Gillis- Russians Not In Plan? July 1st?

Posted 2:03 PM ET | Comments 2

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Gillis also hinted that players from Russia, who may be difficult to lure to North America, probably won't figure into Vancouver's plans.

Gillis is thinking that Russians who are hard to lure to North America wont fit, now this does not rule out all Russian players who are fast and skilled.

Gillis also said they intend to be very active on July 1st

As for the beginning of the free-agent signing period on July 1, Gillis said, "We intend to be very active that day."

Gillis made a comment on Malone

When asked specifically about Pittsburgh Penguins winger Ryan Malone, a pending unrestricted free agent, Gillis said: "I think Ryan Malone is a really good NHL hockey player and we would be remiss as an NHL team not to consider him."

Some Ryan Walter Stuff

The two-week hiring process began when Gillis contacted Walter, 50, about conducting leadership workshops for the Canucks. Walter, a Lower Mainland native who won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986, said he had NHL coaching opportunities in the past but did not want to leave his home town.

I think leadership is a key component to any coach… and those are the things that I've spent the last part of my life studying, Walter said. There's a big learning curve, no doubt, but I love learning. That's what I do.

Alain V. On Walter

Yesterday, Vigneault admitted that he had reservations about Walter when Gillis first recommended him. Walter has no professional coaching experience and no previous relationship with Vigneault.

But Vigneault said he felt comfortable with Walter, who will look after the forwards and the power play, after the duo spent a day together in Ottawa.

Gillis says the team will be in a different direction