Author Archives: Josh Olund

A Brief History of Strapping Young Lad

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Strapping Young Lad was a trash/extreme metal band that was formed in 1994 and was around until 2007. Founded by British Columbia native Devin Townsend. Who is quite possibly the most well-known music figure when it comes the not only the metal scene in B.C. but in Canada in general.

Their first album was released in 1995 called “Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing”. Which is… quite intense to say the least. Even more so if you’re not someone who doesn’t regularly listen to trash or extreme metal. And it certainly sounded like a first album. What I mean by that is, you can tell there’s something there, it just needs to be polished out. Which is what they would later do with their next album called “City”

“City” was released in 1997 and is just as heavy, but is definitely more polished in comparison. Townsend even replaced the other three members from the first album with new members. They were; Jed Simon (guitar), Byeon Stroud (bass) and Gene Hoglan (drums).

“City” featured the band’s first hit song called “Detox”. Which features arguably the best performance from the band as a whole. Whether it’s Pete Townsend’s wide-range vocals and his heavy guitar playing, to the furious drums from Gene Hoglan. “City” was also ranked No. 45 on the “69 Greatest Metal Albums of All-Time” list from Revolver magazine back in 2002.

Strapping Young Lad would later go on a brief hiatus in 1999. This was due to Devin Townsend working on his solo work. However, they would later return in 2002 to work on their third album called “Strapping Young Lad” or “SYL”.

“SYL” released in 2003 and was a bit of a change compared to their previous albums. In that, it had a bit more of a death metal sound to it as opposed to the more industrial and extreme sound of “City” and “Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing”. Upon its initial release, it was met with a good reception but was considered to be inferior to “City”. Though the song “Aftermath” which, was the highlight from this album, is a solid entry in Strapping Young Lad’s discography.

Following “SYL” was the release of “Alien” in 2005. “Alien” feels more like a return to form after “SYL”. With having more of an industrial sound that the band had with their first two albums. “Alien” at the time was the album that reached highest in the charts upon its release. Reaching as high as No. 32 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, as well as No. 35 on the Top Independent Albums chart. “Alien” also features another one of the band’s most popular songs titled “Love?”

The fifth album that was made by Strapping Young Lad was “The New Black” which released back in 2005. It ranked No. 8 on the Top Heatseekers charts, as well as No. 15 on the Top Independent Albums charts. However, this would be the last album made by Strapping Young Lad as they officially broke-up in 2007.

As for Devin Townsend, he’s still making music to this date. Townsend’s most recent studio album was in 2019 called “Empath”. While the other members of Strapping Young Lad have gone on to play for various different bands over the years.

 

Now would I recommend Strapping Young Lad to someone? Only to people who are into this intense style of music. As it is very overwhelming for people who aren’t accustomed to this type of sound. But for those who have listened to Strapping Young Lad in the past. Do you miss them? If so, leave a comment below.

The Last Concert I Went To

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November 28, 2017. It feels like a decade ago because of everything that has happened in 2020, but it hasn’t even been three years yet. Back then, I was still working at my previous job, with my ex and everything seemed to be going well up to that point. Especially when I got to see one of my favourite bands play at the Commodore Ballroom.

The band I went to see was Animals as Leaders. Animals as Leaders are an instrumental, metal band. I’d say listening to them is like listening to jazz mixed with progressive metal. It’s an odd combo, but it sounds awesome.

I first got introduced to them by an online friend back in 2015. When I first heard the name I thought they would be another generic modern metal band. But I was treated to something much better. 

The first song of theirs I heard was called “Mind-Spun”. Needless to say, it’s a trip to listen to. There’s a high pitch sound at the start of the song that lasts for about 25 seconds. Then the guitar becoming more and more present. Until everything kicks up a notch with heavy guitar riffs and hard pounding drums, which then leads into even more fantastic guitar playing by Tosin Abasi. And when the song has this very unexpected breakdown, I lost it.

It’s essentially a very fast bass solo, but here’s the catch. There’s no bass player in the band. I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it, but as I started to listen to them more and more, it was actually a trademark of their songs to have that sound throughout a lot of their songs. So when I saw that they were coming to Vancouver, I bought my brother and I tickets as fast as possible.

