OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Vancouver Canucks - 2014

CanuckJohnny · 07-08-2023, 11:10 AM

Pre-Pre-Season Team Preview

Goalies:

Ryan Miller (34yo) - Signed by the Vancouver management team this offseason to a 3 year, $6 million AAV contract, he is expected to solidify the goaltending situation until Jacob Markstrom is ready to take the reigns. Hopefully he is a good mentor for Markstrom and Eddie Lack. He had a solid .918 save percentage last year.

Jacob Markstrom (24yo) - The highly touted young netminder only played in 4 games after being acquired in the Luongo deal last year, but he is considered to be the future of the Canucks goalie situation. For now he is expected to be a solid backup and gain NHL experience as he grows into a number one goalie in the best league in the world.

Eddie Lack (26yo) - After playing 41 games last year and posting a respectable .912 save percentage, Lack looks like he may be bumped down the depth chart back to the minors by the younger Markstrom and new signing Ryan Miller. He may be the odd one out in the crease this year, but it's possible that with a strong pre-season he could convince the team to keep him as Miller's backup while further seasoning Markstrom in the AHL.

Defensemen:

Dan Hamhuis (31yo) - The steady two way blueliner returns for another season with his childhood team, where he will be relied upon to provide reliable top four minutes. He doesn't provide much offense these days, but is a defensive stalwart that coach Dale Hunter is sure to love.

Alex Edler (28yo) - After a rough season where he managed only 22 points and posted a minus 39 plus-minus rating, there are questions for the 6-3, 220 lb Swede. Locked in for 5 more years at a $5M AAV contract with a no trade clause, the Canucks can only hope he returns to form and becomes the number one defenseman Mike Gillis envisioned when he signed him to a long term deal through his prime years.

Kevin Bieksa (33yo) - The rough and tumble defenseman dubbed "Juice" by his teammates has been a part of the core that came up through Manitoba and into the big leagues and then on to President's Trophies and a Finals appearance. He will be under pressure to prove he can still provide top four minutes as he ages. He has two years left on a $4.6M/yr contract that has a NTC, and management will be evaluating if he should stay around after that or not. He brings leadership and toughness, but as he footspeed declines there are doubts he can keep up in a league that is increasingly young and fast.

Chris Tanev (24yo) - The youngest part of the current top four in Vancouver, Tanev endears himself to fans and teammates alike with his courage, shot blocking and steady though unspectacular play. In the midst of a difficult season last year he was a plus 12, proving very reliable and responsible in his own end. If he can stay healthy he looks to be a key part of the future blueline plans for the Canucks.

Luca Sbisa (24yo) - Recently acquired in the trade that sent polarizing star Ryan Kesler to the Ducks, Sbisa could also feature in the Canucks' long term plans on the back end if he impresses this year. He doesn't bring much offense, but has the versatility to play either side and has a physical edge to his game.

Yannick Weber (25yo) - The versatile blueliner has a heavy point shot and seems pencilled in on the right side of the bottom pair for now. There is still hope that he could solidify himself into a top-six, PP2 guy in the league, but it could be a make or break season for him.

Frank Corrado (21yo) - After last year's cup of coffee in the NHL, "Frankie" will be pushing in training camp to earn a full time spot with the big club. He may not quite be ready yet, but the depth on Vancouver's blue line is sparse enough he should have a chance. The shifty defenseman has a decent shot but will have to demonstrate that he can be reliable at both ends of the ice if he wants to stick as a 6th or 7th defenseman.

Ryan Stanton (25yo) - After playing his first year as a regular with Vancouver, Stanton will still have to fight for his spot this September. He looked decent last year, with 16 points and a plus 5, but he is also in something of a make or break year that may decide the trajectory of the rest of his career. Can he prove that he is an all day, every year NHL defenseman or will he become an NHL/AHL tweener who can't consistently stick in the lineup?

Forwards:

Henrik Sedin (33yo) - The captain had a down year, at least by his standards, with only 50 points in 70 games. Will he be able to stay healthy and return to his point per game form, or has his production already started to permanently regress with his age? This team will go as far as he and his brother can take them. With four more years left at $7M per, Trevor Linden and his management team are hoping that "Hank" has a lot of elite hockey left in him.

