Canucks axe coach Desjardins after 2nd straight missed playoffs

CBC Sports

Willy's players skated hard, but his team's structure was poor. And he had trouble teaching the young players how to play hockey at the NHL level. It takes more than just effort. There's a certain level of knowledge needed in regards to the X's and O's that Willy D lacked.

The next Canucks coach has a great deal of work ahead of them. They'll need to break down and rebuild the team's structure, entirely. They'll need to instill a better team culture, too.

And this isn't a one year job, either. The next coach should be given at least two seasons to see the results. Can they improve on Desjardins record? Can they improve upon their own record?

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Canucks sign forward Micheal Ferland to four-year deal

Sportsnet Odd to see this guy in a Canucks uniform, but he's not a terrible player. The term and value isn't bad, but this new contract places the Canucks under pressure to find a way to sign Boeser. A long-term contract for Boeser is probably out for now. It may be something short-term, unless the Canucks find cap space by sending out a draft pick or prospect along with a bad contract. Does Ferland make the Canucks better? Well, he moves the needle a little: In analysis, he'll do well in a second or third line role. He's being paid for that level too, so it's a good contract. However, the Canucks are really doing things backwards here. Boeser's contract should've been priority number one. Then the team should've brought in role players such as Ferland. Update: NMC for the first two years. Yeah, dunno why the Canucks gave him that. If he wanted that, the Canucks should've driven down his salary further then. But NMC's should really be ...

Penguins Forced to Trade Kessel to Keep Malkin

The Hockey Writers Kessel's definitely on the wrong side of thirty now. He's probably going to end up much like Vanek: playing contract to contract. Not a bad end to a career, but still. The writer to this piece did sneak in what seems like Penguins side-talking to justify the trade. I honestly dislike that. Just thank the player, and move on. There shouldn't be any need to drag names through the mud. Diplomacy is an art, and a necessity.

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Casual Canuck is a place for a casual commentary regarding the Vancouver Canucks, specifically, and the NHL, generally. I, personally, am Troy Thomas. I am somewhat a traditional writer with gonzo instincts.

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