Brandon Astle

Because, boys, this rebuild, we don't know how long it's going to take.

I don't want to put a number on it.

RJ is not putting a number on it, but I think it might be shorter than people think just because Manny and RJ have an uncanny ability to get every ounce out of these players, whether they're the highest skilled in the world or not, it doesn't matter.

They're going to make sure that they are on the same page and check the ego to the door.

And like the mandate in Abbotsford, RJ is very clear.

It's never to win the Calder Cup.

That's great.

It was awesome.

The mandate is to develop players for the Vancouver Canucks and help that team win.

And sure, going through a long Calder Cup run can really build a young player.

But at the end of the day, they want to see big strides taken in their development.

And I know last year wasn't very good for Abbotsford when it came to standings, but there were some young guys that really took a great step and is positive going forward.

And so I just don't see Manny's mindset changing a whole lot.

but when it has to turn to winning at some point, whether that's a few years from now, he's proven he can do that.

We saw him get the job done in Abbotsford and I have no issues believing he can't do that in the NHL as well.

Exactly.

And I think Manny and the players that were involved are going to be better off going through the struggles because as players and coaches come to find out in the NHL, it's not always sunshine and rainbows.

You need something to fall back on and remember the dark days, which this season was.

It was not a great season.

um standings-wise but like i mentioned there were some very solid individual stories uh from prospects getting their feet wet in the pros that i think um is going to be very valuable experience for them and you heard rj mentioned in his press conference like he was just as impressed with manny this past year and what was a trying season he was just impressed last year compared to when he won the calder cup and i i have to agree because