Do You Agree With Cody Hodgson Being Cut?
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 4:18 PM PDT
176 comments
All summer we thought he was a lock. All summer we thought the prized prospect of the Canucks offense was going to take his baby NHL steps this season.
Then again we thought similarly lofty futures were also in store for Cory Schneider and Michael Grabner. Word to the wise Jordan Schroeder: nothing is a given.
Watching the fallout in the comments here and elsewhere about Hodgson have been interesting; it seems Canucks nation is a bit torn. Half of the fans seem to understand what AV told the Team 1040 today:
"He just wasn’t ready," said Alain Vigneault. "We really believe this young man has a tremendous amount of upside but, at the end of the day, he didn’t show any signs that he was ready to play at this level. After analyzing it and talking about it, we felt the best thing for him was to go back to junior and his team."
The other half of fans seem to think this was the definition of wrong, for both Cody himself and what the team needs now. Here is part of what Section 312 said in our fanshot of the news earlier:
What I have a real problem with is how they handled Cody Hodgson. I think I did more than enough to make my position on this clear but to recap. Hodgson is too good for junior. He is going to regress this year. No matter how much character a guy has he will always have trouble motivating himself to dominate at a level that he has already dominated, when there are higher levels to reach. Cody is going to develop bad habits, he is not going to get better playing against inferior opponents and therefore you will see a worse player in camp this time next year. Now maybe he will get better as the camp goes along, maybe he is a really coachable kid and they can get him to a suitable level during next years camp that he can make a push to make the team. But much like Luc Bourdon I can’t see it happening.
The reality is Hodgson is gone, but the debate will last for sometime. And the first person to say 'Nathan Smith' or 'Patrick White' gets a stern talking to.
But being the engaging, poll-happy folks we are here (I trust you voted in a certain season preview earlier?), we want to know your opinion: did the Canucks screw the pooch with their prized prospect?
0 recs |
176 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I agree with it. The roster is pretty solid as it stands. I’m not a Canucks fan, but after attending camp for a few days I wasn’t impressed with Hod(g)son. The rest of the team scared the crap out of me.
I think his back injury really hurt his camp. With the options being OHL or NHL, the OHL made the most sense right now. If the AHL was an option, I’m convinced he would be there.
Shirokov took Hod(g)son’s spot. Watching him on the power play, that thing looked lethal. I’d take that over a recouping future star who will be ready to go next year. I don’t think he’s a bust. Joe Thornton played 55 games in his rookie year and had an outstanding 3 goals and 4 assists while Samsonov took the rookie of the year honours. Who’s the better player now? Give Hod(g)son time.
ryanclassic.net
Ha, nice. I’m curious when did you see the Canucks in camp? Did you hit up some games?
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ve never had the chance to see a Canucks game. Way too pricey. I’m hoping to get some tickets through a friend soon. I did watch a couple on TV, particularly the San Jose game (in San Jose) where Shirokov ran the PP with the Sedins and did so much cycling down low that Mitchell had a completely open spot on the blueline and fired one into the net.
I saw a couple days of rookie camp. Hodgson was clearly injured and didn’t play most of it. Shirokov earned the name Shirokovalev for me since he was laaaazy until the last 15 minutes where he was outstanding. I question his work ethic, but there’s no doubting he’s talented. I also saw the first two days of regular camp. Took a bucketload of photos that I never got to go through properly.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Funny, back when Shirok was signed but it hadn’t been announced (and so only we die-hards who found out about it on the Web knew this was happening), I recall a Twitter comment from someone in Russia who’d worked w/him, saying “Shirokov has a lovely talent, but he doesn’t really like to practice that much….”
He might actually fit in w/the NHL style OK if he prefers less practice and more play; some guys learn better at full speed.
I hadn’t even heard that review. He seemed to do crap all until the last few minutes. But yeah, he was solid at game time and I’ll give him that much. Doesn’t like to practice much sounds right.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Lots of guys don’t like praccy. I was one of them. Much preferred to be playing games. That doesn’t mean I didn’t work my ass of in practice. Just meant I complained the whole time. Hopefully Shirokov still works hard even if he hates having to do it.