Daniel Sedin (33yo) - Just like his twin brother, "Danny" had a disappointing season last year, with only 47 points in 73 games. Of course, the Canucks are hoping that he will return to form, especially his shooting, which has seen a significant drop off the past two seasons after years of being considered the sniper of the family. After eight straight years of being over 20 goals per season (or on pace for that in the shortened 12-13 season), he only managed 16 goals last year.

Radim Vrbata (33yo) - After toiling in the desert for Phoenix, Vrbata signed a two year deal with Vancouver for $5M per year. The hope is that playing with the Sedins will rejuvenate the talented Czech winger into the form that saw him pot 35 goals in the 11-12 season. He is another older player in this forward group, and it will be interesting to see how productive he is, and if he will be able to find that elusive chemistry with the Sedins.

Alex Burrows (33yo) - The feisty winger is another Canuck looking for a bounce back after an abysmal 13-14 season. The undrafted forward has always found a way, and if he can't find the production he had in his prime, he may have to go back to playing a bottom six utility role, one he isn't unfamiliar with as he broke into the league that way. It's a tough look for management though, as he is signed for another three seasons at $4.5M per year with a NTC.

Jannik Hansen (28yo) - The "Honey Badger" seems to have lost a step lately, but he should still be a solid penalty killer and energy middle six winger. He has never had the offensive pop to be a top six player but his effort has always endeared himself to teammates, and he was rewarded with a long term deal paying him $2.5M a year for the next 4 years.

Chris Higgins (31yo) - Higgins has been excellent as a versatile middle six forward, and actually had a decently productive season last year with 17 goals and 39 points. Hopefully his play continues well into his thirties as he is also locked up for the next 4 seasons at an AAV of $2.5M. It will be interesting to see where coach Dale Hunter decides to plug him in.

Brad Richardson (29yo) - A defensively responsible, courageous bottom six center with some offensive acumen, Richardson should continue to be a good fit in Vancouver, and if management doesn't think he's enough of the future to extend him they could probably move him at the deadline for a decent return.

Shawn Matthias (26yo) - Vancouver is hoping the 6-4, 231 lb center can fulfill the tantalizing potential of his physical tools and become a top six power forward. He has only shown glimpses of that, and this is the year, with the Canucks lacking depth down the middle, that he could really establish himself and demonstrate some offensive consistency. The proverbial ball is in his court.

Nick Bonino (26yo) - Another key piece of the Kesler trade, Bonino is a defensively responsible center just entering his prime. He had a breakout season last year, with 22 goals and 27 assists in 77 games, and Vancouver hopes he can take another step and establish himself as a top six two way center to replace Kes.

Zack Kassian (23yo) - The tumultuous, rugged winger is young enough that you hope he can develop an offensive side to his game. He's physical, but the Canucks still want to see him become productive as well. Last season was a step in that direction when he scored 14 goals and added 15 assists. The clock is ticking for him to show that he has the talent and finishing ability to be more than a bottom six energy guy.

Derek Dorsett (27yo) - Though he showed some scoring touch early on in his career with Columbus, Dorsett has settled into his role as an energetic, checking, sandpaper type who isn't afraid to fight. He should add some bite on the fourth line and could become a Hunter favourite.

Bo Horvat (19yo) - Bo has a good chance to make the team out of camp. After being drafted a year ago, Vancouver left him with his junior team, the London Knights, where he spent the year developing under none other than new Canucks coach Dale Hunter. Comfort with the coach and already established trust should go a long way to helping Bo have a successful rookie season. His faceoff ability and leadership are already well recognized, and he has exciting skill with the puck. Vancouver is certainly hoping he develops into a 1C for them down the road after Henrik eventually rides off into the sunset. In the mean time they will be looking for growth and hoping he can make the big club and get meaningful minutes this year.

Nicklas Jensen (21yo) - The former first rounder is getting to the point where he needs to make an impression and earn some NHL ice time. A sniper at lower levels, he hasn't been able to get a long look in the NHL yet and will have a chance with a new coach this pre-season, but it's most likely he ends up toiling in Utica for this season and trying to be the first call up when injuries come.

Tom Sestito (26yo) - Sestito was a regular in the Canucks lineup last season and played his role as enforcer well, but with the addition of Derek Dorsett he is no guarantee to make the team this year. His is a dying breed, and most fighters in the new NHL also have to play hockey at a higher level than Sestito does. But maybe he earns the respect of Dale Hunter and makes the team.