(@commodorevcr / Twitter) https://twitter.com/commodorevcr/status/1317540889519075339

This was my fifth concert with my brother and it was probably my favourite one. For various reasons. It was my first time taking him to a show I wanted to go to and it was at a venue I hadn’t been to before. I had known about the Commodore before, but I didn’t really know what to expect. And I was certainly pleased with the venue itself.

It isn’t super big, so you’re able to hear a lot of the sound even if you’re not in the front row. My brother and I sat on the balcony looking towards the stage and I thought it was the best seats there. Wasn’t too far away from the washrooms, close to the bar and the view was great.

The opener act of the show was a band called Astronoid. Astronoid is another metal band, but their music is rather atmospheric. They still had a heavy sound but wasn’t the same as Animals as Leaders. I still enjoyed listening to them though and I would recommend listening to them if you enjoy heavy sounding music.

(@DTvilling / Twitter) https://twitter.com/DTvilling/status/1061421252198440962

Then came Animals as Leaders. Considering they’re an instrumental band and tend to use lots of effects in their songs, I wasn’t sure how they were going to sound live. I was nervous for a moment thinking they would be a band that sounds great when recorded, but not as good when performing live. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

From beginning to end, they sounded great. Each riff was incredibly heavy, the solos were electric and the drums hit hard all night. There was even a drum solo at one point. My favourite part too was seeing all the people near me just being speechless with the way they performed. And when they played their most popular song “CAFO” as the encore. I was so happy. It was the perfect way to end the night.

If I had the chance to see Animals as Leaders again I would do it in a heartbeat. Easily the best concert I went to and the best $35 I’ve spent in recent memory. I couldn’t recommend them more if you’re a fan of metal music.

 

What was the last concert you went to? Let me know in the comments below because I’d be very curious to know about them.

Skinny Puppy “Rabies” Album Review

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We’re still in love with 80’s nostalgia, right? Okay, just checking because I’ve now found an album that has brought me some more 80’s nostalgia. That would be the Vancouver based band “Skinny Puppy” and their fourth studio album “Rabies”. What makes this album so nostalgic? Let me explain.

Personally, I love it when a song has very noticeable drums. Doesn’t matter if they’re very punchy or have a heavy sound to them, as long as they’re very present in the song I think it’s more enjoyable to listen to.

And right off the bat with “Rodent”, you get an 80’s drum machine kicking in that got me into it. But once the actual drums kicked. I was hooked from there. And once it was mixed with the drum machine. That beat definitely makes my head bob back and forth.

Another highlight from this album is the hit song “Worlock”. One of the two singles released for this album, “Worlock” is an excellent song. The steady beat with the drums and drum machine is at its best on this album. It’s not a fast beat like some of the other songs on this album, but it’s that steady beat throughout which makes the song have a little more punch with each snare hit.

The song also uses samples of Charles Manson talking as well as a guitar piece used from the “Helter Skelter” by The Beatles. Which, I would assume came at a hefty price.

The other single from this album is the song “Tin Omen”. Which isn’t as good as “Worlock”, but still a solid song. It feels more like a traditional rock than some of the other songs on the album. Which isn’t a bad thing because it changes it up. Having the guitar being a lot more prominent in this song as opposed to other entries.

At around the 3-minute mark, the song goes from its normal beat to a much faster and more aggressive pace. With the guitar going much faster and then the drums follow suit. And Nivek Ogre’s scream as well on top of it sounds badass.

So if you prefer a more traditional hard rock song, this might be the song to start with if you’re wanting to try and get into Skinny Puppy.

 

Now for the album as a whole. I’d say the one thing I wasn’t super crazy about was that a lot of the songs sounded very similar. Having said that, I did enjoy the overall sound of the songs on this album. While the one’s I highlighted were my personal favourites from this album. The rest of it wasn’t as memorable. Though I still think I’ll go back and listen to this album from time to time.

So if I had to grade it, I would give “Rabies” a solid B.

So if you’re someone who prefers a more heavy sound when listening to music, I’d recommend giving this a listen. If not, I don’t think this is something for you. But if you’ve listened to this album already, leave a comment below telling me what you thought of it.

Which Canadian Team Will Win The Stanley Cup Next?

