Musings on Canucks, Stamkos, Torts and Treliving

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.

 

Canucks players have their coach's back

Vancouver Canuck players showed Monday that they support coach Willie Desjardins.

 For months, Desjardins, who became an NHL head coach for the first time at the age of 57 and never played in the league, has faced speculation about his ability to get players to accept his message and his methods. But captain Henrik Sedin said he and his teammates believe that Desjardins is the right coach for the club.

“Absolutely. There’s never been a question about that from this team,” said Henrik Sedin. “We really like him as a coach and a person, so that’s never been a question from any of the players – since day one.”

The Canucks missed the playoffs, finishing 28th overall with a 31-38-13 record while battling several injuries and integrating many young players into the lineup. Media types and fans calling into radio talk shows have wondered publicly about the decision to keep Desjardins for next season, which was confirmed in March. Desjardins has been heavily criticized for everything from his dedication to juggling four lines to line combinations to the use of young players on the power play and in high-pressure situations.

Desjardins’ previous championships at the university, junior and minor-pro levels have quickly been forgotten as a result of the Canucks’ plight. But the coach drew praise from veteran players for his efforts this season.

“Last year, I think Bo (Horvat) was the only young guy coming in,” said winger Jannik Hansen. “It’s a lot easier to manage a team of older players that knows what is expected of them and knows how to play. This year, with so many young guys coming in, all of a sudden you’re back to teaching hockey again instead of worrying, maybe, about smaller finesses in the game. It’s always tough when there’s a big rotation in the lineup. It’s always tough to become an NHL player, and it takes experience and it takes games.”

Goalie Ryan Miller likes Desjardins’ approach to the game and how he wants his players to feel.

“ I like his outlook,” said Miller. “He’s always positive and when he has a group of guys, he wants that group to believe in themselves. I think there were a lot of things this year that were difficult to meet head-on, and he remained pretty much who he is throughout all that. Given the circumstances, he did the best he could.”

Meanwhile, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who have two years remaining on their contracts and, theoretically, fewer opportunities to win a Stanley Cup, are willing to stick with the Canucks as they continue to rebuild on the fly while still seeking to make the playoffs each year. Both expressed support for general manager Jim Benning and president of hockey operations Trevor Linden and their ability to execute a development plan which, critics contend, has not always been clear.

“For us, it’s important to see that there’s a place where they want to go and just to see that they follow through (on) that,” said Henrik Sedin. “We knew it was going to be a tough year. We could have fought for a playoff spot, for sure. That didn’t happen, but they’re not changing the way they think about this, and I’m totally confident we’re going to be in a better spot next year. Before we’re done, I’m sure we’re going to have another run at (the Stanley Cup). That’s the way we look at it.”

He said all players realize that the Canucks need to get younger before they get better, but the solution is not just to finish near the bottom of the overall standings to get a good draft pick.

“I think the difference this year from, maybe, two years ago is that now I think we’re on the way up again,” he said. “Two years ago, with (former coach John Tortorella) I thought, as a team, we were on the way down. Now, we’ve got (building) pieces, but it’s dangerous to keep, from year to year, thinking about getting a high draft pick. We’ve seen other teams not being successful. Now, we have pieces and we have to surround them, I feel, with good (veteran) players – because it’s not easy as a young player coming in.”

Daniel Sedin said injuries compounded the difficult season. The Canucks lost key veterans like centre Brandon Sutter, winger Radim Vrbata  and defencemen Alex Edler, Chris Tanev  and Luca Sbisa for extended stretches while other ailments sidelined several other players. But the Sedins have faith in  Benning and Linden’s effort to improve the club.

“We trust (Benning) and (Linden),” said Daniel Sedin. “They have a plan in place and they’re going to follow through with their plan. That’s all you could ask for. So there’s – for sure – 100 per cent buy-in.”

Higgins taking relaxed approach to uncertain future

Many are wondering whether Chris Higgins can remain in the NHL next season – but he isn’t.

The Vancouver Canucks winger adopted a let-things-be approach Monday after a season in which he battled injuries and a demotion to the minors.

“I’m not worried about this (season) being a wake-up call or really dwelling on anything,” said Higgins as Canuck players cleaned out their lockers after missing the playoffs. “It’s a good time of year. I’ll take some time off and relax. That’s what I’ll take it as.”

