. Remember, he’s only 22 – and has not yet played three full seasons.
But Johnston believes that Baertschi is on par skill-wise with former Portland players Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen, who are both established NHLers.
“Baertschi came (to Portland) right after them, so I had pretty good comparables and Sven was equally as good as those guys as a junior, with his speed, his intelligence, his playmaking ability,” said Johnston. “It took Niederreiter a setback and now he’s got it … and I still think Sven will be fine.
“When you’re really, really young, coaches and organizations tend to overlook a couple (deficiencies), but when you come (into the NHL), you’ve got to lock those down. There’s no overlooking anymore — you either make it or don’t.”
If you’re given the proper chance.
The Canucks, under new GM Benning, coach Willie Johnston and president Trevor Linden, have demonstrated this season that they are willing to be patient with developing young players. Minor-league coach Green has also demonstrated that he is an astute coach and developer of talent. So Baertschi, who according to Been is extremely excited to play for the Canucks organization, will likely feel more comfortable than he ahs lately – and can gain accordingly.
“Travis (Green) is real excited to get him,” said Benning. “He’s going to Utica and play. And if he gets an opportunity, if we have an injury or something, then he’ll come up and he’ll play for us.”
If Baertschi were to have an extended stint in the minors, that would not be such a bad thing. He has never played more than 26 NHL games in a season, and he has not played more than 41 in an AHL campaign, either.
He has to be given a chance to stay somewhere so that he can work on the upgrades necessary to be a full-time NHL player.
Ultimately, this deal could benefit both teams, because the Flames could parlay the acquired second-round pick into an everyday NHLer in the future, and they, arguably, have less of a need for Baertschi now due to the success of rising young stars like Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. The Canucks have also enjoyed a renaissance under Desjardins following the disastrous season under former coach John Tortorella, when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. But the Canucks have an older core of veterans and Baertschi will add to a foundation of youth that the club is building through its prospects and future draft picks.
“We have now a group of good young fast, skilled players that are gonna be the foundation of our teams going forward,” said Benning. “What’s happened around here, they’ve had such good teams over the years, and they’ve been so close to winning the Stanley Cup, that sometimes you sacrifice draft picks to buy players at the deadline that you think can make a difference in winning the Cup and stuff. So we’ve had to regroup a little bit that way.”
If Baertschi can come anywhere near to generating the offence that he did in junior in the NHL, Canuck fans will soon forget the high price paid for him.
Shortly after the deadline passed, it was announced that the Canucks had acquired 22-year-old Swiss forward Sven Baertschi from the Calgary Flames for a second-round draft choice. This deal was newsworthy just for the fact that the Canucks made a rare deal with a Pacific Division rival.
Such trades almost never happen, because of fears that they will be harmful to each team’s positions in the standings. Usually, GMs prefer to deal with counterparts in opposing conferences. Sometimes, three-way trades can result in a player going to a divisional or conference rival but, ironically, the Flames initially approached the Canucks.
Vancouver general manager Jim Benning paid a high price, but Baertschi, chosen 13th overall in 2011, is an exceptional talent with tremendous upside – if his junior career is any indication.
“I don’t like giving up draft picks, but I think that in this case, Sven Baertschi, we feel, is gonna be a top-six NHL player for our team some day,” said Benning. “So we weighed getting Sven with what we would get in the second round with our pick and we made a decision: Let’s go ahead and do this. He’s a guy that fits our profile. He’s fast, he’s skilled, and I don’t know what happened with his development in Calgary, but we’re very excited to have him, and he’s going to be a big part of our skill group going forward.”
Baertschi has struggled to gain permanent NHL employment, but his former junior bench boss, Mike Johnston, now coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, told The Calgary Herald earlier this month that the light will soon go on for Baertschi.
“I just think it’s … such a tough league, the NHL,” said Johnston. “Hard for young guys. You can come in, lose your confidence and kind of lose your game. If you’re more of a grinder, a worker, a tough guy, it’s easier. But if you’re a skilled guy trying to figure out your game, it becomes more challenging.