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10,000 days. That’s who long it’s been since a Canadian NHL team has won the Stanley Cup. I haven’t even been alive for that long. And it could’ve ended in so many different ways too. Whether it’s from hitting the post on a wide-open net to having a goal go in and then not count, to running into a hot goalie. Canada just hasn’t had it’s luck when it comes to getting another Stanley Cup. However, I want to discuss this with all of you and it’s a dangerous one indeed, but here I go. Which Canadian team will win the Stanley Cup next?

(@MapleLeafs / Twitter) https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1292082083217760257

Eastern Conference

As much as it hurts me to say this, but you can’t say it isn’t the Toronto Maple Leafs if you’re choosing a team from the east. The Leafs top forwards is an absolute nightmare for any team in the league. Whether it’s Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander or John Tavares. Anyone of those forwards could have a multi-point night. But their most glaring weakness is their defence. Sure Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin and T.J Brodie aren’t bad players, but after that, it’s not great. Not even Frederik Andersen can cover all of their defensive mistakes on a nightly basis.

Now if we move on to the Montreal Canadiens, it’s a different story. The Canadiens have a much more stable group of players on defence. Led by Shea Weber, Jeff Petry and Ben Chiarot. It may not be the most mobile group of players, but they’re all responsible defensively. Then you add Carey Price into the mix and you have yourself a team that, theoretically, won’t allow a lot of goals. Then when you switch to their offence, it’s not like the one the Leafs have. Where Montreal lacks in a true superstar, it makes up for it with some solid depth throughout their lineup. Guys like Brendan Gallagher, Jonathan Drouin, Tomas Tatar are all good forwards. Then the Canadiens went and added Josh Anderson by trading away Max Domi and signed Tyler Toffoli in free agency. Now the Canadiens are just hoping Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi can make the next step towards becoming bigger contributors this next season.

Now in regards to the Ottawa Senators, well, the future’s looking brighter. Right now they’re not ready to compete for a playoff spot, but I won’t be surprised to see the Senators become a powerhouse in the next 5-6 years.

(@Canucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1290852660581548032

Western Conference

Where to begin. I guess I’ll start with the Calgary Canucks… I mean the Calgary Flames. I think it’s fair to say the Flames underperformed last season. After coming off a season in which they finished 1st in the Western Conference and were then beaten by the Colorado Avalanche in five games. To a 79 point, 3rd place finish in the Pacific Division. This was mainly due to having guys like Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan having sub-par seasons. But also having Matthew Tkachuk is also a blessing for any franchise. And it seems as if Tkachuk will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come. But in response to their underwhelming season. What do they do? Add Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev and Josh Leivo. All players from the Vancouver Canucks. So don’t be surprised if they make some noise this season and many more going forward. Especially if Gaudreau and Monahan find their games again. As for the other Alberta based team.

The Edmonton Oilers have arguably the two best players in the league on their team in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl but have had basically nothing to show for it so far with those two. McDavid is a multiple Hart Trophy winner and Draisaitl just won his first one. So you’d think they’d have more success. Well as it turns out if you don’t have any supporting cast. You’re not going to win a lot of games. And now with Ken Holland taking over from Peter Chiarelli, it does seem like the Oilers are heading in the right direction. If they were able to add more to their defence and get a better goalie in free agency this year, I’d say the Oilers would’ve had a much better shot to win than they currently do. But who knows. Maybe Tyson Barrie was the missing piece the Oilers needed and they’ll win it all this year, but I have my doubts.

Now we land with the Winnipeg Jets. A team that was looking so promising and then went and did a complete 180 with their defence and now they’re looking like a team on the outside looking in. It’s a similar situation with the Leafs in that the Jets have a really good core group of forwards. Such as; Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers. But then you have to talk about their defence. Which is even worse than what Toronto has. Josh Morrisey is a good player, but it’s rough after that with Dylan DeMelo looking like their next best defender. Though at least the Jets have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner in Connor Hellebuyck in goal. But the most baffling thing about the Jets right now is their willingness to hear trade offers on Laine. Who, if I had on my team, I’d probably never trade him. But after seeing how everything has been playing out in Winnipeg, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Laine get traded in order to get a big defenseman.

