OffThePost.org

1. The trades were good. Didn't like the Kesler trade but since Anaheim was the only option allowed and it sounds like Kesler was a large negative to the team he had to go. The other trades were really solid and it's nice that they seem to be able to deal with other teams where Gillis was pretty restricted in partners for whatever reason.

2. I actually really like both the Benning and Desjardin choices. Bennings draft history is superb, so hopefully he see's something with McCann and Virtanen that the stats don't.

3. Thomas Gradin still has influence, the 5th round choice of Gustav Forsling looks really promising.

Right now I'm just in wait and see mode for free agency. I suspect they will try and spend the $17 mil in cap space (rumour is they want Miller) and make the playoffs, exact opposite of what I want to see. However if they choose to hang onto the cash, and be open with the fans about their intentions of rebuilding I'll be quite pleased.

As far as free agency goes I am a little more concerned. The last thing this team needs is Luongo version 2.0, an overpriced head case who is past his prime. Quite frankly, Luongo is a better goalie than Miller. At least he's won more. The Canucks are clearly not comfortable with their goaltending duo as it stands. But they need to go after young promising NHL proven talent with their cap space, deals like the one for Vey. I know, I know -- get in line. The problem is the business side. They need to sell some hope to the Aquilini's and the largely naive fan base. A couple of big names would do the trick and would help those season ticket sales, which are reported to be down 5%. My guess is more like 10-15%. By the way, there is no more waiting list for seasons tickets.

I would bet that Trevor Linden had zero influence over who they drafted this weekend. Not because he doesn't care -- but because he has no idea.

I have a hard time believe Benning made many of these picks, to be honest. The current NHL model is one where the GM has minimal impact on who the team actually picks since he's not directly involved in the scouting. Now, he was involved in Boston's process, but he might not have been too strong in his overruling this first go around. I expect a new scouting model will be in place for the 2014-15 season that will reflect Benning's actual preferences.

But how hard is it to say no to your scouts -- who have a horrific track record -- when they come to you with a guy who simply doesn't score in junior? They should use late round picks on long-shot skill players, not guys with 100% certainty never to come close to the NHL. Sign those guys for free if you really want them.

He seems like a solid pick, probable 3rd line centre but.........with Barbashev, Ho-Sang and especially Scherbak I feel like they passed on some potentially really good players for the safe bet. Botchford quoted Benning today as saying that "they didn't consider any Russian's as they were looking for 'meat and potatoes' players.

Well I sure hope he knows what he is doing because there is no way Virtanen should have been in his top 12 that I can figure. It's strange, a couple years ago before I paid attention to the analytics side of it I would have been ecstatic with. Virtanen. Would have looked at the goals, the shot, the speed and figured the Nucks drew a stud who had the added local boy bonus.

Never would have looked at his quality of team mates, or considered that he had already matured into full man size with little room to improve in this regard where as Scherbak basically carried his team on his back, had to transition from Russian to WHL, and has plenty of room to fill out his long frame. Context of situation matters, and context indicates that Virtanen ain't as good a prospect as Scherbak much less Nylander or Ehlers. Meat and potatoes are good but fine dining is better.

7:43 PM (HM) - PHILADELPHIA – With the 24th selection in the NHL draft, a pick the Canucks acquired in the Ryan Kesler trade earlier in the day, the club selected Jared McCann, a kid who wants to be the next Ryan Kesler.

Funny how that works out.

Asked what the Canucks liked about him, he responded, “My two-way game. I model my game after a guy like Ryan Kesler.”

It’s probably not the best day to invoke Kesler. (Another red flag: McCann also invoked Todd Bertuzzi, answering one question with “it is what it is”.)
McCann was asked to elaborate. Does he really like Kesler?

“I am a fan of his,” he responded. “I like the way he plays the game. He’s a two-way center man like I try to be. He’s not afraid to drop the gloves if necessary. I definitely try to be like him.”
According to a few people that follow the OHL closely, McCann is, and not just on the ice. He can be difficult, a little prickly, a little surly. “He has a bad attitude,” one scout noted. Another suggested it’s pretty strange for a kid ranked as highly as McCann is to be left off Hockey Canada’s Summer Development roster. “He clearly rubbed someone the wrong way,” I was told.
But he’s a very good hockey player, and as Kesler proved during his time here, there’s nothing wrong with a difficult person, so long as he’s difficult for you. And with a Kesler-sized hole in the roster, McCann and the Canucks might be a perfect match.

Ryan Miller seen with his wife in Vancouver today. Ugh.....

Hello LA Kings !!! They could become my team for the next four years.

“Goaltending is a hard position. Goalies develop later. I don’t think you know what you have with a goalie until they are 26 or 27.”

“If Ryan is our guy who is going to play the majority of the games, I think Eddie can look to him as a mentor,"

If I was Lack I'd be asking for a trade, to anywhere he'd at least be allowed to be able to compete for the starting position and not be the designated men-tee before camp. At this point I think the best we can hope for is they both come in and have a great season and one of them gets traded.

Goalie controversy coming, you'd think one of Linden or Benning would be familiar enough with the Canuck's history of the last 3 years to try and avoid another goalie controversy.

Ryan Miller Verified account
‏@RyanMiller3039
“@eddielack: Hey @RyanMiller3039 I'm open for dinner:) #datenight” <rose> YES!!!!

Talent Analysis

Markstrom is a tall, fluid goaltender with tremendous technique and composure who stays relaxed and cool under pressure. Markstrom plays a butterfly style with a good glove and has fine positioning and agility in net. His long legs can sometimes pose a problem by creating gaps as he drops to the butterfly, but experience will help him improve in that area. Markstrom rebounded last season from past knee injuries to prove his durability.


Future

Markstrom has the tools and the talent—and most importantly the focus and mental strength—to become a cornerstone netminder in the NHL.

What happened to Markstrom? He was a big time prospect. Did he flame out in FL or not get a chance?

Here's his review from hockeysfuture, where he had an 8.5 talent score (=approaching elite talent)



http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jacob_markstrom/