Gillis Relieved
- Thread starter Ferris
- Start date
kmitchel
Upstanding Member,
Wrong firing in my mind - Gillis isn't to be blamed for the current coach being hired or the Luongo/Schneider saga as ownership is rumoured to have fiddled with that as well.
and Trevor Linden isn't the answer either - so this could be interesting.
and Trevor Linden isn't the answer either - so this could be interesting.
timber09
www.lumberjackcards.com,
I am sure this will be a popular topic in Vancouver this weekend so we should have some witty banter but is this team in a significantly different place than anyone, even the most optimistic of fans, would have thought at the begining of the season?
The majority of the pundits and projections had the Canucks as maybe a .500 team somewhere on, but likely out, of the playoff bubble. Now the whole world is shocked that they played right to that mark?
Gillis didn't do anything to help his cause and muddled a few maneuvers the last couple of years, Torts was the wrong guy for this team and hurt his overall marketability with his Calgary fiasco (although I really think he had a huge opportunity to prove that he's a good coach in Vancouver and has not done that thus far) and ownership seems to stick their heads in at exactly the wrong times, or is at least rumored to do so.
I don't know what the answer is at the end of the day but this team is exactly where my expectations were when we entered the season - playing over your head in the middle of the season and then coming back to earth is a bad thing for all parties involved I guess.
The majority of the pundits and projections had the Canucks as maybe a .500 team somewhere on, but likely out, of the playoff bubble. Now the whole world is shocked that they played right to that mark?
Gillis didn't do anything to help his cause and muddled a few maneuvers the last couple of years, Torts was the wrong guy for this team and hurt his overall marketability with his Calgary fiasco (although I really think he had a huge opportunity to prove that he's a good coach in Vancouver and has not done that thus far) and ownership seems to stick their heads in at exactly the wrong times, or is at least rumored to do so.
I don't know what the answer is at the end of the day but this team is exactly where my expectations were when we entered the season - playing over your head in the middle of the season and then coming back to earth is a bad thing for all parties involved I guess.
bonnev659
2011 Member of the Year & Most Active,
Just saw this posted
what do your Van fans think?
what do your Van fans think?
87sluggo
Registered Trader
Gillis became a band-aid over a festering wound, he needed to be ripped off sooner than later in order to treat the wound properly. And that's that.
On the plus side, instead of watching playoff hockey next week I can try going outside or something............
:/
On the plus side, instead of watching playoff hockey next week I can try going outside or something............
:/
canucksfreak19
Verified Trader,
I am happy, I did not want to see him overseeing anymore bad trades.
Reports are floating about that Trevor Linden will fill the role of President; however, he has publically denied that.
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on...-canucks-to-add-trevor-linden-to-front-office
Reports are floating about that Trevor Linden will fill the role of President; however, he has publically denied that.
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on...-canucks-to-add-trevor-linden-to-front-office
Nick2317
Svatos's Only fan,
Since I don't live in Van just wondering whomever they get will they actually be a GM or just a talking head for the owners decisions?
echoi69
Verified Trader,
Glad to see Gillis go like many others. But I'm very hesitant at Linden at the Prez (or GM) spot because of his lack of experience. It's one thing to be favoured by the Canucks fan base, it's another when it comes to dealing with important hockey related decisions pertaining to drafting or trades.
Nick - it's been been heavily rumoured that ownership is heavily involved in most of the key hockey decision; especially when it came to Torts hiring.
Like Ed, I am also looking forward to more outdoor activities this summer. Interesting times ahead especially with the owner's press conference tomorrow morning.
Nick - it's been been heavily rumoured that ownership is heavily involved in most of the key hockey decision; especially when it came to Torts hiring.
Like Ed, I am also looking forward to more outdoor activities this summer. Interesting times ahead especially with the owner's press conference tomorrow morning.
Last edited:
kmitchel
Upstanding Member,
I don't think Gillis deserves as much grief as he's getting.
If the rumours are correct, Torts and the goalie situation were meddled by ownership.
From Jeff Patterson @patersonjeff 36m
I'd agree with all of that - can't blame him for Ehrhoff leaving and Hamhuis sagged this season when the rest of the team did - but prior to that he was an Olympian. Manny Malhotra when healthy was a steal. Higgins was a free pick up, Tanev/Stanton were solid pick ups. Kassian is slowly becoming what is/was expected - maybe it'll happen - maybe it won't but it's not like CoHo is a saviour in Buffalo.