And last, but certainly not least. The Vancouver Canucks. What looked like a positive step forward for the organization, seems to have instead taken about three steps back after losing Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, Troy Stetcher and Tyler Toffoli to free agency. Of course, it’s fantastic knowing the Canucks have guys like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Bo Horvat, J.T Miller and Brock Boeser. But considering all the support they’ve now lost for nothing. It seems to point in the direction of a team not making a playoff push when next season rolls around. Even after adding players like Braden Holtby and Nate Schmidt to help soften the blow. It doesn’t look like enough considering how other teams around them have improved more this offseason. But if we’re taking a look at the big picture here, the Canucks are still a promising team in 5-10 years. They just need to do some shuffling of some players and then they’ll be looking much better.

So as it currently stands. If I’m going to pick a team to be the next Canadian team to win it all. I’m going to have to reluctantly pick the Toronto Maple Leafs. Believe me, I didn’t want to pick them, but after looking at their roster compared to others. The Leafs have a group of forwards that are lethal when they’re in the offensive zone. I also think TJ Brodie will be a good addition to their defence. And while Frederik Andersen may not be around for long, he’s still an okay option for them for next season.

That’s it, let me know if I’m completely off and leave a comment below saying who you think will be the next Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup.

I’ve Missed The BC Lions

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I genuinely missed watching the BC Lions this year. I’m well aware that the CFL isn’t exactly the most-watched sports in the world, or in Canada for that matter, but it’s still fun to cheer for another local team like the Lions. One contributing factor would be because I’ve been able to see the Lions win Grey Cup Championships. And who doesn’t like seeing their favourite teams win championships? I can’t say I know that feeling when cheering for the Vancouver Canucks. Just endless pain year after year. Regardless, let’s get right into why I miss the BC Lions.

(@BCLions / Twitter) https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/1178200821240156160

I don’t think it’s anything too crazy, but having watched the Lions play for the majority of my life is a good place to start. Though one thing is for sure, my parents are way more passionate about the CFL than the NFL. Not because they don’t like watching the NFL, but it’s just because of the local pride. And even though the Lions haven’t been as dominant as they have been in previous years, my family and I would still sit down and watch the Lions play. All the times of Friday Night Football on TSN we’re an awesome way to start the weekend for me. Also, here’s a fun fact, the last two times the Canucks were in the Stanley Cup Finals and lost, (1994 and 2011). The Lions won the Grey Cup. And speaking of that 2011 run for the Lions. I was at the game where the Lions won their first game of the season after starting 0-5. It was also my first CFL game that I witnessed live. Since then I’ve been very fortunate to be able to go to many more afterwards. And back in the early 2010s, the Lions were a lot of fun to watch. Not just because of the team, but for being in the stadium itself. The atmosphere of a Lions games back then was an enjoyable experience. Especially when you get Crazy P on your side of the stadium. Or when Roughriders were in town. The trash-talking that would take place was something to behold.

So is the CFL the best thing ever? No, I don’t think so, but the Lions still hold a special place in my heart. And at least I can say I’ve seen at least one Vancouver team win a league championship. Hopefully, that’ll change at some point during my lifetime. Fingers crossed though that the CFL will return again at some point. Be great to see the boys in orange and black again.

Should Travis Green Remain Head Coach For The Canucks?

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Next season is going to be a big year for the Vancouver Canucks. Especially after making the playoffs last season, surely playoffs is the goal once again next season. On top of that, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes are coming off their entry-level contracts and are going to get serious pay increases. But one guy who is also due for a new contract is head coach Travis Green. Green will be entering his 4th year as the Canucks head coach and has an overall record of 102-103-28. It may not look great on the surface, but Green has gotten more wins each year he’s been coaching the Canucks. The question now is. Should Green be the guy going forward?