“I’m hoping he can still do it. I believe he can.”
So does Benning. The same goes for Travis Green, coach of Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., who was an assistant with Portland during Baertschi’s junior days.
Baertschi had only four points in 15 games with the Flames this season and 25 points in 36 AHL contests with their Adirondack farm team. But in his last WHL season with Portland, he accumulated 33 goals and 61 assists 94 points, after producing 85 points in 66 games the year before.
To someone who saw him play during those two campaigns, it was obvious that Baertschi was well ahead of his peers and had the speed and skill necessary for the NHL. Whether he can handle the rough going remains to be seen.
Johnston was convinced that the Flames still believed in the youngster, but he was wrong. It’s also debatable whether the Flames developed him properly given some of the trials and tribulations that they were going through with coaching and management changes and on-ice struggles prior to this turn-around season in Calgary.
Now in his third season as a full-time pro, Baertschi has yet to play a full season in either the AHL or NHL, splitting time between both. That situation points to a lack of patience on the part of Calgary management – and the high expectations that they placed on Baertschi right from his rookie season. Remember, he’s only 22 – and has not yet played three full seasons.
But Johnston believes that Baertschi is on par skill-wise with former Portland players Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen, who are both established NHLers.
“Baertschi came (to Portland) right after them, so I had pretty good comparables and Sven was equally as good as those guys as a junior, with his speed, his intelligence, his playmaking ability,” said Johnston. “It took Niederreiter a setback and now he’s got it … and I still think Sven will be fine.
“When you’re really, really young, coaches and organizations tend to overlook a couple (deficiencies), but when you come (into the NHL), you’ve got to lock those down. There’s no overlooking anymore — you either make it or don’t.”
If you’re given the proper chance.
The Canucks, under new GM Benning, coach Willie Johnston and president Trevor Linden, have demonstrated this season that they are willing to be patient with developing young players. Minor-league coach Green has also demonstrated that he is an astute coach and developer of talent. So Baertschi, who according to Been is extremely excited to play for the Canucks organization, will likely feel more comfortable than he ahs lately – and can gain accordingly.
“Travis (Green) is real excited to get him,” said Benning. “He’s going to Utica and play. And if he gets an opportunity, if we have an injury or something, then he’ll come up and he’ll play for us.”
If Baertschi were to have an extended stint in the minors, that would not be such a bad thing. He has never played more than 26 NHL games in a season, and he has not played more than 41 in an AHL campaign, either.
He has to be given a chance to stay somewhere so that he can work on the upgrades necessary to be a full-time NHL player.
Ultimately, this deal could benefit both teams, because the Flames could parlay the acquired second-round pick into an everyday NHLer in the future, and they, arguably, have less of a need for Baertschi now due to the success of rising young stars like Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. The Canucks have also enjoyed a renaissance under Desjardins following the disastrous season under former coach John Tortorella, when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. But the Canucks have an older core of veterans and Baertschi will add to a foundation of youth that the club is building through its prospects and future draft picks.
“We have now a group of good young fast, skilled players that are gonna be the foundation of our teams going forward,” said Benning. “What’s happened around here, they’ve had such good teams over the years, and they’ve been so close to winning the Stanley Cup, that sometimes you sacrifice draft picks to buy players at the deadline that you think can make a difference in winning the Cup and stuff. So we’ve had to regroup a little bit that way.”
If Baertschi can come anywhere near to generating the offence that he did in junior in the NHL, Canuck fans will soon forget the high price paid for him.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Kassian out to prove critics wrong
Zack Kassian finally returned to the Vancouver Canucks lineup Saturday, but his future with the team remained in doubt.
The winger drew into the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings after sitting out for more than a month. He was sidelined Nov. 25 with a broken finger, but was a healthy scratch in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, a team that plays a rambunctious physical style for which he is supposedly suited.
Although he was listed as injured in the other games, Kassian claimed he was healthy enough to play earlier. And, coach Willie Desjardins did little to suggest otherwise Saturday, all but confirming that Kassian was held out because of sub-par play rather than a sore pinky.
