I think it should be Bylsma or AV. The talent level of the team shouldn’t be a hindrance, particularly when you look at what those two did thru massive injury troubles. I dunno what is a bigger accomplishment to me: getting the Penguins into the playoffs without Crosby and malkin or getting the canucks to the presidents cup AND super low GA with AHL defensemen. I do, however, know that both are better than making the playoffs with a good goalie behind a defensively sound team. Just my opinion.

1) Trotz. Agree with Sean

2) Bylsma. If the wheels fell off this team when Geno and Sid went down, it would have been understandable. They do have depth, but the way he kept that team producing is quite the achievment.

3) AV. Probably won’t get just for the fact he’s already won. Think he did a great job this year. I was one of his detractors when he re-signed his contract, but am happy he is still here.

The talent on the team was expected to make the Canucks an elite team. They met expectations.

They fed off of teams in the division. Not one other playoff team in the bunch, and most of them were near the BOTTOM of the standings. Not exactly difficult to score wins there.

Bylsma is my pick. Trotz deserves a life-time achievement award in coaching though.

Everyone in the award has a great “case” in this one.

Trotz for his continued excellence at, as he said last night, “having everyone pulling the rope the same way” (I’m almost 48, and I remember my coaches ( more than one ) using that phrase in minor hockey ). They play their system. Also kudos for losing the guy that was his #1 center acquisition, and keeping his team going the same.

Dan Bylsma probably wins it, and did a wonderful job with all his superstars out. But I don’t buy this "taught his team a more defensive system " half way through claptrap I have been reading. They always played a defensive system. Just had less of their game breakers.

AV deserves it just as well. People knew the Canucks were going to be good. But #1 in GA/GF/ and PP, as well as the #3 in PK. Thats the best season of any club since the 81 Isles and 78 Habs. He did it without the Top 6 D’ for 81 games. Playing I think it was 39 different players in and out of the lineup. They coasted to a President’s Trophy.

I bet when the voting numbers come out, he is #2 to Disco Dan in a closer than people thought vote.

if he could only just give Ballard more icetime.

AV’s in because of an injured roster that almost broke expansion-era records in how they finished. Trotz makes something out of nothing and should be rewarded for it. His efforts speak more “valuable” to me than Bylsma dealing with injuries and coming through unscathed.