(@Sportsnet650 / Twitter) https://twitter.com/Sportsnet650/status/1176238077443919872

Green started with the Canucks AHL affiliate Utica Comets back in 2013-14. Green even led the Comets to a Calder Cup Final appearance the following season but ended up losing to the Manchester Monarchs, which is the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Green was then promoted to the Canucks head coaching job on April 26th, 2017, replacing Willie Desjardins. One of Green’s strengths is his ability to communicate with his players. Green even said this in an interview back in 2017 with Sporting News Canada; “I think the players always know where they stand, they always know what’s expected… I do believe in communicating. I don’t like for there to be a lot of gray areas.” Green has shown this by scratching notable players when they’re not playing well. Like Jake Virtanen and Loui Eriksson in recent memory. But when it comes to how the team plays on the ice. The Canucks tend to try and play an up-tempo style that can have defenders pinch in, into the offensive zone when necessary. Which is a double-edged sword because when it works, it works very effectively. When it doesn’t, it can lead to odd-man rushes going the other way. Like when the St. Louis Blues got a 3-on-0 in overtime last season.

Now considering the Canucks young core and the style Green wants to play. I think Green does deserve to stay as the Canucks head coach. Though as it currently stands, there doesn’t seem to be anything major yet when it comes to contract talks. Pierre LeBrun wrote in an article on The Athletic saying, “Green wants to stick around and continue to build on what he’s started… I would be shocked if there’s no extension here eventually.” Just hearing that makes me feel good about Green returning, and I hope he’ll continue to improve as a coach going forward. If he does, I can see him behind the bench for a long time. But what do you think? Do you like having Green as the head coach or should there be a new voice behind the bench? Leave a comment below saying what you think.

Canucks Re-Sign Jake Virtanen

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Abbotsford native Jake Virtanen has officially re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks. It’s a two-year deal worth $5.1 million, with an AAV of $2.55 million per year. Virtanen was due for a raise after having a career year setting new highs in goals (18), assists (18), and points (36). And if the regular season wasn’t cut short due to the coronavirus, Virtanen could’ve had a chance to crack 20 goals. This deal is incredibly beneficial for Jim Benning and his management group as well as Virtanen’s camp to avoid arbitration. Benning stated this in a press release, “We look forward to him taking additional steps in his growth this year to help our team be successful.” Which, many Cauncks fans would argue Virtanen still has a lot to prove since being drafted 6th overall in 2014.

(@Canucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1319328030985048065

So far in Virtanen’s career, Virtanen has played 279 games and has registered 50 goals and 45 assists for 95 points. Which currently ranks 24th among all players from the 2014 Draft class. Virtanen’s two-way game is still one area of his game that has received a lot of criticism and needs to be improved in order for Virtanen to become a more effective player. One thing to consider now is Virtanen’s placement in the lineup. Now that Tyler Toffoli is no longer with the Canucks, there’s an opportunity to play alongside either Elias Pettersson and J.T Miller, or Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson. Given a chance to play with any of those players for a lengthy period of time could potentially increase his point totals, but is still something that may not be a guarantee. Especially if Virtanen were to show up to training camp out of shape like he’s been reported to have done in the past. Though according to an article on Sportsnet by Iain Macintyre, Virtanen said, “I’m making sure that I’m ready to go. I think Travis will see that. I want to turn some heads coming into camp and making sure I’m feeling good about myself and my confidence is high.”

So fingers crossed that Virtanen will be able to live up to his promise. Especially if the Canucks are hoping to get into the playoffs once again in the upcoming season. Though Benning still has more moves to make before the start of next season.

Could Pettersson Become A Top 5 Canuck?

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Elias Pettersson is a special talent. It’s a blessing having him on the Canucks. Not only because of his offensive capabilities but also his 200-foot game is impressive for someone who is only 21 years old. At this rate, it feels like the sky is the limit, but that brings me to this topic. Will Pettersson be a top 5 player in Canucks history? To have such a bold statement be presented we have to do some digging. So let’s get right into it with some of the players who are already considered to be the greatest Canucks of all-time that Pettersson could be joining with.

(@VintageCanucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/VintageCanucks/status/1313253984199536640

Trevor Linden

When fans think of all the great Canucks players to have played for this franchise, Trevor Linden is one that is almost always at or near the top of people lists. Everything Linden has done for the franchise on and off the ice is remarkable. Playing with such intensity and being a true leader in every sense of the word when he had that Canucks uniform on. Even though he wasn’t around for long in the management side of things, Linden was still very helpful in trying to reshape the roster to where it is today. And when looking at his point totals, they’re nothing to slouch about. 1,140 games are 3rd all-time and his 733 points rank 4th all-time in franchise history in scoring.

