2005-2006 Canucks

[TimmyTabasco]

Alright, taken a page out of Brians book here :nod: :thumb:

Here would be the Canucks opening roster, when ofcourse Bertuzzi would be reinstated

Bertuzzi-Mo-Naslund
Sedin-Sedin-Rucinsky
King-Kesler-Linden
May-Chubarov-Ruttu

Jovo-Malik
Sopel-Ohlund
Salo-Allen

Cloutier
Auld

IMO this current lineup will not go far, and must be improved. I would like to see Kesler atleast on the 3rd line, as 4th line duty would be a waste of his talents. So, do you keep him on the Moose..or bring him up to the big leagues?

Also, with Chubarov..do you keep him as a No.4 center..move him to No.3..or move him altogether? I think he would thrive as a No.3 center..but then kesler also needs that spot.

With King, do you let him play a grinder role on the 3rd line..as Crow has pointed to..or do you say "see ya later dirty newfie"?

Rucinsky is a perhaps, as he is a UFA..but most likely would return if they couldn't find anyone else. Linden would play well with kesler, or should be demoted to the 4th line.

Auld was far from starter potential in the AHL, so how can the Canucks seriously look at him as a backup in the NHL?

Anyway, who do you think should join the Canucks..other via trade..or UFA..to seriously place the Canucks in a better position for the cup

[PDO]

You completely forgot to mention Cooke!

Bertuzzi-Mo-Naslund
Sedin-Sedin-Rucinsky
King-Kesler-Linden
May-Chubarov-Ruttu

Jovo-Malik
Sopel-Ohlund
Salo-Allen

Cloutier
Auld

Anyway.. here's what I'd do, if I was GM of Vancouver ;)

Instead of having the traditional #1 line and #2 line, I'd go with 2 scoring lines, seeing very equal ice time.

Naslund - Morrison - Cooke
Sedin - Sedin - Bertuzzi
King-Chubarov-Linden
May-Kesler-Ruttu

Explanation:

Naslund Morrison Cooke showed some chemistry and play well together.. we already know Bertuzzi has chemistry with the ever-improving Sedin's (who, much to my surprise play some VERY tough minutes).. so why not split up the big line and force a team to choose who to cover, Markus or Bertuzzi? While it could backfire, I don't see many teams having enough defensive depth to cover two powerful lines like that.

King can learn from Chubarov and Linden what it takes to be an NHL'er. Chubby is a good player, but he's probally in the trade block within a year.

May-Kesler-Ruutu get some extremely soft minutes and play as best they can and we go from there.. Kesler has to be eased into the NHL most likely.

Jovo-Malik
Sopel-Ohlund
Salo-Allen

Dump Malik. He plays soft minutes and isn't a good partner for Jovo. Sign someone responsibile who just plays his position and is never out of it. Along the lines of a Ulanov or Staios.

Cloutier, Auld

Uh.

No clue. Good luck :nod:

[Canucklehead]

The obvious problem to be fixed is goaltending. Since Auld couldn't even keep his starting spot in AAA and Cloutier has failed after all the chances he's been given I would prefer someone to completely take over the starting reigns. Move Cloutier to backup, he's good enough for that job. If no good enough goalies are available then at least someone to be a solid backup or to be part of a tandem.

[TimmyTabasco]

Alright, here are some of my good old trade ideas..or packages

-Erik Cole
-Jeff O'Neill
-Gerber

Either of these two would fit perfectly on the Canucks. Play the sort of game the team needs. Gerber would be a great addition, but as a starter?

-Witt
-Kolzig

Witt would provide the team with that much needed grit, and defensive prowess. Perfect partner for Jovo. Kolzig would provide an established starter, who has made it deep into the playoffs. His roots in BC don't hurt either.

-Asham
-Parrish/Blake

Either of these 3 would be good additions. Asham could play on the 3rd/4th line..while Blake/Parrish are solid 2nd liners.

-Mclaren
-Toskala

McLaren would provide a punishing defenseman, and SJ has depth in defense..and in net. These two would really help the team.

-Salei
-Niedermayer

I really like these two, and think they would fit on the team. Canucks get a tough defenseman, and a solid 3rd line center.

