Ditch Your Day Job

 I'm a huge fan of sports and over the last few years I have made about 3,000 dollars with sports betting and Cryptocurrency combined. Two things that people say that are risky and should not attempt to do. 

The other thing that I have had success with small cap stocks. Most people don't don't invest but when they do they invest in blue chip stocks that will generally follow the Dow. 

 Here was my game plan the last few years: 

Step 1 - Put half of your surplus after every month into a separate savings account.

Step 2 - Turn passion into a way of making money.

Step 3 - If your not making ends meet find a city with a cheaper cost of living.

Step 4 - Avoid getting brainwashed. Bitcoin, sports betting and penny stocks are all profitable with right strategy and if you follow step 1 are done without money you will depend on.

Step 5 - Don't get a car . They depreciate fast.

Step 6 - Get into the housing market as soon as you can. Even if it's not a desirable city. It's better than paying rent.

Step 7 - Don't go to University unless you can afford it without going into debt

These seven steps made me feel like I had a purpose in life which gave me the inspiration to want to move forward. If you live in a wealthy country their is no reason to think that you are low income even if you don't have much money. That is because some countries currency goes farther in other countries.

This is when I realized that if I didn't put any expectations on myself. After that, I felt really great about myself and started feeling that I was only responsible for what I can control. We are on this planet for a very short time and being a slave to a 40 hour work week is not something I want to be a slave to.

Tomorrow I'll explain stuff in detail how I pulled this off.

Is Altman's Success Sustainable?

 The Oregon Men's basketball team has arguably higher expectations the the football program since 2016. Since the Final four appearance Oregon has had the swagger to be the best team in the Pac 12. However, this year feels much different. 

The team is only 6-6 and 0-2 in conference play. To get an at large spot this team will likely have to go on a 15-4 run to make the Tournament. This team feels offensively and they will be in tough to be atleast 11-9 in conference. 

I think Altman has a lifetime contract at Oregon. In other words, I don't see him going anywhere or being fired anytime soon. I don't like where college basketball is going in general though which has me concerned. 

Too many players are transferring so easily that it has made recruiting almost not important anymore. Oregon has always had good recruiting classes the last few years it doesn't sit well with me that teams are able to build their team around transfers. Oregon gets the transfers too and it looks bad when you add transfers only to have a worse year the next year. 

Last year was a bothersome season despite Oregon being a #7 seed but because it was a covid season I wasn't too interested. 

I guess the real question is, will this mediocre year be an anomaly or a sign of things to come? Altman won't be fired but not firing him will lead to things becoming stale. This will happen if success isn't reached and because the bar was raised so high a few years ago this does create frustration if success isn't sustainable. 

 We will know where we are in a year from now. If not in two years. The record that he has put together is nothing short of amazing but I hope it hasn't turned for the worst.

Dana Altman (Pac-10 Conference/Pac–12 Conference) (2010–present)
2010–11	Dana Altman	21–18	7–11	T–7th	CBI Champion
2011–12	Dana Altman	24–10	13–5	T–2nd	NIT Quarterfinal
2012–13	Dana Altman	28–9	12–6	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen
2013–14	Dana Altman	24–10	10–8	T–3rd	NCAA Division I Third Round
2014–15	Dana Altman	26–10	13–5	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Third Round
2015–16	Dana Altman	31–7	14–4	1st	NCAA Division I Elite Eight
2016–17	Dana Altman	33–6	16–2	T–1st	NCAA Division I Final Four
2017–18	Dana Altman	23–13	10–8	T–6th	NIT Second Round
2018–19	Dana Altman	25–13	10–8	T–4th	NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen
2019–20	Dana Altman	24–7	13–5	1st	NCAA Division I Canceled
2020–21	Dana Altman	21–7	14–4	1st	NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen
2021–22	Dana Altman

Did the Canucks Make The Right Hires?

 After a roller coaster week that saw a handful of Canucks management fired and a new coach hired which has led to an impressive 4-0 start to the new ERA of Canucks hockey, it's time to evaluate what the Canucks did. 

Bruce Boudreau: 

I like the hire. It means that something has to give. Either the Canucks turn the ship around this year or Bruce Boudreau will have his first losing season as a NHL coach. This doesn't mean we are guaranteed to make the playoffs but finishing with a winning record from the hire to the end of the season will atleast keep most of the optimism for next year. 