He didn’t. And that’s what worries me.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s cool. You’re one of the few who have gotten to see Shirokov live so I’m jealous already.
And be nice to Pyatt down there in Phoenix. Hands of stone at times sure but a class act and could come through for Phoenix like he did the first year in Vancouver.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
The Phoenix logo is because of a silly Coyotes mock auction on Twitter. My loyalties are spread between Ottawa and Colorado, and I live in Vancouver (sup Canucks fans). I’ll watch anyone play, and I had some really good company at camp that made it really fun. I also got to see Hordichuk slap a puck out of midair past Luongo. Tiny training camp crowd roared in approval.
Shirokov was a bit better in big boy camp, but damn, watching him on TV now (and hopefully live), he’s very, very good. Put any defenceman on the point during a powerplay and he can make something work. This is another reason why I’d put $100 on the Canucks winning the division.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions
My loyalties are spread between Ottawa and Colorado
Oh, that explains why you’ll watch anyone play. No…just messing with ya. Thanks for popping in!
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Heh, last season was brutal in every way imaginable. Thank goodness for Centre Ice (I was living in San Francisco at the time). I do live in Vancouver and most of my friends are Canucks fans, so I learned the team pretty quickly. They are seriously scary, and you should be extremely excited about this season.
I on the other hand will clutch my Matt Duchene and think of a brighter future. Or in Ottawa’s case, Erik Karlsson and some actual offensive depth.
And finally, I’ll watch Vancouver just to point and laugh at Raycroft as he stands with his glove hand resting on top of the net when play is in the other end. If you get to see him live, watch for it.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I feel like the Avs have a better future than the Sens though I don’t follow Ottawa that closely. The Avs just need one more year or so and they’ll be back pissing off the rest of the Northwest in no time.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I disagree. Colorado’s roster is a bunch of forwards with no real value, Darcy Tucker, and then some decent players in Hejduk, Stastny, and Wolski. The defence isn’t that bad, but most of the good players will probably be sold off at the trade deadline. Give them a few more years.
Much as I love Craig Anderson, Ottawa’s combination of Leclaire/Elliott is stronger. Leclaire gives me heart attacks, but I trust Elliott to bail the team out if need be. The defence is becoming disgustingly good in the next couple seasons. Karlsson is very, very good. Jared Cowen was excellent in his one preseason game. Their forwards for the most part are miles ahead of Colorado’s.
And most importantly, Ottawa has Ryan Shannon.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
watch out for Shannon this year. Contract year….I smell at least 40 points there. He’s got the skills.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I like the Smyth trade from Colorado’s perspective. I don’t see Heijduk being moved (he just inked an extension right?) but maybe Stastny moves for some more picks. Maybe you’re right…a few more years. But I feel they’re a bit closer than they may get credit for…and definitely if Anderson is the real deal.
Like I said I don’t follow Ottawa too much but I liked Shannon. You can take Nycholat back anytime (literally, he’s on waivers)
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
No, we’re cool. Thanks, though. We’re like Tampa lite. Way too many defencemen. Want Christoph Schubert? You can have him for free (literally, he’s on waivers). :)
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions
The Canucks had no option…they have a load of guys under contract and ready to go. If they held on to Cody, it would have taken away from one of those other guys that rightfully deserve their place on the squad. By sending him back to Brampton, the Canucks retain his rights and can open a slot up for someone else.
If Cody is the mature young man everyone says he is…this will only motivate and strengthen his resolve. It will definitely test him. I’ve been there in my work when I was OK to do the job, but not quite ready and was basically sent down to another job to ‘learn.’ Oh, did it hurt…and Oh did I hate it…but, I look back on it and it did me a lot of good. Let’s hope Cody sees it that way as well…
Look at it this way…when was the last time we actually had a problem like this? Seems like every year, the Canucks are waiting around for other teams to cut/waive players from their camps to pick up the scraps. This year, its other teams looking to pick up the Canucks scraps.
