[Rookie]

TORONTO -- Heading into the 2010-11 season, the Vancouver Canucks will be looking to defend their Northwest Division crown. That objective appears much easier to reach than it would have been a few years ago.

With Calgary's front office decision-making a topic for debate, Minnesota trying to find an identity under new management and Colorado and Edmonton both going through a youth movement, the Canucks can almost safely say they are lock for the playoffs.

Getting to the postseason is not something that has been a struggle for Vancouver since the lockout. It's getting past the second round that has put an obstacle in the Canucks road to the Stanley Cup.

Since the "new" NHL era began in the 2005-06 season, the Canucks have made the playoffs in three of five seasons only to be defeated in the conference semi- finals all three years, including losing to the Blackhawks the past two.

But the team feels it addressed its need for a stronger defense this summer by signing B.C. native Dan Hamhuis and trading for the hip-check master, Keith Ballard. These acquisitions added to the solid depth of Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, Christian Erhoff, and Shane O'Brien, plus the oft-injured Sami Salo, give the Canucks a much better blue line than they have had in previous years.

Now that the defensive corps has been attended to, the next item on the Canucks' to-do list is to find a reliable leader to help this team over the hump and into the Cup Finals, a destination many experts have felt they should have already reached.

Roberto Luongo recently relinquished his duties as team captain, which was a very smart move on his part. A goaltender already has enough pressure being the player responsible for allowing as few goals as possible, and is often the first player that gets blamed for a loss or playoff exit. Who's usually the second person that gets blamed for such failure? The captain.

That's not to say goaltenders can't be leaders. In fact, Patrick Roy served in the role for the Canadiens and Avalanche during his star-studded time in the league, while Martin Brodeur does it for the Devils now. But they do it unofficially, because they have so much on their plate that being the person to motivate and be held responsible for an entire team is a tall order.

Luongo did the right thing by passing off the 'C' to someone else, and can now focus on being that last line of defense for his team and the same goalie that helped Canada win the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics this past year.

The question now becomes who will be named the Canucks' next captain. One obvious choice would be to slap the 'C' on the shoulder of reigning Hart Trophy winner Henrik Sedin, who became the first Canucks player to win the Art Ross Trophy and MVP.

With his brother Daniel injured for almost 20 games last year, Henrik showed the critics that he can play with other players not named Sedin. His on-ice skill and quiet, lead-by-example-style of play is reminiscent of one of the greatest Swedish captains of all time, Mats Sundin.

The only other legitimate candidate for the vacant captaincy is Selke-nominee Ryan Kesler, who has become a huge fan favorite due to his aggressive style of play. Kesler is another player who shows leadership on the ice by putting his body on the line in order to get the win for his team. Kesler does not seem like a player who is afraid of the media and will say what needs to be said to get results from the Canucks, important attributes one would want in their captain.

It would be smart to have the Canucks do what the Sabres did post-lockout and that is to have dual captains, one for home and one for away, allowing both a quiet Swedish playmaker and a hard-nosed American winger to be the new leaders of the team.

The team is an obvious favorite to win Lord Stanley's Cup after having one of the best goalies protecting their net, the reigning Art Ross winner providing offense, and a new-look defense that can help offer Bobby Lou a little help so he doesn't have to be the lone ranger in the defensive end.

Regardless of who's named their next captain, it's something that needs to be settled before the start of the season, or the issue will become the newest hurdle in bringing the first Cup to the city of Vancouver.

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/09/15/15357971.html

Now that Luongo is not captain who will be the captain of the Vancouver Canucks? Will it be a Sedin or Kesler?

 

[datsun260z]

You know, for my money I think Hank's a slam dunk. Your captain has to be respected and I don't see Kesler as respected. I see Kesler as a mouthpiece who's still an apprentice in many ways. Going with him tells a guy like Hank, "thanks for the hard work, professionalism and earned respect around the entire league but not thanks."

I've said it before and will here again, Kesler has written more than a few cheques his ass cant cash. He's cocky and can't back it up when push comes to shove. Now, if he were a little more like Morrow in Dallas I could see it. But he's not.

And for people who think that you can't win with a Swedish Captain I say BS. Lidstrom has done a fine job in Detroit. And, as far as toughness goes, Swedes are as tough as they come.

Hank has my respect and is the clear choice by far and I expect Mike Gillis to be far more decisive than this. I've read that he will go into the season with no decision which is ridicules. This is not the time for nilly dilly decision making, this is a time for leadership and decisiveness. We are after all one of the favorites to come out of the West so with that said, what kind of favorite kicks tires and bites finger nails where tough decisions are to be made? If Kesler doesn't like it...tough.

Not sure anyone noticed but Peter Shaefer was invited to camp.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/schaefer-given-another-shot/article1708461/

Not entirely sure how I feel about this. I remember him as a rookie when I lived out west. All the talent in the world but managed to really screw himself over. Interestingly, seems the Canucks have another candidate for that trophy in Cody Hodgson. What in gawds name is this kid doing? Cause I can't see that an NHL team with the Canucks recent performance in recent years being interested in screwing over a super talent under 20 years old. I just can't see Mike Gillis being that stupid. This could really get silly before it makes any sense at all. And the more the media twists it negative on the kid the harder sell he will be to other GM's. I sure hope I Am wrong and I sure hope this kid is just playing hard ball to get to main camp where he dominates. I really want him to be all that he's hyped to be but that's tough to do when your top two centers both started on the third line.....

Back to Shaefer. Here's a guy capable of 40 points in a bottom six role. BUT, is he cancer? I think he's depth. And I think that MG is simply stacking his deck as thick as possible. I think MG learned from last year. We got pretty thin by the time the Hawks rolled around. And lets not forget that a banged up Canucks team beat them twice. The Sharks couldn't do that. I Think MG wants to cover every nut possible. And having a guy like this who can step in and produce at the drop of a hat isn't a bad idea. This is the type of invite that could have Canuck fans buying Shaefer jersey's next May.

Volpotti is making a hellova impression at the prospect camp. I like this guy. A real banger and crasher. Him and Rypien would make a nice duo. We'll see if he can play with the big boys.

I am glad Luo's done with the C. I want one thing out of him this year. Total focus. If he can do that I think this team could be deadly.

rb

 

[Rookie]

Exactly a discussion I was having with another person,a captain needs to be respected by the team members and most players around the league,Kesler has it in him but he's good with an A on his chest too. Henriks been here longer,and is the better player,more respected,more calm and collected and proven himself by winning the Art Ross,Gillis in my opinion should choose Henrik.

A little joke: Give Hank the C at home(or according to his preference) and Danny the C when playing away,how about that,eh?*chuckles*

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Brendan Morrison is getting a tryout. I wonder what he'd sign for? Salary cap could be a slight problem tho.

 

[Rookie]

Ah,yes he is but if he does get offered a contract,where will he play?4th line or 3rd line,we have jut acquired Malhotra to add the grit of the bottom 4,so where will Morrison fit in with the Canucks now?

 

[Rookie]

Just found this:

PENTICTON — If Brendan Morrison is seeking inspiration as he begins his tryout with the Vancouver Canucks, he need look no further than new teammate Manny Malhotra.

A year ago, Malhotra found himself in the rather humbling situation of trying out for the San Jose Sharks. He made the team, had a terrific season and parlayed that into a three-year, $7.5-million contract with the Canucks this summer.

Now Morrison, the former longtime Canuck, hopes to do the same and Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis is happy to give him the opportunity.

"We felt it was a unique opportunity to get a player of his quality and character to come into a camp on a tryout basis," Gillis said today. "It gives him an opportunity to make a team that is a good team and we'll see how he does. He has had a couple of years of a lot of injuries and he has been working hard this summer. We felt it was a good chance to see if he could still play."

With Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler and Malhotra ahead of him on the centre-ice depth chart, it seems logical that Morrison will be competing for the fourth-line centre spot. Ryan Johnson, who had the job the last two seasons, was not re-signed by the Canucks and newly signed Joel Perrault is relatively untested.

"I think that's how it might shake down, but you never know what happens with injuries and stuff in training camp," Gillis said.

"His versatility helps, he is good on faceoffs, he can kill penalties, he can do a lot of things. He has been a very high-level player in this league for a long time and we'll just see how he does in competition."

Gillis said Morrison must prove at age 35, and coming off some significant injuries, that he can still compete.

