http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PodcastPlayer&pid=114&iid=6772

Personally, I applaude Gillis for most of the moves he’s made to date. I think that he has brought in some solid front office guys and has put some pressure on some areas that may have been relaxing. But in this business, there is not much down time and I think that Frank Orr’s article on page 64 of the latest ‘Hockey News’ might say it best.
Orr quotes the late Milt Dunnell with, “In the NHL, if you’re losing your shirt, you can be certain someone will try to steal your pants.” This is indicative of the 60’s in which the six teams were cutthroat and can be applied to these days as well, I believe.
Vancouver has lost a very dependable and passionate hockey man to a divisional rival and despite the public statement of Gillis that “Steve is a person of character and integrity” and “would not abuse his relationship with the Vancouver Canucks,” you have to think that the organization has been caught with it’s collective pants down here.

Gillis says he made the clear indication to Tamby (in an earlier section of the conference call interview) that they wished to retain his services and get a deal done. Now one point or the other disturbs me from both an owner’s OR a fan’s view of this (if in fact you are a fan of Steve Tambellini of which I am).
How is it that knowing of a ‘window’ in Tamby’s contract that allowed him to entertain offers from other clubs openly and by the rules, do you as a manager let the man get to that point and not secure his services? Or, how the heck did you not know? The only credible answer I can imagine at this point is that Gillis was not such a fan of Tambellini and wanted to go the passive route of letting him go without disturbing the office or fan base on that level, to completely remove the old guard. I just do not know if I buy that though. The Oilers are one of a few teams that have a chance to be successful this coming season AND look forward to building a great core of solid youth. You sure cannot fault Tabellini there and I wish him success, especially in any further duties with Hockey Canada.

It has also been stated that Laurence Gilman and Lorne Henning will share the duties, as I imagine that Gillis himself will have to shoulder some of the load further. Interestingly enough, Scott Mellanby has not surfaced on the scouting list on the team’s website and I have to wonder out loud on the position he has been offered ‘unofficially’. I have to think that Ryan Walter’s role will be speeded along with this new turn of events.

It hurts to lose Tambellini. Kevin Lowe has been openly venerate of the Detroit franchise model and that starts with the front office. British Columbia-born Ken Holland heads a staff that has unparalleled success in the NHL in recent history and his delegation of duties from bringing Steve Yzerman along in the management area, to his right-hand man Jim Nill as the head of scouting and such, the Red Wings have a comraderie that is admired and sought.

I will return on that day with a fresh, renewed point of view and hopefully for the Canucks and their fans - a major signing announcement and analysis to breakdown.

Robin Keith Thompson
July 28th, 2008

RYAN SHANNON:
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The former Duck showed some real flashes of brilliance and definate playmaking skills last season. In an up-tempo system and on a line with mates that can handle the puck and keep dmen honest, he could surprise the Canucks with some more production. It is up to management to provide him with the support, as Shannon is easily defended against by his lonesome. Good depth offense and possible powerplay producer. He is a bit of a late-bloomer, making the AHL All-rookie team in 2006 after an excellent career netting his post-Secondary education at Boston College. Shannon is better than a point/game at the AHL level and is just starting to get his icetime in the NHL. Best to give him a chance and surround him with players that can both give him room and bury a chance or two. These are players that can compliment high scorers on a team to give you those extra few wins in a campaign. Good signing.
Footnote: What was Jason King’s (Nonis traded King for Shannon) season like last year?
King did crack the Anaheim roster, playing 4 games last year and was held off of the scoresheet and going -1. Prior to that he was a Swedish Elite League regular for two years and scoring-wise, was fairly unproductive.

RICK RYPIEN:
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Rypien has had a devil of a career thus far. The coaching staff and management likes his gritty nature, but his constant injuries seem to frustrate everyone. Even at the Canucks’ open practice a year and a half ago, Rypien’s unprofessionalism seemed to be apparent and he was hurt then too. To me, he has to prove he can score at the AHL level and earn that NHL roster spot. Rypien’s attributes are not enough to warrant NHL icetime that could go to a developing forward, Darcy Hordichuk or even Mike Brown.

NATHAN MCIVER:
—————-
THis defenseman is all about toughness and intimidates players despite his average stature. McIver saw some limited time in Vancouver and brings only a depth role to the Moose as well. His playing time should only be in a Moose jersey this year, unless I’m missing something. Please-prove me wrong.