I suspect the injury slowed him down, but apparently the coaching staff felt he wouldn’t have been up to snuff even if healthy (else why not extend him another 9 games?) so I guess I gotta reluctantly agree. Sigh.
Sure hope Gagner helps him to improve this year. Sounds like they wanna add some zip to his skating and that can be done. Too bad he can’t go to the Moose; it’d be spot-on perfect for him.
totally agree. this could be easier to swallow if we knew he was in the AHL all year.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
My disappointment about Hodgson getting sent back to junior has been replaced with pride at being mentioned in this post.
He is gone so let’s focus on what we have and leave Hodgson’s “development” to the experts. I am confident that long term he is the right player for this organization and I am sure he will become a great player.
So Shirokov for ROY?
ps. we should start pestering the NHL to change this rule so that in the future the best and brightest can be sent to the AHL rather than back to junior.
Just make a simple rule change. If you’ve played another year in junior after being drafted, you can be assigned to the AHL the following season. Currently it’s all about specific age requirements and/or some loopy major junior criteria.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions
One thing for sure after today is that you can never know anything for sure 100% when it comes to the team you cheer for (unless you’re best friends with management.) We also can’t say for sure that Hodgson playing in the OHL again will be more detrimental than beneficial.
Personally, I watched Hodgson closely on a screen, yes, and he wasn’t even close to looking like an NHL player. That’s why I stood by my opinion that he should be cut immediately. No monkeying around for 9 games. Fuck that. The best players won the job this training camp, even Hordichuk included, and now we are icing the best team on opening night.
At some point, did the expectations and Calder Trophy bullshit talk cloud people’s minds? I’m sure that was the case for some.
It’s over now. Cody will progress in my estimation, and let’s focus on winning, damn it.
I would refer you to my point from earlier. I think both Glass and Hodgson offer you about as much as each other at a base level. In other words, Hodgson would have been playing at a similar level to Glass once given time to get going, IMO, but there is no way Glass could reach the upper levels that Hodgson might have been able to reach. Hodgson’s potential < Glass’ potential. Therefore, Canucks potential with Hodgson < Canucks potential without him. And at the same time I don’t think we get worse taking Glass out for Hodgson. That’s why i would have kept him around.
That depends though! Glass isn’t in the same category as Hodgson and that is ok. He’s there to fill in the holes on the bottom 6 if injuries happen. Once Demo comes back, we have too many top 6 forwards with Shirokov there..who EARNED his spot, being the guy to fill in if an injury happens to a top 6 guy.
Why give Hodgson time to get going? Have a bum on the roster taking the spot of a guy who is ready to play NOW? Like Gillis said…unfair.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Fuck unfair. It’s about winning not making sure everyone is happy. Hodgson isn’t a bum. He is a player who needs to learn to play at this level but who has HUGE upside. It would have behooved the Canucks to let him try to get to a Calder winning level because that would give us a huge push towards having a cup caliber roster. As it stands right now we have a division winning caliber roster but are not a cup caliber team. Not as the roster stands now. Too thin in the top 6. Demo and Shirokov included.
That is your opinion. You don’t know for sure that Hodgson would be all that much better just like I don’t know for sure that he wouldn’t.
Fuck unfair? No!!! You reward the guys who earned a spot, not some kid who looked like hell in preseason.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m 95% certain that once a junior season ends, Hodgson is available for callup to the NHL. Eberle had it last year with the AHL. Jarome Iginla played his first two NHL games during the playoffs, and his first regular season ones the year after.
Truth is, right now he’s not ready for the NHL. You don’t take a chance on a rookie who could be really good but might get his development stunted when you have a team that, honestly, could be a Cup contender. The entire NHL is hit and miss when it comes to playoffs. You never know who might pull through (see: Edmonton, 2006). That’s what makes it so much better than a league like the NBA.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Sure, I’m open for him joining the Canucks after the OHL season ends and injuries to our roster permit. As long as he progresses this year. By then we’ll have a good idea. It’s almost too early to say though. I don’t even care. I just want this current team to kick some ass.
