We need to see if Chytil's brain is healed up. If it is, I say sign Suter back, and sit tight. We have a ton of youth that are maturing, and we need 8 good D to be competitive. Willander and a 1st for a center is a steep price to upgrade Chytil. I see Willander as the replacement for Myers after this season, and if he's a #7 this year, he still plays 50 games as an injury replacement dude. I think he fits our time-line perfectly, and we can trade him or whomever he makes replaceable in a few years. And, defense is a position of strength, with good goaltending and average wingers with good depth. Right now, our biggest weakness is at 3nd line centre, but a healthy Chytil and Raty as our #5 centre isn't all bad. Plus, ya never know what gets offered up once the season starts. Keep our powder dry.
BTW, we have Willander's rights until Aug 15,2027. No worries if another year of university is his call.
Carl Yagro wrote: ↑Sun Apr 20, 2025 8:24 pm
Personally, I'd prefer to keep Tommy boy. I just feel like he's got the skating, the compete and the right-handedness that can turn into a Hronek... at worst.
Don't see the same ceiling for Vittorio.
Agree. Mancini looks pretty good offensively, but I’m not confident they want him in the top four defensively. He might get there in time, but it’s a risk they don’t need to take. With Hughes on the roster offensive minutes are pretty limited. Willander is pretty much the opposite of Mancini. He projects to be a defensive stud, and he might get more offensively capable in time. With Hughes on the roster, Willander projects to be the one they’ll want in the top four to replace an aging Myers.
“Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room.”
- President Merkin Muffley
Carl Yagro wrote: ↑Sun Apr 20, 2025 8:24 pm
Personally, I'd prefer to keep Tommy boy. I just feel like he's got the skating, the compete and the right-handedness that can turn into a Hronek... at worst.
Don't see the same ceiling for Vittorio.
Agree. Mancini looks pretty good offensively, but I’m not confident they want him in the top four defensively. He might get there in time, but it’s a risk they don’t need to take. With Hughes on the roster offensive minutes are pretty limited. Willander is pretty much the opposite of Mancini. He projects to be a defensive stud, and he might get more offensively capable in time. With Hughes on the roster, Willander projects to be the one they’ll want in the top four to replace an aging Myers.
Mancini has an elite processor; he reads and breaks up plays and intercepts passes at a very advanced level. This jumped out at me right away when he arrived in Abby. He's been considered a stay-at-home defenseman throughout his career, and only now are we beginning to see him rush the puck up the ice with authority. I'd say his ceiling is very high. He is a late bloomer, and it will be fun watching his progress.
Chef Boi RD wrote: ↑Sun Apr 20, 2025 6:23 am
Word is and I trust this word is that Willander has made it clear he has no problem serving time in Abbotsford. I think it’s money, and he’s using the threat of staying another year in University to get what he wants, both sides are at a stalemate playing chicken. His agent is Todd Diamond and he is a shit, having given the Canucks the same type of runaround when he represented Tryamkin. That being said, if the Canucks don’t bite, Willander doesn’t mind, cause it sounds like he loves the school environment.
Brown Cherry is as much a source as that tranvestite rollerblader that runs for mayor.
Give your skullet a shake
“I don’t care what you and some other poster were talking about”
Chef Boi RD wrote: ↑Sun Apr 20, 2025 6:23 am
Word is and I trust this word is that Willander has made it clear he has no problem serving time in Abbotsford. I think it’s money, and he’s using the threat of staying another year in University to get what he wants, both sides are at a stalemate playing chicken. His agent is Todd Diamond and he is a shit, having given the Canucks the same type of runaround when he represented Tryamkin. That being said, if the Canucks don’t bite, Willander doesn’t mind, cause it sounds like he loves the school environment.
It’s not going to help that Dhali has been a hugh Todd Diamond shill, which other local media has fed off in the past. This resulted in a better contract for Tryamkin - in Russia, but did nothing to help the Canucks. We’ll see if history repeats and Canuck management wears this with local media as this stalemate stretches on. If Dhali has influence, it definitely won’t be the agent wearing any blame. For the good of his development and chances of making the big club right out of camp next season, Willander should already be in Abbotsford. Personally, I’m more inclined to blame this agent than management if it doesn’t get done soon. I think he’s trying to make a name for himself as a tough negotiator to the detriment of his client in this market. The only way a stalemate helps is if he wants Willander playing for a different club. Then he’s going about it in the right way I guess.
