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Right now, they are tied in FO%, so I see no need to complicate the draw.Cousin Strawberry wrote: ↑Sat Oct 03, 2026 10:03 amPettersson should move to wing after the draws and give the middle over to MR
Great point.
lol. This is optimistic!
In Malhotra’s defensive-zone structure, the basic concept is a “box and one.” The defencemen and wingers form a box shape to keep opponents to the outside, while the centre acts as a rover in the middle. That makes the centreman the fulcrum of most defensive sequences.
The first responsibility of the centre is supporting his defenceman along the wall by pinching if necessary and taking away the middle of the ice. That is where size becomes particularly useful. A bigger centre can eliminate more passing lanes simply through his reach. He can also make it more difficult for opponents to attack through the middle without having to completely abandon his position. But the centre cannot just sit in the middle.
When a winger or defenceman pins an opponent along the boards, the centre needs to swarm the puck and provide support. If a teammate gets beaten along the wall, he may have to quickly take over the assignment. That requires mobility.
Can we find a few big, strong, fast, smart, high-scoring centers on waivers?? I like Manny's plan, but not sure if we have the centers for his style.Todd Bersnoozi wrote: ↑Tue Oct 06, 2026 3:12 pm Interesting read:
https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver- ... ras-system
Canucks: Why size and speed matter so much at centre in Manny Malhotra’s system
In Malhotra’s defensive-zone structure, the basic concept is a “box and one.” The defencemen and wingers form a box shape to keep opponents to the outside, while the centre acts as a rover in the middle. That makes the centreman the fulcrum of most defensive sequences.
The first responsibility of the centre is supporting his defenceman along the wall by pinching if necessary and taking away the middle of the ice. That is where size becomes particularly useful. A bigger centre can eliminate more passing lanes simply through his reach. He can also make it more difficult for opponents to attack through the middle without having to completely abandon his position. But the centre cannot just sit in the middle.
When a winger or defenceman pins an opponent along the boards, the centre needs to swarm the puck and provide support. If a teammate gets beaten along the wall, he may have to quickly take over the assignment. That requires mobility.
Yah, the article says that's why they like Cotter in the middle right now, so Rossi bumped to the wing for some games. They also like Sassons in the middle cuz of his speed and his familiarity with what Manny likes. I guess they hoping Manny's kid will be that guy and maybe Rogwoski as well in a couple yrs.
Sorry to keep bouncing this between two threads, but I'm not sure how else to link the concepts.Todd Bersnoozi wrote: ↑Tue Oct 06, 2026 9:45 pmYah, the article says that's why they like Cotter in the middle right now, so Rossi bumped to the wing for some games. They also like Sassons in the middle cuz of his speed and his familiarity with what Manny likes. I guess they hoping Manny's kid will be that guy and maybe Rogwoski as well in a couple yrs.
...the Canucks are trying to build a roster around a system?Cornuck wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 2:59 pmThe biggest difference between NFL and NHL drafting and team building is that the NFL can draft players and have them in the lineup that fall. With the NHL, you (usually) develop them for a few years - by then the coach has likely changed, and that system is gone.Ronning's Ghost wrote: ↑Sat Jun 27, 2026 12:28 pm
When an NFL team hires a head coach, they are more-or-less committing to build a roster suitable to playing that coach's system. Players will get drafted and traded on the basis of how well they fit what the organization is trying to do on offence and defence.
I think it has more to do wingspan than beef. Wingspan and speed allows centres to close/cover more ice as a rover in the middle; a lot of first couple steps-quickness vice drag racer speed. Rogowski had the 5th-longest wingspan of measured draftees (Caleb didn't measure for that) at 79 inches. I wager Caleb would measure low-70s. They have a type for centres, it seems.Todd Bersnoozi wrote: ↑Tue Oct 06, 2026 9:45 pmYah, the article says that's why they like Cotter in the middle right now, so Rossi bumped to the wing for some games. They also like Sassons in the middle cuz of his speed and his familiarity with what Manny likes. I guess they hoping Manny's kid will be that guy and maybe Rogwoski as well in a couple yrs.
I think this is the wrong way to do things. The Canucks have ZERO future surefire core players. They have some guys in the system who could be that. Beggars can't be choosers -- find the talent, build a system around the talent. When you go the other way, you will do things like not draft the BPA. IF Marco Rossi had a breakout 90 point campaign this year (that's not a prediction, its a hypo) and Marco Rossi expresses an interest in a long term deal, you don't say "well, Marco, we have this vision for centers and you are not it." To be sure, you might legitimately sell high on Rossi after such a campaign, concluding that he is just a touch too old for your target. But you don't let your vision of an ideal interfere with the tangible.Ronning's Ghost wrote: ↑Tue Oct 06, 2026 10:23 pm ...the Canucks are trying to build a roster around a system?
Would this make them professional hockey innovators ?
