Vancouver Canucks

[ridinryan44]

Vancouver has announced the signing of depth goaltender Matt Climie and ex-Pred's dman Alexander Sulzer

[loco man]

Quick question: Hamhuis or Salo?

Looking to add a 7th D from a very slim waiver wire. Who gets the PP time out of these two, and most importantly, does either see PP #1?

Mostly interested in seeing what Hamhuis will bring to the table, now that Erhoff is gone.

Thanks!!

[ridinryan44]

Salo is much more likely to see PP time with that huge cannon of his. Thing is, you can count on him missing 20 games. Hamhuis will see some 2nd unit PP time, but that may also depend on who they bring in, if anyone. Salo is a lock for the 2nd unit.

[ridinryan44]

Byron Bitz has been signed to a two-way contract:

http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569978

Good depth signing, now, can we trade some of them for a good second line winger please?

[loco man]

Salo is much more likely to see PP time with that huge cannon of his. Thing is, you can count on him missing 20 games. Hamhuis will see some 2nd unit PP time, but that may also depend on who they bring in, if anyone. Salo is a lock for the 2nd unit.

So it doesn't sound like Hammy is used much on the PP regardless of Salo? I'll keep an eye on Sami in the preseason and may snatch him up.

thanks

[ridinryan44]

So it doesn't sound like Hammy is used much on the PP regardless of Salo? I'll keep an eye on Sami in the preseason and may snatch him up.

thanks

He gets some time here and there, but the team isn't looking to get him there. His primary role is as the team's number one shutdown guy. He will see scattered time on both units, here and there, but the team is no in no rush to get him there. With Erhoff gone he could see more second unit time, but I'm guessing they'll more likely use Ballard there if he is still with the team. The Sedin's have stated in the past that they like working with Hammy on the PP, so that does give him a chance, but I see Edler/Bieksa manning the first unit, and Salo/Ballard on the second....that second pairing is up in the air, though.

[ridinryan44]

Gillis has made a fantastic re-signing, inking Janik Hansen to a three-year deal. The cap hit is $1.3 million per year. This is a beauty of a signing and is right around where players of Hansen's ability should be signing, IMO. It may even be a little low for Hansen as I would have been happy with 1.5 - 1.75 mil. He's much more effective and consistent than most of Vancouver's other depth players, and can play in a real variety of roles. He's even seen time on the top line with the Sedin's. He's a tenacious forechecker, defensively sounds, can skate like the wind and pot a few goals each year. He should settle in around the 40-point mark and is never a liability. One of the hardest workers on the team, Hansen also moonlights as a voice-over spe******t for female-on-female porn movies, and female voices in many Disney films.


With this signing, Vancouver has very few holes left to fill, other than the glaring need for a proven second-line scorer. I have no doubts that Gillis is working the phone lines feverously, in an attempt to find that finisher. As of now, the forward lines should look something like this on opening day...

Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Sturm-Kesler-Sameulsson
Higgins-Malhotra-Hansen
Bytz-Lapierre-Mancari

I see Bytz and Mancari slotting in to that fourth line to utilize their size and strength. Vancouver was beaten up by Boston's bigger team, Gillis will utilize the size he's brought in. If rumors are true and Brad Winchester does sign with Vancouver, that creates a good battle between the two already slotted in, Winchester and Ebbet for fourth line duties. Good competition and great depth. These moves will make the Wolves stronger and allow for options in case of injuries.

On defence:

Bieks-Hamhuis
Edler-Salo
Ballard-Rome

Challengers for spots include both Andrew Alberts, who re-signed for two years, and Chris Tanev who played admirably in his stretch call-up when Edler was hurt. He also did not look out of place in the playoffs. Tanev and Ballard showed good chemistry as Ballard seemed to relish the role of teacher. It is possible that Ballard and Tanev could shore up the third pairing, especially if they decide to go with so much size on the fourth line.

PP 1

Sedin-Sedin-Kesler
Edler-Bieksa

PP 2
Burrows-Malhotra-Sturm
Sameulsson-Salo


Higgins is probably hurt the most by the Sturm signing, as Sturm has been the better goal scorer of the two based on goals-per-game over the past few years.

Other big news, which may have more ramifications than one might think at first take, is the signing of Craig MacTavish with Vancouver's new AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. It's been rumored that this may be a warning signal for AV should he not be able to take Vancouver all the way to the cup. MacTavish is known for getting the most out of his players which bodes well for Vancouver's young prospects. I love the fact that we have an NHL-caliber coach preparing the young prospects the right way.

I really hope that Gillis can find that top-six forward we need. Sitting about $2.5 million below the cap, Vancouver sits in good position to make changes/additions to the team come the deadline or space for trades made during the season. I really wish Ryan Malone was A.healthy, and B.not under contract for another four years. He'd make a great pairing with Kesler on the second line.

All in all, great depth signings. The second line issue needs to be addressed, but may not be doable in under the cap structure. If both Sturm and Samuelsson can return to 25-goal form, than the second line is fine. Add in a healthy Raymond come Christmas, and the options will really open up. This lineup can work, but everything is going to have to fall in to place for it to happen. Health is a big issue, hence all the depth. It will be interesting to see if Gillis makes a move for that top-six winger, or if he tries to move Ballard out of town. Maybe a Ballard for Bailey type deal with the Islanders could be a possibility...

[dyzfunctioned]

Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Sturm-Kesler-Sameulsson
Higgins-Malhotra-Hansen
Bytz-Lapierre-Mancari

You don't see Kesler and Higgins playing together again? They played very well together IMO. And where's Raymond?

Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Higgins-Kesler-Samuelsson
Sturm-Lapierre-Raymond
Mancari-Malhotra-Hansen

That's just how I see it shaking out. But then again I'm an Oil fan :P

[ridinryan44]

You don't see Kesler and Higgins playing together again? They played very well together IMO. And where's Raymond?

Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
Higgins-Kesler-Samuelsson
Sturm-Lapierre-Raymond
Mancari-Malhotra-Hansen

That's just how I see it shaking out. But then again I'm an Oil fan :P

Raymond is out until December, no point in putting him into the roster at this point. Yes, I do see Higgins getting some time with Kesler, whether it's at the expense of Samuelsson or Sturm. I think both Sturm and Samuelsson are better goal scorers than him at this point. That second line should see a fair amount of shuffling, but that's how I see them starting out. Higgins did play great with Kes, but he lacked finish, a trending issue for him. He's a fantastic third line player which is exactly where I want him. Sturm, Samuelsson and Higgins should all rotate through that line until Raymond comes back, then all four of them will. Higgins is simply a second line player if no one else can play the role, he isn't a top-six winger, simply doesn't have the finish for it. I don't think that Samuelsson or Sturm are top-six material either, but I'd rather have them there than Higgins. Better upsides as goal-scorers (Higgins is too long removed from his goal scoring days) and can play a much better physical game than Samuellson and Sturm, which is much better suited for that third line.

Lapierre is good in the F/O circle, but Malhotra is one of the premiere. Malhotra is also a consistent 30-point scorer, while Lapierre has only come close once. No reason whatsoever why Lapierre would get that third line center spot of Malhotra, just will not happen. Malhotra is also not the penalty risk that Lapierre is. I love how Lapierre plays, for the most part, but he's prone to terrible penalties. Malhotra is a MUCH better player than Lapierre.

[dyzfunctioned]

Raymond is out until December, no point in putting him into the roster at this point. Yes, I do see Higgins getting some time with Kesler, whether it's at the expense of Samuelsson or Sturm. I think both Sturm and Samuelsson are better goal scorers than him at this point. That second line should see a fair amount of shuffling, but that's how I see them starting out. Higgins did play great with Kes, but he lacked finish, a trending issue for him. He's a fantastic third line player which is exactly where I want him. Sturm, Samuelsson and Higgins should all rotate through that line until Raymond comes back, then all four of them will. Higgins is simply a second line player if no one else can play the role, he isn't a top-six winger, simply doesn't have the finish for it. I don't think that Samuelsson or Sturm are top-six material either, but I'd rather have them there than Higgins. Better upsides as goal-scorers (Higgins is too long removed from his goal scoring days) and can play a much better physical game than Samuellson and Sturm, which is much better suited for that third line.

Cool, thanks for the info. I know Raymond isn't back for a long time, was just thinking long term lines.

Crazy to think that Higgins scored 3 consecutive 20+ goal seasons and then hasn't cleared 15 since.

[ridinryan44]

Cool, thanks for the info. I know Raymond isn't back for a long time, was just thinking long term lines.

Crazy to think that Higgins scored 3 consecutive 20+ goal seasons and then hasn't cleared 15 since.

NO kidding, hey? His overall gameplay is very good. He's big and physical and protects the puck very well. His lack of finish is astounding. He had so many good chances thwarted by Thomas int he finals, often counting on the same move/shot. Not sure why this has happened.

If/when Raymond comes back I see him starting on the third or fourth line, and finally bumping Sturm to the third (or Samuelsson depending on who's playing better). Raymond is more suited to a top-six role and his speed is valuable. It will all depend on how quickly he can get back into game shape. I would rather see him playing with Kesler than the other two, as long as he's healthy.

[ridinryan44]

Here's a link to a fantastic article on Darren Archibald, written by Dobber's Jeff Angus.... check it out!

[mister_mcgoo]

MacTavish to coach the Wolves

[hawkdog]

Raymond is out until December, no point in putting him into the roster at this point. Yes, I do see Higgins getting some time with Kesler, whether it's at the expense of Samuelsson or Sturm. I think both Sturm and Samuelsson are better goal scorers than him at this point. That second line should see a fair amount of shuffling, but that's how I see them starting out. Higgins did play great with Kes, but he lacked finish, a trending issue for him. He's a fantastic third line player which is exactly where I want him. Sturm, Samuelsson and Higgins should all rotate through that line until Raymond comes back, then all four of them will. Higgins is simply a second line player if no one else can play the role, he isn't a top-six winger, simply doesn't have the finish for it. I don't think that Samuelsson or Sturm are top-six material either, but I'd rather have them there than Higgins. Better upsides as goal-scorers (Higgins is too long removed from his goal scoring days) and can play a much better physical game than Samuellson and Sturm, which is much better suited for that third line.

Is Sammuelsson going to be ready for opening season? I think he may miss the start of the season as he recovers from surgery (also noted in dobbers report) - might open a spot for prospect to step in and get a cup of coffee?
Maybe archibald/rodin/mancari/schroeder?

[ridinryan44]

Very possible. I haven't heard much on Samuelsson's status, I actually assumed he'd be ready considering he had the surgery right at the end of the season. Could open up a chance for Hodgson to center the second line for a bit and Kes to ride the wing, or, like you said a long shot for Archibald or a kid like Rodin to get a taste.

Will be really interesting to see what shapes up in camp!