But Desjardins is looking for Kassian to beef up Vancouver’s inconsistent offensive production of late.
“The scoresheet’s not the most critical thing,” said Desjardins. “If you’re playing the right way, you’ll get on the scoresheet. He’s gotta get back to playing where he’s a good presence on the forecheck, he’s playing physical, he’s working hard both ways. If he’s not on there, it’s not like we’re necessarily unhappy with it, but he is a guy that has the potential to get on it, and he can play both ways.”
General manager Jim Benning has indicated publicly that he is willing to consider trades for Kassian, who has not lived up to expectations since he was acquired for then Canuck fan favourite Cody Hodgson from Buffalo. Former Canucks GM Mike Gillis billed Kassian as a “prototypical power forward,” but the 23-year-old Windsor, Ont., native, who was drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 2009, has rarely proved himself to be one.
While Benning is willing to weigh offers, he also wants to be patient with the development of a young player. However, the extent of Benning’s patience could hinge on the quality of an offer that he receives for Kassian.
The winger was amused that he was subject to considerable speculation even when he was not playing. But he is taking the criticism seriously as he seeks to remain a Canuck.
“I think I can be a big part of this team,” said Kassian. “I believe in it, and I have to make others believe that I’ll do that.”
The winger drew into the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings after sitting out for more than a month. He was sidelined Nov. 25 with a broken finger, but was a healthy scratch in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, a team that plays a rambunctious physical style for which he is supposedly suited.
Although he was listed as injured in the other games, Kassian claimed he was healthy enough to play earlier. And, coach Willie Desjardins did little to suggest otherwise Saturday, all but confirming that Kassian was held out because of sub-par play rather than a sore pinky.
But Desjardins is looking for Kassian to beef up Vancouver’s inconsistent offensive production of late.
“The scoresheet’s not the most critical thing,” said Desjardins. “If you’re playing the right way, you’ll get on the scoresheet. He’s gotta get back to playing where he’s a good presence on the forecheck, he’s playing physical, he’s working hard both ways. If he’s not on there, it’s not like we’re necessarily unhappy with it, but he is a guy that has the potential to get on it, and he can play both ways.”
General manager Jim Benning has indicated publicly that he is willing to consider trades for Kassian, who has not lived up to expectations since he was acquired for then Canuck fan favourite Cody Hodgson from Buffalo. Former Canucks GM Mike Gillis billed Kassian as a “prototypical power forward,” but the 23-year-old Windsor, Ont., native, who was drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 2009, has rarely proved himself to be one.
While Benning is willing to weigh offers, he also wants to be patient with the development of a young player. However, the extent of Benning’s patience could hinge on the quality of an offer that he receives for Kassian.
The winger was amused that he was subject to considerable speculation even when he was not playing. But he is taking the criticism seriously as he seeks to remain a Canuck.
“I think I can be a big part of this team,” said Kassian. “I believe in it, and I have to make others believe that I’ll do that.”
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Radim Vrbata looks foward to playing with Sedins
Radim Vrbata knows his life is about to become very different.
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team."
- Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning on the signing of free agent Radim Vrbata and other recent moves
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today."
- New Vancouver Canucks winger Radim Vrbata on the chance of playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Jim Benning makes good impression on first day on job
Jim Benning did not look out of place as he spoke to a large media throng as a National Hockey League general manager for the first time Friday.
Although the Vancouver Canucks’ new GM is, technically, a rookie at his position, he appeared quite the opposite, exuding a quiet confidence. He was calm, relaxed and receptive to questions that his predecessor, the fired Mike Gillis, might have evaded or simply refused to answer. Benning even introduced himself to media types.
In other words, a decidedly different era has begun.