"We are looking for energy, looking for speed," Gillis said. "The biggest thing for a player at 35 is whether they can keep their speed up and play at the pace that is required.

"We know Brendan has worked very hard this summer, he has been around our group all summer, and character-wise there is no question he is a solid person. We are counting on a couple of young players to push for a spot and in the event they are not ready, we have another player that we know can play at this level, has for his whole career, and contribute."

Morrison spent eight seasons with the Canucks and is 11th all-time in franchise scoring with 393 points. He had 42 points in 74 games last season with the Washington Capitals, but failed to land a contract this summer.

ICE CHIPS: The Canucks announces some moves out of prospects camp in Penticton today. Tickets are punched for the following:

• Dan Gendur, right wing, to Manitoba Moose of the AHL.

• Kellan Tochkin, right wing, back to the junior Everett Silvertips of the WHL.

• Released outright: Michael Houser (goalie), David Fischer and Kris Fredheim (defence), Brad Smith (centre), James Henry (left wing), Kevin Clark (right wing) and Tayler Jordan (wing).



Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/...nucks+tryout/3534592/story.html#ixzz0zju4Mpup

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/...acter+earns+Canucks+tryout/3534592/story.html

 

[datsun260z]

Two things come to mind when I read that Mo has been invited to camp.

One, it puts pressure on the Cody camp.

Two, you can't have enough depth.

You're not going to play Hodgson on the 4th line. Let's be realistic. IF he does make this team he's a third liner at worst or a top 6 or not at all this year.

This team has more depth than I can ever remember and for my money I'd take Mo and his solid team attitude, he's 42 points in 72 games last year while dealing with injury than Shaefer. This is a proven NHLer that I am betting will play for the league min. You'd be nuts to not take a long long look at that. Depth at all positions is critical. This team can win and he only makes it that much more a reality. I always liked Mo and I think he's the kind of guy that still has a shet load in the tank and if push came to shove he could step into a top 6 role in the pinch and solidify the situation.

I see great things for this line up. MG has gotten serious.

And lets not forget who forced game 7 in 04....Vs. the Flames. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xStsAxoKckU In case you need a refresher.


this guys welcome on my team anytime.

that is of course this isn't just a ploy to get cody's head in check.

wait and see.

rb

 

[Rookie]

How much would you pay for him...?

 

[Rookie]

Fair enough,lol.

 

[Rookie]

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canucks+runneth+over/3545030/story.html

According to the picture caption on this article,Henrik is expected to be named captain of the Vancouver Canucks...

 

[Rookie]

Decisions, decisions.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis certainly has one to make after Roberto Luongo relinquished his role as the team's captain on Monday.

Luongo's decision wasn't a surprise. The captaincy was a cloud that hung over the franchise goaltender at times.

Now, for the second time during his era with the club, Gillis must select a captain. The two front-runners for the gig are reigning Hart Trophy and Art Ross winner, Henrik Sedin, and Frank J. Selke nominee Ryan Kesler.

Most are putting their money on Hank. Coming off a career season, the "Super Swede" would be a fine fit as the Canucks' locker-room leader. He's a 10-year veteran, well respected, good with the media and has dealt with the pressure of a hockey-crazed Canadian market for his entire career.

Time to take a chance

While it seems like a no-brainer, Henrik might not be the best option at this point for the Canucks. Maybe Gillis needs to roll the dice and go with the American stud, Ryan Kesler.

Since arriving on the scene in Vancouver, the Michigan native has gone from being a gritty third liner with stone hands, to one of the game's premiere two-way forwards. He's been nominated for the Selke for the past two seasons, but has been "Datsyuked" both times. Along with his stellar defensive play, Kesler has turned into a key contributor offensively for the Canucks, coming off a career-year himself with 75 points. The 26-year old is your classic throwback, truly a "heart and soul" type of player.

Kesler is also an agitator. He's one of those guys you love to play with, hate to play against. Just ask Roberto Luongo.

We all remember back to February at the Olympics, when Kesler possibly played the best hockey of his career. He was dominant for Team USA. Who can forget the infamous interview he did during the intermission of the final, where he challenged the psyche of Luongo. He was trash-talking a friend, a teammate, the golden boy of Vancouver, the man expected to lead his team to the Stanley Cup.