Should go without saying but if the Canucks can avoid finishing in the 9th-13th draft standings then this shouldn't be a long turn around. Drafting 14th-16th would be bittersweet but would likely signal that the Canucks played meaningful games in March. 

Next year will be Boudreau's key test. Hopefully an ultimatum. Make the playoffs and he gets a contract extension and if he misses he should be fired. It won't be that easy, injuries and puck luck does happen. We still should be in a win now approach. Lots to look forward to and considering this team two years ago was around 500. at this time that year should be noted. 

There is a couple of things that feel different. The playoff bar seems high. Right now, Las Vegas and Colorado hold down the wildcard spots and those teams will likely finish higher in the standings. That leaves it to Calgary or Anaheim to fall out of a playoff spot. I'm surprised by both teams starts and it will take a lot for one to miss the playoffs. The other thing that might hold Vancouver back is just how competitive the Western Conference is. For instance, Chicago thought they might challenge for the playoffs and have struggled. Dallas and Winnipeg have good rosters are also on the outside looking in. The Canucks have five teams to hop over if they want to be in the playoff race which is just as daunting as their six points back which could rise to 10 if the Golden Knights win their games in hand. 

Jim Rutherford: 

I love this hire but it's a shame that he is 72 years old. He needs to hire a GM that carries out his vision when he retires. Benning was here almost eight years and the whole time we were two years away from being two years away. If Rutherford is here eight years then that brings him to 80. This would likely bring him to retirement if not sooner. Therefore, he needs to hire people that see what he sees. Rutherford might be the best GM in NHL history. He had a 17 year long run with the Carolina Hurricanes He won a Stanley Cup in nine years. Basically taking over a mediocre team that had just relocated from Hartford. 

He made key moves including trading for Doug Weight the year they won. I trust his skills to make Vancouver good again. 

I really hope this is the turning point the organization needs. I'm hopeful but would not put a dime on it. If the next 15 years doesn't work out, Francesco Aquilini might as well just sell the team. We need the next regime to work out. 

 

  

Oregon Head Coach Wishlist

 The Oregon Ducks are on another Head Coaching search... this is after Mario Cristobal fled to hot and sunny Miami to take over the Hurricanes program that has been irrelevant on the National stage for almost two decades now. 

This seems like a similar movie all over again for Oregon. Willie Taggart left Oregon after 2017 for Florida State and has already been fired. 

I think that is what makes this next hire so crucial in the longevity of this program. However, if your looking for the next coach that is not going to bolt for the next great opportunity than we might be looking for a long time. I thought Oklahoma was one of the 5 star coaching destinations that was untouchable. I was wrong. Lincoln Riley is now at USC. 

Oregon seems to be a tier two coaching spot. This means that there is another tier above us. This is though the third time in a decade that a coach has left because they saw greener grass. Oregon fans should expect this to happen once per decade until we can win a Natty. 

 I would expect a coach by January 4th but I'm curious what transpires. Here is a list of coaches that I would happy about. 

Luke Fickell

Dana Holgorsen

Dave Clawson

Matt Campbell

Dave Aranda

Mike Gundy

Tom Allen

Mel Tucker

Bill Clark

Kalani Sitake

There is more I would consider but can't see them leaving for Oregon. These are active head coaches too. My favorite offense right now is Ole Miss. I wouldn't touch Lane Kiffin though with a 10 foot pole. Would consider their OC if they ran the same offense. 

Justin Wilcox and Scott Frost are two hires that scare the living daylights out of me. For a University with so much moxy and swagger I think we can do better. 

Lincoln Riley to USC is Good For The Pac 12, Despite Your Gut Saying Otherwise

 So here we are. The last day in November. The College Football coaching Carousel is nuts right now. Lincoln Riley  heading to USC is not bad for the other 11 teams in College Football, I actually believe it benefits the Pac 12 and the College Football landscape in general. 

Take the SEC for example for the last 15 years. Florida, Alabama, LSU and now Georgia have all taken major stab at being the best team since the 2001 Miami Hurricanes. All of those teams since 2006 have had there share of disappointment. Alabama went 6-7 in 2006 if you can believe it. 

The point is, these strong programs have elevated the performance of their rivals to the point Alabama might go 10-2 and be in the College Football Playoff. The Pac 12 is weak this year and it has been since about 2005. The year Oregon went to the BCS National Championship game in 2011, Washington went 6-6 and got a invite to the Holiday Bowl. Traditionally, the conferences second biggest bowl game. 

It's hard to improve when your conference is looked at like an afterthought unless USC is in the Top 10. Riley might steal a few recruits that Oregon would have got over the years but Oregon will have an easier time recruiting nationally if the Pac 12 is a strong conference. Things will even themselves out. 

Kalen DeBoer is another hire by Washington that will make Oregon's SOS higher. Remember the year when Auburn beat Alabama and Alabama still won the National Title? It was 2017. Not saying Oregon fans want to lose to Washington and still win the Natty but most Ducks fans I imagine would take that trade off. 

Oregon is 10-2 this year and the general consensus is that we have underachieved. Believe me I understand there have been frustrating times but the feeling should also be welcomed. Over 100 schools would love to have a year Oregon is having. 

I can't tell you what will happen Friday night but just know that good things will continue to happen. We had a 4-8 year in 2016 and recovered fast. If Cristobal leaves, we will find someone better. Stop worrying and enjoy the ride. We have it pretty good!

Canada is Creating Their Own Version of the "Jamaican Bobsled" Team

This isn't supposed to happen. We saw something last night that was legendary and amazing all at the same time. A Canadian team made Mexico look extremely average for the first 65 minutes of the game last night. 

In past cycles, this game would have ended 2-2. This feels like a different team though. At Honduras is our next huge task. As spectacular as we have been, we still have extremely big games in front of us. I think seven points will be enough as long as we get at least one in Panama. 

Our two remaining home games are must win games if we can't win on the road. The margin is still razor thin. This sucks because I want to enjoy being in 1st place but can't. We are so close. 

I'm assuming that Panama win their next two home games and lose their next three on the road and will have 20 points entering the last game. Canada has only two home games left. 

My feeling is that if we lose to Honduras, the odds of us beating USA and El Salvador will go up. Need bear minimum of 3 points right now. I would sign up for four points next window right now. Reason being is We just need to out point Panama by one right now because we have a superior goal differential. I don't expect to lose in Panama by three or more goals. Therefore, a seven or more goal differential should be enough. 

If we only tie all three games than getting a point in Costa Rica will be important. I think Canada can beat Costa Rica down their as Costa Rica isn't the same team they were when they got to the Quarterfinals in 2014. 

Our speed scares teams. We are rewriting how to be good at soccer. The title wave of success will come. However, it won't be the same during a three team group World Cup in the future. We need it now. 

I'll be honest, I will have a tough time focusing on work until late January. The anxiety is high. If Canada can qualify for the World Cup, it will be Canada's greatest fairytale. 

College Football is a Quadopoly and That Needs to Change

 The College Football Playoff Committee reveled their first bracket of what the CFB playoff would look like if the season had ended last week and there were a few glaring things that stood out to me that have made me question why I even watch college football. 

One thing that stands out is that Alabama is siting pretty at #2. I think one of the reasons I love sports is that most leagues, the best teams don't always get in. The NCAA Tournament doesn't have the best 68 teams. The NFL Playoffs aren't the best 14 teams and so on. That's what makes qualifying for the playoffs so fun. 

The Alabama situation will play itself out. Either they beat Georgia and are worthy or they will have two losses and will likely be out considering no two loss team has ever made it. Unfortunately, they will likely put them in and make an exemption because the committee has favoritism. 

I have criticized the committee ever since they snubbed TCU and it is completely obvious that they are only after money and they want the big schools in. 

The other glaring mistake was putting Cincinnati at #6. They look unbelievable when they are firing on all cylinders and won At Indiana and At Notre Dame. So what else do they need to do. The Group of five might as well form their own CFP if they don't get in this year. This year feels like their best chance with all the crazy upsets. 

Wake Forest - To me this feels like a slap in the face to the ACC more than anything. It also ties into the favoritism that the committee shows. If it was Clemson that had the same resume than that team would be closer to #4. If they win out it will be a historical season for them but getting into the Top 4 will be hard. 

The last team that is interesting is Oregon. Might be the most controversial team in the Top 10. Despite their win over Ohio State they haven't looked that great. However, the comittee recognized some key things that a team like Wake Forest might not have gotten. For one, Fresno State is a good win. What looked like a underwhelming win has now worked in their favor as the Bulldogs have proved to be a very talented team. 

Oregon also has the swagger of the National eye as their connection with Nike really benefits them in getting in marquee games. Other teams love to hate them and they are one of the most talked about teams in college football. 

For instance, look at the teams that have competed for a College Football Playoff. Only Michigan State is the only non football powerhouse. 

APP	School	Conf	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
6	Alabama	SEC	SF	CH	RU	CH	RU		CH
6	Clemson	ACC		RU	CH	SF	CH	RU	SF
4	Ohio State	Big Ten	CH		SF			SF	RU
4	Oklahoma	Big 12		SF		SF	SF	SF
2	Notre Dame	Ind./ACC					SF		SF
1	LSU	SEC						CH
1	Oregon	Pac-12	RU
1	Georgia	SEC				RU
1	Florida State	ACC	SF
1	Michigan State	Big Ten		SF
1	Washington	Pac-12			SF

       

The College Football landscape is controlled by four main teams. For me it sucks because teams like TCU, Baylor Wake Forest and Cincinnati need way bigger pieces of pie.   

Things Will Pay off if We are Patient

 I'm by no means stating that the Vancouver Canucks first five games have been a success. I think that there is plenty of places where we can pick apart the Canucks mistakes. However, I just want to say that it feels so therapeutic to have a normal 82 game season with a sell out crowd that I'll be in attendance for. 

My whole life I wanted to be the beat writer for the Vancouver Canucks. I don't think I ever will but this blog gives me the amazing feeling like I am. 

I will whole heartily admit that not overacting to a early season win in October is almost impossible. This is the 19th year that I can say that I remember. In those 19 years we have made the playoffs 10 times. Missed them eight times and one year was outright canceled. Therefore, we have still made the playoffs more times than not since October 2002. I believe we are the most consistent Canadian team since 1990. 

Yet, as Canucks fans, we seem to want to blame ownership and management consistently for our downfalls! Enough is enough. We need to let the chips fall where they may and enjoy the roller coaster of emotions. It won't always be enjoyable but it will be way more rewarding when we win. 

I was at the pub last night and had my eye on the NFL and NLCS at the same time as the hockey game. From what I saw, we played well and it is still fun to beat Chicago. All four of our goals had two assists and we showed some backbone when Chicago tied the game up at one. 

Last game of the road tip tomorrow and we play the new team. I will say that I'm not a fan of Seattle getting a team before Quebec City but it will be worth it if they never make the playoffs. 

This year is crucial given the weak division 4-8. Need to capitalize and ignite this fan-base again. When we are a good team, Vancouver has a buzz that is indescribable and I get so many butterflies in my stomach that come with it. 

Turning Interests into Income

 When I look at my life, I kinda think it is pretty awesome! I'm striving to be a better person everyday. I have goals and plans set aside and will execute them when I have the opportunity. 

I have what is called a a strategy of life to make my life easier. Principles to live on are really what they are. 

 So here is my life strategy: 

Step 1 - Put half of your surplus after every month into a separate savings account. 

Step 2 - Turn passion into a way of making money. 

Step 3 - If your not making ends meet find a city with a cheaper cost of living. 

Step 4 - Avoid getting brainwashed. Bitcoin, sports betting and penny stocks are all profitable with right strategy and if you follow step 1 are done without money you will depend on. 

Step 5 - Don't get a car . They depreciate fast. 

Step 6 - Get into the housing market as soon as you can. Even if it's not a desirable city. It's better than paying rent. 

Step 7 - Don't go to University unless you can afford it without going into debt

 

 

Following these steps has helped me with self esteem and meaning of life. I have followed these steps the last four years and I have seen the results. 

 

My sports bet of the day is the Toronto Raptors -140 to win over the Washington Wizards. 

 

I am 13-8 on my bet of the day since May and I am confident that this pick will be a winner. 

 

In the future, I will be writing about more self growth on here than sports as I believe self growth and doing things that make you happy. 

 

I am having a very good day and feel blessed to get around to my blog. 

 

Seattle Mariners Fans haven't had a Weekend Like This since 2000

I say 2000 because 2014 seemed like a long shot. They had to win on the Saturday to make the Sunday relevant and then they were eliminated in the middle of the game. 

2000 saw close divisional races in the Wildcard and Division. The bittersweet part about this weekend is things could go well and the season could still be over early next week. 

This time around feels different. They control their own destiny and Boston is on the road. It will be a nail-biting three days and hopefully we see better crowds as the crowds have been pathetic for a playoff race.  

The Mariners are tied for the last wildcard spot with three games to go. In these cases I've always thought it was the benefit of the team that played first in the playoff race. That is Boston for tonight and tomorrow but all games start at 3pm ET 12 PT on Sunday. 

It should be a interesting finish to the season and I really hope it comes down to Sunday. That baseball is so intense. 

I think both teams win tonight which would set up Sunday being important no matter what. 

Hoping to write tomorrow and will talk about what went down.

Canada starts Golden Generation For Real Tonight

 Canada is in a great position to qualify for the World Cup. To be honest, this feels more like the last dance rather than the first dance because of how different the landscape will change over the next six years. Canada more than likely will automatically qualify for 2026 and than by 2030 Qualifying, the whole landscape will have changed. 

Honduras is Canada's biggest rival and despite beating them 1-0 in Qualifying in Vancouver back in 2015, trying to duplicate that result will be the challenge. Canada feels like the hunted and not the hunters now. Holding serve is crucially important. 

I don't feel nervous but maybe I should be. The fact that we have never seen this qualifying format is what makes me feel that there will be surprises. 

If anything, what makes me curious about the next 14 games is that Canada hasn't been tested since the 2018 Qualifiers because most teams don't put together their A teams for the Gold Cup. This is concerning but I'm trying to tell myself that a draw today doesn't eliminate us or put us behind the eight ball. Our roster is good enough to go into Panama, Honduras or El Salvador if we have to. 

The worst part of the format is the old semi final stage was some of the most intense soccer that I have ever seen and the 1-0 win At Cuba hooked me on soccer nine years ago. Since 2012 we have had this slow and steady rise. Junior Hoilett was the turning point to this program. If he picks Jamaica or England I don't know if other players follow. 

We are a stacked team and I seriously believe that we the world will start to look at CONCACAF as a three country league and not the two headed powerhouse that it has been known for since the late 90's. 

We have to realize that the Qualifying isn't determined on paper and Mexico almost missed out in 2014 and USA missed out on 2018. Every game matters and it starts with tonight. I love this roster but the Canadian Men's team has always had some kind of Toronto Maple Leaf Syndrome that has hunted this team whenever we have reached the tipping point. In fact, Canada is 8-3-1 in home WCQ in the last 12 home games. In comparison and slightly tougher competition, USA is 10-0-2 in their last 12 home games. This tells us that our ties is what is derailing our Qualifying cycle. 

Enjoy the Golden generation,  we have knock on wood finally made the big stage! 

What Will Happen in Canada's World Cup Qualifying?

Canada is about to embark on a 14 game journey that may or may not lead them to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. 

Despite the recent success, Canada still hasn't been able to conquer their Achilles heel that have alienated them in decades past. They will have 4 trips into Central America where they will look to put their demons to rest as they look to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

Assuming that they will lose to USA and Mexico on the road, they will have five other away games where collecting points will be a huge advantage. The tie in El Salvador in 2016, turned out to be the fatal blow in Canada's road to Russia. 

As Potent as our offense is, we still don't know if they can have the same fire power on rough and uneven grass in Central America. To add to this, our defense is our weak part which scares me if things come down to goal differential. 

Our back bone will be tested in the games at Mexico and USA to avoid multi goal losses. The Jamaica games will also be crucial as Jamaica has the third best roster but it will be a less intimidating environment. 

We might need scoreboard help along the way but I'm leaning towards us finishing 5th in the Octagon. Finishing 3rd might require us to win in Costa Rica or Jamaica or getting a draw in both games. That's what scares me. 

There are wins on this schedule. five out of the seven home games should be wins. The problem lies in where can we win one more to get us a crucial 6th. Beating the States for a second consecutive time at home will be harder. El Salvador appears to be the weakest team in the group but that seems to be the swing game for Canada. I have that game being a draw but that seems like it could be flipped easily. That means, holding serve elsewhere. 

I have Canada going 4-2-1 at home and 1-3-3 on the road. They will beat Panama on the road because that's the last game. They will need to run up the score. At the same time, Costa Rica will be able to run up the score on USA more effectively as USA will have already punched their ticket. 

Here are my final Group predictions.  

Pos	Team v t e	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	Mexico	14	8	6	0	39	7	+32	30			—	2 Sep	8 Sep	30 Jan '22	13 Oct	12 Nov	16 Nov	27 Mar '22
2	USA	14	8	2	4	25	12	+13	26			27 Jan '22	—	30 Jan '22	8 Sep	12 Nov	7 Oct	27 Mar '22	13 Oct
3	Jamaica	14	6	3	5	21	14	+7	21			2 Feb '22	5 Sep	—	2 Sep	7 Oct	27 Mar '22	13 Oct	12 Nov
4	Costa Rica	14	5	5	4	17	18	-1	19			5 Sep	2 Feb '22	27 Jan '22	—	27 Mar '22	13 Oct	12 Nov	7 Oct
5	Canada	14	5	5	4	18	22	-4	19			30 Mar '22	24 Mar '22	16 Nov	10 Oct	—	2 Sep	8 Sep	30 Jan '22
6	Honduras	14	5	3	6	11	21	-10	18			24 Mar '22	16 Nov	10 Oct	30 Mar '22	27 Jan '22	—	5 Sep	8 Sep
7	Panama	14	3	6	5	10	22	-12	15			7 Oct	10 Oct	30 Mar '22	24 Mar '22	2 Feb '22	30 Jan '22	—	2 Sep
8	El Salvador	14	0	2	12	5	30	-25	2

What Will Be the Ducks record be This Year

 I was able to go to the online Ducks store and order three more shirts for the season. I'm pretty excited for this hopefully normal season. 

Oregon should be the favorite in 10 or 11 of their games this year. The one I'm not sure on is At Washington. The Ducks escaped with a 35-31 win two years ago in a game Oregon trailed for most part of the game. As of now, I would have Washington at -2.5 but lots will change between now and the game. 

We are getting to the point in the Cristobal era where we are expecting to be a Top eight team. Getting to the Playoff might be gravy but with a BCS Title appearance in 2010 and 2014 we should call ourselves due to get back to the College Football playoff. 

The way that the Pac 12 schedule presents itself does make things problematic. For instance, this year Ooregon is At Washington and At Utah. It's super unfortunate because Washington hasn't been to Autzen since 2018. 

Two years ago we were At Washington, USC and ASU all in the same year. We play four South teams a year so the rotation isn't even, but it seems to me we get the hard road schedule in the odd years and the easier road schedule in the even years. 

So... maybe expectations should be lower this year? Playing a tough schedule might give us some advantages if we finish with one loss. It will be interesting if we beat Ohio State but finish 11-1 and don't win the division would we still go to the playoff. It would likely depend on other conferences. 

Thanks for making Oregon a fun place to be apart of. Having Cerebal Palsy doesn't define me and I want to meet every Ducks fan there is. 

Nine days to go. Get Excited Everyone!! 

Conor Garland Will be the Best Player in Blockbuster Trade

 The Canucks made a huge splash Friday when they parted ways with the ninth overall pick and sent it to Arizona in exchange for Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland. 

As surprising as the move was, the move is fitting as the team tries to bounce back from a disappointing Covid season. 

This move signals that the Canucks want to make the playoffs during the upcoming season. I don't think the Edmonton bubble was good enough to prevent fans from being thirsty to taste post season hockey. By next April it will be seven years since Rogers Arena hosted a playoff game. 

The other part to remember is that the Canucks got two key parts back in the deal which is important as it won't be judged just on one player. Honestly, I think Conor Garland has a chance to be the best player that comes out of this trade. 

For one, the three roster players that were sent to Arizona are all on expiring contracts next summer and Arizona isn't expected to make the playoffs next year. 