The goaltending debacle is a big problem - but I've heard that twice MG went to management and they shot down transactions that would've solved the situation without Eddie Lack being the default #1. If that's true - it's not on him. The contract to Luongo was a VERY good contract until the NHL decided that too many teams were abusing it and changed the rules after the fact.
The number of NTCs handed out were unfortunate, but it was understandable. None of the NTC clauses scream out OMG what we you thinking. Maybe the Burrows one if any.
Sturm - can't say that's bad - signed him, didn't work out and moved him. Booth - yah, that's bad but at the time I think EVERYONE in Vancouver (and around the league) thought it was a big win for the Canucks. Ballard - AV killed his confidence, but sure MG is to blame for that.
Derek Roy / Sami Pahlsson - both trade deadline attempts to get a longer run into the playoffs. Kevin Connauton and a 2nd round pick for Roy - that just didn't work out, but it was worth a try. Pahlsson for Taylor Ellington (prev in the ECHL, now out of hockey) and 2 4ths. It was a shot in the dark that Pahlsson would help, he didn't but Ellington and 2 4th isn't a huge cost.
If the rumours are correct, Torts and the goalie situation were meddled by ownership.
From Jeff Patterson @patersonjeff 36m
I'd agree with all of that - can't blame him for Ehrhoff leaving and Hamhuis sagged this season when the rest of the team did - but prior to that he was an Olympian. Manny Malhotra when healthy was a steal. Higgins was a free pick up, Tanev/Stanton were solid pick ups. Kassian is slowly becoming what is/was expected - maybe it'll happen - maybe it won't but it's not like CoHo is a saviour in Buffalo.
The goaltending debacle is a big problem - but I've heard that twice MG went to management and they shot down transactions that would've solved the situation without Eddie Lack being the default #1. If that's true - it's not on him. The contract to Luongo was a VERY good contract until the NHL decided that too many teams were abusing it and changed the rules after the fact.
The number of NTCs handed out were unfortunate, but it was understandable. None of the NTC clauses scream out OMG what we you thinking. Maybe the Burrows one if any.
Sturm - can't say that's bad - signed him, didn't work out and moved him. Booth - yah, that's bad but at the time I think EVERYONE in Vancouver (and around the league) thought it was a big win for the Canucks. Ballard - AV killed his confidence, but sure MG is to blame for that.
Derek Roy / Sami Pahlsson - both trade deadline attempts to get a longer run into the playoffs. Kevin Connauton and a 2nd round pick for Roy - that just didn't work out, but it was worth a try. Pahlsson for Taylor Ellington (prev in the ECHL, now out of hockey) and 2 4ths. It was a shot in the dark that Pahlsson would help, he didn't but Ellington and 2 4th isn't a huge cost.
Last edited:
Bossy22
Verified Trader,
Gillies - best move he made was acquiring Christian Erhoff from San Jose. Yes, he had to go.
Hiring - not sure but the Avalanche success this year with Sakic and Roy can not be overlooked. Maybe they go with Linden, who knows!
Hiring - not sure but the Avalanche success this year with Sakic and Roy can not be overlooked. Maybe they go with Linden, who knows!
gobuffalo2331
Verified Trader,
Trading Hodgson for Kassian was one of the worst trades I've ever seen. Hodgson has been productive in Buffalo with a bunch of AHL'ers. His point production will significantly increase when Buffalo builds a team in the next two years. No one thinks he would be the "savior in buffalo," he's a solid second liner. I love Erhoff but yea with the money he was looking for you can't blame the Canucks for letting him go on that one. But regardless change was needed.
kmitchel
Upstanding Member,
See I find the Hodgson for Kassian trade to be one of the most even I've seen. Yes Hodgson could improve with better linemates, but the same can be said for Kassian (who has played with Sestito at points this season).
As of a couple games ago [posted by Orca Pod]
Cody Hodgson: GP 67, Goals 18 Assists 21, points 39, minus 25, average TOI 18:08, 3:05 of that is on the power play, and 18 points are from the power play
Zack Kassian: GP 69, Goals 13 Assists 14, points 27, minus 4, average TOI 12:47, 0:38 of that on the power play, and one point is from the power play
Kassian isn't getting elite ice time on the Canucks while Hodgson is. If you take the ice team and even it out to 18:08 for both forwards - Kassian's production increases to 18 goals, 20 assists = 38 points and he's doing that without any PP time of note.
I'm surprised that people are still so willing to give this deal to Buffalo at this point. In a few years, who knows. Right now - based on production the players are very similar and either/neither/both of them could make a jump to elite and with that, I can't say that Buffalo (or Vancouver) won the trade.
