CanucksArmy Monday Mailbag: January 22nd

This team has so much invested in Jake Virtanen’s success. I can’t imagine any scenario where Canucks general manager Jim Benning trades Virtanen. It would have to be an absolutely amazing offer, and there’s just no way the Canucks are getting one of those for a player who has 24 points in over 100 NHL hockey games.

I’ll say this much though. I can definitely see a scenario where the Canucks don’t re-sign Benning as their general manager, and at that point, if Virtanen continues to have mixed results as a pro, perhaps the new boss will see a change of scenery as best for everyone.

There are streaming services out there if you do a little digging. I don’t know if you’re going to want to follow the SHL though. I say this under the assumption that you chose the SHL because of Canucks prospects like Elias Pettersson and Jonathan Dahlen, but I doubt either will be there next season. We have to allow for the possibility that the Canucks get another amazing Swedish prospect between now and next season, but it’s hardly a guarantee.

I’ve heard from a lot of people that the Canucks dream about Olli Juolevi playing with Chris Tanev — what a pair that would be. If that’s the case, there’s no way they’re trading Tanev. If they did try to move Tanev though Timothy Liljegren alone would be a coup, much less the first-rounder in there too.

It’s totally unrealistic, but I’d like to see Laurence Gilman get a shot. In terms of realistic options, Kyle Dubas would be a great hire.

This isn’t going to be a popular take, but I would do that trade in a heartbeat. And I say that as a huge fan of Brock Boeser’s game, and even Boeser as a person for that matter.

I can’t see the Canucks getting much more than a third-round pick for Ben Hutton. It’s part of the reason why the shouldn’t trade him.

From this list, I like the Pittsburgh Penguins. We know that their general manager Jim Rutherford isn’t shy about making moves, and this team desperately needs a third-line centre. I could see them starting the trade madness on the other side of the all-star break.

I have my doubts about whether Gilman is going to get back into the game as a general manager. You’d have to think that someone would have to hire him in an assistant’s capacity just to get him back in the game first at this point.

As for whether Gilman will come back to Vancouver, I can’t foresee a scenario where that happens. As much as I think the club would benefit from having someone with his skill set and his experience running the show, the fit isn’t there.

Sure, why not?

That’s a good question, but one I can’t answer, unfortunately. All I can say is that I understand your frustration.

I could see Virtanen and Markus Granlund getting fairly similar contract extensions. Something along the lines of a two or three year deal with an AAV near the $1.5-million mark.

Travis Dermott is a hell of a player based on everything I’ve read out of Toronto. If the Canucks are moving one of Tanev or Erik Gudbranson to the Maple Leafs, every indication is they’d be wise to make sure Dermott was a part of the return.

I would hope that it doesn’t get to that point. That’s just downright cruel. It’s really quite uncouth to advocate for someone to lose their job, especially as a mob in that setting. Do I see that as a distinct possibility though? Yes, unfortunately, I do.

Ben Hutton.

The soonest I can see this team being competitive again is two to three years out.

Yeesh, that’s a bit cruel. But also, probably Auston Matthews without legs.

I wouldn’t sign Evander Kane under any circumstances, regardless of term or cash value. You can read why here!

The NHL is a weird place. Who knows?

If I were in the Canucks ownership group, I’d probably give the reigns to someone new this off-season, like Dubas. Or someone a little more familiar, like Gilman. And I have my doubts about the Liljegren rumours.

I think it’d be best for Pettersson to get to play a year with the Sedins and learn as much as possible about how to be an NHL’er from them on a day-to-day basis. As for Dahlen, I’m less certain. I mean, who even knows if he’ll be NHL-ready as soon as next year? The AHL might be the best option by default.

Ask me this again in June.

Hey Y’alls and it isn’t even close. They’re super refreshing and the fact that they’re as good/bad warm or cold gives them added utility as a summer drink.

Lose Gudbranson for nothing.

Canucks head coach Travis Green has done a mostly solid job in his first year. Green isn’t perfect. Some of his deployment decisions are just baffling, but I don’t think there’s any coach in the NHL who doesn’t carry that baggage. One reason to be hopeful about Green as a coach? He sticks to his guns. Green wants this team playing fast, high-paced hockey no matter the situation.

CanucksArmy’s Jeremy Davis has been great on an almost weekly basis on the show, so I want him to at least get an honourable mention here. He’s as big a part of the show as Jon Abbott and myself, and deserves a tonne of credit for making it informative and fun to listen to.

In terms of our best guest, I thought the interview we had with Adam Gaudette was just great. Have a listen!

As much as it pains me to say it, I think it’s much more the former of those options than the latter.

Philip Holm.

Not enough.

That’s a bit beyond my pay grade, but I’ll look into it!