Vancouver Canucks Messageboard

Hockey Widow wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 4:00 pm Word is that Hughes and his agent want to see a clear path to him being in the top six or he will return to Michigan. Not out there as a threat but simply they don’t see the benefit of Utica at this point in time over a developmental year in Michigan.

His preference is to sign and play in the NHL but if the pathway isn’t there this year he’s ok with one more year in the NCAA.

So the Canucks it seems wont be able to park him in Utica this year. They have to decide if they want to clear room and “guarantee” him a spot or if they think he’s better suited in college for now.

He’s not the first player, college or otherwise, that doesn’t see the AHL as a good developmental option. We see this a lot with Swedes, Finns, Russians. All who would rather develop in other leagues for another 1-2 years than play in the AHL.

I don’t get the sense this is hardball threats or negotiation tactics but rather a preference if he’s not on the Canucks roster. As a fan I’d rather him being in Utica and available for call up but from a developmental perspective in college he will have more time to work on the off ice things he needs to work on.

If Benning has a hard on to get him signed he will have to commit to moving D.

In some ways this resembles Trymankin’s perspective. He didn’t see a role or pathway to top four and wasn’t willing to resign and risk Utica. He chose to return to the KHL.

SKYO wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 4:29 pm I think the AHL is best for when you are close to ready but not quite there yet.

NCAA is great for working out and practicing a lot as they don't play as much games vs the pros, so they train hard all year as I think they only play like 40-42 games a season? vs AHL - 80?games NHL 82.

Friedman: "There's been a strange undercurrent of rumor w/ Colton Parayko, that maybe St. Louis potentially might be willing to do something there. It was around the draft. It went away. It didn't happen. It would take a huge price, but I think teams asked about it." #stlblues

Hockey Widow wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 5:26 pm I guess it depends upon what needs developing. Hughes already has NHL skill, speed, awareness, hockey IQ. The only negative appears to be strenghting up to prepare for the rigours of the NHL. That being the case the NCAA would be a better option than Utica. It gives him one more year of physical growth and one more year of off ice work.

Of course that’s the knock on Pettersson too.

I think Hughes could play in the NHL. But is Benning ready willing and able to move out 2-3 on D.

I say 2-3 counting D that need to clear waivers.

Tanev
Edler
Gudbranson
Hutton
MDZ
Hughes <------ Right around here
Pouliot
Stetcher
------------
Biega
Sautner

Island Nucklehead wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 5:34 pm

Hockey Widow wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 5:26 pm I guess it depends upon what needs developing. Hughes already has NHL skill, speed, awareness, hockey IQ. The only negative appears to be strenghting up to prepare for the rigours of the NHL. That being the case the NCAA would be a better option than Utica. It gives him one more year of physical growth and one more year of off ice work.

Of course that’s the knock on Pettersson too.

I think Hughes could play in the NHL. But is Benning ready willing and able to move out 2-3 on D.

I say 2-3 counting D that need to clear waivers.

Tanev
Edler
Gudbranson
Hutton
MDZ
Hughes <------ Right around here
Pouliot
Stetcher
------------
Biega
Sautner

Cherry Picker wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:46 pm The kid can do it. The grit we added will stop most of the liberties, particularly that asshole Roussel. See what a good asshole can do for a team. You become the targeter instead of the targetee.