After that rant, many in this country vilified him, including Canucks' fans that believed he crossed the line. But in the end, Kesler was wearing USA colours, not Vancouver's. He was playing his role to a tee. Bottom line - he wanted to win.

Adding grit to the 'C'

Kesler is notorious for chirping and plays in your face, physical hockey. That's exactly the type of leader the Vancouver Canucks need.

Vancouver is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender - no argument there - but it can't seem to get over that second-round hump. If you look at the Canucks' last two playoff eliminations against the Chicago Blackhawks, in both cases, they were outplayed physically. They were bullied and goaded into taking silly penalties. Chicago won the special teams battles, which was a main factor in both series losses. The Canucks simply didn't have that edge and grit, qualities that every great team possesses.

Don't get me wrong; just one man can't correct that. I'm not saying appointing Kesler as captain means a parade should be scheduled down Robson Street. And, I'm also not insinuating that Henrik, a soft-spoken Swede, wouldn't make a good captain. That debate is over, after the reserved Nicklas Lidstrom brought home a ring as captain of the Detroit Red Wings.

Anyone who has played sports at any level knows the importance of leading by example. At this point, maybe it's time the Canucks get that in-your face, brash, emotional leader. A guy who will challenge his teammates in the room and motivate them on the ice by sacrificing his body on a nightly basis, no matter the score. If the loss of blood and number of stitches were a statistic, you can bet Ryan Kesler would be somewhere in the top of the standings, year-in and year-out.

The last Canucks' captain to have all of these traits was Trevor Linden. And, that didn't seem to work out too badly for Vancouver.

There are plenty of pros and cons to debate for either candidate. This is an important time for the club and the last thing Gillis wants is to be playing musical chairs with his captain every couple years.

Decisions, decisions.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/nabilkarim/2010/09/kesler-should-get-captains-nod.html

Now according to this article,Kesler should get the nod..

 

[Rookie]

Who's excited for the Preseason games? Flames tommorow,Oilers on Wenesday. I am excited.

 

[datsun260z]

Well boys, the season's nearly upon us. Tonight's the last ex game. The bubble will burst on a few of those who've been riding it. Someone is going to the second line and someone is going to the bottom six.

I don't think Hodgson will be on the team. Not sure. I didn't notice his play very much but interestingly he was a plus 1 in the Edmonton 8-2 loss. I just don't believe he's looks ready however. You can see the smarts are there but he doesn't seem to have "it" yet.

I think Mo will be the new veteran in this line up and I like it. If we all recall this guy was clutch. I can still see him working his way out of the corner in Calgary in 04 to sweep the puck around kipper to end game 6 in OT. Injuries has hampered him for a long time but last years numbers were decent. I think he will be a big part of this teams success.

Torres to play with Kesler and Mason....Someone will have to fill his void in the bottom 6 and I wonder if it wont be Tambillini?

I'd like to see Shaefer in there but where? It would be great to see him a part of the organization for depth over the haul of a season. Say a 2 way deal? It's going to be tough for him as there's quite a lot of people fighting for basically one or two spots.

Alberts looks like a new man. The D all in all looks solid. Hamhuis is a pleasure to watch.

Most all I can think of for now. It will be interesting to see what V ices tonight for a line up. Tic toc, tic toc tic toc.....

rb

 

[Rookie]

I can agree with all your points.

The question now remains,when will MG assign a captain for the Vancouver Canucks?

 

[Rookie]

The Regular season is to begin soon so I shall unsticky this thread.

 

[slapshot™]

Oh my oh my, what to do in the off-season?

Best go out and find some toughness and maybe a true leader/captain and perhaps while you're shopping, a goaltender that doesn't need someone else to "pump up his tires".

 

[grim]

Oh my oh my, what to do in the off-season?

Best go out and find some toughness and maybe a true leader/captain and perhaps while you're shopping, a goaltender that doesn't need someone else to "pump up his tires".

Almost all Canadian hockey fans know the cup final loss pain since 2000. Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal had a big disappointment last year, now Vancouver. That's all the Canadian teams right? Oh yeah... well Karberle showed exactly what a Leaf needs to do to win a cup. :0/