Here are some other names, solid defenders to add

-Sutton
-Gill
-Miller
-Hamrlik
-Rivet(Yes, yes :wave: )

And here are some forwards

-Allison(Injury prone, but could fit well)
-Deadmarsh(status unknown)
-Satan..could play well on either two lines
-Walker..hey..you never know

And then goalies

-Biron/Noronen
-Denis

[KB in Kelowna]

Personally I think Nonis and Crawford need to plan a line up without Bert for at least 20 games, call it a hunch. I think Salo may not return. Personally the goal tending at the NHL and AHL level worries me. I'll leave it to others to propose trades, I'll sit in the cheap seats and critique moves later.

[Bob burns]

Being the optimist that I am, I would say the Canucks need to do very little to their lineup if they wish to bring home success. Maybe one or two trades, preferebbbbbllyyy defensemen. Dispose of Malik and a pick and Fedorov to the Might Dunks and pick up Salei. And maybe it's time for T-Lin to call it quits and maybe work behind the bench, you know, try and knock some sense into that Crawford character.

Naslund Morrison Cooke
Sedin Sedin Bertuzzi
Rucinsky Kesler Ruttu
Bouck Chubarov May (King)

Sopel Ohlund
Salei Jovanovski
Salo Allen (Baumer)

Cloutier
Auld

I think Aaron Asham in the Islanders organization is another player the Canucks should be looking to in case they feel that the offense is insufficient. But looking at those first two lines, they dominate, and that third checking line is pesky and defensive. And a solid fourth line imo. If someone can teach Sopel to play some D I think we will be set as far as the defense goes.

[MadDevil]

Quite honestly, I don't know if it matters what the Canucks do up front, if they're still going to go with the tandem of Cloutier and Auld in net. I just don't think either one has what it takes to carry a team to the Finals, much less win a Cup. The only problem is, who are you going to get to fill that need? Kolzig? Biron? Toskala? There are so many questions with the goaltending, I just don't know.

On to the forwards/defense. Players I think they should acquire would be Brenden Witt, Scott Thornton, and either Aaron Asham or Jason Blake. Malik, Linden, and Rucinsky can go. The lineup would look something like this:

Cooke - Morrison - Naslund
Sedin - Sedin - Bertuzzi
Thornton - Kesler - Asham/Blake
May/Bouck - Chubarov - Ruutu/King

Jovanovski - Witt
Ohlund - Sopel
Allen - Salo

As for the goaltending, it's such a big question mark, I'm not even going to speculate on who the starter should be.

[Bob burns]

Quite honestly, I don't know if it matters what the Canucks do up front, if they're still going to go with the tandem of Cloutier and Auld in net. I just don't think either one has what it takes to carry a team to the Finals, much less win a Cup. The only problem is, who are you going to get to fill that need? Kolzig? Biron? Toskala? There are so many questions with the goaltending, I just don't know.

On to the forwards/defense. Players I think they should acquire would be Brenden Witt, Scott Thornton, and either Aaron Asham or Jason Blake. Malik, Linden, and Rucinsky can go. The lineup would look something like this:

Cooke - Morrison - Naslund
Sedin - Sedin - Bertuzzi
Thornton - Kesler - Asham/Blake
May/Bouck - Chubarov - Ruutu/King

Jovanovski - Witt
Ohlund - Sopel
Allen - Salo

Looks good, I think Jason Blake is a very underrated player. He's tight. Also I think Bouck will be a career third liner grinder pest. He just needs to improve his offensive part of the game. As for goaltending, I change my mind here so often I'm not sure I should even venture what I want to happen at the moment.

As for the goaltending, it's such a big question mark, I'm not even going to speculate on who the starter should be.

Perhaps this guy:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/MadDevil30/Brodeur_Sig.jpg

[MadDevil]

I don't think your brainwashing techniques will work on Lou Lamoriello.:D ;)

[TimmyTabasco]

Do you guys really think Cooke could be a No.1 line guy?

He did alright at the end of the season, but that top line was far from dominant.