(@VintageCanucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/VintageCanucks/status/1309221749129490437

Pavel Bure

When it comes to pure entertainment and overall excitement, Pavel Bure is number one without a doubt. The Russian Rocket was one of the best goal scorers in the dead puck era and nearly carried the 1994 Canucks team to a Stanley Cup Championship. Bure’s also the only player in Canucks history to have scored 60 goals in a season and he did it in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons. And his 254 goals are 5th all-time in Canucks history in just 428 games. Even though his departure from the franchise wasn’t pleasant, there’s no denying his impact on the Canucks franchise.

(@VintageCanucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/VintageCanucks/status/1309884003952947201

Henrik and Daniel Sedin

There’s no debate here. Henrik and Daniel Sedin are the two greatest Canucks of all-time. Both are 1st and 2nd in games played (Henrik, 1330, Daniel,1306), points (Henrik, 1070, Daniel, 1041) and assists (Henrik, 830, Daniel, 648). Daniel Sedin is also the all-time leader in goals with 393. Henrik and Daniel are also the only Canucks players to ever win the Art Ross Trophy for most points in the regular season. On top of that, Henrik Sedin is the only Canucks player to ever win the Hart Memorial Trophy for the league MVP in the 2009-10 season. And off the ice, they’re arguably the two best Canucks when it came to charity work in Vancouver. They even have our charity foundation called the Sedin Family Foundation. They also donated $1.5 million to BC Children’s Hospital earlier this year back in March. 

So with all that being said, could Pettersson make the top five? Potentially. If we’re talking points at least. Currently, Pettersson sits at 67th all-time. Just five points behind Dale Talon. But Pettersson’s legacy will be even greater if he is ever able to make as much of an impact in the city of Vancouver as much as the players about him have. 

Which Retro Canucks Jersey Should Make A Return?

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Earlier today, there was a post on Twitter suggesting that there may be new jerseys coming for the Anaheim Ducks and the Vegas Golden Knights. This is what they are supposedly going to look like.

(@icethetics / Twitter) https://twitter.com/icethetics/status/1318996159826849792

And after taking a look at what they might actually look like, I’m not crazy about them myself. I like the design of the Ducks one, but I think the orange is a mistake personally. Though it got me thinking. If the Vancouver Canucks decided to bring back another retro jersey, what should it be? I’ve come up with a few myself, so let’s take a look at them.

(@TheStanchion / Twitter) https://twitter.com/TheStanchion/status/1319002388443787264

Red Flying Skate

This is one that seems to have been pushed aside when it comes to the franchise’s vintage jerseys. Of course the Canucks are already rocking the black flying skate as one of their alternate jerseys, and they’re nice I won’t disagree with that. But I think it would be pretty cool to see these make a comeback. Just a bit of a change of pace. Even if they’re not the best jersey in Canucks history. But at least it isn’t the yellow version of the flying skate.

(@Canucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1203420143675510784

Flying V

This is one that I don’t really like, but I can see it potentially coming back. Simply because of the 80’s nostalgia that everyone has. This is probably because I’m a Generation Y person, but I think these are not as appealing to look at compared to the flying skate jerseys. The main reason why is because I think there’s too much yellow on the jersey. So much so that I think it’s an eyesore to look at on the ice. Though I’ll admit it was still pretty cool to see these get used in warmup for their 80’s night game this past season. But I really hope that’s the most we’ll see of them. 

(@VintageCanucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/VintageCanucks/status/1316768531556442112

Navy Orca

Now, this is what I’m talking about. When it comes to getting nostalgic for older jerseys, it’s the flying skate and this. Personally, I think this is a clean looking jersey and one I wish they could bring back. The memories of seeing guys like; Todd Bertuzzi, Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison and Ed Jovanovski are endless to me. I know they’ve kept the orca logo and have modified it since, but I really miss the black and white jerseys from the 2000s. So sorry people who’ve watched the Canucks in the ’80s, this is my vote if I had to choose one.

 

Do you agree or disagree with this? And if there’s one I didn’t mention that you would prefer to see instead, leave a comment below saying which one you’d want.