Higgins was recalled to the injury-riddled Canucks from Utica of the AHL in late March after he revived his game and the Canucks needed bodies as a result of several injuries. Both the demotion and promotion were unexpected, considering that Higgins had been a staple of the Canucks core since arriving in a trade from the Florida Panthers during Vancouver’s Stanley Cup final run in 2011.

“I believed I had a really good summer and I had a good camp, and then I got injured,” said Higgins. “(The injury) took its toll, physically as well as mentally, just because I trained so hard over the summer. Then I was playing catch-up the rest of the season. Obviously, it was disappointing to get sent down to Utica. But, as most people know, I had a lot of fun playing down there. It was a great group of guys. I was surprised to get the call back up here, but it’s certainly been nice to be part of this team again and spend time with my family.”

Higgins, who missed the last four games of Vancouver’s season with a reported knee injury, has a year remaining on his contract, but it appears the Canucks will attempt to buy him out after trade attempts  were unsuccessful. However, the 32-year-old Smithtown, N.Y., native, who recorded three goals and one assist in 33 with the Canucks this season, is confident that he can still compete in the NHL.

“For sure, I still believe in myself,” said Higgins.

Injuries helped Canucks get better, says coach

Vancouver Canucks coach Willie Desjardins usually keeps his emotions in check, but could not hide his frustration before Saturday’s season finale against the Edmonton Oilers.

“It’s frustrating for everybody,” said Desjardins after Vancouver’s morning skate. “It’s frustrating for the fans. It’s frustrating for management and everybody’s frustrated with it.”

The Canucks were officially eliminated from the playoffs in March, but had little hope of reaching the post-season much earlier.

"Losing is tough, losing is hard, it’s hard on everybody, but if you just lose and you’re not upset by it, then that’s not a very good sign," he added.

But Desjardins, who has management’s blessing to return next season, believes that the Canucks have plenty of talent in their dressing room. Injuries killed Vancouver’s playoffs hopes, along with inconsistency. Desjardins said the injuries, which resulted in the loss of key veterans Brandon Sutter and Chris Higgins among others, actually ended up helping the club, because young players received extensive playing time.

“We’re a different team without injuries. I think the injuries have made us better down the road,” said Desjardins. “We don’t want the injuries, but I think they’ve made us better for the future. There (are) lots of cases throughout the team. You look at (goaltender Jacob) Markstrom. Injuries to (Ryan) Miller have helped Markstrom, and you look at Tryamkin coming in. They are so many of them. (Jake Virtanen) and (Sven) Baertschi. Lots of guys are better because of that. So that’s the positive part out of it. But that doesn’t change how we feel every night when we play.”

Vancouver players could not hide their disappointment with the way things have gone, either.

“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating, we wanted to get in the playoffs, we wanted to be a good team – and look where we are right now,” said winger Alex Burrows.

With a possible contract looming, Burrows realized that he might have suited up for his final game as a Canuck. Burrows became a star after going undrafted and beginning his career in the East Coast Hockey League before advancing to the AHL and then the NHL. But he was in no mood to reflect on his tenure in Vancouver before the game.

“I’m sure, once I’ve had time to reflect after the season, once I’ve had my year-end meetings with management and coaching staff, then you can reflect on the bigger picture,” he said.

Canucks refuse to tank in final week

Lose games on purpose?

No tanks, say the Vancouver Canucks.

As the Canucks play the final week of their 2015-16 NHL regular season, they are damned if they do win games and damned if they don’t. Wins could hurt their draft position, but losses could also leave a bad taste in fans’ mouths.

Long eliminated from the playoffs, the Canucks will take moral victories over reduced odds for the top overall pick, which is likely to be American forward Auston Matthews.

“We wanna win games,” said Canucks rookie Jake Virtanen. “That’s what we wanna do, and that’s what matters right now. We’re not gonna throw away games just to get a good draft pick. We wanna, obviously, end the year off with a bang here and build team character and team identity for next year.”

The Canucks had a Monday night date with the Los Angeles Kings at home, and then travel to Calgary and Edmonton for games Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, before closing out the season Saturday at home against the Oilers.

Defenceman Dan Hamhuis, a pending unrestricted free agent who might not return to the Canucks next season, said the goal is to play. He contended it’s “silly” that the Canucks should lose in order to get a better draft pick.