I'd prefer to see someone else brought in for that top line duty, or keep bert up there. Cooke with the twins? Worth a shot, hasn't been done yet.

What the Canucks lack is a defensive defender..and I think Witt/Kolzig appears to be a good bet for a deal. Both are veterans, established, and could really help the team.

What I like about Cole is his power forward game, and his play has really improved. A Gerber/Cole deal would be most excellent. Same with Parrish..he is a goal scorer, injury prone, but goes to the net..and scores game winning goals. Also, I like Blake..but think he is more than a 3rd liner.

Asham could be had easily, maybe a pick? I think he would be a good investment, take him over the overrated Bouck anyday of the week :thumb: Has potential, fights, and plays a team game.

So, IMO..for the best bet for defense..your looking at Salei or Witt. Both play a punishing brand of hockey, and have experience. For goaltending, your looking at Kolzig..a proven No.1 who has played on an ordinary team, or Toskala..an unproven starter, but with a crapload of potential.

I'd even say take a chance on Hurme as backup. He will come cheap, due to his back..and the Canucks like this guy.

[TimmyTabasco]

Come on you wankers, lets get this discussion going :laughing:

[Bob burns]

I'll discuss the outcome of the next Canucks game in detail. Don't you worry. :) 8)

[KB in Kelowna]

Come on you wankers, lets get this discussion going :laughing:

I think the Canucks could use Cooke as a spark plug on a top line. They should try the Naslund/Morrison/Cooke, Sedin/Sedin/Bertuzzi (after he is reinstated), and a third combo to be determined by trades and free agent signings. Roll out three speedy, defensively responsible lines with scring capability who can all take minutes.A balanced offensive approach instead of reliance on a "big" line. Too many teams now concentrate on shutting down a team's dominant line or player. Mix it up, three lines who can produce will be more successful than one line accounting for 50-65% of your offence :soapbox: Based on my observation of the Kelowna Rockets this year, the lack of success in London notwithstanding.

[TimmyTabasco]

True on the balanced scoring, and I do think..more likely than not..thats how the lines will be

However, here are a few lineups to consider

Bert-Mo-Nas
Sed-Sed-Cole
Cooke-Chub-Niedermayer
Linden-Kesler-Ruttu

Jovo-Salei
Ohlund-Sopel
Salo-Allen

That lineup would provide balanced scoring. A PF to play with the twins, speedy 3rd line that could do damage, capable 4th line, and a balanced defense. Basically you would swing a deal for Cole, and another for Salei/Niedermayer.

For a different look, If the Canucks could land someone like O'Neill..then he could play on the top line, making Bert play with the twins. This would make the canucks a dominant one-two punch.

Also, for another look.. I like Parrish..even though he has injury concerns..he is one who scores game winning goals..check out what tsn has to say

-Thinks like a goal-scorer and is willing to pay the price in front of the net to score goals. Skates well and plays with feistiness. Is capable of lining up on either side of center.

That sounds like the type of guy the sedins would need

Thoughts?

[TimmyTabasco]

For goaltending..

Toskala seems perfect. He has experience overseas, and would look good as a Canuck

Could be had, especially since SJ has Nabokov already..and depth in goaltending. But they may not wish to release another Kipper in the making. Auld(and someone else) for Toskala?

Gerber would have been ideal, but its too bad Carolina got hold of him. Cloutier for Gerber? Hey you never know.

And then you have Kolzig..premier goalie that would also fit very well. Could be the lost key to the Canucks success.

[KB in Kelowna]

For goaltending..

Toskala seems perfect. He has experience overseas, and would look good as a Canuck

Could be had, especially since SJ has Nabokov already..and depth in goaltending. But they may not wish to release another Kipper in the making. Auld(and someone else) for Toskala?

Gerber would have been ideal, but its too bad Carolina got hold of him. Cloutier for Gerber? Hey you never know.

And then you have Kolzig..premier goalie that would also fit very well. Could be the lost key to the Canucks success.