Let’s put some heat on Samuelsson instead. That guy had better not be a bust.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, well management doesn’t agree with you guys.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Bottom line I think we need to add a top 6 guy for a cup run. We now have to give up assets to get that player. Rather than developing our own, or at least trying to develop our own. And BTW Hodgson is one of those assets we may lose.
Assets? Psst. Schneider.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
The idea of losing Hodgson makes Mike have a huge sad. Surely Grabner or Sauve would get the boot before he would.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ve been wondering fo a while of we might not package up say, Demo + D-Man + youngster in return for a
reallygood sniper. Not sure who, tho.
There will be more. Stasny? I would move him for Schnieder and Hodgson if I was the Avs. Hodgson and they kid they drafted are BFFs aren’t they?
Not likely
the Avs move him, he’s their future.
Not to mention the Nucks would have to clear ~$6M in cap space for him.
And he’s not really a true sniper anyway, more of a playmaker.
Wait a moment here
When did we decide that trading Hodgson was a good idea? Do you know why you don’t dump all your good prospects for a single good forward as a rental to make a playoff push?
Ottawa Senators, 2007-08, 2008-09. We forgot about prospects. Oops.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Heatley’s a bullet nicely dodged. I’m from Ottawa. Trust me on this.
Nobody wants Demitra. Sorry. I’ll eat my words if someone picks him up.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah they are. you’re just being a smartass again
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow, I hope there's a way to save such quotes
Touting a career minor-leaguer like Glass and calling Hodgson a bum, me thinks somebody will eat those words with a knife and ford.
He was a bum in preseason. Period. That’s what I was getting at. Think in the NOW
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
section, i think you are overestimating the progression that hodgson would make this year. in the preseason, he was a liability – giving away the puck, getting knocked off the puck. whereas, glass was solid, scored a nice goal, made stuff happen. how many games would you be prepared to sacrifice, while waiting for hodgson to “get it going”?
cutting him was the right decision.
Especially when we have games to win..starting Thursday.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Word. Hordichuk impressed me. As did Mermaid (the new nickname for Rick Rypien).
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
During camp he stayed on the ice while the zambonis were doing their thing. He lay on his stomach and put both legs together and stretched them upwards, while stretching his arms up and out as if trying to swim. He did this for about 10 minutes while we sat there trying to figure out what he was doing. “He looks like a mermaid.” “You’re right.” And so it was born. I like it. There’s no better name for a brawler than Mermaid.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Mermaids don’t live in shells. Don’t believe everything you hear. Especially not from cartoons.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I found that image in about 10 seconds. Just typed in “mermaid shell”. Presto!
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Man, she is TOTALLY just chilling in that shell. It’s the barcalounger of the sea.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
You might find this image a little more….hmmm…
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Well hello there linda…
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
And for all your mermaid needs, check this out. Love tasteful art!
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I have to admit, it’s a nice find. Well done.
Nobody has pointed out yet that he should be a merman instead of a mermaid. Think about that for a few minutes.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I think this maid route is much easier on the eyes.
…and don’t tempt Sean. We all know he will do it.
There is so much dirty in that image. I love it.
And now if I ever say Mermaid you will always think of this conversation.
- Mermaid, kids.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure why that line messed up. Should’ve been 37, Mermaid. Stupid SBN.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions
That nipple looks like an eyeball. And again, she’s just using the shell for a pillow. I need to find someone good at art to help my argument out here.
And you never know. Maybe Rick has a couple shells around his house just in case. Like some people horde money or guns.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
…so THAT’S how he got the flu…
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I like Ryan’s insider perspective. Keep it up, dude!
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
The only justification for keeping Hodgson up would be if he could do a better job that the guy he replaces. I simply don’t think he would be better than Hordi, Rypien, or any of our other bottom-6 guys. Developing the youth is a noble goal, but I want the best group of players available on the ice .
