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Island Nucklehead wrote:

bckev wrote:I like what Benning is doing, and I trust is judgement about players a lot more than all of our amateur thoughts combined. I like that he is developing players rather than going with the swim or sink approach that a lot on here seem to advocate for. These kids are young and it is a big jump to the pro level. The physical skills combined with the mental toughness isn't common, so if you can help someone develop in those two areas you are much more likely to end up with a player that helps long term.

As for the big jump to the pro level, if you look at players like Vey and Baertschi, they are certainly not new to professional hockey. This was Vey and Baertschi's 4th season as pro's. Vey will be 24 when next season starts, in my mind that doesn't put him in prospect territory any more.

Pedan was a 3rd round pick in 2011, is there anything to suggest that he still holds that value today? He was playing in the ECHL this season.

SKYO wrote: Baertschi will rip it up with 20 goals next season if he gets WD's confidence and is given ample opportunity in a top 6 role.

Vey for a rookie did alright, it's just Horvat pretty much took over his spot and then some, now Vey with his lack of size/200ft game & faceoff skills is pushed out of the line up now.

Island Nucklehead wrote: I have much higher hopes for Baertschi than I do for Vey.

Hockey Widow wrote:Herb, so much is wrong it what you wrote.

First, he gave Horvat tons of ice, more as the season went on. He also made Kenins a regular 4th liner once he got to Vancouver, with a couple of healthy scratches along the way to keep him focused.

As for defence, well Clendennng was a late acquisition but he did get a little time.

Gaunce wasn't ready, he was learning how to play wing.

Shinkaruk too struggled earlier this year.

Kassian is a bit of a mystery but prior to his back going workers he seemed to turn it around and was a regular again.

The Kesler trade. How many times do we have to rehash that one. There was one dance partner, one. Benning had few options. And as for the third, ya we gave up this year's but let's not forget we got a extra one last year that we turned into Dorsett.

While I do, overall, agree that the trend early has been to give up too many picks I get why. We traded picks and unseasoned prospects into older, more NHL ready prospects. Why? Because our cupboard was bare of that 20-24 age group.

I am hoping the trend was a one season attempt to stock the cupboard.

I too agree he should have moved Matthias at the TDD. I don't know if he would have gotten much more than a third, maybe a second for a desperate team. But again when a team is in the playoff hunt it's not generally wise to be trading off vets at the TDD. Teams just don't do that. At least he didn't go trading for another team's Matthias like players. That's what we have historically done and Burke, Nonis and Gillis. That's what Calgary did for years. That's what Pittsburgh and Boston have done for years. It didn't work too well for us, got us to game seven but then we chased too many years after that. Both Boston and Pittsburgh won a cup but chased too long after that.

A key step in stopping the bleeding is to know when to chase and when to stop being a buyer at TDD. Benning didn't chase this year and that would have been a disaster.

Topper wrote:Kassian?, Really Herb, Kassian? Oh how you have changed your tune. LOL

herb wrote: Clendening - we gave up a good prospect in Forsling for a guy who is waiver eligible next season yet our defense is full of high paid vets. Doesn't seem to savvy to me right now.

Topper wrote:Hind sight is a euphemism for having your head up your ass.

Hockey Widow wrote:Babcock may announce decision around May 20-22. Leaves said to be front runners, Mrs would like to return to Canada, at least according to Toronto speculation.

Hockey Widow wrote: The Flyers name North Dakota's Hakstol their new head coach.