Careful there the last guy to advocate for Kolzig in a Canuck uni was Yoata ;) :laughing:

[TimmyTabasco]

Careful there the last guy to advocate for Kolzig in a Canuck uni was Yoata ;) :laughing:

:laughing:

Whatever happened to that guy anyway? ;)

Seriously though, Kolzig would be good. Maybe he could be for the Canucks, what Belfour is for the Leafs?

[KB in Kelowna]

:laughing:

Whatever happened to that guy anyway? ;)

Seriously though, Kolzig would be good. Maybe he could be for the Canucks, what Belfour is for the Leafs?

What over the hill, wonky back, best candidate for the Norris? :laughing:

[TimmyTabasco]

What over the hill, wonky back, best candidate for the Norris? :laughing:

:nod:

At this point, I think anyone is a better risk over Cloutier.

Your going to have a risk going with Toskala, Kolzig, or someone else.

I also really like Hurme, and he could be had for some old pucks..but he is coming off serious back surgery..and is damaged goods :cry:

[KB in Kelowna]

:nod:

At this point, I think anyone is a better risk over Cloutier.

Your going to have a risk going with Toskala, Kolzig, or someone else.

I also really like Hurme, and he could be had for some old pucks..but he is coming off serious back surgery..and is damaged goods :cry:

Toskala is the probably the best fit out there for the Canucks goal tending question IMHO. Problem is that the Sharks know it as does everyone else, so the price may be high. However depending on what the Cap numbers look like in the CBA some contracts may be moved by all parties, welcome to the wonderful world of Cap management.

[TimmyTabasco]

Toskala is the probably the best fit out there for the Canucks goal tending question IMHO. Problem is that the Sharks know it as does everyone else, so the price may be high. However depending on what the Cap numbers look like in the CBA some contracts may be moved by all parties, welcome to the wonderful world of Cap management.

Agreed.

The Sharks looked bad on the Kipper deal, and probably don't want something like that to happen again.

However, how would this look..for a deal for Toskala

Chubarov
2nd round pick
Auld

for
Toskala
Thornton or/Ekman or /Korolyuk

[Bob burns]

Toskala is the probably the best fit out there for the Canucks goal tending question IMHO. Problem is that the Sharks know it as does everyone else, so the price may be high. However depending on what the Cap numbers look like in the CBA some contracts may be moved by all parties, welcome to the wonderful world of Cap management.

I agree that Toskala would be the man to grab if he's available. And it is true that the Shark organization recognizes that he's a wanted man, but so does Toskala, and for that the deal may not be too out of reach.

[KB in Kelowna]

Agreed.

The Sharks looked bad on the Kipper deal, and probably don't want something like that to happen again.

However, how would this look..for a deal for Toskala

Chubarov
2nd round pick
Auld

for
Toskala
Thornton or/Ekman or /Korolyuk

SWEEET, especially for Thornton

[TimmyTabasco]

Agreed..Thornton and Toskala would look mighty fine in Canuck Unis.

Remember, the team lost alot of veteran leadership/grinding in Klatt. This really showed last season, at clutch times. Plus, for next season..they will most likely be without Keane..another veteran presence, who scores clutch goals.

Thornton brings grit, toughness, and experience to the table. Could play on the 3rd, or even the 4th line. Remember his pay will be lower under the new CBA.

For Toskala, he is the man. Seems to be the perfect fit. If not as the starter, could always push Cloutier to become a better goalie. Just look at what he did with Nabokov last season

Now, onto Burke with the Ducks. I have viewed MANY canuck boards, and trade boards. The general feeling out there..is that the fans want Salei..and that he will be in demand. Plus, the same feeling with R. Niedermayer. With Burke as the GM, I wouldn't be surprised to see this happen(if they are RFA's). Another name mentioned alot is Sykora..he is a RW, pricey, but available...and a duck.

The man has produced decent numbers on TWO defense trap teams. Place him on the Canucks..with the twins..or on the top line..and you have a 35 goal scorer on your hands. Might be worth a shot.

[TimmyTabasco]

So, whats up now?

We have Naslund signed, but still have a hole on the 2nd line..and two holes on the defense.

What to do to improve the team?

[Iced Tea]

Nonis signed Anson Carter to a one year deal. I don't think too highly of this deal but at least it's only one year so next summer Nonis has some cap space to sign someone decent.