Dustin Jeffrey (26yo) - A depth pick up who spent some time in Pittsburgh's system and played some games for new assistant coach Dan Bylsma, Jeffrey is going to have to show well in camp to get a spot on the roster. He hasn't accomplished much at the NHL level, and time is running out for him to establish himself as an NHL regular. This could be one of his last chances to change his story from minor league call up option to full time NHLer.

Prospects:

G - Thatcher Demko (18yo) - A second round pick in the past summer's draft, Demko will be playing NCAA hockey this year, but his potential if he develops well to be a number NHL goalie leaves the Canucks with a good long term outlook in net.

LD - Ben Hutton (21yo) - The Canucks system doesn't have many defenders in the pipeline, but Hutton could be a pleasant surprise if he has a good season in college this year. Some are projecting him to be a late blooming two way NHL defenseman.

LD - Gustav Forsling (18yo) - A late round pick this year, Vancouver is hoping in time he develops into an NHL level puck moving defenseman.

LW - Hunter Shinkaruk (19yo) - A first rounder a year ago, Shinkaruk has dynamic puck skill and a deadly accurate shot. He is quick and shifty, but it remains to be seen if his game can translate to the NHL. His potential is high though.

C - Brendan Gaunce (20yo) - A responsible two way center with an NHL frame, Gaunce won't wow you with his offense but he should be a good bottom sixer at the NHL level, maybe as soon as next year.

C - Cole Cassels (19yo) - Another two way center with possible shut down upside, Cassels is good in his own end and has playmaking potential, but his quickness and edge work leave something to be desired, although his top end speed is good. If he can round out his skating ability he may be a good middle six NHLer.

C - Jared McCann (18yo) - Drafted with the first rounder that came back in the Kesler trade, McCann has a sneaky good wrister and slick puckhandling. He has good speed and a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The Canucks are hoping he can grow into a regular in their top six when he develops.

RW - Jake Virtanen (18yo) - a top ten pick for them this summer, the Canucks have high hopes for the local kid. He plays a physical game and has high end straight line speed. His play in his own end needs a lot of work and his offensive repertoire could use some rounding out, but he has a high ceiling as a top six scoring winger who can hit.