You are preaching to a very negative crew. Brown Cherry apparently knows something about the game
“I don’t care what you and some other poster were talking about”
We need to see if Chytil's brain is healed up. If it is, I say sign Suter back, and sit tight. We have a ton of youth that are maturing, and we need 8 good D to be competitive. Willander and a 1st for a center is a steep price to upgrade Chytil. I see Willander as the replacement for Myers after this season, and if he's a #7 this year, he still plays 50 games as an injury replacement dude. I think he fits our time-line perfectly, and we can trade him or whomever he makes replaceable in a few years. And, defense is a position of strength, with good goaltending and average wingers with good depth. Right now, our biggest weakness is at 3nd line centre, but a healthy Chytil and Raty as our #5 centre isn't all bad. Plus, ya never know what gets offered up once the season starts. Keep our powder dry.
BTW, we have Willander's rights until Aug 15,2027. No worries if another year of university is his call.
Anybody who truly believes Chytil can be a 2C on a contending team should have their heads checked.
Granted it’s a small sample size, but Chytil looked fast out there and can dangle his way into the zone, but either has blinders on or his passing sucks. He smells of a management bet that there’s more there to be unearthed a-la JT Miller, but where Miller was a deliberate choice, Chytil was the closest available at the time.
I would make Chytil a sweetener just to move on from the risk and cap space.
The presser with Rutherford and Allvin was being discussed in the Media idiots thread, but perhaps should be discussed here since they were providing quintessential Canucks News. Because there's more than the fake news that comes out of the media about it, but the idiotic responses we can offer one another.... With that in mind:
* Willander's advisor reported to the team that the kid is going back to school. Allvin and Rutherford basically said "but we were dangling money and we can't believe he didn't bite."
UW's two cents: Any smart kid will understand that the only "real" money for a first rounder who all think will be an NHL player is (1) when do I start eating the ELC (to get to RFA sooner), and (2) will I be in the NHL. The minute the Canucks decided that they were going to not have Willander play in the NHL (and as it turned out, there were only two potential games since BU made it to the frozen four) is the minute they took away the ELC "real money" incentive. The Canucks were hardball from the get go, and so for TW it was sign now, sign after next season (and get them to burn next season), its all the same. As for the salary, ELC's must be two-way contracts, and the max (I think) if you are in the AHL all year is $87.5K -- and you'll need to get an apartment and buy your food much of the time. Put in perspective, tuition and board at Boston University--all covered by his scholarship--is $91K. (To be sure, few pay the whole price and most pay half or less, but "money" isn't terribly compelling to be an AHL player for a kid going to a well regarded school with a great hockey program....). What's more, things have changed in the NCAA in terms of players' ability to earn from endorsements and other opportunities. While I can't imagine there's a ton of money here for hockey players, there could be some money there for a player of Willander's stature -- a billboard, a hockey shop promotional event or commercial, a sports drink. And beyond economics, its a great program, with very good training facilities, and, yeah, a college education and co-eds..... Note: TW might not have minded playing in the AHL for development, but playing in the AHL v. NHL changes the $$ calculus and $$ is how it sounds like Allvin tried to sell him!
And he'd probably be in the AHL, at least for awhile. He has to beat out Mancini and whoever the Canucks might add as insurance -- maybe EP2 as well since EP2 can play RD, If he doesn't materially improve the top 6 and maybe if he isn't yet better than Myers, they will want him in Abbotsford for minutes, at least for awhile. To be sure, the depth chart could change with offseason moves, but TW's making his decision now, based on what he sees.
So if Allvin/Rutherford are thinking the money would make him jump, well, the best way to sell it is to offer to burn an ELC year with a couple year end appearances (which they didn't). As for Willander, I don't read "going back to school another season" as a strong signal that he doesn't want to play in Vancouver because there are enough logical reasons for him to return to BU that don't include "trade me."
* Tochett. They were positive about their talks. You don't extend an option if they'd rather have (1) Tochett with something longer term in place or (2) someone other than Tochett if Tochett's not signed up for longer. And that's right, isn't it? It focuses the negotiations.
* EP40. Rutherford basically said "its not about points, its about buying in."
UW's two cents: Uh oh. Because the EP40 missing most was the part that got him points -- offensive execution. If the "buying in" was a training/nutrition/fitness program or skill development work ethic, that's one thing. But Rutherford described it as buying into the on-ice system. The EP40 we saw last year got caught a little flatfooted too much, but overall plays a 200 foot game. So what's he talking about? His O-zone system issues (static, wishing to pound the one timer (and never doing it)) directly translate into the point deficit. The uh oh is more about Rutherford identifying a problem that seemed to be the furthest thing from the problem -- unless Tockey wants EP40 to play like Tockey did, which would be a Tockey problem.
