Time to Rebuild or Change on the Fly in Vancouver?

When all in the hockey universe is perfect (Team Canada wins GOLD)...the Olympic break causes Canuck fans to go into a frenzy tonight. Our beloved Ryan Kesler supposedly asked for a trade...not recently but earlier in the year. 

















Say what??? Earlier in the year? Wow. It looks like a real possibility and no better time to tell everyone a week before the trade deadline.


Check out this shocking video... 




A brilliant sports mind and Canuck fan @Stuology101 probably summed up the Canucks fans general thinking and worry by posting this tonight...


Dear Canucks,

Can't say I'm surprised one bit in Kesler asking for a trade, however with your recent history of trades I make myself clear:

Don't. Screw. This. Up. 

Sincerely,

A unmotivated but optimistic Canucks fan.


The problem is Gillis. Will. Screw. This. Up. His track record is terrible: 

Luongo stays and Schneider goes for Horvat. Hodgson goes and Kassian comes. Signing Higgins to a long contract and no Limited No Trade Clause. Signing Booth for $4.2M a year.The best thing we can do as a team is fire Gillis. 


So what should Vancouver do? Rebuild, Retool or Change On The Fly. 


Let's rebuild? 

I hate this idea...rebuilding is so easy to suggest. We have been through one already and if it wasn't for Brian Burke we would have not been able to do this. The Flames are in a rebuild process...who's the man in charge? Burke! But look at the Oilers and the Islanders. How many decades does it take to rebuild? A LONG time. You don't just magically draft well. Conner McDavid doesn't just show up on your roster. Plus with all our No Trade or Movement Clauses it would be very difficult to move our guys. 


Let's retool? 

Retool reminds me that our window is still open...let's be honest the window has closed. We have some key pieces but we aren't retooling for an incredible Cup run. 


Let's change on the fly?

I can't take the credit because this was said by @jeffaroo . This is the best option. We have some key pieces that will keep us competitive but we need to change on the fly to keep fans interested and not become the next 20-30 year rebuild. Detroit and Chicago did it why can't we? Okay that's not fair question but it's a nice dream. haha 


I wouldn't mind trading Elder or Higgins but let's keep Bieska and Hamhuis as the core of the D. Luongo and Lack are great goalies to start the change on the fly process. I'm so impressed with Lack, no wonder they wanted to move Schneider or Luongo. Let's get Horvat and Shinkaruk on the roster next year. Let's land a good FA or two. The twins are fine...they are not soft but they are legit. Not as dominate as they once were but fine enough to do a change on the fly. 


So where is Kesler going? 

@Stuology101 suggests these as real possible landing spots:  

I would say Philadelphia (remember the 1 year/1.9M offer sheet they made Kesler 8 years ago too) has interest.

Minnesota (Kesler = Big North Stars fan growing up). 

Detroit (Home state). 

Columbus (OSU connection).

St. Louis (Midwest contender) would be where Kesler would waive his NTC too.


What are we going to get in return? 

No idea but not much considering Gillis' GM history. I say let's talk to Colorado and ask for Duchene or O'Reilly. 

I do agree that Philly could be place he lands because he is the style of player they look for. 

I can't see him heading to St.Louis. They do not want to mess up their chemistry.

TSN suggested Columbus, NYR, or Chicago. No way with Chicago. NYR I could see, there's lots of Callahan Kesler rumours flying around. Maybe CBJ does make a move for him. 

Maybe we could send him to Edmonton for Eberle or Nugent-Hopkins.


Honestly, I don't think Kesler moves any where before the trade deadline. But if he's requested a trade and been telling people at the Olympics he wants out then I think we can get something significant for him at the deadline or draft. The time is now. It will be sad to see him go but that's sports! Thanks Ryan for all your effort and leadership. 


Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Time to Rebuild or Change on the Fly in Vancouver?