Remaining Off-Season Plans The Canucks Should Do

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It’s been nearly two weeks since free agency officially began. And it feels likes an eternity until the next NHL season starts; if it even starts. It feels particularly longer and somewhat miserable too for Canucks fans. Having seen two heart and soul defensemen in Chris Tanev and Troy Stetcher move onto different teams, losing a player they spent a 2nd round pick and a good prospect for in Tyler Toffoli and the guy who was arguably their MVP last season in Jacob Markstrom. And the key pieces they’ve gotten to try and fix some of those holes are Braden Holtby and Nate Schmidt. While those two additions aren’t terrible, there’s still a lot more the Canucks need to address for the remainder of the off-season. Here are a few things that are of importance to Jim Benning and his management group.

(@NHLBlackhawks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/872468218388107264

Sign Another Defenseman

This is arguably the biggest area of concern for the Canucks. Quinn Hughes, Nate Schmidt, Alex Edler and Tyler Myers is an okay top 4, but after that, it’s not pretty. Jordie Benn, Olli Juolevi, Brogan Rafferty and Jack Rathbone are the next group of guys who could be in the Canucks top 6 defence group. Ideally, Benning should try and consider looking for someone on a short-term deal who can be serviceable for the penalty kill. And while it’s tempting to go after someone like Travis Hamonic because he’s considered a “high” profile player still available, some of Hamonic’s advanced stats are actually worse than Tyler Myers. And considering how stressful it was to watch Myers play during last season it would be very beneficial not to see those two players on the same NHL team. Instead, Benning should look more closely at guys like Slater Koekkok and Jan Rutta. Two players with positive Corsi numbers and can play bottom-pair roles. Rutta would be more attractive because of him being a right-shot defenseman. Though it’s going to be hard to try and get either one of them signed if you’re a team strapped for cap space, which we’ll get to next.

(@Canucks / Twitter) https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1217886134379794432

Find Ways To Clear Cap Space

As it stands right now, the Canucks have exactly 1,048,122 in cap space left. And that’s without signing Jake Virtanen and another defenseman. Obvious candidates that Canucks fans would like to move on from would be Jay Beagle, Loui Eriksson and Brandon Sutter to name a few. At this rate, buying one of them out doesn’t seem like the ideal route the Canucks management wants to take. Especially after breaking down what it would cost to try and buy out one of those albatross deals. For example, if the Canucks were to buyout Brandon Sutter, it would be a little over $2 million for this upcoming season, and still cost the Canucks a little more than $1 million the following season. And with all the uncertainty involving the pandemic, trying to save as much as possible is a necessity. So what’s the other option? Well, it’s to try and trade one of those contracts, but with a heavy sweetener to make it more enticing. A recent example of a team doing this was the New York Rangers. The Rangers traded Marc Staal and his $5.7 million contract to the Detroit Red Wings, but it also had a 2nd round draft pick for next year attached to it. Seems like something Benning and his group could try and do, but it may not be the best thing considering they might not be as good next season as they were this season with all the talent they’ve lost to free agency.

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Jake Virtanen

One of the more controversial Canucks is still without a contract and is currently on his way to arbitration that is set to take begin on Oct 28th. According to a piece by Rick Dhaliwal and Thomas Drance from The Athletic, “…The two sides are widely expected to come to terms on a one- or two-year deal within that $2.5-$3 million range.” So at this rate, it’s going to come down to the wire for both parties to try and get this sorted out before Oct 28th. It’s not an absolutely outrageous request from Virtanen and his camp considering he finished the season with 18 goals; which was 5th on the team, and could’ve hit 20 if the regular season didn’t come to an end when it did. The issue though is that Virtanen’s all-around game isn’t spectacular. It’s been discussed numerous times in the past, including by Travis Green himself. Virtanen was even a healthy scratch to start the return to play back in August. And by the end of the 2020 playoffs, Virtanen only registered 3 points in 16 games. For a former 6th overall pick, those are not things you want to see.

Judging from everything that has been discussed, it’s looking like it’ll be a long year as a Canucks fan. That is if they’re unable to get any one of these issues resolved. Miracles do happen, but it’s not looking promising.