On a different note, some yahoo (PDO) said he heard a rumour (probably from his imaginary friend) that Cooke isn't being resigned. That would be very painful as Cooke is one of my top Canucks and showed some offensive skills when Bertuzzi was gone. Nonis better give up some of his sandwich budget money and sign Cooke.

Even if Carter has a great year, Cooke signs and plays well, the Canucks still need another defenseman and a better goalie.

I will wave now. :wave:

[Bob burns]

Nonis signed Anson Carter to a one year deal. I don't think too highly of this deal but at least it's only one year so next summer Nonis has some cap space to sign someone decent.

On a different note, some yahoo (PDO) said he heard a rumour (probably from his imaginary friend) that Cooke isn't being resigned. That would be very painful as Cooke is one of my top Canucks and showed some offensive skills when Bertuzzi was gone. Nonis better give up some of his sandwich budget money and sign Cooke.

Even if Carter has a great year, Cooke signs and plays well, the Canucks still need another defenseman and a better goalie.

I will wave now. :wave:

That rumour has actually been around for a while that Cooke would not be back with the team, and that he and the management were miles away from a contract deal. Than recently I heard that Cooke might be traded to Washington for Brendan Witt. I would really hate to lose the Cooker, but we really need a defencemen. Maybe if the Canucks didn't have $1.5 million tied up in their fourth line centreman, Trevor Linden, they would have more breathing room to sign the Cooker.

[TimmyTabasco]

Don't listen to that rumour, seriously

It comes from canucks.com, the forum there. Way too many posters there, who like to make up rumours. Then they spread to other boards, and people think..hey..that makes sense.

Or, it may come from the radio..the same ones who said Hamrlik was a canuck. These guys have no knowledge of the truth

Linden is a decent role player, and won't be moved..so let it go mr burns! :laughing:

[TimmyTabasco]

Do the Canucks need a 4th line center?

Some people may think so, others may not.

Jason Krog is a UFA. Could be signed for the league minimum, and he is from BC.

He is fast, good on faceoffs, and versatile. Plus the new rules may benefit his game

Jason Krog Bio (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl_network/teams/player_bio.asp?player_name=Jason+Krog&hubName=ANA)

[TimmyTabasco]

Alright, lurkers

I was thinking today..to apply for the GM position. Nonis abandoned the Canucks, to open a new doughnut franchise. "Nonny's Nuts"

Anyway, what would you guys think of Sean Hill?

Sean Hill Bio (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=487&hubName=FLA)

He is good on the PP, has grit, and leadership skills. Plus, makes 1.5 million..which makes him affordable

What do you think Plastic Mike would want in return, or if he would even part with such a defender?

[MadDevil]

Anyway, what would you guys think of Sean Hill?

To be blunt, I think just about any defenseman who knows what the word "defense" means would be a good addition to that blueline right now. I think an affordable ($1-2 million) veteran defenseman is just what they need, but I don't know how many would fit that category that are available.

[Madferret]

Alright, lurkers

I was thinking today..to apply for the GM position. Nonis abandoned the Canucks, to open a new doughnut franchise. "Nonny's Nuts"

Anyway, what would you guys think of Sean Hill?

Sean Hill Bio (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=487&hubName=FLA)

He is good on the PP, has grit, and leadership skills. Plus, makes 1.5 million..which makes him affordable

What do you think Plastic Mike would want in return, or if he would even part with such a defender?

I don't think Mike would part with him TT, as I'm almost certain the reason he was picked up in FLA was for his Jacques Martin connections.
Apparently Martin was after Muckler to get Hill back in a Sens uniform at the last trade deadline, but Rutherford didn't want Rachunek. So Rachunek was dealt for de Vries instead. I think JM has plans for using Hill to groom Bowmeister & Company...

[TimmyTabasco]

True Ferret..

BUT..it is Keenan :thumb: Anything is possible under that guy

BTW, noticed that Buffalo is going to trade one of its goalies. Noronen doesn't make much.. $665,000

Could be a solid backup for the Canucks. Send Auld to the minors to develop even more :nod: