And like any valuable item on the market which goes on sale, they won't last long. First come, first serve. This is where the Canucks have dragged their feet. I believe Benning and Company are still too busy dealing with the draft, potential UFAs, and possible trade partners to concentrate on the farm's needs. By the time all that dust settles, the good AHL players will be gone. Other franchises prepare for this time period and have management people in charge of meeting those needs. That's why if you name a person to the title of AHL GM you have to let that guy go and work to acquire the needs for the farm. Johnson should be sitting down with Conacher who has an in depth knowledge of the AHL and it's players and Coach Cull who is also aware of the AHL talent. Let these guys work on the farm while Benning and his staff works on the big team.
I really like the European concept. Holm was an example and better than him have been acquired for other AHL teams. Lehigh Valley, Toronto, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton come immediately to mind and they are by far not alone. Par Lindholm would have been a tremendous acquisition. A 26 yr old center with 4yrs of SHL experience and wouldn't count as an AHL veteran. His 42 points were 4th in the same league led by Pettersson's 56.
