Hockey Widow wrote:I don't see the disconnect in Benning's plan. He has said from day one
* no re-build, it's a transition from the old core to the new core.
* He wants to remain playoff competitive
* He wants a team that will compete every game and have a chance to win every night
* he doesn't want to rush new core players into the NHL but does want to make room each year for some of these youngsters
* he wants to create a winning culture
* he wants to protect and shelter the younger players
* he will identify players that he does not see fitting the long term plan and move them out
He has said
* no tear down full rebuild
* no lean years of not making the playoffs
* transition at every position
* he will move vets to make room for young players
* he will ask players with NTC to waive if he deems it the right move.
The only "disconnect" I can potentially see is in his trading of a lot of picks. Most of them I get and support but others I dunno. The Sutter move fits into the philosophy he has had from day one.
The problem as I see it is that too many people want a rebuild and see it the Edmonton way, or the old Chicago way. Suck for a few years, draft high and be ready to rumble in five years. Benning and Linden both have said that's not their way. It will be a slow change over from the old core to the new while trying to make the playoffs every year. What he has been doing for 14+ months is consistent with that but too many keep hoping it means something else. He has told us repeatedly what he is doing and why but for some reason some refuse or are unable to hear it. They translate what he says as meaning something else then are disappointed with his moves.
A lot of people, myself included hope he jettisons a few more soon to be UFA's at the TDD and lands some nice picks or prospects but I bet we are disappointed when he doesn't because he wants to make the playoffs. If we are in the playoff hunt I doubt he moves Vrbata, Hamhuis types. But everything he has done is consistent with what he says his goals are. Too many of us are just ready for a gut job that ain't coming.
Speaking of Hamhuis, I've heard that the Canucks have had a discussion with his agent about his willingness to waive but THEY HAVE NOT ASKED HIM TO WAIVE. He is willing to waive for the right opportunity but I haven't heard what his idea of the right opportunity means. No discussions at all about an extension. He expects he will be moved before his contract expires.
Vrbata and Burrows are willing to waive, also, depending.....
Y
So it seems if Benning wants he can clear out a couple more NTC.
He pushed hard for both E Kane and Lucic in trades. Easy to see what he is trying to do. Gawd I just know he will blow the wad on Lucic.......I know Doc, you're on board.
Good post. Interesting info on Hamhuis/Vrbata/Burrows. While us fans keep saying that the vets are likely to be moved at the TDL IF AND ONLY IF the Canucks are out of the playoff hunt, I suspect that there is another option for Benning as well. If the youngsters develop into key players, the Canucks should be very solidly in playoff contention. Does that then give Benning the option to look at one or two of DH/RV/AB/JH/CH being expendable while their value is high.
If Sedin, Baertschi, Virtanen, Prust and Kenins all look like viable left wingers would Higgins be expendable at the TDL regardless of where the Canucks sit?
Similarly at present we are looking at a RW of AB/RV/JH/DD. What happens if Vey, Grenier, or god forbid, Jensen, suddenly start looking like they belong as a regular RW in the NHL, would that make one of AB/RV/JH expendable?
It was said the JB is still in the market for tweaking. Their deepest NHL ready position right now is LW where they have 5 NHL regular calibre players. Moving a LW to RW doesn't solve the problem, as they have 9 solid wingers. Virtanen will try hard to push his way in. Something has got to give still. If nothing happens between now and the TDL they probably will be okay because of injuries. If any of the youngsters show enough development to hold a NHL position, where they sit in the standings should not hold JB back from solving the problem.