JIMMY SHARROW:
—————–
Sharrow represents what the Canucks need right now. He is a well-rounded defenseman that may see some time with the big club this year if trades or injuries arise. Sharrow seems to be rounding into form and shows up in all contests, scoring quite evenly against all teams. His point total of 22 last season was the best of his career and his play is highlighted by Manitoba powerplay time. This is a valuable depth signing.

MIKE BROWN:
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Brown is tough customer. Despite low point totals, the Canucks’ 5th round choice in 2004 has certainly developed his niche in the organization. Brown scored his first NHL goal in his first season with the Canucks in Minnesota on December 2nd, 2007. That was his only point of his career thus far and don’t hold your breath for too many more. His penalty minutes are what pile up. Brown is a decent skater and former University of Michigan and U.S. National Development Program alumni.

ZACK FITZGERALD:
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While not much is known of Fitzgerald other than the fact that he has racked up penalty minutes in the WHL and ECHL. THe Minnesota native was a regular in the Seattle Thunderbirds’ lineup for his four complete seasons and suited up for one game ‘out of nowhere’ for Vancouver last year.

***
So, Mike Gillis has certainly rewarded youth in these signings which is a flexible and cheap ‘road’ in any respect. Ryan Shannon is the elder of the six at 25. Filling out his roster and so far quiet on the trade front (though there are rumours of Vermette from Ottawa and Gionta from New Jersey), Gillis is waiting on Sundin and hopefully preparing to slide in either direction Sundin decides.

July 25th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

I will keep you informed of any substancial and credible information on the Mats Sundin saga.

Canuck fans may also note that I run into a merchant every once in a while that sells glass art. Rob Lepine is at swap meets and hospitals regularily and who ever knows where else. He is a talent and sells his products out of home I believe and is a devoted Canucks fan. Lepines’ necklaces, earrings, pot placements and other fused glass products are often done in the colour schemes of the Vancouver NHL franchise. You can contact him at rllepine@shaw.ca or (604) 575-6850. He is based in Cloverdale, British Columbia - Wet Coast Glassics.

Just days later, six NHL contracts are held in dispute by Rene Fasel, the President of the IIHF. Most notably, young Russian star Alexander Radulov signed to play in Russia WITH ONE YEAR REMAINING on his current deal in Nashville. Now, I know that this story has been broken earlier, but I want to draw even more attention to this. I covered the Nashville Predators’ prospect pool extensively over the past few years, as it is one of the richer in the league. Alexander is an elite talent and his lack of respect for the struggling Predators is disheartening to say the least.

If players are going to default their existing contracts to play at home for more money, the NHL has a deep-rooted problem and Kudos to Bill Daly(NHL) and Paul Kelly (NHLPA) for attending the meetings in person. Even if they had little-to-nothing tangibly set to paper. It shows the respect for the situation, before the transfer agreements were in question. Below is a link to an article on the IIHF’s website of interest and there is further news regarding the ‘agreement’ in the archives. The New York Times has a few good articles as well.

http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/browse/1/article/contracts-to-be-respected.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=187&cHash=6040b04ab5

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/nhl-and-khl-reach-agreement-to-try-to-reach-an-agreement-later/

Along with young star Radulov, another Russian of note that you may or may not of known much about is Viktor Tikhonov. His grandfather is Russian Coaching legend- Viktor Vasilevich Tikhonov. Recently a pick of the Coyotes, Tikhonov grew up in San Jose, California and has indicated clearly that he would like to play in North America, opposite of Radulov’s intentions. Wayne Gretzky selected Tikonov himself apparently and I made it clear in earlier blogs that I thought the Canucks would do well to draft Viktor this year….

Also on that front is the well documented intentions and statements by Nikita Filatov to play in Columbus for the BlueJackets this year. Filatov was one of the most sought after prospects in the NHL Entry Draft and the trepidation of NHL clubs being burned by the Russian Leagues from prospects never playing for their drafting club is one reason that Russia has hit all-time lows in draftees to the NHL.

You may ask: Well, what does all this have to do with the Canucks?
Well, besides the implications it holds for signing the Canucks’ prospects like Ilja Kablukhov, newly signed centre Jason Krog had a contract in place to play in Russia and instead signed a deal with Vancouver to stay in North America.