TheGriceBoys
King of Kings, Verified Trader,
Shocking considering the dynasty they've built up there.
tiger tiger
Verified Trader
Gillis had some success, tried some different stuff to adjust when things weren't working or need to be tweaked. You win some and you lose some. He did try to adjust.
The biggest problem was with the coaches and their handling of the goalies, and how Gillis handled that. (Ballard was a lesser example of that problem)
AV started the Lu/Schneider controversy. Gillis just added fuel to the fire by not moving Schneider out sooner. In fact, he rewarded Schneider with a $4M/yr contract.
Then Torts benching Lu after the Olympics and the Heritage Classic. Was there some payback from Gillis instructing Torts not to play Lu b/c of comments Lu made about Kesler's apparent trade request? Don't know. But in the end, these 2 problems cost the Canucks two legit #1 goalies, and left us with 2 AHL goalies.
Now I hope the Canucks can re-build properly. They've got a few pieces in place, but to tank for the next 3 years put themselves in a position to draft blue chip prospects with a high probability of becoming first line players. If you move Kesler, you have to get a player like that in return too and not some spare parts.
Horvat, Jensen, Kassian, Schroeder, Shinkaruk could be decent top 6 forwards, but you need 2 elite players for those guys to complement. (Basically need Sedin replacements - fingers crossed for Ekblad, then McDavid, and Benson/Day/Steel year after). Kesler for John Gibson???
Sedins/Burrows will become your 3rd line. 4th line will be the checking line.
But with that said, the re-build actually has to begin from the back. Is Markstrom still a legit future #1? If not, find one. Goalies take longer to develop. Same with d. If the GM is able to trade off some current vets to fill these holes, it'll make the re-build process quicker. There is the off chance that there are Scrivens/Fasth type scenarios, but you can't count on that always happening.
Also, scouting staff needs to be better. Have to get a couple of guys in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that actually pan out.
With the sun and stars aligning, Canucks could have this in 3 years.
(not set lines, and players can move up and down, depending on development)
Jensen - Horvat - Kassian
Shinkaruk - McDavid - Benson
Sedins/Burrows
Higgins Schroeder Hansen
Edler Ekblad
Bieksa Tanev
Garrison Hamhuis
Stanton Corrado
Markstrom
Gibson
I'd be alright with that, so let the tanking begin!!!!!!!!!
The biggest problem was with the coaches and their handling of the goalies, and how Gillis handled that. (Ballard was a lesser example of that problem)
AV started the Lu/Schneider controversy. Gillis just added fuel to the fire by not moving Schneider out sooner. In fact, he rewarded Schneider with a $4M/yr contract.
Then Torts benching Lu after the Olympics and the Heritage Classic. Was there some payback from Gillis instructing Torts not to play Lu b/c of comments Lu made about Kesler's apparent trade request? Don't know. But in the end, these 2 problems cost the Canucks two legit #1 goalies, and left us with 2 AHL goalies.
Now I hope the Canucks can re-build properly. They've got a few pieces in place, but to tank for the next 3 years put themselves in a position to draft blue chip prospects with a high probability of becoming first line players. If you move Kesler, you have to get a player like that in return too and not some spare parts.
Horvat, Jensen, Kassian, Schroeder, Shinkaruk could be decent top 6 forwards, but you need 2 elite players for those guys to complement. (Basically need Sedin replacements - fingers crossed for Ekblad, then McDavid, and Benson/Day/Steel year after). Kesler for John Gibson???
Sedins/Burrows will become your 3rd line. 4th line will be the checking line.
But with that said, the re-build actually has to begin from the back. Is Markstrom still a legit future #1? If not, find one. Goalies take longer to develop. Same with d. If the GM is able to trade off some current vets to fill these holes, it'll make the re-build process quicker. There is the off chance that there are Scrivens/Fasth type scenarios, but you can't count on that always happening.
Also, scouting staff needs to be better. Have to get a couple of guys in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that actually pan out.
With the sun and stars aligning, Canucks could have this in 3 years.
(not set lines, and players can move up and down, depending on development)
Jensen - Horvat - Kassian
Shinkaruk - McDavid - Benson
Sedins/Burrows
Higgins Schroeder Hansen
Edler Ekblad
Bieksa Tanev
Garrison Hamhuis
Stanton Corrado
Markstrom
Gibson
I'd be alright with that, so let the tanking begin!!!!!!!!!
canucksfreak19
Verified Trader,
I would be extremely cautious with any expectations, but there is another All-Time Canucks player currently holding down the GM spot for MODO. My fanboy-dom would be hard to keep from kicking into overdrive if Markus Naslund came back to North America to fill the role with Vancouver.