When all in the hockey universe is perfect (Team Canada wins GOLD)...the Olympic break causes Canuck fans to go into a frenzy tonight. Our beloved Ryan Kesler supposedly asked for a trade...not recently but earlier in the year. 

Say what??? Earlier in the year? Wow. It looks like a real possibility and no better time to tell everyone a week before the trade deadline.


Check out this shocking video... 




A brilliant sports mind and Canuck fan @Stuology101 probably summed up the Canucks fans general thinking and worry by posting this tonight...


Dear Canucks,

Can't say I'm surprised one bit in Kesler asking for a trade, however with your recent history of trades I make myself clear:

Don't. Screw. This. Up. 

Sincerely,

A unmotivated but optimistic Canucks fan.


The problem is Gillis. Will. Screw. This. Up. His track record is terrible: 

Luongo stays and Schneider goes for Horvat. Hodgson goes and Kassian comes. Signing Higgins to a long contract and no Limited No Trade Clause. Signing Booth for $4.2M a year.The best thing we can do as a team is fire Gillis. 


So what should Vancouver do? Rebuild, Retool or Change On The Fly. 


Let's rebuild? 

I hate this idea...rebuilding is so easy to suggest. We have been through one already and if it wasn't for Brian Burke we would have not been able to do this. The Flames are in a rebuild process...who's the man in charge? Burke! But look at the Oilers and the Islanders. How many decades does it take to rebuild? A LONG time. You don't just magically draft well. Conner McDavid doesn't just show up on your roster. Plus with all our No Trade or Movement Clauses it would be very difficult to move our guys. 


Let's retool? 

Retool reminds me that our window is still open...let's be honest the window has closed. We have some key pieces but we aren't retooling for an incredible Cup run. 


Let's change on the fly?

I can't take the credit because this was said by @jeffaroo . This is the best option. We have some key pieces that will keep us competitive but we need to change on the fly to keep fans interested and not become the next 20-30 year rebuild. Detroit and Chicago did it why can't we? Okay that's not fair question but it's a nice dream. haha 


I wouldn't mind trading Elder or Higgins but let's keep Bieska and Hamhuis as the core of the D. Luongo and Lack are great goalies to start the change on the fly process. I'm so impressed with Lack, no wonder they wanted to move Schneider or Luongo. Let's get Horvat and Shinkaruk on the roster next year. Let's land a good FA or two. The twins are fine...they are not soft but they are legit. Not as dominate as they once were but fine enough to do a change on the fly. 


So where is Kesler going? 

@Stuology101 suggests these as real possible landing spots:  

I would say Philadelphia (remember the 1 year/1.9M offer sheet they made Kesler 8 years ago too) has interest.

Minnesota (Kesler = Big North Stars fan growing up). 

Detroit (Home state). 

Columbus (OSU connection).

St. Louis (Midwest contender) would be where Kesler would waive his NTC too.


What are we going to get in return? 

No idea but not much considering Gillis' GM history. I say let's talk to Colorado and ask for Duchene or O'Reilly. 

I do agree that Philly could be place he lands because he is the style of player they look for. 

I can't see him heading to St.Louis. They do not want to mess up their chemistry.

TSN suggested Columbus, NYR, or Chicago. No way with Chicago. NYR I could see, there's lots of Callahan Kesler rumours flying around. Maybe CBJ does make a move for him. 

Maybe we could send him to Edmonton for Eberle or Nugent-Hopkins.


Honestly, I don't think Kesler moves any where before the trade deadline. But if he's requested a trade and been telling people at the Olympics he wants out then I think we can get something significant for him at the deadline or draft. The time is now. It will be sad to see him go but that's sports! Thanks Ryan for all your effort and leadership. 


Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

3-1 vs Norway

I just finished watching the Canada Norway game from this morning (7:54 pm haha). 

Here are things I loved: 
1. We won...granted I thought it was going to be 10-1 but I'll take 3-1. It's a good warm up game. 
2. LOVED all 3 Canada goals. My favourite was Weber's blast from the point. LASER! Doughty's backhand and Benn's goal were nice too. 
3. I liked how they played St.Louis. Great move by Coach Babcock.
4. I enjoyed the Sharp, Toews and Nash line. Looked like they were gelling. 
5. Our defensemen were fantastic. Really impressed with Pietrangelo. What a beast! I was surprised Hamhuis played so many minutes. He was solid. 
6. Price looked good. He didn't look great but he wasn't tested too much. Thank you Dmen! 
7. Thought Getzlaf & Bergeron played solid minutes at C. Their experience and face-off effectiveness will be needed.
8. Loved Tavares out there...he's a sweet player. 

Things that concern me: 
1. Why in the world is Jeff Carter playing significant minutes with Crosby? Carter looks average at best. 
2. Duchene wasn't dressed? Why? I hope he plays vs Austria and proves he belongs. 
3. Overall we didn't look dominant. I think most people were expecting more. Give some credit to Norway who played better defensively than I thought they would. 
4. Crosby and Knutiz were okay...they need to play better. 
5. Not surprised but Marleau didn't impress, he needs to step it up. 

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

Am I smarter than Mike Babcock?

Well the practices have begun, the official picture has been taken, and the games are about to begin. At the practice they were putting a bunch of lines together to see if they would gel.
This is a great article by Mike Johnston on Sportsnet on the line combos and defence pairings of Canada, USA, Sweden, and Russia. The big four who one of these teams is likely to win. 
So what does the lines for Canada look like? It sounds like they are going to dress 13 forwards and 7 defensemen. Love the pairing of keeping the teammates together. And according to Sportsnet this is what it was at the 1st practice.
Forwards
Chris Kunitz – Sidney Crosby – Jeff Carter
John Tavares – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
Rick Nash – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Sharp
Jamie Benn – Patrice Bergeron – Patrick Marleau
Extras: Martin St. Louis, Matt Duchene
Defence
Duncan Keith – Shea Weber
Jay Bouwmeester – Alex Pietrangelo
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Drew Doughty
Extras: Dan Hamhuis, P.K. Subban

Here's my thoughts and suggestions...

Forwards

Chris Kunitz – Sidney Crosby – Jeff Carter

Kunitz and Crosby are no brainers...you wouldn't have brought Kunitz if he wasn't with Crosby. But Carter as the sniper? I like Carter's experience. I can think of 4 players who should be on this line instead of Carter

John Tavares – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry

I like this line a lot. Tavares is the best player on this line and will be a breath of fresh air for the Ducks studs. Tavares also can play at C or LW so he gives the opponent lots to worry about. 

Rick Nash – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Sharp

Sharp and Toews together is smart. Love Nash on this line. Toews and Sharp's quickness and skill will give Nash great opportunities to score. 

Jamie Benn – Patrice Bergeron – Patrick Marleau

Bergeron on this line comes to surprise very few people. He's a do it all kind of guy. Benn is a good fit at LW and could play well with Getzlaf and Perry. 

Extras: Martin St. Louis, Matt Duchene

No one is surprised if St.Louis is a healthy scratch but I believe he will get a shot to play in the second game vs Austria. I think he should have a significant role on this roster but we will see.

Looks like they are having a hard time figuring out where to play Duchene. I think he's skilled enough to play all 3 forward positions. He's showed moments of brilliance and his passing is superb. With the right line mates he could be a key sniper as well.   

Defence

Duncan Keith – Shea Weber

Keith & Weber are studs and can play with anyone and be effective. I'm so glad to have them as the core D of this roster.

Jay Bouwmeester – Alex Pietrangelo

Keeping the Blues brothers together is wise. Their chemistry will be a blessing. 

Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Drew Doughty

Doughty's speed will help Vlasic to do what he does best. I believe they would rely on Vlasic's defensive ability so Doughty can be free to be offensive. 

Extras: Dan Hamhuis, P.K. Subban

It keeps sounding like Subban (who won the Norris trophy) is the odd man out. But he's trying to prove his worth in these practices. Hamhuis needs to play better as of late in order to keep from being in the press box and allowing Subban to take his spot. 

So am I smarter than Coach Mike Babcock? Well I'm not when it comes to defensive & offensive schemes, the in and the outs of games, and managing egos. I can barely skate but I know what I see. But I'm very surprised at these line combo's and hope they change. 

This is what I would do if I was in charge...

Forwards

Chris Kunitz – Sidney Crosby – Martin St. Louis

This line would be deadly! The skill would be tremendous. St.Louis should have made this team without a Stamkos injury. The best player in the world is going to make any line magical. 

Matt Duchene – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry

Getzlaf and Perry need some speed on that left wing and Duchene can fly! If Perry is on this would be a hard line to stop. 

Patrick Sharp – Jonathan Toews – Rick Nash 

LOVE this line. Nash and Sharp can play both wings and Toews is as solid of a C as anyone. This would probably be line #2. 

Jamie Benn – John Tavares – Jeff Carter

This might be the #4th line but with Tavares on this line Bobcock could roll all 4 lines without hesitation. Benn is a wild card who could really impress.  

Patrice Bergeron on the PK mostly but can play many important minutes but he should be playing in key defensive situations.

Extras: Patrick Marleau

I'm not happy with the Marleau decision especially with Giroux sitting at home but someone's got to sit and I believe Marleau will be that guy. 

Defence

Duncan Keith – Drew Doughty

At the last Olympics this defensive pairing was fantastic. Keep these guys together. 

Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Shea Weber

Weber is a stud and imagine the hits these two will punish people with. A little slow but would be able to shut down most of the elite composition. 

Jay Bouwmeester – Alex Pietrangelo

I'm not a big Bouwmeester fan but Pietrangelo is special. 

Extra: P.K. Subban

Subban makes mistakes but he's effective offensively. 

In the press box: Dan Hamhuis

Hamhuis is one dimensional but when he plays he has to be unbelievably defensive. He must help his goalie out and block some shots. 

Goaltending

1. Luongo 2. Price 3. Smith

Luongo will start game 1 & 3 then will start in the playoffs. Price as great as he is doesn't have a goal medal and the confidence of Babcock. Price will play game 2 and will be ready if Luongo struggles but Smith will not see any action.

Of course, I could be wrong but I doubt it. And I hope for our sake I'm wrong. And Babcock is the genius behind the bench bringing home the gold. The problem we have is not our team but playing on international ice. We have only won on the NHL ice. So let's see how our boys in red and white do! 

GO CANADA GO! 

Canucks fans HIT THE PANIC BUTTON!?!

One thing that annoys me about Canucks fans and Canucks haters is the suggestion to always hit the panic button. When Vancouver struggles they all come out and answer is 90-100% of the time is trade everyone and fire everyone. 

People are there now again...Why?
- We lost 9-1 to the Ducks. 
- The Flames wanted to stir things up and then Tortorella goes to the other dressing room and gets suspended. 
- We lost to the struggling Oilers 4-2.
- Vs the rival Blackhawks we scored the first 2 goals then allowed Chicago to score 5 unanswered. Yuck! 
The list goes on and on...

You know how many times I have heard 'trade the twins'? Good thing we didn't. They are super talented players who lead us to a Cup final. But is it time? Is it time to rebuild or retool? Do we blow it up or tweak? Honestly rebuilding scares me. I don't want to be on the 30 year rebuild plan like the Islanders. I don't want to have all the 'young guns' like the Oilers and still be bottom 5. But in saying that our window is closing fast or has closed. 

So I'm going to given in and HIT THE PANIC BUTTON and start trading and firing for the fun of it (just for this post).

Vancouver should trade any of these: 
1. Kesler.
Kesler? Our boy...our most popular player? Yes he takes face-offs, kills penalties, hits, gets in front of the net, and does the intangibles well but he isn't the player we were hoping. He doesn't score consistently. His 41 goal season probably will be his career year. 
2. Burrows. 
I love having Burrows on our team but maybe his time here is done. 
3. Elder. 
This Diaz Wiese trade was brilliant. Wiese is at best a 3rd liner. Supposedly this frees Van to move a defenseman. We will not trade Bieska or Hamhuis but the rest are available but no one wants Tanev or will be willing to pay for Garrison. 
4. Higgins. 
A hard working player who is a good 3rd line gritty RW for the playoffs. The problem in Van is we need him to be that 2nd line scorer that he is not. 
5. Booth. 
I love Booth as a person but let's be honest, his time in Van has not been a good experiment. Granted the injuries play a big part of that but when healthy he hasn't produced. 
6. Kassian. 
One of the lamest trades in Canuck history was Kassian for Hodgson. I'm still mad about this one. (By the way fire Gillis...I'm serious, he's killed us. We had a great team when we got him since then we have declined. I can't think of one trade or free agent signing that he's done that has been good for us. Maybe Diaz but who knows. Gillis talks about having a plan but the product says differently.)

Who we should trade for: 
Moulson - I would trade Gaunce and a 2nd round pick for him RIGHT NOW. Moulson would be that guy to step in as our 2nd line LW. He scores wherever he goes. Van needs a top 6 forward ASAP. I would trade Burrows and a third rounder for him. 
Duchene - I would trade Kesler for Matt Duchene in a heart beat. This kid is amazing. As much as I love Kesler I think Colorado has turned a corner and is heading in the right direction. Duchene is one of the main reasons why. I don't know if Colorado would pull the trigger but if they would I'd jump all over it. So whether we rebuild or retool he would be a key piece to either puzzle. 
Yakopov - I would move Elder for Yakopov and Belov. They NEED a Def man so bad and Elder needs a change of scenery. Elder has not been good for Van in the last season and a half but he's still an Olympian. (Love the Scrivens trade BTW) 
Gaborik - He's supposedly on the move. Higgins and Burrows for Gaborik! I know it's a stretch but there are so many lopsided trades in the NHL over the years. Let's dream a little.
Callahan and Zuccarrello- for Booth, Kassian, Burrows. The more I think about this deal it's a real long shot but you never know they might pull the trigger.

DO NOT TRADE: 
The Sedins. Van will not get market value for these two and I say let's ride the Sedin train out to the end. If Van can get something valuable like Hartnell and Vorachek or Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins then it's worth it. But this isn't happening. The problem is Henrik and Daniel are as of today #55 and #57 in scoring. 
Eddie Lack...this kid is amazing. We wouldn't have traded Schneider (or Luongo) if Lack wasn't so good. Love his positive attitude and incredible play. 
Jannik Hansen. I think he does a great job with the intangibles and we wouldn't get enough value in return. 


By the way, I believe the Canucks will make the playoffs. I think it's time we do something...Diaz isn't enough but a step in the right direction.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Who's the best team in the NFL?

Who's the best team in the NFL?
Whoever wins the Super Bowl is deemed the best team in the NFL for that season. IF we are talking the best team with the 2 Super Bowl teams, let's imagine for a moment... 
The best team would be Denver's offence plus Marshawn Lynch with Seattle's Def. That would be the best team going! 

Who's going to win Super Bowl XLVIII?

Denver is favoured by 2 but Seattle wins the Super Bowl 24-21. Why?

1. Denver can't stop that front 4 from getting to Peyton Manning. Manning isn't mobile enough on those bad ankles (if the Bronco Oline holds up then I'm going to be wrong). 

2. Also Seattle was 4th in the league in rushing. If SF couldn't stop the run, how can the Broncos? When they run the ball well it opens up the play action passing. 

3. And R.Wilson will find a way to win this game. He can handle the pressure.

4. I get that passing attack of Denver's is amazing but let's not forget that... 

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS! 

I could be wrong but I doubt it.