The Petey Predicament

[donlever]

Ass-backwards.

These fucking guys....

[Lancer]

Ass-backwards.

These fucking guys....

What coulda been...

Thing is, what can management learn from this experience - assuming they're capable of such introspection (and that our take of the behind-the-scenes is halfway accurate; and it may not)?

I'll start:

Never fall in love with your core - ever, no matter who; no matter when. Talent is a salient quality, but character should be weighted further - even after a player is drafted and makes it into the lineup. If management gets a whiff that the player isn't committed to the team - or himself if management senses a lack of heart/will/work-ethic - then they shouldn't be afraid to trade that player in a moment for the right return. Doesn't matter how well the player is playing or how well the team is doing. If management gets the slightest hint of rot, cut it out decisively instead of hoping it will work itself out. You run the risk of jettisoning a player who flourishes elsewhere or later in their career, but if the return is right it should only set the team back only so much.

Anyone else?

[JelloPuddingPop]

Miller being toxic seems over-blown to me.

Halle-fucking-lujah!!!

Agreed, he really only is a danger to himself

[UWSaint]

Miller being toxic seems over-blown to me.

Halle-fucking-lujah!!!

Guys who prove they are so committed by taking offense at others for their lack of commitment while simultaneously incapable of doing their own work (can’t back check anymore, take 1/8th if the year off for stress leave) because of their offense are toxic. We all know people like this at work, and those of us who have signed paychecks fire them so that we can keep signing other guys paychecks. Does that fact pattern describe JT?

As for “picking” ep40 over JT, I think they were both tried to move. And should we have kept them? The Rangers are in the toilet, and have been since he arrived. Now the games I’ve watched of theirs JT has looked all right. But nothing like his best in Vancouver.

[Hockey Widow]

Dreger reporting that the Canucks have spoken to JP Barry, Pettersson's agent. No trade is on the table but the conversation was around would it be worth the Canucks while to pursue a trade and take a proposal to them if one they liked was made? The answer was yes. If asked he would consider it without a commitment that he would waive.

So with the Myers news and now this is does appear they are inching closer to trading players with term and trade protection.

[BoS]

Perhaps one day the full story will come out, doubtful.

I’ve wondered if Millers “personal reasons” leave was more mgmt gifting him this option following “the incident”, rather than suspending him for his actions. It allowed him time to cool down and consult his family/agent about his future, while keeping a lid on things and publicly tarnishing his career.

Best for both parties.

[rockalt]

I feel like some posters are overrating both JT Miller and Bo Horvat and I don't really get it. While I really liked those guys, I don't see any scenario where the Canucks would have been cup contenders maintaining either (or both). At their absolute peak, I would label them as:

JT Miller = Average 1C (still very good mind you but not top 10)
Bo Horvat = Elite 2C

I just don't think you get it done with a those as your top 2 unless the they were surrounded with more elite talent (which was always an issue). The only chance, in my view, that the Canucks could have become genuine contenders is if EP40 emerged as an elite #1C. The moment he fell off that trajectory, the Canucks were effectively screwed.

Maybe there could have been hope if the Canucks traded him for Necas + back in 2023-2024 but even then I'm not entirely convinced. I think the "plus" would have to be a significant piece because Necas, while a 'nice' player, is not elite.

Looking back on this core, there was never enough balance despite having some elite talent. Just goes to show the importance of drafting well and not trying to cut corners. The Canucks whiffing on that 2016 draft was a real missed opportunity, alongside trading away first round draft picks. You can get away with a few (e.g. JT Miller was an amazing trade) but playing with fire if you keep sacrificing them to win now.

Ultimately the Canucks lacked depth and it always felt like they were trying to plug holes.

[Hockey Widow]

^^^^^
This. We were always going for it.