That makes sense in the short-term but there’s also the “present v future” argument to consider, otherwise we’d trade all our young talent for vets with maybe a year left cuz, well, it’d put the best group of players available on the ice. This year.
It’s more of a balancing act. Would putting Hodgson on the ice this year have brought him along so that the team would have been better off in the long run? That’s a judgment call, and I defer to AV & MG on it, but still wonder if we wouldn’t have seen better play from CH over the next 9 games, had we gone that route. How much did the injury truly cost CH his chance this year? Guess we’ll never really know.
I think Hodgson easily could be a good 3rd or 4th liner. He has always been good defensively. That’s one of his strongest attributes is his two way play. Plus he is not a little guy. Seems to me he is pretty well put together. Pretty solid. And you do keep a guy with huge potential over a guy without that potential. As our roster stands now even with Demo healthy we don’t have enough top 6 scoring to compete for a cup. Just like last year.
Oh, I thought the team falling apart was the problem. Goal scoring was an issue in 2007
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
If we had one or two more top 6 quality forwards last year then we would have had a elite checking line and that colapse wouldn’t have happened.
Yeah, because the 5 goals for in game 6 wasn’t enough
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
It wasn’t enough. Because you may remember the other team, and Pat Kane in particular, making our checking players look like fucking midget players. Put Burrows and Kess on the third line cause we have enough top 6 guys to move those two down and that doesn’t happen.
I had this exact conversation with a friend of mine last year:
Her: Yesss! We’re up 3-0 after the first period!
Me: Chicago has you just where they want to.
Her (two hours later): F*** you.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
C’mon! That team D fell apart mor ethan anything else!
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Damn this argument is tiring. Hey Temujin, we can understand management point of views, hey?
Enough of this..it’s draft time!
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, it's the management thing I think is what really gets me.
I’m all about development, but when I say I want the best available players playing right now, I mean it, “Best available” doesnt have to mean I want all the best goal scorers, or all the best defensive-mided players. There is a balance.
Realistically, Cody Hodgson’s role on the team was never going to be top-six. He hadn’t played well enough in pre-season to justify removing one of our bonafide guys (Burrows and Kesler are not checkers anymore. Get over it.). Sammuelsson and the Sedins aren’t being demoted either. So if you are going to put him on an energy line or a checking line, he’d better at least be able to do the job as well as (though I’d refer better than) the man he replaces. I do not think he would be able to do a better job than Hordi, Ryp, et al.
Geez, this comment thread is wild. MOAR MERMAID PICZ PLZ! KTHXBAI!
Would putting Hodgson on the ice this year have brought him along so that the team would have been better off in the long run?
Yeah, that is a million dollar question. Worth considering. I’d say not worth the risk. We have a Cup to win. Let’s stick with the sure shots.
You didn’t add bonuses you bugger! haha!
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
$1.725M I just read, after the bonus cushion.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Except Shirokov maybe. The others obviously have a vote of confidence
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Demitra is a decent player… just not for 4 mil. Look at his stats from last year. Pretty decent numbers.
The 4 mil does hurt us in this cap-world though.
Stats don’t tell the whole story. Demo is not the kind of player a cup winning team needs.
by Section 312 on Sep 29, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bad move. Hodgson should have played his 9 games first, then he could have beeb sent back with his pride and a knowledge of how he has to improve.
Gillis blew it on this one, this ain’t no Getslaf story.
Hey now, I have him in my pool this year. Go Stamkos!
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Sep 29, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
So…not to totally hijack the convo, this is just where all the cool kids are.
Do we draft in any order on our upcoming Yahoo pool, or just pick our players and duplicate each others picks?
Just curious
vancitydan
It’s a live draft. Yahoo picks the draft order and off you go to the races.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions
So … if Demo isn’t traded, then what?