July 21st, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

The Philadelphia Flyers will be at GM Place on December 30th to renew (in a way) the New Years’ Eve clash that was a pre-lockout staple in Vancouver. I remember that my sister Tracy took me to a game a number of years ago and the experience in and of itself was quite thrilling. Nevermind that the game was a nail-biter at the end (Philly tied it with under one minute to go and won it with about 3 seconds!), but it was another sold out contest in the ‘Garage’ and the city was pulsing with the energy of the two events. Tradition. It was really something and I am glad that Bettman and the boys TRIED to get that right. It does kind of ‘pull up lame’ that the game is not on the 31st. I’d like to hear about the logistics or scheduling practices that got in the way of making it happen.

I’ve heard a number of people pile-on with others in their views that the NHL screwed this up and why did they do that and this…. OK, I get it. You may or may not agree with the highlights of the schedule but we can all agree that the NHL moved back in the right direction.

Canuck fans should rejoice in the fact that of the Original Six teams, only the New York Rangers will not visit British Columbia this year. And in that trade-off, we get Milan Lucic here early in the season as well as the Maple Leafs and Canadiens in town. When you factor in multiple games with Detroit and the young guns in Chicago here twice, it has me excited.

Taylor Pyatt

Pyatt has seen his value incline and regress at various points since being traded to Vancouver a couple seasons ago for a 4th round pick.

When at his best with a frame that is hard to move, Pyatt advances the play well with inspired forechecking and displays decent stick-handling/cycling skills. In what amounts to be apathetic play regardless of Pyatt’s effort level on some nights, the Canucks would benefit from the enigmatic winger having a steadying affect in the forward ranks in the coming campaigns. Through line changes and uninterested play at times, Pyatt’s role on the team is in question and some wonder whether or not he has acclimated himself to the NHL game at all. However, his +/- rating has steadily improved over his career.

If Pyatt can bring the intangibles of leadership and endow the club with another calming influence in the dressing room, he could find a permanent home with the Canucks and earn another contract extension with the blue-and-green. If not, he will find that his career takes another turn with perhaps a different team before long, perhaps with a trade by the deadline, as he is in the final year of his contract and it is worth $1, 575, 000 per year. He could be a valuable asset to a playoff driving team looking for size and decent skill up front to fill a role. Canuck fans hope that it is here in the Lower Mainland.

Taylor Ellington

A defenseman with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, Ellington has developed a ‘nasty’ edge to his play and may be an ‘overage’ addition to the Silvertips in 2008/09 as a twenty-year-old. His large body and defensive awareness makes the front of the net a difficult place to set-up shop for the opposition. Everett has some choices to be made with the playoff defense addition of newly-drafted Brenden Stephen (6’7”, 190 lbs) from Vanderhoof, British Columbia.

His duty as a prospect is to give the Canucks’ depth at defense a boost and push regulars to abandon any thoughts of lackadaisical play. A scoring touch is not the main issue to be sure, but a competitive spirit and defensive responsibility are necessity for the Vancouver Island native. Ellington’s older brother Spencer is wheelchair-bound and is a constant ground for Taylor, as well as his greatest inspiration. This was relayed by Victoria Times-Colonist reporter, Cleve Dheensaw shortly after his 2007 drafting: “[He] has always stayed positive and always remained strong. And he has taught me about the meaning of courage.”

Taylor Matson

Matson gives the Canucks a wild card in the prospects department. With his small stature and untoward point totals last season with the Des Moines of the USHL, one might discount Matson’s value to the organization. Matson led the Buccaneers both in scoring (37 points in the team’s 55 games last season) and in effort-level during a letdown of a season. Des Moines was not only a bust on-ice, in evidence of their 14 wins, but the Buccaneers were also sold mid-season as well.

During such a tumultuous season, the youngster committed to going to the University of Minnesota where freshmen tend to see limited ice-time. Patrick White is one of their forwards who should be able to show Matson the ‘ropes’ and make the transition much easier. Taking advantage of any opportunities should be high on his priorities.