“Our job is to play hard and put a good product on the ice,” said Hamhuis. “We take a lot of pride as individuals and as a team in representing the Canucks, and losing games is just not something you ever want to do.  I think that’s a poor representation of the jersey.”

Hamhuis said it’s difficult to get up for games with nothing on the line, but the club had played better in the previous six or seven games.

“You don’t want to be put in a situation like this, when the games aren’t building towards the playoffs or anything, but I think you can say we are building towards next year a bit,” he said.

What’s captain Henrik Sedin’s message to fans as the Canucks complete the final week of their campaign.

“That we’re gonna finish the season off and play the best hockey that we can,” said Sedin.

Accordingly, fans can expect coach Willie Desjardins to ice the strongest he can each night, even as the the team continues to evaluate players for next season. But a high draft pick is few rungs down on his priority list.

“A good pick is something that you always want,” said Desjardins. “It’s something that can help you down the road, but I think the thing that’s most important, more than one player, is the culture you have on your team. I think the culture has to be that you play every game to win.”

Desjardins, who has been heavily criticized but is slated to return next season, would rather continue to build a winning culture rather than have a chance at a top young player who might or might not live up to his potential.

“If you ever lose that culture, you’re set back for years – and one player can’t even help you get out of it,” said Desjardins.

Don't rule out a Stamkos trade

Points to ponder as the National Hockey League trade deadline approaches ...

1. Steven Stamkos could still be traded.

Contrary to perception, Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman could still trade the Lightning captain. Yzerman just won't do it by the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
By announcing that he will not move Stamkos between now and the end of the season, Yzerman has covered the bases -- and his backside. The decision means that Stamkos, one of the best players in the world, can still help the Bolts push for a playoff spot, the star centre and the team will not be distracted by trade speculation, and Yzerman can still try to get his best player signed to a new contract.
If contract negotiations do not go as planned, Yzerman still has the option of trading Stamkos around the time of the NHL Draft or prior to the opening of free agency.
Stamkos would still have to agree to a trade, which means that he might not go at the draft, because he will want to choose where he plays next. But it's feasible that he could consent to a trade prior to becoming a free agent, because he would not have to relocate and could simply wait until his contract expires.
If Yzerman deals him prior to the free agent frenzy, the Lightning could still get a decent return, the team that acquires him would have an exclusive negotiating period. If the team that acquires him fails to strike a deal, it could trade him before free agency opens.
A similar scenario occurred in 2010 when Dan Hamhuis made it known that he would not re-sign with Nashville. The Predators dealt him to Philadelphia for a conditional 2011 draft pick and Ryan Parent. When the Flyers could not sign Hamhuis, they traded him to Pittsburgh for a third-round pick. The Penguins were also unable to ink him to a deal, and he eventually chose to sign with Vancouver.
In the case of Stamkos, a team, say Toronto, could give up more if it feels quite confident about signing him.

2. Canucks are in a rebuild

Despite recent reports suggesting otherwise, the Canucks are in a rebuild.
It is ludicrous to suggest that owner Francesco Acquillini is opposed to one, because eight players have made their NHL debuts with Vancouver this season, and four are currently with the team. Also, the Canucks only have 13 players who were with the team at the start of last season.
If Acquillini was unhappy with president Trevor Linden and GM Jim Benning's current strategy and philosophy, he would fire them, but he hasn't.
The Canucks are not done dealing and will be sellers at the trade deadline to free up more salary cap space and have access to more young talent. That means the likes of defenceman Hamhuis and winger Radim Vrbata, among others, could be moved.

3. Willie Desjardins needs PR tips

Somebody needs to tell Canucks coach Willie Desjardins not to be so self-critical.
He blamed himself for losses to lowly struggling Toronto and Minnesota clubs in the past two games. Never mind that most of the Canucks' offensive players have trouble hitting the broad side of a barn with their shots these days.
The fact is that the Canucks can't score enough goals, and that problem is due more to a lack of production from veterans than poor coaching. And, it should be noted, the veterans' offensive troubles began well before Desjardins arrived.
Desjardins is still keeping the Canucks within spitting distance of a playoff spot despite numerous injuries and the integration of young players as part of the aforementioned rebuild. He has come under criticism for repeatedly rolling four lines, but what's the use of going with three lines if only one of them can score consistently? If he reduces the fourth line's ice time, the Canucks could be more vulnerable defensively, and they will not score more goals. And, key players like Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Jannik Hansen could be vulnerable to increased fatigue and injuries.
Desjardins' primary fault when it comes to PR is that he is serious and introspective publicly, in contrast to other moments away from the cameras when he is much more jovial and happy-go-lucky. But it's hard to be happy-go-lucky when you don't have enough consistently scoring veterans to work with.
 