The three picks that went Arizona's way is where the risk lies but Vancouver might have dodged a huge bullet when when Kent Johnson was off the board at #5. Dylan Guenther could easily become a good player but that is an if at this point. The second rounder is important to remember that it's a 2022 pick and if the Canucks make the playoffs the pick should be in the range #48-64 and not at #41 as it was on Saturday. The seventh round is almost a throw in as very little seventh round picks make the NHL. 

I believe this deal is way less risky than the J.T. Miller deal and that trade ended up well. The reason it's less riskier is when we traded a 1st round pick that day, there was a chance that 1st, may have turned into a 1st overall in the 2021 draft and we would have lost out on Owen Power. 

Since Jim Benning has been in charge he has been active on three Draft Weekends. 2014, 2019 and now 2021. The two previous times they have made the playoffs. I'm hopeful that he can go 3/3. 

I give the trade a B-. Vancouver took advantage of a team that had to overpay for a Top 10 pick after getting their's forfeited because of combine regulations. The only reason it doesn't get a better grade is because all three expiring contracts only had one year left and OEL's play has dropped off as of late. 

Anything but the playoffs will be heartbreaking next year but I love how the team is coming together. 

Who Will the Canucks Pick Tonight?

 The NHL Draft is here and the Vancouver Canucks find themselves back in the Top 10. This time around feels different. The last two times the Canucks have picked in the Top 10 they have gotten steals with Quin Hughes and Vasili Podkolzin. 

I have a good feeling about this draft. Picks 3 through 9 seem like a crapshoot. This means Vancouver will have a crack at whoever falls out of the Top 8. 

Looking at previous drafts and there usually is someone in the Top eight that drops down. 2017 Gabriel Vilardi fell from 7th to 11th. 2018 Quinn Hughes fell from 5th to 7th. 2019 Cole Caufield fell from 7th to 15th. Last year it was Marco Rossi that fell from 7th to 9th. 

It is interesting, all mock drafts have different results everywhere. I have seen Luke Hughes between 4th and 8th and Dylan Guenther between 3rd and 9th. Vancouver is going to get a good player tonight. 

The players that I want I don't expect to be at 9th. I will be happy with Johnson or Kent. 

Here is my mock draft. 

1. Owen Powers 

2. Matthew Beniers

3. Luke Luke Hughes 

4. Mason McTavish 

5. Simon Edvinsson

6. Dylan Guenther

7. Brent Clark 

8. William Eklund

9. Kent Johnson 

Hopefully The Best is Yet to Come

 As a Suns fan, the last four games were tough to watch. I didn't have the courage to write until now as the 12 hours following Game 6 were hard. I didn't sleep much two nights ago. 

Instantly after the game I was wanting to trade Booker for the #1 overall pick next week. Emotions were flying high. As of now I have calmed down have realized that 28 other teams would have loved to have the season we just had. 

The pain comes from not knowing what the NBA will look like next year. Klay Thompson will likely be back for Golden State and if the Lakers add a star to their lineup than things could get scary. We need a plan at Point Guard if Chris Paul leaves. Even if he stays, we need a plan for who will replace him when the time comes. 

Booker might be here for awhile but which is tremendous but we need to replenish the talent as best as we can as soon as it leaves. 

For me, I'm curious how long Curry and Durant can be the face of the NBA and will they pass the touch to Booker or will Trae Young and Ja Morant surpass Booker and make it even harder for the Suns to get back to this level. 

If anything, with the Milwaukee Bucks winning, this might slow down these super teams from forming in Brooklyn. This might make the NBA easier to win it all for teams like Phoenix. 

From 1989 to 2010, the Suns had one of the best 21 year stretches for a sports franchise that had never won a NBA Title. Lets hope that this is the start of another 21 year run. 

As for the draft, I would love for us to grab Tre Mann, Jared Butler, Joel Ayayi, Ayo Dosunmu or Herbert Jones. These players should be on the board when the Suns draft 29th. We have Jalen Smith from last year where I hope he can make strides and I would rather get size and toughness that can make a difference next year in free agency. We need guard depth in case Payne wants too much money next year. 

I'm proud of this team and I hope we can finish this off in the next couple of years.