Rutherford/Allvin demeanor and dynamic. Somber. Way to somber. Flat affect. Way too flat. Rutherford. Way too much Rutherford on the mic. Rutherford did many stupid things publicly with the BB situation, and he started taking a back seat to Allvin as compared with the first year. This year, Rutherford again emerged to do himself, the team, and the players involved no favors with the JT drama. Allvin (at least to my eyes) didn't seem to have a team- or player focused benefit in mind with his post deadline day comments (which strikes me as an unforced error), but that was unusual. Generally, I think Allvin has a better sense than Rutherford that the purpose of the pressers is something other than "make myself seem like the smart one; circle the front office wagon at the expense of everything else."
There's a lot of talk on this board about the ownership being the problem, holding back management. Is there anyone here other than me that thinks the larger problem might be Rutherford playing super GM and not President? I don't know if Allvin asks Rutherford if he can take a dump, but their public dynamic reads that way. And yet when Allvin is running the show (the only one getting interviewed), he strikes me as thoughtful, realistic, and with some vision. And that the vision becomes cloudier when Rutherford starts talking about GM type concerns.
^^UW -to your last point, I think it's always been Rutherford at the helm, and Allvin is little more than a prop. Okay, he's Rutherford's super scout. It's mostly to do with the optics of a manager his age being able to do the job. But managing the team is precisely what Rutherford has been doing. Insiders like John Shannon, who know Rutherford well, have always insisted it is this way. He wouldn't be able to keep his hands off the wheel.
UWSaint wrote: ↑Mon Apr 21, 2025 1:49 pm
* EP40. Rutherford basically said "its not about points, its about buying in."
UW's two cents: Uh oh. Because the EP40 missing most was the part that got him points -- offensive execution. If the "buying in" was a training/nutrition/fitness program or skill development work ethic, that's one thing. But Rutherford described it as buying into the on-ice system. The EP40 we saw last year got caught a little flatfooted too much, but overall plays a 200 foot game. So what's he talking about? His O-zone system issues (static, wishing to pound the one timer (and never doing it)) directly translate into the point deficit. The uh oh is more about Rutherford identifying a problem that seemed to be the furthest thing from the problem -- unless Tockey wants EP40 to play like Tockey did, which would be a Tockey problem.
Thanks for the thoughts UW. Thought provoking as usual.
On the Pettersson comment.....
I would have to assume that the "buying in" statement has to be about what Tocchet identified for Petey as a need for preparation and better practice habits. When Tocchet said that he was, unless I am mistaken, talking about Pettersson's off-season training and physical preparation. As you pointed out, Pettersson plays a 200 foot game, and he has been consistent at that since Tocchet's first full season as head coach. There's no denying Pettersson's hockey acumen, we've seen from day one that this kid can read the game and think hockey at a very high level. Defensive forwards, like Bergeron and O'Reilly for example, are not outstanding in this department because of their physical tools, it is their ability to read, react, and most importantly, anticipate, the opponent's play as it evolves and then move to disrupt it without taking themselves out of the play. Pettersson does this, and if I'm being honest, he does it well. His stick is active in passing lanes, he positions himself in shooting lanes and he does block shots.
With all of this in mind, the only critique that Tocchet has made regarding the player, that has not been directly linked to strength and conditioning, has been when he said, "He has to shoot more." When a coach wants a player to do something, like passing or shooting or backchecking (just examples) more, to me that is the coach saying what the player needs to do in order to execute within the system. Considering that the much discussed issue of Pettersson not shooting has been directly linked to his physical maladies (wrist/knee/core) I don't think on-ice system buy-in is an issue. Whether or not one subscribes to those reasons for his drop in shot attempts, the overall take is that this player is buying in to Tocchet's 200 foot system, however he has not subscribed to the off-season preparation that elite players and leaders have demonstrated.
The most damning comment from the end of season media scrums in regards to Pettersson came from Hughes, in more the form of a no comment. Why QH said, "No, there's nothing for me to do.", when asked about helping Pettersson with off-season preparation, it sure did not sound like a ringing endorsement of the player, nor did it sound like there is a quality friendship/relationship there. If Pettersson and Miller had issues, and Quinn also just doesn't have much use for the player, then Houston we have a problem.....and one that needs to be fixed no later than June 30th.
Somewhere in NW BC trying (yet again) to trade a(nother) Swede…..
Mëds wrote: ↑Mon Apr 21, 2025 3:24 pm
On the Pettersson comment.....
I would have to assume that the "buying in" statement has to be about what Tocchet identified for Petey as a need for preparation and better practice habits.
...
The most damning comment from the end of season media scrums in regards to Pettersson came from Hughes, in more the form of a no comment. Why QH said, "No, there's nothing for me to do.", when asked about helping Pettersson with off-season preparation, it sure did not sound like a ringing endorsement of the player, nor did it sound like there is a quality friendship/relationship there.
There was some talk of preparation, too, by Rutherford and Allvin. But if that were it, saying "buying into the system" makes little sense, and he used Crosby as a counter example and said Crosby could play any way, and when Sullivan came to Pittsburgh, he played Sullivan's way.