MMarch
One Man Wolfpack, ,
Trevor Linden named President of Hockey Operations. Interesting. And discuss....
Orca Pod
Bitter, Jaded & Disillusioned!,
First off, I find it amazing as to how a thread can totally change topic. This one started with Gillis being turfed, turned to a Hodgson/Kassian debate, and is now a Trevor Linden thread.
Trevor Linden as President of Hockey Operations: One word: BRILLIANT
The most popular athlete ever to play in Vancouver in any sport. Only two others could even be considered close (Bob Lenarduzzi-Whitecaps and Jim Young-Lions), and even those two are far behind. I've always joked that Linden could run for Mayor of Vancouver and win in a landslide. Heck, could probably run for Premier as an independent and win.
Aside from the love affair Vancouver has with the guy, he's probably just as, if not more, qualified than anyone else.
Smart? Check.
Personable? Check
Community oriented? Check
Knows how to run a business? Check
Loves the city? Check
Knows how the NHL works? Check
Awesome move by the Canucks. I still think that Gillis wasn't the problem, that Torts (and key injuries at the wrong time) is/was the problem. But if Gillis had to go, Linden as his replacement for President of Hockey Operations is a great move.
Trevor Linden as President of Hockey Operations: One word: BRILLIANT
The most popular athlete ever to play in Vancouver in any sport. Only two others could even be considered close (Bob Lenarduzzi-Whitecaps and Jim Young-Lions), and even those two are far behind. I've always joked that Linden could run for Mayor of Vancouver and win in a landslide. Heck, could probably run for Premier as an independent and win.
Aside from the love affair Vancouver has with the guy, he's probably just as, if not more, qualified than anyone else.
Smart? Check.
Personable? Check
Community oriented? Check
Knows how to run a business? Check
Loves the city? Check
Knows how the NHL works? Check
Awesome move by the Canucks. I still think that Gillis wasn't the problem, that Torts (and key injuries at the wrong time) is/was the problem. But if Gillis had to go, Linden as his replacement for President of Hockey Operations is a great move.
FASTMAX
Verified Trader,
C'mon Randy. Lets go completely off track here. lol. While the Linden signing is a feel good story don't get too excited. Its not like he is Yzerman in Tampa. 
I will admit, I have little knowledge of what Linden has done after his playing days so I'll give him some slack. Hopefully he can do something for Vancouver. But what if it just gets worse? How does that reflect on Linden and Vancouvers crush on him?
As for the Gilles thing, yep, about friggin time. "A former PLAYER AGENT as a GM???? Are you crazy????" Is what I was thinking when he got the job. Ugg, just a cluster **** from the beginning if you ask me. He was destine to fail.
I will admit, I have little knowledge of what Linden has done after his playing days so I'll give him some slack. Hopefully he can do something for Vancouver. But what if it just gets worse? How does that reflect on Linden and Vancouvers crush on him? As for the Gilles thing, yep, about friggin time. "A former PLAYER AGENT as a GM???? Are you crazy????" Is what I was thinking when he got the job. Ugg, just a cluster **** from the beginning if you ask me. He was destine to fail.
newfiecomicguy1
Transactions, Hockey & Comic Book Moderator, April
I think he should have been fired. Bad contracts, bad moves etc. I am not saying everything was his fault but in the big business of prf sports when the team fails and have questionable things happen the GM is usually responsible as they are in control. I think losing both goalies and getting little in return was his undoing. I like them bringing in Linden IMO a good organizational move plus it keeps the fan base happy as Linden is loved there.
Last edited:
tiger tiger
Verified Trader
While Linden is a feel good hiring, it's done purely for business/marketing. All to get season ticket holders to renew. Linden isn't the GM, he's PoHO. He's going to go hire a GM (can't the owners do that? Since they did that with Gillis.). Linden has some qualifications and experience with his time on the NHLPA. But I don't know if it translates to great success as PoHO.
What this does do is placate the fans as the Canucks go into re-build mode for the next 3 years and tank it. Fans will trust Linden and grind it through the lean years, and keep paying their hard earned dollars for losing seasons. Canuck tickets are amongst the highest in the league.
What this does do is placate the fans as the Canucks go into re-build mode for the next 3 years and tank it. Fans will trust Linden and grind it through the lean years, and keep paying their hard earned dollars for losing seasons. Canuck tickets are amongst the highest in the league.