It prob means we have to deal a comparably-priced D-man (the alternative is the entire 3rd line who together earn about as much). Mitchell and Salo are NTC and Edler’s our rising star. That leaves Bieksa. Meaning we picked up Ehrhoff (Luko doesn’t count since he didn’t make the team) which … forces us to trade Bieksa?
Bieksa for Ehrhoff? Is that our net equation? Or do we have other, less painful options?
Very good question casual. Where else can we get the cap space we need? Demo has to go somehow, someway. And Schnieder with him plus probably another prospect or pick. That could get us a legit top 6 guy back who would help us on a cup run. Plus maybe someone out there is even cheaper than Demo? I mean if we gave up an elite goaltending prospect and a pick someone might be willing to take Demo’s contract until the end of the year.
Yup, “sweetener” could be needed to get someone to take Demo at this pt. Maybe if we get to the trading deadline, but then again … Demo’s NTC if he so chooses. So we’re back to the D, or maybe a 3rd liner plus a D-man downgrade?
oh boy you guys love to talk to trade
get used to it the IR will be used to park players all year no trade coming.
Key points
1) He is 19 years old.
2) He is 19 years old.
3) What line does he fit on if he isn’t top 6? Does CoHo replace Well-not-so-fed on the third or Johnson on the fourth or PK? He doesn’t. We aren’t the Islanders – live it, love it.
4) He is 19 years old.
5) What is he doing this year? Well he gets the world juniors till this Xmas and then is AHL eligible in February. So this isn’t like sending him out on a ice flow…which apparently strengthens some Russians but not kids from southern Ontario…
So let his kid do we he needs to do – get older, learn to move out there like a pro, and take punches from MoFo’s like us.
by Linden4evah on Sep 29, 2009 8:27 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree with basically everything you laid about, definitely the emphasis on age. He’s still a kid, literally. Plenty of time for him to make his mark.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we’ve established Hod(g)son can’t come back until his junior team has finished their season.
I've seen enough to know that I've seen too much.
Based on performance Cody did not make the team.
I think I would have kept him for the extra 9 games to let the back heal and see if the real Cody could turn some heads. On the other hand he had to show a lot more than he has so far (after being given every chance) so I understand AV’s call.
The real surprise is Tanner Glass he has been outstanding this preseason and he brings a lot to the table. He may turn out to be the real keeper and to me he is the real story that emerged during this year’s training camp – after Shirokov of course.
Glass’ progression sure helps. It won’t sting as much if Rypien screws himself up.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Rypien on any substance abuse bender scares the shit out of me
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Sep 29, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Let’s just say I’d never hit on his woman! haha
The Canucks expect Rypien to be ready Thursday. What were his original issues? That was kept secret…rather well actually.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Better luck next year CoHo:
And if this means we could have a motivated CoHo and Jordan Schroeder next camp,
so be it.
There will be more openings in the roster next year for sure.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 29, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions
What exactly is a “real chance”? I’m going to make an assumption here, and it’s playing on the first couple of lines – the guy’s supposed to be a scorer, so start him as one, right? Maybe he doesn’t play special teams just yet because you want to go with the guys who know the system best.
There’s going to be, what, 15 minutes per game or so? Maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less, depending on the opponent and the score, and how the kid’s doing. But is it ice time? That’s is given out based on what coaches see not only during games (especially with how much AV loves to mix his lines up) but during practice as well. I didn’t attend any practices, so I have to trust the coaching staff either did or didn’t like what they saw. The poster who did attend practices didn’t seem to think they were watching a game-changing player, either.
I think he could certainly have been kept up and played for fewer minutes, or at least as many as the coaches thought he deserved. This gets him practising with an NHL team, being coached by NHL coaches, and experiencing life on the road. Heck, Daniel Sedin only played 13 minutes a game in his first season! Jason Blake, eleven; Shane Doan 12:30; Patrick Sharp, 10. And we all know how Joe Thornton was treated.
That being said, it’s not the route they’ve chosen for him. So be it: I hardly think he’ll return a broken man, that’s just goofy. At worst, he’ll pick up some bad habits out of laziness, but those can be cured with a quick stint (or two) in Manitoba.