Similarly, the shot the puck thing could absolutely be a system problem. Tockey was on everyone to shoot the puck more, and EP40 is among the worst offenders in not shooting unless he thinks he can beat the goalie clean. And then he's giving himself no margin, so the shot attempts (which are too infrequent) are missing the net and hitting pipes. And its slowing down his play, passing up the good for the perfect that might not ever come.
But shooting is also about points -- I'd say, hey kid, if you are motivated to get more points, shoot more! Goalies miss, they give up rebounds, etc...
As for the Captain's comments, I interpreted them as another piece of evidence that EP40 interprets all offer for outside help as criticism, and he doesn't take criticism well. Hughes can't do anything for Petey because Petey is not helped by advice. Topper's scooter boy meme is hilarious, but h I don't think he's carefree. I read EP40 as being a total brooding stress bucket, and when people are their own worst critics and feel mountains of stress and they are trying to deal with it, even offers to help simply increase the feeling of distress. EP40, I am sure, wants to be "the man," not the damsel. No "the man" wants to be the student, or seen as needing help. And the best way to help people like this, in my experience, is to frame everything as something they are doing for you. Hey, EP40, I need a workout partner this summer. Mind if I tag along with you?
UW, you have ever so briefly coaxed me back. I have already shared these thoughts with a couple of others here via other avenues.
Plenty of blurred lines of responsibility between the two. Jim has not released the reigns to his GM.
The take on JT/Scooter borders between embarrassment and CYA. Not a good picture of Scooter. Doesn't train properly in the off season, doesn't use the resources available, doesn't train well during the season, doesn't fight through injury however minor they may be... But why did you pay him the big bucks? We believe he can mumble mumble. Sounds like not arriving at camp in shape may have been the final straw for JT ... but Scooter has spent the last few days in the team gym in Vancouver so all is good now.
Great line, Scooter will always get his points but will he go the extra mile to push the team. Likened it to Stevie Y in Detroit when Bowman arrived, do you want your points or do you want to drive the team?
I can't believe they hung their hats on this guy when they resigned him and knew this of his lack of character. If they didn't know, that is even worse.
They can't believe Willander (I like him a lot, Ohlund upside) would forgo $ to stay in school. They seemed completely out of touch with the kid's viewpoint.
Ticket price increases "not my department." ... exchange rates ... need to upgrade an old building ... 90% return of season ticket holders ... dedicated practice facility will come, but likely not in Jim's lifetime or Patrick's tenure.
Quinn, maybe we need to get his brothers here ... oops I may have said too much and need to avoid tampering ... I can see the league coming in on this as they did when Benning spoke too soon.
JT, only 4 or 5 guys in the league can do what JT does. Never going to replace him and the trade sent the team from playoff contender to team in transition.
Tocchet, not exercising team option, throwing lots of money his way but up to Ricky. My take, there is a vacancy with the Rags and is there a bigger stage for a coach outside of TO?
Need a 1st/2nd line centre and will have to come via trade and won't be cheap.
Overall, they seem a bit lost and overwhelmed. Not a confidence inspiring media session.
In addition - the Scooter picture - he looks like the uptight hipster he may very well be.
With Byslma out in Seattle now is there mounting competition for the Ranger's job that could speed up Tocchet's decision?
Out
Over the Internet, you can pretend to be anyone or anything.
I'm amazed that so many people choose to be complete twats.
Chef Boi RD wrote: ↑Sun Apr 20, 2025 6:23 am
Word is and I trust this word is that Willander has made it clear he has no problem serving time in Abbotsford. I think it’s money, and he’s using the threat of staying another year in University to get what he wants, both sides are at a stalemate playing chicken. His agent is Todd Diamond and he is a shit, having given the Canucks the same type of runaround when he represented Tryamkin. That being said, if the Canucks don’t bite, Willander doesn’t mind, cause it sounds like he loves the school environment.
It’s not going to help that Dhali has been a hugh Todd Diamond shill, which other local media has fed off in the past. This resulted in a better contract for Tryamkin - in Russia, but did nothing to help the Canucks. We’ll see if history repeats and Canuck management wears this with local media as this stalemate stretches on. If Dhali has influence, it definitely won’t be the agent wearing any blame. For the good of his development and chances of making the big club right out of camp next season, Willander should already be in Abbotsford. Personally, I’m more inclined to blame this agent than management if it doesn’t get done soon. I think he’s trying to make a name for himself as a tough negotiator to the detriment of his client in this market. The only way a stalemate helps is if he wants Willander playing for a different club. Then he’s going about it in the right way I guess.
You are preaching to a very negative crew. Brown Cherry apparently knows something about the game
