Wow, I'm surprised that McIver was picked up, though the Ducks probably make the most sense with the familiarity. Don't think it's a particularly big loss, especially considering the sheer number of bodies the Moose have. Hopefully we won't get to McIver's spot on the depth chart, and I think that Fitzgerald is probably adequate as a replacement if the team does.
I think Cowan was a better fourth line option than Rypien if that's what it's coming down to, but I don't think it's particularly surprising considering Vigneault's man crush on Rypien. Assuming he is assigned to the Moose, it does lend credence to the fact that the Canucks are in fact willing to eat contracts in the minors if that's what it comes down to.
McIver's the type of guy Burke seems to like to have. Burkie enjoys having a few tough guys at his disposal on a team(Parros, May, etc.) and McIver fits the mould. Could be a utility enforcer/winger/defender for them.
I think Cowan was a better fourth line option than Rypien if that's what it's coming down to, but I don't think it's particularly surprising considering Vigneault's man crush on Rypien. Assuming he is assigned to the Moose, it does lend credence to the fact that the Canucks are in fact willing to eat contracts in the minors if that's what it comes down to.
I don't think there's anything to dislike about Rypien as a fourth-liner/13th forward type. The issue with Rypien for me is, for once in his career, can he stay healthy for more than a few weeks? If he can, I think he's a great option as an energy player/knuckleduster to have waiting in the wings.
Interesting note: McIver's first NHL game was against Anaheim. In around 12 minutes of icetime he was minus-four in a 6-0 loss.
Of all the games to pick that season, that was the one I went to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Canucklehead
I don't think there's anything to dislike about Rypien as a fourth-liner/13th forward type. The issue with Rypien for me is, for once in his career, can he stay healthy for more than a few weeks? If he can, I think he's a great option as an energy player/knuckleduster to have waiting in the wings.
~Canucklehead~
I just think that Cowan is as good or better at most thing, except for fighting. Agreed though, health has to be a major concern for Rypien.
1, I'm REALLY pissed that we didn't pursue Maxime Fortunas now, as we could really use him, in terms of defensive depth. Friggen Dallas.
2, Hopefully this will open the door for one of Shaun Heshka or FitzGerald or (longshot at this stage of development) Rahimi to assert themselves. I view their skillsets as all being superior to McIver in certain ways, although I was always a fan of McIver's 'active stick', to use a McGuire-ism.
1, I'm REALLY pissed that we didn't pursue Maxim Fortunas now, as we could really use him.
2, Hopefully this will open the door for one of Shaun Heshka or FitzGerald or (longshot at this stage of development) Rahimi to assert themselves. I view their skillsets as all being superior to McIver in certain ways, although I was always a fan of McIver's 'active stick', to use a McGuire-ism.
Didn't even think about how this impacted the Moose...
The Stars assigned Fortunus to the Moose the other day, so there's a plus.
And with Baumgartner, Rahimi, Heshka, FitzGerald, Fortunus...maybe even Nycholat, if he's demoted and somehow clears, the Moose D doesn't seem to be in terrible shape...
Didn't even think about how this impacted the Moose...
The Stars assigned Fortunus to the Moose the other day, so there's a plus.
And with Baumgartner, Rahimi, Heshka, FitzGerald, Fortunus...maybe even Nycholat, if he's demoted and somehow clears, the Moose D doesn't seem to be in terrible shape...
~Canucklehead~
Eh, I believe the Moose D will be fine this year, barring catastrophic injuries. I'm more worried about the Canuck's D and how fragile it tends to be.
Fortunas is a solid, all around defenseman, and I'm glad he's been assigned to the Moose. I just hate how he's not Canucks property.
I liked what McIver brought every night. The guy was all about team first and would do whatever. He was captain of his junior team and still is a heart and soul player. I think he'll eventually become a good # 6 D man as he is only 23 years old and the Ducks will give him a shot.
As to Cowan, the guy was playing in the wrong league. He is an AHL player at best. I admire how he would step in for his team mates but man it was getting tiring watching him get pummelled. Not sure they'll really want him that much in Winnipeg either.
Eh, I believe the Moose D will be fine this year, barring catastrophic injuries. I'm more worried about the Canuck's D and how fragile it tends to be.
Fortunas is a solid, all around defenseman, and I'm glad he's been assigned to the Moose. I just hate how he's not Canucks property.
I think they'll be ok, even without McIver. Davison, Nycholat, and Baumgartner were probably ahead of all of those guys on the depth chart and as you mention, one of Fitzgerald, Rahimi, or Heshka should be able to step up. In what people consider to be a bad season for injury on defense, the Canucks played McIver in 17 games (and he played over Bourdon at some points, if I remember correctly). I doubt they get more than 5 or 10 games tops at that level on the depth chart.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ernie
since when does Dallas use the Moose as their farm team?
Dallas let go of their old AHL team and will be getting a new one for next season. So for the upcoming season they will be spreading their AHL players throughout a handful of teams in the AHL.
since when does Dallas use the Moose as their farm team?
Since this year. Dallas doesn't have an AHL affiliate, so they brokered a deal with Vancouver to 'share' the Moose.
I believe it's until a new arena is built for their new farm team. Iowa Stars became the Iowa Chops (Anaheim).
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Also, looks like we're down to:
1. Daniel Sedin
2. Henrik Sedin
3. Steve Bernier
4. Pavol Demitra
5. Mason Raymond
6. Taylor Pyatt
7. Ryan Kesler
8. Alex Burrows
9. Jannik Hansen
10. Ryan Johnson
11. Darcy Hordichuk
12. Kyle Wellwood
13. Matt Pettinger - Injured
14. Rick Rypien
15. Mike Brown
16. Jason Krog
17. Mattias Ohlund - Injured
18. Willie Mitchell
19. Sami Salo
20. Kevin Bieksa
21. Alex Edler
22. Lukas Krajicek
23. Rob Davison
24. Lawrence Nycholat
25. Roberto Luongo
26. Curtis Sanford
That leads me to believe that we'll be seeing Brown and Krog in tonight's game before they get sent to the Moose.
It'll be interesting to see what happens when Pettinger comes back from his hip flexor injury.
Well, I wish they hadn't sent Ellington back to junior now that McIver has been waived. Makes more sense to have him apprenticing in the AHL/ECHL than playing an overage year in Everett.
I liked what McIver brought every night. The guy was all about team first and would do whatever. He was captain of his junior team and still is a heart and soul player. I think he'll eventually become a good # 6 D man as he is only 23 years old and the Ducks will give him a shot.
I don't know - I see McIver exactly as I see Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. Tough as hell, yeah, heart of a lion, yeah, but there just isn't very much hockey sense there and I don't think he's the type of player who can adapt.
I was a fan of his work ethic and his fighting ability.
