The Canucks are more of a third of the way into the season, and they’re on pace for 76 points. That, lockout years non-inclusive, would be their lowest total since 1998-99, and their third lowest since 1990-91. The awful Pacific division leaves them a point out of a playoff spot, but only five points out of dead last. The twins seem to be ageless, but the others haven’t quite lived up to expectations.

This week’s WWYDW doesn’t adhere to “What Would You Do”, but we do have a question for you.

What has happened this season that you didn’t expect? Positive or negative. Certainly, some of us on here expected to be at the bottom, but in a free fall rather than this stumble that we’ve seen. Conversely, others thought the team would stay strong and compete with the league’s best. What (or who) has defied your expectations?

Last week, we asked what you would do with Jake Virtanen, given that he was about to start a conditioning stint with Utica. Here were your best responses:

Let’s face it, we all expected much more from the former 6th overall pick. His showing in the AHL playoffs last year left much to be desired. No goals in 10 games for a kid who was highly touted for his finishing ability in junior doesn’t help. This conditioning stint in the A after 2 months in the show will shed light onto whether he’s learned the pro game. (Side note: his conditioning was brutal in the AHL playoffs last year, he was having trouble with the pace of the pro game, reportedly weighed north of 230!!)

There is precedent that power forwards take a while to transition their skills to the NHL. Todd Bertuzzi spent his draft+1 and +2 years in juniors before coming up for an 18 goal season. Getzlaugh did the same, appearing in 10 AHL playoff games after his draft+2 season putting up 5 points.

While Jake’s draft+1 season wasn’t outstanding by any means, his performance during his conditioning stint and at the World’s (can we all agree it’s pretty much decided he is going) will go a long way in deciding where and how he’ll play the remainder of the season.

Condition him in Utica then loan him to the World Juniors. Once that is all done, send him to his junior team. He isn’t mentally ready for the NHL yet. I would also suggest the same for McCann even if he is more polished. It’s a marathon not a sprint when developing players.

Virtanen was rushed to the NHL. Truth is, he’s not ready to play in the NHL yet. He looks lost out there on most nights and, aside from throwing body checks, offers very little that you’d want to see in a #6 overall pick.

I agree with Ray Ferraro in that he should go back to the CHL to allow him to further develop his game. He probably needs a year in Utica too. The kid simply isn’t ready yet.

It is clear Virtanen is not as polished and NHL worthy as McCann or Hutton at this stage.

If management thought it was in the best interests of Jake to have sent him back to Juniors they would have done it, already.

Mgmt will devise a strategy to give the kid time in the AHL which will lead into World Juniors to expose him to different levels that he should be excelling at.

At the conclusion of those stints, there are four months remaining in the NHL season to hopefully replicate what Horvat was able to accomplish last season.