There was no slamming of core players that former coach John Tortorella called “stale” in his final news conference with the Canucks. Instead, Benning praised the club’s “high-character” and “quality” veterans who helped the Canucks come within a game of winning the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Benning displayed no swagger or bravado, and made no promises of a quick-fix. Contrary to what others might have done, the 51-year-old Edmonton native did not appear anxious to make a strong first impression. He displayed honesty and modesty that defied his position as the new No. 2 hockey executive behind president of hockey operations Trevor Linden, a former Canucks teammate.
But Benning did make an impression while clearly demonstrating that he is not a know-it-all.
“You don’t really know if you’re ready (to be a GM) until you actually do it,” he said. “But I’m going to work hard.”
One might recall that, upon arrival, Gillis said he wasn’t sure whether Daniel and Henrik Sedin were first-line players, and he asserted that the Canucks were “not close” to being Stanley Cup contenders.
On the other hand, Benning expressed optimism, which some might say was unfounded, that the Canucks can get back to their heydays with the same core – while also saying that the club would ask a veteran to waive his no-trade clause, if management feels that’s necessary.
“I believe in our core players,” Benning said. “They're high-character people … We are going to try and help them out by having more depth on our roster and playing four lines. We need to hire the right coach. That will be an important decision for us going forward.
"Some of the players, for whatever reason, just didn't have a good season last year. It's a good team, it's a talented team, and I feel confident that these guys are going to have a good year next year."
Obviously, Benning is aware that his first major decision – the hiring of a new coach – will be pivotal to take the Canucks “back in the right direction.” In Tortorella’s one and only season with the Canucks, he was, at times, comical, ludicrous, sad and baffling.
For details, see his pre-season comments about reporters with cell phones and players’ use of Twitter; his effort to “get” Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley by storming their dressing room; the Canucks’ losing streaks; injuries to the Sedins and others; and the decision not to call a timeout while the New York Islanders were overcoming a 3-0 third-period lead en route to a miraculous one-sided comeback win. Also, check out Tortorella’s decision to bench former top goaltender Roberto Luongo for the Heritage Classic; and Vancouver’s absence from the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Don’t expect the next Canucks coach to be as volatile or enigmatic.
“We want a coach that is firm, but fair, that has good communication skills so he can relate to the players,” said Benning. “We want a coach that is going to play a structured style of game when we don't have the puck, but give the players the freedom to skate and create when they do have the puck.”
You can expect no gong shows like the ones that occurred and longer practices than the short ones that Tortorella preferred. (Those sniffles you hear are from media types who had plenty of good quotes and story material.) The club’s style, which was often in question under Tortorella, should be more distinct under Benning and the new coach.
“We want to become a four-line team,” Benning said. “You watch the playoffs, the final four teams that are playing, they have four lines that contribute. We want our third and fourth lines to have a role in the team winning.
“We have some work to do there in getting to that point, but we want to be a four-line, (six-defencemen), complete team.”
He pledged to have third and fourth lines that have more physicality and grit, and can keep the puck in the offensive zone for a while and “take the heat off” the top two lines.
“We need to get back to what we're good at,” Benning said. “This organization needs to play an up-tempo, fast-skating, skilled game. Before last season this team had almost an attitude about them, a relentless attitude to skate and to wear teams down and to score. For whatever reason that didn't happen last year, but I am hoping with (Linden) we hire the right coach for this group and we can recapture that going forward.”
Whether Benning can get what he wants from within or outside the organization remains to be seen. This summer’s NHL draft, in which Vancouver has the sixth overall selection as its first pick, will also be crucial to the Canucks’ turnaround hopes. It could determine how long the process will take, pending the players chosen and trades that send draft choices the other way.
Benning’s skills as a scout should come in handy here.
After completing his playing career, the former Toronto Maple Leafs and Canucks defenceman went to work as a scout, initially on a part-time basis, with the Buffalo Sabres, where he spent 12 years. He rose to the post of director of amateur scouting with the Sabres and then moved on to the Boston Bruins for eight seasons and served as director of player personnel and assistant general manager.
He has worn a heavy coat and sipped hot beverages from on high in many frigid rinks. But, to his credit, he did not slag Vancouver’s beleaguered scouting crew. Head scout Ron Delorme and his cohorts have come under criticism after only one Gillis draft choice became an NHL regular. Ironically, Cody Hodgson was the former GM’s first-ever draft pick, but he now plays for Buffalo as a result of a trade that has worked heavily in the Sabres’ favour thus far.
Generally, Vancouver has had a poor draft record throughout its NHL existence. But there are some notable exceptions, including Linden, Pavel Bure and the Sedins. And, if you look closely, you will see that the bulk of the Canucks’ core was mined from the draft after being scouted by current top bird dogs.
What people tend to forget: Many teams have the same players on their lists and get access to other lists provided by NHL Central Scouting. At any rate, most scouts know who the best teenage players are and where – in the world – to find them. The challenge is to recognize other factors – namely, heart, desire, mental toughness and personal issues – and being able to forecast what most players will be like when they are supposedly ready for the NHL in about four years. The latter duty falls largely to senior management. Scouts are like waiters who serve appetizers during cocktail hour. However, with every team, the GM or, in today’s new front-office model, the GM and the president of hockey operations, investigate what is really underneath the top layer and then do the picking or the passing.
It has become increasingly evident that Gillis, Delorme and other scouts were not on the same wavelength at draft time and on many other occasions. How else do you explain the decision to draft under-sized centre Jordan Schroeder with the club’s first selection, ahead of David Perron, in 2010? Schroeder appears in danger of being let go as a restricted free agent this summer, although it should be noted that he has battled several injuries. How else do you explain other picks that have languished in the minors and not even been signed? How else do you explain the little heed paid to players from the Western Hockey League, which produces some of the league’s top players annually? These WHL players don’t just come from Canada. They also hail from the U.S. and Europe, because youngsters want to play in one of the top junior leagues in the world. What about several trades that did not work out or go as expected?
See Luongo and Schneider, Cory. Position: Goaltender.
In these matters, it was Gillis who had the final say.
To his credit, Benning did not slam Vancouver’s scouts, pledging to work with them instead.
“I come from a scouting background,” said Benning, who was drafted sixth overall by Toronto in 1981 after starring for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL and went on to play 10 NHL seasons before concluding his career in the minors. “We are going to give these (scouts) direction. I'm going to communicate what we want, what we think a Vancouver Canuck player should be. And I'm going to work with them. I am going to get out and see games. I'm going to be part of that group and I am going to try and make that group better.”
The feeling here is that Benning’s cause will be aided if he also listens to his scouts and makes draft picks and trades based on their assessments and recommendations instead of ignoring their observations and advice. Considering that Benning used to make the recommendations and helped the Bruins make some excellent selections en route to their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, chances are that he will listen.
Again to his credit, Benning pledged to work with the management team that includes assistant general manager and salary cap specialist Laurence Gilman, who was passed for the GM’s post, and fellow assistant GM Lorne Henning and franchise icon Stan Smyl, who has the title of senior advisor to the general manager but should be called Canuck for life. Benning equated the management team to players in the dressing room who will work together and support each other.
The new GM stressed that he is not going to come in and make changes until he makes proper assessments. There was no mention of a sleep doctor or using “science” (a Gillis hallmark) to better the team, and analytics only came up briefly. In Benning’s view, they help when evaluating veteran NHLers, but not with amateurs who are still developing.
In other words, Benning is going to rebuild the Canucks in a methodical manner, largely on effort. He won’t blow up the building and start over. It remains to be seen whether that approach will appease Canuck fans, because there is considerable work to be done before the season starts. He has a coach to hire and the NHL scouting combine, draft, trades and contract matters to sort out. Not necessarily in that order.
However, if Benning’s first day on the job was any indication, he will give Canuck Nation reason to start believing in him – and his abilities – in the near future.
Although the Vancouver Canucks’ new GM is, technically, a rookie at his position, he appeared quite the opposite, exuding a quiet confidence. He was calm, relaxed and receptive to questions that his predecessor, the fired Mike Gillis, might have evaded or simply refused to answer. Benning even introduced himself to media types.
In other words, a decidedly different era has begun.
There was no slamming of core players that former coach John Tortorella called “stale” in his final news conference with the Canucks. Instead, Benning praised the club’s “high-character” and “quality” veterans who helped the Canucks come within a game of winning the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Benning displayed no swagger or bravado, and made no promises of a quick-fix. Contrary to what others might have done, the 51-year-old Edmonton native did not appear anxious to make a strong first impression. He displayed honesty and modesty that defied his position as the new No. 2 hockey executive behind president of hockey operations Trevor Linden, a former Canucks teammate.
But Benning did make an impression while clearly demonstrating that he is not a know-it-all.
“You don’t really know if you’re ready (to be a GM) until you actually do it,” he said. “But I’m going to work hard.”
One might recall that, upon arrival, Gillis said he wasn’t sure whether Daniel and Henrik Sedin were first-line players, and he asserted that the Canucks were “not close” to being Stanley Cup contenders.
On the other hand, Benning expressed optimism, which some might say was unfounded, that the Canucks can get back to their heydays with the same core – while also saying that the club would ask a veteran to waive his no-trade clause, if management feels that’s necessary.
“I believe in our core players,” Benning said. “They're high-character people … We are going to try and help them out by having more depth on our roster and playing four lines. We need to hire the right coach. That will be an important decision for us going forward.
"Some of the players, for whatever reason, just didn't have a good season last year. It's a good team, it's a talented team, and I feel confident that these guys are going to have a good year next year."
Obviously, Benning is aware that his first major decision – the hiring of a new coach – will be pivotal to take the Canucks “back in the right direction.” In Tortorella’s one and only season with the Canucks, he was, at times, comical, ludicrous, sad and baffling.
For details, see his pre-season comments about reporters with cell phones and players’ use of Twitter; his effort to “get” Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley by storming their dressing room; the Canucks’ losing streaks; injuries to the Sedins and others; and the decision not to call a timeout while the New York Islanders were overcoming a 3-0 third-period lead en route to a miraculous one-sided comeback win. Also, check out Tortorella’s decision to bench former top goaltender Roberto Luongo for the Heritage Classic; and Vancouver’s absence from the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Don’t expect the next Canucks coach to be as volatile or enigmatic.
“We want a coach that is firm, but fair, that has good communication skills so he can relate to the players,” said Benning. “We want a coach that is going to play a structured style of game when we don't have the puck, but give the players the freedom to skate and create when they do have the puck.”
You can expect no gong shows like the ones that occurred and longer practices than the short ones that Tortorella preferred. (Those sniffles you hear are from media types who had plenty of good quotes and story material.) The club’s style, which was often in question under Tortorella, should be more distinct under Benning and the new coach.
“We want to become a four-line team,” Benning said. “You watch the playoffs, the final four teams that are playing, they have four lines that contribute. We want our third and fourth lines to have a role in the team winning.
“We have some work to do there in getting to that point, but we want to be a four-line, (six-defencemen), complete team.”
He pledged to have third and fourth lines that have more physicality and grit, and can keep the puck in the offensive zone for a while and “take the heat off” the top two lines.
“We need to get back to what we're good at,” Benning said. “This organization needs to play an up-tempo, fast-skating, skilled game. Before last season this team had almost an attitude about them, a relentless attitude to skate and to wear teams down and to score. For whatever reason that didn't happen last year, but I am hoping with (Linden) we hire the right coach for this group and we can recapture that going forward.”
Whether Benning can get what he wants from within or outside the organization remains to be seen. This summer’s NHL draft, in which Vancouver has the sixth overall selection as its first pick, will also be crucial to the Canucks’ turnaround hopes. It could determine how long the process will take, pending the players chosen and trades that send draft choices the other way.
Benning’s skills as a scout should come in handy here.
After completing his playing career, the former Toronto Maple Leafs and Canucks defenceman went to work as a scout, initially on a part-time basis, with the Buffalo Sabres, where he spent 12 years. He rose to the post of director of amateur scouting with the Sabres and then moved on to the Boston Bruins for eight seasons and served as director of player personnel and assistant general manager.