4.  Goalies could be on the move

This year's trade deadline could feature more goaltenders than usual as teams try to improve their playoff hopes and others try to get value for impending unrestricted free agents.
The Montreal Canadiens, in danger of missing the playoffs after a phenomenal start to the season, could be inclined to acquire a goaltender as Carey Price remains out with an injury. Meanwhile, other teams might be interested in Carolina's Cam Ward, who has won a Stanley Cup, Calgary's Jonas Hiller, Toronto's James Reimer, San Jose's Alex Stalock or L.A.'s Jhonas Enroth. All could help in the stretch drive.
Vancouver's Ryan Miller still has a year to go on a contract that pays him $6.5 million annually, but the Canucks might be inclined to move him as Jakob Markstrom continues to progress. Miller would have to agree to a deal, but might be willing if he feels the new team's Stanley Cup hopes are strong. The new team could then buy out Miller in the off-season.

5. Some big names could change teams

With Stamkos staying in Tampa, some other big names, who are also destined to become UFAs, could change uniforms at the deadline. The others include Carolina's Eric Staal, Florida's Brian Campbell, Vancouver's Vrbata, Arizona's Shane Doan and David Backes of the St. Louis. Staal, Doan and Backes are captains, adding more captain-related intrigue to a season that has already seen the speculation on Stamkos and former Maple Leafs skipper Dion Phaneuf move to the Ottawa Senators.

6. Expect the unexpected

In keeping with most trade deadlines, some unexpected deals will inevitably stun fans. The main question is: How many of these will occur?

 






  

NHL predictions not to live by in 2016

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.

Hiller goes with flow as Canucks change goalies

While the Vancouver Canucks switched their goaltenders in a do-or-die situation, Jonas Hiller kept going with the flow Thursday.
Ryan Miller was in and Eddie Lack was out of the Canucks net, but there was no doubt that Hiller would start for the Calgary Flames after he had backstopped them to a 3-1 lead over Vancouver in their Western Conference quarter-final series.
However, it wasn’t always this way for Hiller, who is in his first season with the Flames after being cast aside by the Anaheim Ducks.
His starting status was in question at times this season as he played 52 games while compiling a 26-19-4 record, 2.36 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He had to battle Karri Ramo for the No. 1 job, but solidified his place down the stretch while helping the Flames secure a playoff berth.
Hiller, a 33-year-old Switzerland native, has also battled concussion issues in the past. But he is not getting too excited about his strong run. He was not about to lobby for long-term starter status, either.
“I knew when I signed in Calgary it was going to be between me and Rammer,” said Hiller after Calgary’s morning skate. “Especially these days, it’s great to have two goalies who can help the team win on any given night, because with the travel and everything, it’s tough to play at your best for 82 games. To have the option and know somebody else is there and can carry the ball for a little bit, it’s great to have. I’m pretty happy to know that I can carry the ball right now and I’m playing well, but it can change quick.”
Hiller is gaining some enjoyment as he stands out for a Flames team that is in the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09. He helped the Flames get in despite a late eight-game losing skid. But he knows that success in the NHL is fleeting, and the battle for the No. 1 position is far from over.
“If you play in the NHL, you always have somebody who wants your job,” he said. “There’s always somebody who’s gonna be better than you. It’s definitely, not gonna be the last time. I’m sure, next year, it’s gonna be a similar situation. It’s part of (a goaltender's life in the NHL), but I’m definitely happy with the way I’m playing and the way I’m able to handle (the load) and always find a way to stay confident in myself and improve my game.”
Hiller said he has had to make some adjustments because of the Flames’ shot-blocking prowess. Their skill actually makes him more cautious and further back in his net in case opponents make an extra pass as their shooting lanes are blocked. Calgary defenceman Kris Russell said Hiller has been Calgary's best player in recent games. Russell added that Hiller reads plays well and is a calming influence because of the way he talks with teammates and helps them out.
“(Hiller) has been good for us all year,” said Russell. “There were a lot of questions coming in, because we had two hot goalies playing. They were two guys that were carrying the ship in their own right, and Rams was hot there for a while. We have a lot of trust in both our goaltenders; and, obviously, Hills has been huge for us this series. … So we’re gonna need him to continue that.”

Rookies making their mark in Flames-Canucks series

Rookies are making their mark in the Western Conference quarter final series between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
The Flames planned to dress five first-year players, including wingers Sam Bennett and Johnny Gaudreau, for the second straight contest in Friday's Game 2. The Canucks were expected to dress at least two rookies, centre Bo Horvat and winger Ronalds Kenins.
"They’re stepping in and playing hard," said Canucks coach Willie Desjardins about the rookies on both clubs. "I just think that’s the way of the new players. The young players, they’re confident in their ability and they feel they can come in and play – not just have ice time, but make a difference.”
Bennett turned heads by assisting on Calgary's winning goal, with only 29.6 seconds left, in the first game. It was only Bennett's second career NHL game, after he drew an assist in the first minute against Winnipeg.
His performance in Game 1 drew rave reviews from Calgary coach Bob Hartley, teammates and opponents alike.
“It’s part of his personality," said Hartley. "You’re talking about a fearless kid, a kid who wants to learn, a kid who wants to compete. I really thank God that we got him in the lineup. He’s probably the biggest pain that I’ve ever coached. This year, every day he was coming to me. He wanted to be in practice. He wanted to be in pre-game warm-ups, stuff like this.”
Bennett, the fourth overall pick in last summer's NHL draft, has excelled after missing most of the season due to shoulder surgery and playing in the latter stages of the campaign with his junior team. He initially hid the injury while attempting to make the Flames in the pre-season.
"There (were) many reports that the kid was not a good worker and couldn't do pull-ups (at the NHL combine) or anything," said Hartley. "When your shoulder is broken in pieces, but you won't tell anyone because you are a competitor and you want to be there, I think that speaks volumes about his character.
“Apparently, his shoulder was fine,” continued Hartley. “But now, today, we know that it wasn’t fine. He wanted to make our team so bad that all the pain was not a problem. Once we got him checked by our team doctors and a specialist, there was no way that he could keep going without a surgery. That’s the kind of player that we need in this organization if we’re going to make some great strides forward. Yes, you need talent, you need speed, but you need character.
"This kid is full of dynamite.”
Teammate Sean Monahan, an old foe in years gone by, was not surprised by Bennett's play.
“I played against him in the OHL," said Monahan. "He’s a good player and he’s gonna be good for a long time.”
Horvat, who also played against Bennett in the OHL was also impressed with his effort in only his second NHL game. They used to square off while Horvat was with London and Bennett toiled for Kingston.
"He’s a special player. ... He’s definitely gotten stronger, and it seems like he’s gotten a little faster,” said Horvat.
Horvat, a 20-year-old Rodney, Ont., also impressed as he scored Vancouver's only goal in his first career Stanley Cup playoff game.
Gaudreau, a leading candidate for the NHL Rookie of the Year award, would like to do better after struggling in Game 1. But the pint-sized Salem, N.J., native, who plays on Calgary's top line, still appreciates the opportunity to take part in the playoffs in his first pro season.
“It’s exciting," said Gaudreau, a Boston College product who was considered a long shot to reach the NHL after being drafted by Calgary in the fourth round (104th overall) in 2011. "I never thought I’d be in this kind of position before."
He praised older teammates for showing the way for him and the four other rookies who started Game 1.
"Thankfully, I had a lot of help from teammates throughout the season, and they really put me in this position.”
Gaudreau, a former Hobey Baker award winner as the top collegiate player in the U.S.
But according to Flames winger David Jones, who scored their first goal in Game 1, the rookies provided guidance for Calgary's older players.
“Even for a lot of us veterans, we don’t have a lot of playoff experience," said Jones. "So we’re all sort of in the same boat. The young guys kind of bring new life to all of us. I’m always impressed every year when guys that are 18, 19, 20 years old come in and play big minutes. When I was (Sam) Bennett’s age, I was still in Junior A.
“Just to show that kind of poise, the kind these guys have, always impresses me.”