At $4M per season for two years, I have to agree with this signing. But not for the reason you may think. My thought is that Gillis has painted himself into a corner somewhat, and now has little other recourse. Pavol is a very swift skating forward with oodles of talent. He has rarely finished a season with a clean slate of injury which is of some concern and his shooting percentage and point totals have lost their lustre. Demitra’s faceoff winning percentage at 53.23% last year in Minnesota would be welcome if it stays on the plus side of things….his two prior totals were both under 50%, though he is admittedly more comfortable on the wings.

Gillis has a rapport with his former client and Vancouver is in need of playmakers, which they’ve addressed in the Wellwood and should shore up with Ryan Shannon. Whether or not Cody Hodgson pushes the forwards’ ranks in that department sooner or later is another discussion (as is the Captaincy). I have the utmost confidence in Mason Raymond’s puck-handling skills and would like to see the kid play some serious minutes this season, day in and out. The Canucks had just better hope that all these player’s best moments are not with the man-advantage.

The Canucks also added some defensive depth other than Nolan Baumgartner this week, inking Rob Davison to a contract today as well. The 6′3″-220 lb defenseman from St. Catherines will give the club another option on the blueline.

July 10th, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson

The Vancouver Canucks added some character, defensive depth AND skill this week.

1)Steve Bernier. Acquired in a trade for a 2nd and 3rd round pick, Bernier brings youth, toughness and skill-all in the same package.

Many are discussing how Steve must be ‘damaged goods’ and “why did the Sharks, and now Buffalo ‘give-up’ on this kid?.” I would argue that Bernier was the most coveted piece of the trade package that the Sharks sent to the Sabres in exchange for Brian Campbell, kudos there Steve! Also, Buffalo had not finalized a deal with Bernier for a new contract. He was an RFA and the Canucks saw that and instead of risking a 2nd round pick and then having the Sabres match the offer, Gillis threw in a 3rd and cemented the deal. That is just smart.
Bernier is a right-handed shot who has a nose for the net, sweet hands and decent speed for a big guy (6′2″ and ~220lbs). He has developed his two-way game to the point that he IS a legitimate top-six forward in the NHL, not just with the Canucks. Claims that his fitness level leaves something to be desired and that his commitment level are low are cautionary, although somewhat warranted.

Drew Remenda, who covers the Sharks full time in broadcast, has glowing reviews about the kid and states that Bernier is ‘coachable’. He is only 23 years-old and has shown considerable talent already. Remenda went on to say that Steve has had some small fitness problems but that the Canucks did well to add him to their lineup. I applaude the staff of the Canucks and had hoped for them to add him in my May 25th post, “Put this out there“.

2) Ryan Johnson is a great pick-up forward for Vancouver. His penalty-killing and shot blocking skills are well-reputed around the league. And for good reason. He led the NHL this past season for shot-blocking forwards. That said, the Blues were probably blocking more shots than most. He is also a reliable faceoff guy and plays with tenacity. I love this signing and hoped for it, as you can also see on my May 25th post:
“As far as UFAs, why not add a guy like Ryan Johnson? They guy is a meat and potatoes grinding forward that is a supreme shot blocker and comes to play every shift. St. Louis would do well to hold onto him, but if they slip, why not be the first to pounce when everyone is tripping over themelves to add Pavol Demitra.” Scott Mellanby had a hand in this decision for sure and is already providing the front office with some solid advice.

3) Darcy Hordichuk enables the Canucks to send smaller, skilled forwards out on regular shifts, more often. He is a known quantity when the mitts come off and frequently compiles 100+ penalty-minute seasons. Do not look for scoring here. But he may provide a safety valve for Taylor Pyatt, Alexandre Burrows and Matt Petttinger to focus on the job at hand.

4)Mark Cullen, a 29 year-old minor league centre provides the team with options at the forward position. Cullen has been a productive player in the Blackhawks’ and Flyers’ organizations and will eat up big minutes for the Moose I suspect. Strictly a depth move, Cullen will provide the Canucks with stability and allow Michael Grabner, Jannick Hansen and Mike Brown time with the big club if Gillis sees that development.

5) Curtis Sanford. The Canucks gave Curt the nod as the regular backup behind Bobby Lu. The 28-year-old reliable stopper knows full-well the situation he has been contracted to fulfill.

6) Alexandre Bolduc seems to be a career minor-leaguer. The former St. Louis Blues’ draft pick had a career year with the Moose last year and is twenty-three.