Team: 2018-19 Vancouver Canucks

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 2, 2018

Published: Jul. 2, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

The current Canucks. There is a lot of decision making to happen yet.

There is such a lack of opportunity for the youth guys. I've always beleived that fear is a bad place to make decisions from and it seems like the Canucks management did this post-draft season. Benning and gang have done excellent at the draft table over the last few years, but at times feels like the 3 stoogies when it comes to signing and trades. Regardless, in Benning I believe, there has to be faith.

So, what I think happens from here is hard to say. Definitely, a blind-folded shooting contest. Here is my take on things.

Gaunce, Del Zotto, Nilsson need to go for sure. I also say trade Tanev and Hutton. Clean up the blueline. Sign someone else in if there is a feeling on insecurity because of youth, but nothing more than a 1 fo-sure to 2 year-max contract. Maybe Ian Cole. Maybe Hamhuis (it would be cool for him to retire in Vancouver!)

So:

1. Step 1. Trade Del Zotto, but where? Columbus, NYI, Wings, Stars. Heck maybe we can even package Del Zotto and Gudbranson and trade with Florida. I’m a strong believer that anything is possible. … but back to reality. We get some pick in exchange, or maybe a pick and an AHL league player to address a need in Utica.
2. Step 2. You trade Nilsson. Throw in Gaunce to sweeten the pot. Again, we want picks or pick/minor player return. I say give Demko the chance as back-up.. He is thirsty and I think the combo can hold the fort. Bachman signed and Dipietro (to-be signed), that takes care of the AHL.
3. Step 3. Goodbye Gagner. Lets say, he goes back to his place of success. For this we want picks. Or a minor defense.
4. Step 4. Now we focus on the bigger stuff…

I like the Tanev to Toronto idea; especially now with Tavares they are bursting at the seems with talent up front, but are still in need of defensively responsible players. Enter Tanev. For the Canucks, Chris Tanev is center-piece for a changing defensive core. Tanev, though injury prone adds positively to team puck control. NOt a big shooter, but definitely able to make Andersen's job easier. A lot of people talk about Nylander. I think that is bad, mmmm'kay. Why? Because, 1. Nylander needs to stay with Toronto (and I am not a Toronto fan) but the raw power of the Maple Leafs would be incredible to watch and with Nylander....Wow. Again, not a Leafs fan. 2. Nylander can play centre, but has played on the right wing, and the canucks have an abundance of young players on the right.

Trade: Tanev & Hutton, 2020 3rd rnd. pick for Liljegren, Timothy & 2019 1st rnd. pick.

This shores up the blueline for the now and the immediate future. The D-core gets younger. We have 2 first round picks when the Canucks host the draft show in 2019. That pick can get us a lot. You know it is going to be low in the 1rst rnd of the draft. Say the Canucks don’t win the 1rst pick (not a surprise at all!) ; however, Canucks are known for the miracle shot at the last second for trades (Thank you Sedins!). So, we bundle up the high 1srt rnd pick we get 2018-19 and the Toronto, plus something else if needed and grab Jack Hughes. I like to dream big.

Furthermore, we get a strong prospect on our right d-side, because have you seen it lately…HELP. Now, I think Hutton has potential and maybe a change in scenery in this situation is necessary. We already have Juolevi and Hughes on the left defense coming in either this year or the next.

You are now looking at a Future top 6 in 3 years (I’m giddy):
Hughes – Stetcher
Juolevi – Liljegren
Tryamkin – Pouliot

Again, dreaming big, I like the idea of Tryamkin returning, seasoned and thirsty.

Here is your team Canucks fans. We still have some shaving to do, but I think that sorts itself out during the training camps and with what players like Petterson, Hughes and Juolevi deciding on where they will play next year.

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