Predictions about the Vancouver Canucks and other NHL matters that you can't take to the bank or live by as 2016 unfolds ...
1. Willie Desjardins will make the Canucks a better team.
Desjardins has been maligned for his extensive use of goaltender Ryan Miller, who is just coming back from an injury, line combinations and late-game coaching tactics. But the funny thing is that the Vancouver Canucks coach still has his team challenging for a playoff spot in a Pacific Division in which everybody but Los Angeles has struggled. Despite a plethora of injuries and some bad spells, Desjardins has figured out a way to muddle through at the worst of times -- despite a blatant lack of production from veterans. He has done so while deploying numerous young players who have made their NHL debuts.
Predecessors John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault, who were not inclined to trust young players, would have been hard-pressed to match his feats. Despite Tortorella's comment that veterans were "stale" as he exited Vancouver, the former Canucks coach refused to gamble on centre Bo Horvat and quickly shipped him back to junior. And, Torts is not doing much of anything with a youth-laden Columbus Blue Jackets lineup now.
Vigneault did not face as much pressure to go with youth while guiding the Canucks to a pair of President's trophies, and he received little recruiting help from former general manager Mike Gillis -- who struggled at drafting, to say the least. But it is doubtful that Vigneault would have had as much success as Desjardins.
Barring a total collapse, it says here, the Canucks will be in the playoff mix right until the end of the regular season. Years from now, players like Horvat, Sven Baertschi (who is starting to experience a career renaissance), Jake Virtanen, Alex Biega and Ben Hutton will be highly grateful for the help that they received from Desjardins in their early days in the NHL.
It remains to be seen how long Desjardins will stay in the league with them, because as the firing of his close friend Mike Johnston in Pittsburgh demonstrates, teams have little patience for bench bosses who get their first NHL head coaching jobs at the age of 57. (In case you have forgotten, both Johnston and Desjardins were 57 when hired.) But history now proves that Desjardins made an astute move by choosing the Canucks over the star-studded Penguins.
And, time will show that Desjardins, who has won a championship at every level at which he has coached, will make several more wily moves before leaving the Canucks bench.
2. Jake Virtanen will not be a liability.
Contrary to what many people might think, Canucks rookie Jake Virtanen is not a hot-head. Never mind the two penalties that he took on the same shift while playing for Canada against Finland at the world junior championships. While Virtanen admittedly let his emotions get the best of him on the second infraction, he is not likely to make the same mistake often.
Also, as demonstrated by his tying goal on Roberto Luongo in a comeback victory over the Florida Panthers, he can score at critical times. The marker, which came in the final two minutes of the third period, was definitely a goal scorer's goal.
Many have questioned why Virtanen has not been returned to junior, but the fact is that he can make an effective contribution while the Canucks continue to transition to a younger roster. Despite critics' complaints about a lack of production, he is producing a point roughly once every four games -- and several Vancouver vets would like to have that kind of efficiency.
Virtanen's numbers are not great, but still likely to improve by the end of the regular season as his confidence and playing time increase. Don't be surprised if you see him playing late in games more often.
3. The Canucks makeover is far from complete.
While Canucks GM Jim Benning has commenced his youth movement in earnest, his roster tinkering has barely begun. With veterans like Dan Hamhuis, Radim Vrbata and Chris Higgins (now in the minors) slated to become free agents and millions of dollars in salary cap space due to be cleared, Benning's next steps will involve the acquisition of more draft picks and high-priced veteran talent. The Canucks appear likely to be sellers at the trade deadline, while still attempting to secure a playoff spot.
First, the onus will be on unloading veterans as playoff rentals in exchange for draft picks, because other teams are not likely to surrender significant talent unless they want to -- and know they can -- sign Vancouver's castoffs.
In the offseason, Benning's primary aim will be to sign high-priced free agents, namely a stud defenceman and offensively gifted forward. Given the ongoing youth movement at centre, that offensive player is likely to be a winger. If Benning feels like gambling, he might also want to unload Miller, who has become increasingly prone to injury, at the deadline and free up $6 million that he is due to receive next season. Other clubs could be willing to pay a decent price for Miller as they seek post-season goaltending insurance. Otherwise, Benning will likely think hard about dealing him in the summer.
4. Steven Stamkos will be traded by the deadline.
It's getting too late in the game for Stamkos, who is due to become an unrestricted free agent, and the Tampa Bay Lightning braintrust to resolve their apparent rift. Stamkos is not even offering any platitudes about a desire to stay in Tampa if contract terms can be sorted out, and Lightning GM Steve Yzerman can not afford to let him walk for nothing.
The Lighnting captain's availability will cause seismic activity throughout the league, because some teams will be willing to pay a high price even if they can only get him for a Stanley Cup run. The ideal scenario would be for the Lightning to give Stamkos and his agent the chance to pursue a sign-and-trade deal.
Either way, Stamkos will likely get moved, and the trade will impact the Lightning and other teams beyond this season.
More than one team could be involved in a trade for him, and other clubs will likely make moves in response as they chase the Stanley Cup. With some blue-chip prospects available in this year's draft, high-end picks could also come into play and add to the deal's future impact on a number of teams.
5. The Toronto Maple Leafs will make several trades by the deadline.
See above re: Stamkos. The Leafs, who are looking to unload veterans and their big contracts, will likely be among the finalists in the bidding for Stamkos either at the trade deadline or through free agency. The Toronto native is an obvious franchise player to build around as coach Mike Babcock continues to implement a culture of winning and Leafs management aims to develop a younger, more talented roster.
By acquiring Stamkos before he becomes a free agent, the Leafs would have an exclusive period in which only they could negotiate a long-term contract with him. Also, the departure of veterans could help ensure that the Leafs finish low in the standings and get an early draft pick. Such a scenario might result in highly touted American prospect Auston Matthews or another world junior star heading to Toronto.
Babcock would not let the Leafs tank, but he wouldn't complain about a lottery pick.
Showing posts with label Mike Gillis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike Gillis. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Friday, February 13, 2015
Bruins-Canucks rivalry lingers four years later
Circa 2011, games between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins generated considerable buzz, along with plenty of venom. Now? Not so much.
But it was evident Friday that some of rivalry that reached a feverish height in the 2011 Stanley Cup final, when Boston overcame a 3-1 series deficit to win in seven games, is still there.
“Maybe a little bit,” said Canucks winger Alex Burrows before Vancouver hosted the Bruins. “I would have liked to win four years ago. But they’re a much different team and we’re a much different team now. So, personally, maybe a little bit. But now, we’ve moved on from that.”
Burrows was at the centre of many brouhahas with the Bruins, notably with Patrice Bergeron in a finger-biting incident. But, in a sign, perhaps, of lingering animosity, Burrows has not chatted amicably with Bergeron or anyone else about the memorable 2011 finals.
“Honestly, I don’t know where I could have (talked to) most of them,” said Burrows. “I know, maybe, (Patrice) Bergeron. But he’s from Quebec City. I’m from Montreal. That’s a four-hour drive. So it’s not like I see them or have any friends on the team, really. I’ve never really gone out of my way to talk about (the 2011 final loss) or anything. But I’ve been to Fenway Park and I’ve watched the Red Sox. That’s probably as close as I’ve gotten to Boston ever since then.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said Boston is still “a team that brings out the best in us,” but the rivalry is not even close to what it used to be.
“When you play against them in the finals, the heat is going to be there,” he said. “But they have a lot of new faces, and we don’t have too many guys left from that year. So it’s different – for sure.”
The lack of games between the teams – only two per season – also prevents things from heating up.
“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “The only game where the same kind of rivalry has been there was the year after when we played them in Boston.”
Former general manager Mike Gillis believed that his club was never the same after that highly physical and emotional affair. But some Vancouver players, such as Zack Kassian, who was not with the team then, believe that the final loss “still stings.”
Times are much different now, because both the Canucks and Bruins are battling for playoff berths instead of vying for first overall in the NHL like they once did. But Bruins winger Milan Lucic, a Vancouver native, believes there always will be a strong rivalry between the clubs.
“That’s what makes these games so exciting,” he said.
But he also believes the fight for two points is what counts the most now.
“I think that whole revenge thing is out the window as far as the final goes,” said Lucic.
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara also believes the rivalry is much different. He noted that both clubs have changed many players and the Canucks “changed their whole management and coaching staff.”
But Chara thinks the rivalry would “probably” be more intense if the Bruins and Canucks faced each other more often.
“That’s what happens when you play teams more often,” he said. “Different things might cause more more emotional games (to) come out of that, but the schedule is set before the season and, usually, you only play some teams once or twice.”
Bruins coach Claude Julien has been known to stoke the fires between the teams. But the Bruins and Canucks have some ties now following former Boston executive Jim Benning’s appointment as Canucks GM last summer. So Julien actually had some nice things to say about a member of Canucks management.
“Jim is a good man,” said Julien. “He’s a good hockey man. He’s a good person. Great hockey knowledge. Very calm. Sees deficiencies. Sees also assets. I’ve had good talks with Jim. When he was in Boston, we chatted about our team and other players and stuff like that. In my mind, it was too bad that we lost a good man, but I think Vancouver made a really good decision. To be very honest in my comment, I think they got themselves a good man who’s gonna make this team a good team if you give him some time.”
Julien has also been known to say good things about former Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, an old friends. Of course, new Canucks coach Willie Desjardins wasn’t with the club in 2011. But Dejardins, who has won championships at every level, believes that a Boston-Vancouver game will always be emotional for Canuck players who were with the team in 2011.
“I don’t see how it couldn’t be,” said Dejardins. “That’s something you never forget, the guys that were here, the run, that series.
“I think it’ll always mean something to play against Boston.”
But it was evident Friday that some of rivalry that reached a feverish height in the 2011 Stanley Cup final, when Boston overcame a 3-1 series deficit to win in seven games, is still there.
“Maybe a little bit,” said Canucks winger Alex Burrows before Vancouver hosted the Bruins. “I would have liked to win four years ago. But they’re a much different team and we’re a much different team now. So, personally, maybe a little bit. But now, we’ve moved on from that.”
Burrows was at the centre of many brouhahas with the Bruins, notably with Patrice Bergeron in a finger-biting incident. But, in a sign, perhaps, of lingering animosity, Burrows has not chatted amicably with Bergeron or anyone else about the memorable 2011 finals.
“Honestly, I don’t know where I could have (talked to) most of them,” said Burrows. “I know, maybe, (Patrice) Bergeron. But he’s from Quebec City. I’m from Montreal. That’s a four-hour drive. So it’s not like I see them or have any friends on the team, really. I’ve never really gone out of my way to talk about (the 2011 final loss) or anything. But I’ve been to Fenway Park and I’ve watched the Red Sox. That’s probably as close as I’ve gotten to Boston ever since then.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said Boston is still “a team that brings out the best in us,” but the rivalry is not even close to what it used to be.
“When you play against them in the finals, the heat is going to be there,” he said. “But they have a lot of new faces, and we don’t have too many guys left from that year. So it’s different – for sure.”
The lack of games between the teams – only two per season – also prevents things from heating up.
“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “The only game where the same kind of rivalry has been there was the year after when we played them in Boston.”
Former general manager Mike Gillis believed that his club was never the same after that highly physical and emotional affair. But some Vancouver players, such as Zack Kassian, who was not with the team then, believe that the final loss “still stings.”
Times are much different now, because both the Canucks and Bruins are battling for playoff berths instead of vying for first overall in the NHL like they once did. But Bruins winger Milan Lucic, a Vancouver native, believes there always will be a strong rivalry between the clubs.
“That’s what makes these games so exciting,” he said.
But he also believes the fight for two points is what counts the most now.
“I think that whole revenge thing is out the window as far as the final goes,” said Lucic.
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara also believes the rivalry is much different. He noted that both clubs have changed many players and the Canucks “changed their whole management and coaching staff.”
But Chara thinks the rivalry would “probably” be more intense if the Bruins and Canucks faced each other more often.
“That’s what happens when you play teams more often,” he said. “Different things might cause more more emotional games (to) come out of that, but the schedule is set before the season and, usually, you only play some teams once or twice.”
Bruins coach Claude Julien has been known to stoke the fires between the teams. But the Bruins and Canucks have some ties now following former Boston executive Jim Benning’s appointment as Canucks GM last summer. So Julien actually had some nice things to say about a member of Canucks management.
“Jim is a good man,” said Julien. “He’s a good hockey man. He’s a good person. Great hockey knowledge. Very calm. Sees deficiencies. Sees also assets. I’ve had good talks with Jim. When he was in Boston, we chatted about our team and other players and stuff like that. In my mind, it was too bad that we lost a good man, but I think Vancouver made a really good decision. To be very honest in my comment, I think they got themselves a good man who’s gonna make this team a good team if you give him some time.”
Julien has also been known to say good things about former Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, an old friends. Of course, new Canucks coach Willie Desjardins wasn’t with the club in 2011. But Dejardins, who has won championships at every level, believes that a Boston-Vancouver game will always be emotional for Canuck players who were with the team in 2011.
“I don’t see how it couldn’t be,” said Dejardins. “That’s something you never forget, the guys that were here, the run, that series.
“I think it’ll always mean something to play against Boston.”
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Luongo happy to be back in Vancouver after difficult exit
The scene was similar – but jolting at the same time – as goaltender Roberto Luongo held court with the Vancouver media at Rogers Arena on Tuesday.
There he stood in front of a podium in the Norm Jewison Media Room, as he had many times during his days as a Canuck, but this time he was wearing an organge Florida Panthers cap and tee shirt, and the backdrop was a large cat. It was a sign that the times have changed for Luongo, who will play his former Canucks squad Thursday in his first game back on the ice that he called home for seven-plus seasons and won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010.
“The best part is, we’re here for a few days, so it’s not rushed and you get a chance to enjoy it and see some people that I haven’t seen in a while,” he said.
In another contrast with his days as a Canuck in this room, he looked relaxed and was affable at times, appearing to enjoy himself – whereas in earlier times he definitely did not.
Luongo’s return upstaged the Canucks’ game with the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. Thursday’s contest will be his game at Rogers Arena since he abruptly left the Canucks in a trade while they were on the road last March.
“I was here this summer actually,” he said. “Team Canada had a little bit of a reunion, so it’s not the first time I’ve been back in here, but obviously this is a little bit of a different context. But I’m just looking forward to the week and being back and enjoying my time.”
Team Canada held a “gala” on the ice, where players received their Olympic rings. Although Luongo said the arena looked “a little bit different” Tuesday, it did not feel foreign to be on the ice in a practice with a Canucks opponent.
“For some reason, I don’t look at it that way. … To be honest with you, I’ve really been looking forward to coming here and spending these few days practising and seeing the (Vancouver) guys, the trainers,” he said. “When the trade happened, it happened in a rush, and we were on the road. So I didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to everybody.”
Big things were expected of Luongo when he was dealt to the Panthers – and they still are. But he has helped the young Panthers (17-11-9) show improvement. He finds it “really exciting” that they are in playoff mix in the Eastern Conference.
“There was a little bit of the unknown coming into the season,” said Luongo. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, a new coach (Gerard Gallant), so I think right now we’re progressing well. We’re really close to being a really good team.”
Of course, they are still a long way from a Stanley Cup, which Luongo came within a game of winning with the Canucks in 2011. While he has “moved on” from a Canucks tenure that was as tumultuous as it was satisfying, he regrets that they never won it all with him in net.
“I’m just disappointed I wasn’t able to bring a Cup here,” he said. “I think this market wants one more than anything. If anything, that’s the main thing that I’m disappointed about.”
Another major regret, which was not of his doing, was former Vancouver coach John Tortorella’s decision to bench him for the Winter Classic against the Ottawa Senators. The game at B.C. Place Stadium, which the Canucks lost, was Luongo’s last in a Vancouver uniform. (Ironically, he was in vintage duds instead of the usual ones.) Luongo’s displeasure with being bypassed prompted a renewed trade request that led to his move to Florida at the deadline.
“There was no hiding that I did want to play that game and, if I did, I would, maybe, still be here,” he said. “Who knows?”
But Luongo does not feel disrespected by the Canucks, thinking instead that he must deal with whatever hand he has been dealt and earn everything. And, it’s clear that he is enjoying life with the Panthers, his team of choice, after he had “given up” on a trade while former general manager Mike Gillis dithered for 12 to 18 months before swinging a deal.
The Montreal native is also more comfortable with his public persona, which he came to enjoy near the end of his time with the Canucks when, he feels, he “figured that whole thing out” as far as what fans and media expected. He was also pleased that people finally got a chance to see the way he is with teammates “away from the cameras.” But he lamented the lateness of the lessons he learned about dealing with his fame.
“It’s kind of a shame that that’s the way it happened,” said Luongo. “Sometimes, you have to go through some adversity to realize and understand and do the right things. Just my whole perspective on a lot of stuff has changed over the last couple of years, and the way I handled things.
“I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can out there, realizing that I’m 35 now. I just want to have fun playing the game and play hard and do the best that I can.”
He is enjoying life in a market in which fans and media don’t flock to him on every occasion, but he would also like to have some of his old notoriety now that he is based in the sunbelt.
“It’s nice to be able to come to the rink, do your thing and, afterwards, just go home and live your life,” he said. “On the other side, sometimes it’s also nice to see people just going crazy for you everywhere you. Both sides are great. You just have to learn to enjoy both sides of it.”
According to Panthers captain Willie Mitchell, an ex-Canuck, the former Vancouver goaltender has displayed different side of himself in Florida. Today’s Luongo reminds Mitchell of the one he saw during his early years in Vancouver, not the one evident during the last few seasons.
“He went through a lot here,” said Mitchell. “I know Roberto well and I think he was just trying to appease a lot of people instead of being himself. In comfortable surroundings, he’s being himself, and we’re seeing that in his performance. He’s been one of the best goalies in the league this years. There’s no doubt.”
Luongo sports a 7-7-2 record, 2.28 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Thanks largely to him, the Florida goaltending tandem of Luongo and Al Montoya ranked ninth among NHL goaltenders before Tuesday’s games.
Mitchell, who was unceremoniously discarded by the Canucks after he suffered a career-threatening concussion and then went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings, praised Luongo for handling his difficult final two seasons in Vancouver “like a pro.”
“I think the only way you can handle that type of situation is to make light of it, which is what he did,” said Mitchell.
He believes that Luongo’s situation in Vancouver was a unique one that “just manifested itself” before going “off the rails.”
Now, after Luongo pulled off many surprises in Vancouver during his time here, the goaltender, his Panther teammates and coaches, and fans are wondering what he can pull off in Florida.
“I’ve actually won a few shootouts, so that’s kind of nice,” said Luongo.
There he stood in front of a podium in the Norm Jewison Media Room, as he had many times during his days as a Canuck, but this time he was wearing an organge Florida Panthers cap and tee shirt, and the backdrop was a large cat. It was a sign that the times have changed for Luongo, who will play his former Canucks squad Thursday in his first game back on the ice that he called home for seven-plus seasons and won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010.
“The best part is, we’re here for a few days, so it’s not rushed and you get a chance to enjoy it and see some people that I haven’t seen in a while,” he said.
In another contrast with his days as a Canuck in this room, he looked relaxed and was affable at times, appearing to enjoy himself – whereas in earlier times he definitely did not.
Luongo’s return upstaged the Canucks’ game with the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. Thursday’s contest will be his game at Rogers Arena since he abruptly left the Canucks in a trade while they were on the road last March.
“I was here this summer actually,” he said. “Team Canada had a little bit of a reunion, so it’s not the first time I’ve been back in here, but obviously this is a little bit of a different context. But I’m just looking forward to the week and being back and enjoying my time.”
Team Canada held a “gala” on the ice, where players received their Olympic rings. Although Luongo said the arena looked “a little bit different” Tuesday, it did not feel foreign to be on the ice in a practice with a Canucks opponent.
“For some reason, I don’t look at it that way. … To be honest with you, I’ve really been looking forward to coming here and spending these few days practising and seeing the (Vancouver) guys, the trainers,” he said. “When the trade happened, it happened in a rush, and we were on the road. So I didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to everybody.”
Big things were expected of Luongo when he was dealt to the Panthers – and they still are. But he has helped the young Panthers (17-11-9) show improvement. He finds it “really exciting” that they are in playoff mix in the Eastern Conference.
“There was a little bit of the unknown coming into the season,” said Luongo. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, a new coach (Gerard Gallant), so I think right now we’re progressing well. We’re really close to being a really good team.”
Of course, they are still a long way from a Stanley Cup, which Luongo came within a game of winning with the Canucks in 2011. While he has “moved on” from a Canucks tenure that was as tumultuous as it was satisfying, he regrets that they never won it all with him in net.
“I’m just disappointed I wasn’t able to bring a Cup here,” he said. “I think this market wants one more than anything. If anything, that’s the main thing that I’m disappointed about.”
Another major regret, which was not of his doing, was former Vancouver coach John Tortorella’s decision to bench him for the Winter Classic against the Ottawa Senators. The game at B.C. Place Stadium, which the Canucks lost, was Luongo’s last in a Vancouver uniform. (Ironically, he was in vintage duds instead of the usual ones.) Luongo’s displeasure with being bypassed prompted a renewed trade request that led to his move to Florida at the deadline.
“There was no hiding that I did want to play that game and, if I did, I would, maybe, still be here,” he said. “Who knows?”
But Luongo does not feel disrespected by the Canucks, thinking instead that he must deal with whatever hand he has been dealt and earn everything. And, it’s clear that he is enjoying life with the Panthers, his team of choice, after he had “given up” on a trade while former general manager Mike Gillis dithered for 12 to 18 months before swinging a deal.
The Montreal native is also more comfortable with his public persona, which he came to enjoy near the end of his time with the Canucks when, he feels, he “figured that whole thing out” as far as what fans and media expected. He was also pleased that people finally got a chance to see the way he is with teammates “away from the cameras.” But he lamented the lateness of the lessons he learned about dealing with his fame.
“It’s kind of a shame that that’s the way it happened,” said Luongo. “Sometimes, you have to go through some adversity to realize and understand and do the right things. Just my whole perspective on a lot of stuff has changed over the last couple of years, and the way I handled things.
“I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can out there, realizing that I’m 35 now. I just want to have fun playing the game and play hard and do the best that I can.”
He is enjoying life in a market in which fans and media don’t flock to him on every occasion, but he would also like to have some of his old notoriety now that he is based in the sunbelt.
“It’s nice to be able to come to the rink, do your thing and, afterwards, just go home and live your life,” he said. “On the other side, sometimes it’s also nice to see people just going crazy for you everywhere you. Both sides are great. You just have to learn to enjoy both sides of it.”
According to Panthers captain Willie Mitchell, an ex-Canuck, the former Vancouver goaltender has displayed different side of himself in Florida. Today’s Luongo reminds Mitchell of the one he saw during his early years in Vancouver, not the one evident during the last few seasons.
“He went through a lot here,” said Mitchell. “I know Roberto well and I think he was just trying to appease a lot of people instead of being himself. In comfortable surroundings, he’s being himself, and we’re seeing that in his performance. He’s been one of the best goalies in the league this years. There’s no doubt.”
Luongo sports a 7-7-2 record, 2.28 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Thanks largely to him, the Florida goaltending tandem of Luongo and Al Montoya ranked ninth among NHL goaltenders before Tuesday’s games.
Mitchell, who was unceremoniously discarded by the Canucks after he suffered a career-threatening concussion and then went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings, praised Luongo for handling his difficult final two seasons in Vancouver “like a pro.”
“I think the only way you can handle that type of situation is to make light of it, which is what he did,” said Mitchell.
He believes that Luongo’s situation in Vancouver was a unique one that “just manifested itself” before going “off the rails.”
Now, after Luongo pulled off many surprises in Vancouver during his time here, the goaltender, his Panther teammates and coaches, and fans are wondering what he can pull off in Florida.
“I’ve actually won a few shootouts, so that’s kind of nice,” said Luongo.
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.”
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.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Tortorella calls for Canucks to improve on their lack of depth
It’s time for the Vancouver Canucks to stop dwelling on their 2011 Stanley Cup finals appearance and start retooling for the future, says coach John Tortorella.
“This is a group that’s been together for a long time,” he said Monday, a day after the Canucks’ 2013-14 season ended. “It’s stale. It needs youth. It needs a change – it needs a change – and I felt that from day one.
“We’re not in 2011. We have to stop talking about 2011. The team needs to be retooled, and that’s where change is. It is a young man’s game. It’s certainly not a criticism of them. We need to surround them with some enthusiasm.”
But he also called for changes to “some of the team’s core” as part of the “evolution” that’s necessary. He does not want to see massive changes, but noted "there is a heartbeat of a team, and it needs to be surrounded.”
Tortorella made his comments less than 24 hours after the Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, knowing that he might not be around next season. In other words, even with his job on the line, nobody could accuse him of trying to be politically correct.
And, he wasn’t about to try to spin things as he prepares to discuss his future with new team president Trevor Linden.
“I don’t coach to keep my job,” said Tortorella. “I’m not going to go into any meeting trying to save my job. I just don’t do it that way. I am going to tell him what I think. Trevor is very efficient and, from what I understand, he is on top of everything as far as the interviews and what he’s doing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I loved him as a player and, (in) just a short time I’ve seen him here, you’re in good hands. The team is in good hands. But I’m not going to be rehearsed.”
The Canucks finished 12th in the Western Conference with a 36-35-11 record for 83 points. Only the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers finished behind them in the conference. The Winnipeg Jets, who fired their coach in mid-season, finished with one more point than Vancouver.
Tortorella said his biggest regret was not staying on top of his team to keep it playing well after a strong first half. But he contended that he did not know how his six-game suspension for storming the Calgary Flames dressing room area Jan. 18 affected his team, which battled numerous injuries that he and players contend forced it to play a different way, which they have described as less aggressive, more conservative and defensive-oriented.
But in addition to the injuries and inconsistency, Tortorella pointed to an obvious fact that was at the root of their woes: A lack of depth. While he has come under criticism for over-playing Daniel and Henrik Sedin at times, Tortorella said that when the outcome of a 2-1 game was on the line with six or seven minutes to go, he did not feel comfortable putting out other players.
“I did the things I needed to do to try to win games, because sometimes I looked down (the bench) and guys just weren’t ready, some other guys in our lineup” he said. “We lack depth, and that’s where we’re at. That isn’t being critical. It’s the truth.”
Well, it’s also an indictment of former general manager Mike Gillis’ poor drafting and trade records. The recently fired GM’s legacy will likely be botched trades involving goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider, whose deals did not appear to bring back suitable asset returns. But Tortorella was not pointing a finger at him intentionally.
Tortorella also contended that, contrary to public perception, he gets along well with centre Ryan Kesler, whose future with the team is uncertain, although the Livonia, Mich., native said Monday that he never asked for a trade and hopes to stay.
“Kes and I have a tremendous relationship,” said Tortorella. “You guys think we hate one another (and) we don’t speak, but we have a tremendous relationship. We have a very honest relationship. I think he has stood in there and played hard every night.”
Kesler led the team in goals with 25 after a turnaround season following two seasons derailed by injuries. But Tortorella criticized himself for not getting through to defenceman Alex Edler, who is clearly Vancouver’s most gifted rearguard but finished minus-39.
(One of these years, a coach might realize that he just needs to let Edler play his game and not let him over-think it, which he admitted Monday that he does. But that realization might not come in Vancouver, if Edler agrees to waive a no-trade clause and gets moved.)
Kesler lamented the loss of what he thought would be a good season after former coach Alain Vigneault was fired last summer and all players felt they had something to prove after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.
“We’re all flabbergasted right now that we’re sitting up here talking about the year that we just had. Going into this year, I would never think that we’d be sitting here in this situation,” said Kesler.
He agreed with Daniel Sedin’s contention that players, not the team’s system, were to blame for the club’s woes.
“It’s not like Torts is in there telling us not to play offence,” said Kesler. ‘He wants us to score. He wants us to produce.”
Added defenceman Kevin Bieksa: “Having a coach let go last year and a GM a (week) ago, it’s not a good feeling right now, especially (for) the four guys up here,” said Bieksa. “We feel responsible for it. The bottom line is, we win more games and guys don’t lose their jobs.”
With Gillis fired and Tortorella’s job anything but certain, players know that they are next in line to face the team’s revolving door.
“With Torts’ future in question, it’s a tough time for everybody,” said Bieksa. “We’ll see what decisions are made. But, right now, we look at ourselves first and foremost … and think: We could have been better. We should have been better. There are people that are suffering because of it.”
Notes_Daniel Sedin, who left Sunday’s season finale on a stretcher after Paul Byron sent him into the boards head-first, said he did not suffer a concussion or any other serious injuries. He was placed on the stretcher for “precautionary reasons” only. … Vancouver winger Alex Burrows will play for Canada in the upcoming world championships. … Edler does not plan to play for Sweden at the worlds. Lack said he is willing, but has not yet heard from Team Sweden.
“This is a group that’s been together for a long time,” he said Monday, a day after the Canucks’ 2013-14 season ended. “It’s stale. It needs youth. It needs a change – it needs a change – and I felt that from day one.
“We’re not in 2011. We have to stop talking about 2011. The team needs to be retooled, and that’s where change is. It is a young man’s game. It’s certainly not a criticism of them. We need to surround them with some enthusiasm.”
But he also called for changes to “some of the team’s core” as part of the “evolution” that’s necessary. He does not want to see massive changes, but noted "there is a heartbeat of a team, and it needs to be surrounded.”
Tortorella made his comments less than 24 hours after the Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, knowing that he might not be around next season. In other words, even with his job on the line, nobody could accuse him of trying to be politically correct.
And, he wasn’t about to try to spin things as he prepares to discuss his future with new team president Trevor Linden.
“I don’t coach to keep my job,” said Tortorella. “I’m not going to go into any meeting trying to save my job. I just don’t do it that way. I am going to tell him what I think. Trevor is very efficient and, from what I understand, he is on top of everything as far as the interviews and what he’s doing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I loved him as a player and, (in) just a short time I’ve seen him here, you’re in good hands. The team is in good hands. But I’m not going to be rehearsed.”
The Canucks finished 12th in the Western Conference with a 36-35-11 record for 83 points. Only the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers finished behind them in the conference. The Winnipeg Jets, who fired their coach in mid-season, finished with one more point than Vancouver.
Tortorella said his biggest regret was not staying on top of his team to keep it playing well after a strong first half. But he contended that he did not know how his six-game suspension for storming the Calgary Flames dressing room area Jan. 18 affected his team, which battled numerous injuries that he and players contend forced it to play a different way, which they have described as less aggressive, more conservative and defensive-oriented.
But in addition to the injuries and inconsistency, Tortorella pointed to an obvious fact that was at the root of their woes: A lack of depth. While he has come under criticism for over-playing Daniel and Henrik Sedin at times, Tortorella said that when the outcome of a 2-1 game was on the line with six or seven minutes to go, he did not feel comfortable putting out other players.
“I did the things I needed to do to try to win games, because sometimes I looked down (the bench) and guys just weren’t ready, some other guys in our lineup” he said. “We lack depth, and that’s where we’re at. That isn’t being critical. It’s the truth.”
Well, it’s also an indictment of former general manager Mike Gillis’ poor drafting and trade records. The recently fired GM’s legacy will likely be botched trades involving goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider, whose deals did not appear to bring back suitable asset returns. But Tortorella was not pointing a finger at him intentionally.
Tortorella also contended that, contrary to public perception, he gets along well with centre Ryan Kesler, whose future with the team is uncertain, although the Livonia, Mich., native said Monday that he never asked for a trade and hopes to stay.
“Kes and I have a tremendous relationship,” said Tortorella. “You guys think we hate one another (and) we don’t speak, but we have a tremendous relationship. We have a very honest relationship. I think he has stood in there and played hard every night.”
Kesler led the team in goals with 25 after a turnaround season following two seasons derailed by injuries. But Tortorella criticized himself for not getting through to defenceman Alex Edler, who is clearly Vancouver’s most gifted rearguard but finished minus-39.
(One of these years, a coach might realize that he just needs to let Edler play his game and not let him over-think it, which he admitted Monday that he does. But that realization might not come in Vancouver, if Edler agrees to waive a no-trade clause and gets moved.)
Kesler lamented the loss of what he thought would be a good season after former coach Alain Vigneault was fired last summer and all players felt they had something to prove after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.
“We’re all flabbergasted right now that we’re sitting up here talking about the year that we just had. Going into this year, I would never think that we’d be sitting here in this situation,” said Kesler.
He agreed with Daniel Sedin’s contention that players, not the team’s system, were to blame for the club’s woes.
“It’s not like Torts is in there telling us not to play offence,” said Kesler. ‘He wants us to score. He wants us to produce.”
Added defenceman Kevin Bieksa: “Having a coach let go last year and a GM a (week) ago, it’s not a good feeling right now, especially (for) the four guys up here,” said Bieksa. “We feel responsible for it. The bottom line is, we win more games and guys don’t lose their jobs.”
With Gillis fired and Tortorella’s job anything but certain, players know that they are next in line to face the team’s revolving door.
“With Torts’ future in question, it’s a tough time for everybody,” said Bieksa. “We’ll see what decisions are made. But, right now, we look at ourselves first and foremost … and think: We could have been better. We should have been better. There are people that are suffering because of it.”
Notes_Daniel Sedin, who left Sunday’s season finale on a stretcher after Paul Byron sent him into the boards head-first, said he did not suffer a concussion or any other serious injuries. He was placed on the stretcher for “precautionary reasons” only. … Vancouver winger Alex Burrows will play for Canada in the upcoming world championships. … Edler does not plan to play for Sweden at the worlds. Lack said he is willing, but has not yet heard from Team Sweden.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
How times have changed for Owen Nolan
Notes and quotes from the Vancouver Canucks training camp on Sunday …
Nolan undergoes role reversal at Canucks camp
How times have changed for Owen Nolan.
In 1990, he was selected first overall in the NHL draft and received the red-carpet treatment the way Edmonton No. 1 picks Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have the past two years. But at the age of 39, Nolan now finds himself without a contract as he tries out for the Canucks.
He used to be able to count on big minutes in a top-line role. But after spending a season in Switzerland, his role, along with his contract status is uncertain.
“My goal right now is just to make the team, and once I do, we’ll discuss what role the coach wants me to have,” says Nolan. “I have a lot of experience under my belt and can handle a lot of different situations, whether it’s kill penalties, play power plays. Whatever they need me to do, I’m more than willing to do.”
If Nolan can play the way he has in the past, before injuries and age took their toll, he will likely make an impact with the Canucks. As the Stanley Cup finals showed, Vancouver needs more grit, especially on the third and fourth lines, where Nolan is most likely to play.
“Especially not playing (in the NHL) last year, I have no excuses for bumps and bruises,” says Nolan. “I feel fit. I feel ready to get at it.”
Nolan, who last played in the NHL two seasons ago with Minnesota, says he has to rely more on his intelligence now than his physical skills.
“Everyone knows you lose a step the older you get, but I think at some point you learn to read the game a lot better,” says Nolan. “You see those situations a lot more and you know how to react to them.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin says Nolan has reacted well to the rigors of training camp. Now, it’s just a question of seeing what he can do in exhibition play, which begins Tuesday in a pair of split-squad games against Calgary at home and away.
Nolan is among a handful of veterans who are trying out. Goaltender Manny Legace, enforcer Todd Fedoruk and journeyman Steve Begin are the others.
“It’s a tough spot to be in, but they’re coming in, they’re working hard,” says Sedin. “They’ve been around so they know what it takes. I’m sure they want to prove, when the game starts, what they can do.”
“I think different guys can bring different things, but the one thing they can all bring is experience. “They’ve been around and they’ve played this game for a long time, so I think that’s their nature.”
It’s often said that when you try out for one team, you’re actually trying out for 29 other teams that scout you in the preseason. But Nolan does not pay heed to such comments.
“I just want to be part of a winner,” says Nolan. “I’m not expecting to come in here and play 20 minutes. I know that my job is to come in here and chip in any way I can when I’m on the ice.”
Undrafted Archibald fills into pro frame
Add Darren Archibald to the list of players that Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis has granted a second chance to make a first impression.
In Archibald’s case, it’s a third chance. Unlike the aforementioned Nolan, the 21-year-old rookie was never drafted and had unsuccessful tryouts with Columbus and Detroit in the past two training camps. But Gillis saw something in Archibald and signed him last December while he was completing his last season of junior eligibility with Niagara and Barrie of the OHL.
“I think it has a lot to do with what team you go to and how much availability there is for a contract,” says Archibald, who was one of Vancouver’s better players at the recently concluded Young Stars tournament in Penticton, B.C. “It’s such a numbers game and sometimes it just doesn’t work with certain teams. Certain teams already have their style of player and, fortunately, for me, Vancouver was looking for their big guys to get in the hard-nosed areas.”
So why wasn’t Archibald drafted? At six-foot-three and 209 pounds bears the classic build of a power forward.
“Everybody’s kind of labelled me as a late bloomer,” says Archibald. “Within the last couple of years, I guess, I’ve just really started to fill out into my frame. I was always tall, but I was never really thick. In the last couple of years, I’ve started to put on a balance and started to feel more comfortable with my body.”
Soon, he will try to get comfortable in the Chicago Wolves lineup. But he will be one to watch as the Canucks look for more grit and toughness to avoid being bounced around in the playoffs.
Tanev sporting new Chinese-friendly number
Don’t be surprised if second-year Vancouver defenceman Chris Tanev becomes a favourite of the club’s large Chinese fan base.
Tanev will sport No. 8 on his jersey this season instead of his former No. 18. According to Chinese numerology and folklore, the No. 8 is considered the number that brings the most good fortune.
“Really?” says Tanev.
He was unaware of the benefit of his new number. But perhaps Gillis knew something he didn’t.
“I didn’t ask for it to be changed,” says Tanev. “That’s the number I wore in college. Mr. Gillis told the trainers to change it from 18 to eight, and I’m happy with that. That’s what I wore growing up. I prefer that.”
Perhaps the No. 8 will help Tanev, who was also undrafted before being spotted while playing for little-known Rochester Institute of Technology two seasons ago, put more bulk on his slim frame. Unlike Archibald, Tanev does not fit the hockey prototype. Sporting shorts and a tee-shirt, he looks like he would fit in well with the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer club.
He has bulked up a bit, gaining about 10 pounds.
“I’m still working on my strength,” says Tanev. “I’m still working on my shot. Things are coming. They’re a lot better than last year.”
Veteran Keith Ballard figures the extra weight will help Tanev, who is extremely strong when it comes to getting the puck out of his zone, but not strength-wise. Ballard believes the added pounds will help him win some one-on-one battles in the corner and elsewhere.
“He’s not an overly physical player, so he’s not going to use that strength to be running guys every night,” says Ballard.
Eddie doesn’t lack foresight
Eddie Lack, who appears destined to be Vancouver’s top goaltender on the farm this season, is watching and learning from incumbents Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider in training camp.
“I watched them in practice and I learned a lot,” says Lack. “I just know, if I continue to develop, my time will come.”
He recognizes that Luongo still has a decade to go on his long-term contract and Schneider is here until his inevitable trade. Possibly this season. Why else would the Canucks bring in Legace for a look-see? So Lack, a native of Norrtalje, Sweden, is staying patient and following the example of the goaltender who did in the Canucks in the Stanley Cup finals – Tim Thomas – en route to being selected as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
“I’m just trying to take care of my business,” says Lack. “It’s not something that I can control or anything. I have to play good to eventually get a shot up here, and that’s what my plan is.”
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
Sedins like short off-season
The Sedin twins aren’t getting older, they’re getting fitter.
Despite a longer season in 2010-11, the Sedins scored better in some aspects of physical testing at camp. Henrik won’t say exactly which ones, but he admitted the gruelling VO2 exam, which measure oxygen intake during a high-intensity stationary bike ride, was one of them.
“I feel better this year,” says Sedin. “You play longer and you stay in shape and ou don’t really get those weeks where you’re not doing anything. Nowadays, if you get three or four weeks off, it’s a long time to recover from.”
He endorses tennis star Roger Federer’s claim that 40 is the new 30. Obviously, 30, which is the twins’ age until Sept. 26, ain’t what it used to be, either.
“Guys would start to tail off before, but now I think you’re going to see more guys playing longer, because you work out differently in the summer time,” says Henrik. “You get back, you’re never really out of shape, you’re always trying to stay in shape, and that makes things easy.”
But the Sedins, who led the league in scoring the past two seasons, with Henrik prevailing in 2009-10 and Daniel earning top honours last season, made sure they didn’t take it easy in the gym between June and August.
“We had a really good summer,” says Henrik Sedin. “We really tried to push ourselves. Maybe, when you get up to this age, you try to be just where you are and you don’t really try to push yourself. In the summer, we pushed ourselves to try to get in better shape. We’re happy with the results.”
If the past two seasons are any indication, Canucks fans likely will be, too.
Ballard anxious to start season
Still on the feeling-comfortable theme, defenceman Ballard is feeling much better than he did a year ago, when he was recovering from hip surgery and getting to know his teammates following a trade from Florida.
Now, Ballard, who was a frequent healthy scratch in the playoffs and at other times last season, is anxious to start the preseason. He is glad that training camps not the drawn-out affairs that they used to be. Vancouver’s camp will comprise just three days on ice – and Ballard likes it that way.
“You don’t need to be beating up on your own teammates,” says Ballard. “So you want to get out there and compete against some of the other guys.”
Nolan undergoes role reversal at Canucks camp
How times have changed for Owen Nolan.
In 1990, he was selected first overall in the NHL draft and received the red-carpet treatment the way Edmonton No. 1 picks Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have the past two years. But at the age of 39, Nolan now finds himself without a contract as he tries out for the Canucks.
He used to be able to count on big minutes in a top-line role. But after spending a season in Switzerland, his role, along with his contract status is uncertain.
“My goal right now is just to make the team, and once I do, we’ll discuss what role the coach wants me to have,” says Nolan. “I have a lot of experience under my belt and can handle a lot of different situations, whether it’s kill penalties, play power plays. Whatever they need me to do, I’m more than willing to do.”
If Nolan can play the way he has in the past, before injuries and age took their toll, he will likely make an impact with the Canucks. As the Stanley Cup finals showed, Vancouver needs more grit, especially on the third and fourth lines, where Nolan is most likely to play.
“Especially not playing (in the NHL) last year, I have no excuses for bumps and bruises,” says Nolan. “I feel fit. I feel ready to get at it.”
Nolan, who last played in the NHL two seasons ago with Minnesota, says he has to rely more on his intelligence now than his physical skills.
“Everyone knows you lose a step the older you get, but I think at some point you learn to read the game a lot better,” says Nolan. “You see those situations a lot more and you know how to react to them.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin says Nolan has reacted well to the rigors of training camp. Now, it’s just a question of seeing what he can do in exhibition play, which begins Tuesday in a pair of split-squad games against Calgary at home and away.
Nolan is among a handful of veterans who are trying out. Goaltender Manny Legace, enforcer Todd Fedoruk and journeyman Steve Begin are the others.
“It’s a tough spot to be in, but they’re coming in, they’re working hard,” says Sedin. “They’ve been around so they know what it takes. I’m sure they want to prove, when the game starts, what they can do.”
“I think different guys can bring different things, but the one thing they can all bring is experience. “They’ve been around and they’ve played this game for a long time, so I think that’s their nature.”
It’s often said that when you try out for one team, you’re actually trying out for 29 other teams that scout you in the preseason. But Nolan does not pay heed to such comments.
“I just want to be part of a winner,” says Nolan. “I’m not expecting to come in here and play 20 minutes. I know that my job is to come in here and chip in any way I can when I’m on the ice.”
Undrafted Archibald fills into pro frame
Add Darren Archibald to the list of players that Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis has granted a second chance to make a first impression.
In Archibald’s case, it’s a third chance. Unlike the aforementioned Nolan, the 21-year-old rookie was never drafted and had unsuccessful tryouts with Columbus and Detroit in the past two training camps. But Gillis saw something in Archibald and signed him last December while he was completing his last season of junior eligibility with Niagara and Barrie of the OHL.
“I think it has a lot to do with what team you go to and how much availability there is for a contract,” says Archibald, who was one of Vancouver’s better players at the recently concluded Young Stars tournament in Penticton, B.C. “It’s such a numbers game and sometimes it just doesn’t work with certain teams. Certain teams already have their style of player and, fortunately, for me, Vancouver was looking for their big guys to get in the hard-nosed areas.”
So why wasn’t Archibald drafted? At six-foot-three and 209 pounds bears the classic build of a power forward.
“Everybody’s kind of labelled me as a late bloomer,” says Archibald. “Within the last couple of years, I guess, I’ve just really started to fill out into my frame. I was always tall, but I was never really thick. In the last couple of years, I’ve started to put on a balance and started to feel more comfortable with my body.”
Soon, he will try to get comfortable in the Chicago Wolves lineup. But he will be one to watch as the Canucks look for more grit and toughness to avoid being bounced around in the playoffs.
Tanev sporting new Chinese-friendly number
Don’t be surprised if second-year Vancouver defenceman Chris Tanev becomes a favourite of the club’s large Chinese fan base.
Tanev will sport No. 8 on his jersey this season instead of his former No. 18. According to Chinese numerology and folklore, the No. 8 is considered the number that brings the most good fortune.
“Really?” says Tanev.
He was unaware of the benefit of his new number. But perhaps Gillis knew something he didn’t.
“I didn’t ask for it to be changed,” says Tanev. “That’s the number I wore in college. Mr. Gillis told the trainers to change it from 18 to eight, and I’m happy with that. That’s what I wore growing up. I prefer that.”
Perhaps the No. 8 will help Tanev, who was also undrafted before being spotted while playing for little-known Rochester Institute of Technology two seasons ago, put more bulk on his slim frame. Unlike Archibald, Tanev does not fit the hockey prototype. Sporting shorts and a tee-shirt, he looks like he would fit in well with the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer club.
He has bulked up a bit, gaining about 10 pounds.
“I’m still working on my strength,” says Tanev. “I’m still working on my shot. Things are coming. They’re a lot better than last year.”
Veteran Keith Ballard figures the extra weight will help Tanev, who is extremely strong when it comes to getting the puck out of his zone, but not strength-wise. Ballard believes the added pounds will help him win some one-on-one battles in the corner and elsewhere.
“He’s not an overly physical player, so he’s not going to use that strength to be running guys every night,” says Ballard.
Eddie doesn’t lack foresight
Eddie Lack, who appears destined to be Vancouver’s top goaltender on the farm this season, is watching and learning from incumbents Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider in training camp.
“I watched them in practice and I learned a lot,” says Lack. “I just know, if I continue to develop, my time will come.”
He recognizes that Luongo still has a decade to go on his long-term contract and Schneider is here until his inevitable trade. Possibly this season. Why else would the Canucks bring in Legace for a look-see? So Lack, a native of Norrtalje, Sweden, is staying patient and following the example of the goaltender who did in the Canucks in the Stanley Cup finals – Tim Thomas – en route to being selected as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
“I’m just trying to take care of my business,” says Lack. “It’s not something that I can control or anything. I have to play good to eventually get a shot up here, and that’s what my plan is.”
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
Sedins like short off-season
The Sedin twins aren’t getting older, they’re getting fitter.
Despite a longer season in 2010-11, the Sedins scored better in some aspects of physical testing at camp. Henrik won’t say exactly which ones, but he admitted the gruelling VO2 exam, which measure oxygen intake during a high-intensity stationary bike ride, was one of them.
“I feel better this year,” says Sedin. “You play longer and you stay in shape and ou don’t really get those weeks where you’re not doing anything. Nowadays, if you get three or four weeks off, it’s a long time to recover from.”
He endorses tennis star Roger Federer’s claim that 40 is the new 30. Obviously, 30, which is the twins’ age until Sept. 26, ain’t what it used to be, either.
“Guys would start to tail off before, but now I think you’re going to see more guys playing longer, because you work out differently in the summer time,” says Henrik. “You get back, you’re never really out of shape, you’re always trying to stay in shape, and that makes things easy.”
But the Sedins, who led the league in scoring the past two seasons, with Henrik prevailing in 2009-10 and Daniel earning top honours last season, made sure they didn’t take it easy in the gym between June and August.
“We had a really good summer,” says Henrik Sedin. “We really tried to push ourselves. Maybe, when you get up to this age, you try to be just where you are and you don’t really try to push yourself. In the summer, we pushed ourselves to try to get in better shape. We’re happy with the results.”
If the past two seasons are any indication, Canucks fans likely will be, too.
Ballard anxious to start season
Still on the feeling-comfortable theme, defenceman Ballard is feeling much better than he did a year ago, when he was recovering from hip surgery and getting to know his teammates following a trade from Florida.
Now, Ballard, who was a frequent healthy scratch in the playoffs and at other times last season, is anxious to start the preseason. He is glad that training camps not the drawn-out affairs that they used to be. Vancouver’s camp will comprise just three days on ice – and Ballard likes it that way.
“You don’t need to be beating up on your own teammates,” says Ballard. “So you want to get out there and compete against some of the other guys.”
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