Agree that would be a real chance
But Hodgson never got that chance.
Is preseason really the time to give more icetime to “who’s hot”? I mean nothing is at stake, isn’t it more a time to see who’s got what?
So another year of junior and then a year or two in the AHL because he’s gone backwards (through no fault of his own) for a guy who was named the top prospect in the hockey world just a few months ago?
And all this talk about where Hodgson fits (because he’s not top 6) seems weak to me, will he come right in and be top 6 next year?
Can’t say I’m a fan of Lukowich being let go, either. While I don’t think he was better than other players on the team, you need defencive defencemen on the ice some times, too!
That being said, remember when the Canucks’ second line was Ohlund, Salo, and Jovanovski? That was fun. Sphincter-puckering fun.
Regarding CoHO…well, i think every year is a challenge for prospects trying to make the camp, since it is a different scenario every year for them. I really liked how Shirokov played in ALL the preseason games that he’s appeared in, although he is undersized against some big defenceman, he managed to show his poise with the puck, and that is a top 6 attribute you can’t teach….therefore it is obvious he earned his spot…Back to Hodgson, i think this year is really unfortunate for him… he was hit with an injury before training camp coming off of a season which saw his expectations skyrocket due to his accomplishments in junior…. I think the expectations is what got us fans so jacked up about him… don’t mistake my point, he’s a superstar in the making and shows a lot of poise at his age, just i think he needs to bulk up a bit and work on his skating, since the most problems he has is keeping up with NHL talent and a general inability to dig pucks out of battles on the board (reminds me of raymond 2 years ago)….Hodgson is a sure gem …. just patience my Canuck brothers….
P.S. – i’m new to Nucksmisconduct as a member, however, I have been a fan since last year… so HI to everyone..
welcome.
i agree. our expectations were quite high for hodgson. he just needs another year or two. we need to have a little patience.
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
Welcome Bingski.
If this was Colorado or Long Island, the kid may have had a shot. They aren’t gunning for a Cup this year. The Canucks are contending…and need to have the proper pieces in place NOW, right off the bat. No half-assed guys playing. Just guys who have earned their spot.
I’m not talking about this anymore. I’m done.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 30, 2009 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Nice picture of CoHo getting dumped by JayBo to exemplify why he’s not ready, lol.
Of course, I think it’s the right decision. I don’t think the 9 games would make too much of a difference, especially if he plays in the bottom 6 where his ice time and role will be limited. Those games are just important as any others in the year, no need to be experimenting with the kid when the games matter. Other players earned a spot over him, bottom line.
I take this as a good thing because it shows that the team’s depth chart is pretty strong and Cody can his injuries heal and further develop physically for next year (where he should make it for sure).
If you think Hodgson is making this team next year you clearly haven’t paid enough attention to the progress of top level prospects in the NHL. It’s not your fault because the Canucks rarely have a prospect that fits this mold. But I will point out the extremely relevant case of Luc Bourdon. It’s relevant because he was one of the top D prospects in hockey and dazzled as an 18 or 19 year old at training camp. But he got sent back to junior where he got hurt, his progress was stunted and he had a dreadful camp the next year. You might not remember but his camp was so bad that Canuck fans all over the world were wondering why Bourdon had regressed so much and if he was really an NHL caliber player. People started to think maybe Bourdon wasn’t going to cut it at the highest level. And our player development staff has gotten worse since then. I mean am I the only one who thinks this Dave Gagner character is lucky to have a job? He was quoted as saying that Hodgson was ready wasn’t he? And yet we are still trusting this mans judgement? Mark my words Cody Hodgson has months and months of AHL hockey to look forward to next year before he ever gets a shot with the big club.
by Section 312 on Sep 30, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I respect your opinion, 312, but I really think you’re going to be eating crow in a year’s time.
I've seen enough to know that I've seen too much.
Well, he gives me pause for thought. I like the player development on the big team, a la Kes & burrow last year (and we’ll see about the entire 3rd line this year).