He has worn a heavy coat and sipped hot beverages from on high in many frigid rinks. But, to his credit, he did not slag Vancouver’s beleaguered scouting crew. Head scout Ron Delorme and his cohorts have come under criticism after only one Gillis draft choice became an NHL regular. Ironically, Cody Hodgson was the former GM’s first-ever draft pick, but he now plays for Buffalo as a result of a trade that has worked heavily in the Sabres’ favour thus far.
Generally, Vancouver has had a poor draft record throughout its NHL existence. But there are some notable exceptions, including Linden, Pavel Bure and the Sedins. And, if you look closely, you will see that the bulk of the Canucks’ core was mined from the draft after being scouted by current top bird dogs.
What people tend to forget: Many teams have the same players on their lists and get access to other lists provided by NHL Central Scouting. At any rate, most scouts know who the best teenage players are and where – in the world – to find them. The challenge is to recognize other factors – namely, heart, desire, mental toughness and personal issues – and being able to forecast what most players will be like when they are supposedly ready for the NHL in about four years. The latter duty falls largely to senior management. Scouts are like waiters who serve appetizers during cocktail hour. However, with every team, the GM or, in today’s new front-office model, the GM and the president of hockey operations, investigate what is really underneath the top layer and then do the picking or the passing.
It has become increasingly evident that Gillis, Delorme and other scouts were not on the same wavelength at draft time and on many other occasions. How else do you explain the decision to draft under-sized centre Jordan Schroeder with the club’s first selection, ahead of David Perron, in 2010? Schroeder appears in danger of being let go as a restricted free agent this summer, although it should be noted that he has battled several injuries. How else do you explain other picks that have languished in the minors and not even been signed? How else do you explain the little heed paid to players from the Western Hockey League, which produces some of the league’s top players annually? These WHL players don’t just come from Canada. They also hail from the U.S. and Europe, because youngsters want to play in one of the top junior leagues in the world. What about several trades that did not work out or go as expected?
See Luongo and Schneider, Cory. Position: Goaltender.
In these matters, it was Gillis who had the final say.
To his credit, Benning did not slam Vancouver’s scouts, pledging to work with them instead.
“I come from a scouting background,” said Benning, who was drafted sixth overall by Toronto in 1981 after starring for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL and went on to play 10 NHL seasons before concluding his career in the minors. “We are going to give these (scouts) direction. I'm going to communicate what we want, what we think a Vancouver Canuck player should be. And I'm going to work with them. I am going to get out and see games. I'm going to be part of that group and I am going to try and make that group better.”
The feeling here is that Benning’s cause will be aided if he also listens to his scouts and makes draft picks and trades based on their assessments and recommendations instead of ignoring their observations and advice. Considering that Benning used to make the recommendations and helped the Bruins make some excellent selections en route to their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, chances are that he will listen.
Again to his credit, Benning pledged to work with the management team that includes assistant general manager and salary cap specialist Laurence Gilman, who was passed for the GM’s post, and fellow assistant GM Lorne Henning and franchise icon Stan Smyl, who has the title of senior advisor to the general manager but should be called Canuck for life. Benning equated the management team to players in the dressing room who will work together and support each other.
The new GM stressed that he is not going to come in and make changes until he makes proper assessments. There was no mention of a sleep doctor or using “science” (a Gillis hallmark) to better the team, and analytics only came up briefly. In Benning’s view, they help when evaluating veteran NHLers, but not with amateurs who are still developing.
In other words, Benning is going to rebuild the Canucks in a methodical manner, largely on effort. He won’t blow up the building and start over. It remains to be seen whether that approach will appease Canuck fans, because there is considerable work to be done before the season starts. He has a coach to hire and the NHL scouting combine, draft, trades and contract matters to sort out. Not necessarily in that order.
However, if Benning’s first day on the job was any indication, he will give Canuck Nation reason to start believing in him – and his abilities – in the near future.
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