Well, another week’s gone by, which means we’re another week closer to the beginning of the season. Don’t get me wrong, I’m kind of enjoying the lull in the news and an opportunity to have a life again. It’s been kind of neat. All the same, I’m getting closer and closer to the point where I might be missing Canucks hockey. 

Honestly, I’d settle for the Canucks giving us something new to discuss. That big trade they’ve been talking about would be nice. Or perhaps a free agent signing, even. I could live with that.

For now, though, we’re just left discussing much of the same old stuff. Luckily there are so many layers to any one player/transaction/move that we can keep on talking about it into July and August. Well, in that case, let’s get to it.

I’m not what you’d call a fan of the Markus Granlund acquisition. I’m not terribly keen on Granlund as a player, either. Then again, I’m not the one calling the shots. The Canucks made the trade for Granlund and seem keen on him as a player. I don’t think they’re considering a Plan B for their fourth line down the middle. Especially with Brendan Gaunce in the wings.

No, it is absolutely not worth it. Evander Kane has proven to be a violent person and that violence extends itself towards female victims more often than not. In fact, I wrote about why the Canucks should not, under any circumstances, consider trading for Kane earlier last week.

At some point, it’s a question of values. Nothing in life would make happier than a Stanley Cup for the Vancouver Canucks. Sorry, I’m still somewhat of a fan — though I try my best to be as objective as possible. At the end of the day, though, there are some things in life more important than hockey. 

That’s an interesting question. According to General Fanager, Brayden Schenn and the Philadelphia Flyers have an arbitration hearing set for, well, today. That can be an ugly process that drives a long-term wedge between the player and team. 

It’s too late for the Canucks to field an offer sheet and I can’t imagine any scenario where the Flyers let Schenn walk. Even at the $5.5-million the player is asking for, Schenn’s a worthwhile player to keep around. If the Canucks are going to trade for Schenn (which is likely the only avenue available to them to land that player) it’s going to cost them.

The Flyers are still in the midst of a rebuild, in spite of their playoff success last season. I would expect the price on Schenn to be futures heavy. Hard to say where that figure starts. Maybe it includes a draft pick or two and a premier prospect. 

I would wager so, yes. Interestingly enough, in spite of his defensive pedigree, Horvat’s excelled primarily with his play in the offensive zone. What’s up with that?

There are several signs already that indicate the Canucks are in need of a full-on rebuild. I don’t know if another subpar season will convince them, though. It’ll likely cost the head coach, Willie Desjardins, his job though. And hell, I think another season like last year might take some slack off of Jim Benning’s leash. Will anything change in terms of their long-term vision? I really doubt it.

I have no clue what that is. Go Team!

I don’t make anything of it. First I’ve heard of it. Sorry, I wish I had a better answer. I really do.

You know, that’s a really good question. It’s tough to say based on last season. I mean, Horvat really struggled filling in for Brandon Sutter through the middle of last season. Then he kind of picked it up as the season continued. As for Sutter, he remains somewhat of a question mark as a member of the Canucks organization.

If I were to wager a guess, I’d lean towards Sutter. At this point, I’d like to think the Canucks want to insulate Horvat and give him a chance to succeed. Then again, I don’t think that highly of Sutter’s game. It’s totally plausible that Horvat is the superior player between the two next season and is deserving of more ice-time. Only time will tell, I guess.

Honestly, I think you hit the nail on the head. I don’t think this bars Nikita Tryamkin from getting another shot to play in the Canucks top six though. Like, injuries are almost guaranteed at this point. He’ll get his playing time. Much the same for Alex Burrows, who’s likely entering his final year as a member of the Canucks organization. 

*streaming tear upset emoji*