But at a lower level … well, Bourdon, Grabner, Schneider, Hodgson … there’s a pattern shaping up. I wish it weren’t, and maybe it’s just statistical clustering and the law of large numbers will even it out in time, but at the moment getting into the Canucks’ system looks like one of the harder paths to the NHL.
Mason Raymond comes to mind as an exception, but even he struggled mightily last year. Jannick Hansen sits on the bubble. That’s not much development, overall, for the quantity and quality of prospects involved, is it?
Well Smoboy I sincerely hope you are right and I am eating crow.
But can I ask what makes you believe I will be wrong? If Hodgson was as bad as everyone is claiming he was this preseason what makes you think he will get better playing junior for the next year? I mean he dominated junior last year and wasn’t good enough for the NHL now, so why will he be ready in another year of dominating that level? Where do you think this development is going to come from? The Canucks player development staff that can’t seem to develop forwards? Thank god Shirokov was over in Russia playing against men and far away from anyone to do with the Canucks player development staff. So where does this confidence come from?
I have to assume that it is blind faith. And we all know where that gets people.
Actually, I think the development staff on the Canucks per se are doing OK, it’s parts of the level underneath them that seems to be, to put it melodramatically, a prospects’ graveyard.
If an occasional kid doesn’t pan out, that’s normal, but when the bulk of our hot prospects consistently can’t make the jump to the NHL, perhaps something is missing in their education.
Seriously, if I were, say, Grabner, I’d have to look at how I could switch to another organization, cuz I should be ahead of where I am by now. From all reports, Grabner has talent, works hard and is coachable. Ditto for C. Schneider. They are being coached to dominate at their own level, but something is missing that they fail to make the jump. Hodgson’s coming year in junior seems like a waste, but based on the track record would even a subsequent year in the Moose have him ready?
Is it just the Moose? The guys that impressed in camp seemed to be the ones playing elsewhere. What’s up with that?
When I say Canucks player development staff I am talking about the guys in charge of the prospects. Any player development going on with the big club to me is more just NHL coaching. I don’t think Dave Gagner does much work with the Sedins or Luongo for example.
One thing in Hodgson’s favor is that there may be more roster spots available next season with all the free agents and all. You never know.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 30, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Why do you think going back to junior is the kiss of death? Has there not been any players who’ve survived this purgatory and gone on to have successful careers?
I've seen enough to know that I've seen too much.
Dude come on. I never said anything about Hodgson’s long term potential. I never said anything about this being a kiss of death for his career. AND I certainly never said anything about there never being any players to have gons this route and come out the over side good players. I never said going to junior was a kiss of anything. You are using reductio ad absurdum and I don’t like that shit. I said he won’t be an NHL ready player at the start of next year. It happens to pretty much every player that gos this route. To me that means taht if there are more roster spots available next year then this is an even worse decision. Because now we are having to play a guy who isn’t NHL ready.
What Stan Butler has to say:
"I’m shocked," said Stan Butler, Battalion director of hockey operations and head coach. "I didn’t really expect to be discussing this. Cody has been a great player here for three seasons and he has been the heart and pulse of this team. I felt very strongly that he would make the Canucks this season."
Right on, Stan. Now you had better get to know Dave Gagner a little better. (I wonder if Butler is secretly smiling inside. He gets a superstar back on his roster.)
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 30, 2009 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions
http://www.thestar.com/sports/juniorhockey/article/703109
“Of all the three that could come back, he was last one I thought would come back,” said Butler.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Nucks Misconduct
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Follow The Misconduct
 |
 |
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- NHL 2010-11 Season Preview: Wrestling with Atlanta Thrashers
- Chris Pronger's contract accepted; why NHLPA could have advantage
- Pass or Fail: When 'Jersey Shore'-level celebs invade hockey arenas
- NHL's ultimatum: Amend CBA or reject Kovalchuk, Luongo deals?
- Report: Matthew Hulsizer is Coyotes' mystery ownership candidate
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
