What is this team lacking?

[sfgiants5518]

I'll ask this again closer to the trade deadline once we have a better gauge of where we stand, but the roster is pretty much set for right now.

Who or what does this team need to get to the next level? I honestly don't see how this team can find any upgrades... maybe a top 6 forward, but unless this team goes after an all-star caliber player (like Perry, but prob won't be traded since ANA is in it) then there really isn't a point.

[carson005]

Yeah we look pretty set, I guess we could package 2 of our fringe wingers for a better winger?(Higgy,Raymond,etc) but I like our depth more than getting a meh upgrade

[sfgiants5518]

Yeah we look pretty set, I guess we could package 2 of our fringe wingers for a better winger?(Higgy,Raymond,etc) but I like our depth more than getting a meh upgrade

As currently constructed, do you think the team is good enough to make a cup run?

[carson005]

As currently constructed, do you think the team is good enough to make a cup run?

Yes, I actually REALLY like this team. We have a great defense, especially if Tanev and Ballard can play at a good level. Scoring depth throughout our top 6, especially if Kesler is fully healthy, and so is Booth. Young guys who can be key contributors like Kass and JS. Speed throughout the line-up, a great penalty kill. Not to mention we have two goalies, either of who can win us the cup. My only fear/concern right now is the PP, but I feel like that is going to improve as the Sedin's are getting their stride back and Kesler is now back in the lineup

[ink]

As currently constructed, do you think the team is good enough to make a cup run?

No.

Needs dynamic scoring just like always.

Our forwards are not good enough. Look at their meagre scoring stats and who they can and can't score against. Sure they grind out games but they're not a shut down defensive team or a big scoring offensive team. AVs trademark is managing games and their systems deliver mostly mistake-free but uninspiring hockey. They get two points but they're pretty anemic.

[ink]

Yes, I actually REALLY like this team. We have a great defense, especially if Tanev and Ballard can play at a good level. Scoring depth throughout our top 6, especially if Kesler is fully healthy, and so is Booth. Young guys who can be key contributors like Kass and JS. Speed throughout the line-up, a great penalty kill. Not to mention we have two goalies, either of who can win us the cup. My only fear/concern right now is the PP, but I feel like that is going to improve as the Sedin's are getting their stride back and Kesler is now back in the lineup

We're talking about the Canucks right? The Sedins have struggled to put points up and the second line doesn't really exist yet. How can you say we have "scoring depth throughout our top 6"???? I agree with a lot of the rest of your post, but our forwards blow big time. I'm excited about Kassian and Schroeder's promise, but I see a demotion to the AHL in the future for Schroeder, especially knowing AVs lack of interest in developing youth, combined with the fact that after the predicted advantage the AHL callups (JS and Kass) would have, they seem to have fallen back to the pack.

[Pfeifer]

They need a true sniper. Somebody who can score consistently on the pp as well as create himself if needed. Pretty bad when Mason Raymond is your best sniper this season.

[sfgiants5518]

They need a true sniper. Somebody who can score consistently on the pp as well as create himself if needed. Pretty bad when Mason Raymond is your best sniper this season.

Like who? Think realistically.

[BlueJayFanDan]

They need a true sniper. Somebody who can score consistently on the pp as well as create himself if needed. Pretty bad when Mason Raymond is your best sniper this season.

This.

I feel like every other area of this team is fantastic. Goalies are amazing. I love our defense, even Ballard looks better this year. Our depth is great. Were fast, gritty, and have a lot of strong playmakers. But we need a true scoring sniper like a Gaborik or Perry. Obviously neither is happening, but if we can find someone out there on the market, we have to make a move. I still think we can win a Cup with this roster, but I would feel a lot better with another elite forward who can score.

[Pfeifer]

Like who? Think realistically.

Realistically they aren't getting anything but you asked what they were missing and I told you. If your looking for an example it would be Perry on the high end and an Evander Kane on the low end. Not gonna happen but in order for this team to get a substantial piece they will have to package a goalie and defensman for a scoring winger.

[ink]

Realistically they aren't getting anything but you asked what they were missing and I told you. If your looking for an example it would be Perry on the high end and an Evander Kane on the low end. Not gonna happen but in order for this team to get a substantial piece they will have to package a goalie and defenseman for a scoring winger.

We're extremely deep in quality D men now. If there was ever a time to trade up and improve our forwards this would be it. Given how conservative AVs approach is though, I'm not sure he'd approve of letting go any of our D men. But I agree, that is the price we would need to pay.

[sfgiants5518]

We're extremely deep in quality D men now. If there was ever a time to trade up and improve our forwards this would be it. Given how conservative AVs approach is though, I'm not sure he'd approve of letting go any of our D men. But I agree, that is the price we would need to pay.

Which would you package? Bieksa? Certainly Edler is off limits. We just signed Garrison. I'm pretty sure Hamhuis has a NTC. Tanev we cannot trade. Ballard has a bad contract. That leaves Bieksa.

[Pfeifer]

I know this is the conundrum. You can't trade Hamhuis or Edler. Garrison no. Bieksa is a leader so no. But Tanev makes one of these guys expendable. If its me I trade Garrison or Tanev. This is all hypothetical but it depends on what is coming back "realistically".

[ink]

I know this is the conundrum. You can't trade Hamhuis or Edler. Garrison no. Bieksa is a leader so no. But Tanev makes one of these guys expendable. If its me I trade Garrison or Tanev. This is all hypothetical but it depends on what is coming back "realistically".

Do you think anyone is really untouchable on D? For the right deal, for the right sniper, you pay the price. Our D is still strong enough even if we lost one of the names you indicated couldn't be moved. On the other hand, when offence goes south in the playoffs and we start breaking down defensively because our D men are taking risks to try to help the aenemic forwards like happened against the Bruins in the finals, you realize that we have to take that risk. We have to be less conservative. It's as if Gillis is a perfectionist and is too afraid to make the bold move he needs to push the team over the hump.

He's managed to make a powerful D but has failed to make a correspondingly powerful offence.

[Pfeifer]

I find this defense to be vastly overrated. We have a bunch of #2 and #3 guys which are good but we don't really have a true lock down guy and our top guy is great on the offensive end but craps the bed in his own end. The only untouchables are Hamhuis and Bieksa because they play so well together and are as good a second pairing as you will find. Edler isn't going anywhere. Garrison is looking like a bad signing right now. We have a goalie and either our young dman or a guy we just signed to trade. I just don't see it happening.