Interesting. I'm a bit worried that E. Kane is a bit of a problem, but I think a bigger city would mask some of his issues. Although Vancouver is bigger, the coverage of him wouldn't be any less than in Winnipeg. I think Kane would benefit from a few years in an American market (like Florida or Tampa or Dallas or Carolina...). Somewhere where he could walk out of the arena after the game without constant attention.
As for major changes in Vancouver, I'm more and more worried that heads won't roll. I wish they weren't facing so many injuries. I'm petrified that Torts and GMMG will get a pass because of them. I read an article recently where Torts argued that he had to get away from his game plan because of major injuries and that they had to get back to what they set out to be at the beginning of the season.
IF they are going to start fresh, they need to do it quickly. Let the new coach and GM make Kesler and Edler deals. Let the new coach and GM draft (with a pretty decent pick). Let MG buy-out Booth. One last move to highlight his tenure of mediocrity.
Looking over his time in Van (
http://www.nucksmisconduct.com/2013/...th-the-canucks -- it's a year old, but perhaps that is a good thing for Gillis!), and you'll see how little he actually did for this team:
Highlights:
1. Getting Hamhuis at a discount -- although that had more to do with the city of Vancouver than MG.
2. The initial Ehrhoff deal -- that was a steal.
Lowlights:
1. Every single NHL draft. Hodgson (later disaster ensues), Schroeder, Connauton, Jensen and Corrado are the best he's brought to Vancity (with the exception of the last draft -- which isn't assessable yet). And this is my #1 problem with him. There needs to be something worthwhile in 5 years of drafts!
2. Hodgson debacle (still not sure what all happened there, but Kassian isn't exactly making it look like a win quite yet)
3. Luongo contract (which I'll concede, was made 500% worse by the league's rule changes, which were unforeseen)
4. Some brutal signings: Demitra and Sundin are two that stand out.
Time will tell I suppose. There's a lot for a new GM to work with here methinks. And I wouldn't be shocked if a new GM and coach came in and turned things around for next season with a couple astute moves and some better luck. Make it happen!