Drafting high is great, but to win cups, the Canucks must get serious about about talent/skill development
Whet the Canucks need to accomplish is straightforward. They need to build a world-class training and development organization for elite athletes. One that is well-known around the league for working with late-career players to reset their value, helping good players become very good ones and very good become elite, and demonstrably increases the likelihood of prospects reaching their ceiling.
Nothing they do on the ice is anywhere near as important as that. Staff, facilities, expertise cost money and doesn’t touch the cap. Until I see significant investments there, I simply don’t believe the organization is committed to winning championships. I love the Sedins and respect what they’ve done for the city, but so far, what they’ve delivered as presidents on this front is bringing back Edler as a development coach and floating a poorly thought out plan to take ice away from minor hockey.
Aside from a real (world-class) practice and training facility, what do you think would signal a real commitment to talent and skills development?