07-08-2023, 11:10 AM	#3
CanuckJohnny All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 554	Pre-Pre-Season Team Preview Goalies: Ryan Miller (34yo) - Signed by the Vancouver management team this offseason to a 3 year, $6 million AAV contract, he is expected to solidify the goaltending situation until Jacob Markstrom is ready to take the reigns. Hopefully he is a good mentor for Markstrom and Eddie Lack. He had a solid .918 save percentage last year. Jacob Markstrom (24yo) - The highly touted young netminder only played in 4 games after being acquired in the Luongo deal last year, but he is considered to be the future of the Canucks goalie situation. For now he is expected to be a solid backup and gain NHL experience as he grows into a number one goalie in the best league in the world. Eddie Lack (26yo) - After playing 41 games last year and posting a respectable .912 save percentage, Lack looks like he may be bumped down the depth chart back to the minors by the younger Markstrom and new signing Ryan Miller. He may be the odd one out in the crease this year, but it's possible that with a strong pre-season he could convince the team to keep him as Miller's backup while further seasoning Markstrom in the AHL. Defensemen: Dan Hamhuis (31yo) - The steady two way blueliner returns for another season with his childhood team, where he will be relied upon to provide reliable top four minutes. He doesn't provide much offense these days, but is a defensive stalwart that coach Dale Hunter is sure to love. Alex Edler (28yo) - After a rough season where he managed only 22 points and posted a minus 39 plus-minus rating, there are questions for the 6-3, 220 lb Swede. Locked in for 5 more years at a $5M AAV contract with a no trade clause, the Canucks can only hope he returns to form and becomes the number one defenseman Mike Gillis envisioned when he signed him to a long term deal through his prime years. Kevin Bieksa (33yo) - The rough and tumble defenseman dubbed "Juice" by his teammates has been a part of the core that came up through Manitoba and into the big leagues and then on to President's Trophies and a Finals appearance. He will be under pressure to prove he can still provide top four minutes as he ages. He has two years left on a $4.6M/yr contract that has a NTC, and management will be evaluating if he should stay around after that or not. He brings leadership and toughness, but as he footspeed declines there are doubts he can keep up in a league that is increasingly young and fast. Chris Tanev (24yo) - The youngest part of the current top four in Vancouver, Tanev endears himself to fans and teammates alike with his courage, shot blocking and steady though unspectacular play. In the midst of a difficult season last year he was a plus 12, proving very reliable and responsible in his own end. If he can stay healthy he looks to be a key part of the future blueline plans for the Canucks. Luca Sbisa (24yo) - Recently acquired in the trade that sent polarizing star Ryan Kesler to the Ducks, Sbisa could also feature in the Canucks' long term plans on the back end if he impresses this year. He doesn't bring much offense, but has the versatility to play either side and has a physical edge to his game. Yannick Weber (25yo) - The versatile blueliner has a heavy point shot and seems pencilled in on the right side of the bottom pair for now. There is still hope that he could solidify himself into a top-six, PP2 guy in the league, but it could be a make or break season for him. Frank Corrado (21yo) - After last year's cup of coffee in the NHL, "Frankie" will be pushing in training camp to earn a full time spot with the big club. He may not quite be ready yet, but the depth on Vancouver's blue line is sparse enough he should have a chance. The shifty defenseman has a decent shot but will have to demonstrate that he can be reliable at both ends of the ice if he wants to stick as a 6th or 7th defenseman. Ryan Stanton (25yo) - After playing his first year as a regular with Vancouver, Stanton will still have to fight for his spot this September. He looked decent last year, with 16 points and a plus 5, but he is also in something of a make or break year that may decide the trajectory of the rest of his career. Can he prove that he is an all day, every year NHL defenseman or will he become an NHL/AHL tweener who can't consistently stick in the lineup? Forwards: Henrik Sedin (33yo) - The captain had a down year, at least by his standards, with only 50 points in 70 games. Will he be able to stay healthy and return to his point per game form, or has his production already started to permanently regress with his age? This team will go as far as he and his brother can take them. With four more years left at $7M per, Trevor Linden and his management team are hoping that "Hank" has a lot of elite hockey left in him. Daniel Sedin (33yo) - Just like his twin brother, "Danny" had a disappointing season last year, with only 47 points in 73 games. Of course, the Canucks are hoping that he will return to form, especially his shooting, which has seen a significant drop off the past two seasons after years of being considered the sniper of the family. After eight straight years of being over 20 goals per season (or on pace for that in the shortened 12-13 season), he only managed 16 goals last year. Radim Vrbata (33yo) - After toiling in the desert for Phoenix, Vrbata signed a two year deal with Vancouver for $5M per year. The hope is that playing with the Sedins will rejuvenate the talented Czech winger into the form that saw him pot 35 goals in the 11-12 season. He is another older player in this forward group, and it will be interesting to see how productive he is, and if he will be able to find that elusive chemistry with the Sedins. Alex Burrows (33yo) - The feisty winger is another Canuck looking for a bounce back after an abysmal 13-14 season. The undrafted forward has always found a way, and if he can't find the production he had in his prime, he may have to go back to playing a bottom six utility role, one he isn't unfamiliar with as he broke into the league that way. It's a tough look for management though, as he is signed for another three seasons at $4.5M per year with a NTC. Jannik Hansen (28yo) - The "Honey Badger" seems to have lost a step lately, but he should still be a solid penalty killer and energy middle six winger. He has never had the offensive pop to be a top six player but his effort has always endeared himself to teammates, and he was rewarded with a long term deal paying him $2.5M a year for the next 4 years. Chris Higgins (31yo) - Higgins has been excellent as a versatile middle six forward, and actually had a decently productive season last year with 17 goals and 39 points. Hopefully his play continues well into his thirties as he is also locked up for the next 4 seasons at an AAV of $2.5M. It will be interesting to see where coach Dale Hunter decides to plug him in. Brad Richardson (29yo) - A defensively responsible, courageous bottom six center with some offensive acumen, Richardson should continue to be a good fit in Vancouver, and if management doesn't think he's enough of the future to extend him they could probably move him at the deadline for a decent return. Shawn Matthias (26yo) - Vancouver is hoping the 6-4, 231 lb center can fulfill the tantalizing potential of his physical tools and become a top six power forward. He has only shown glimpses of that, and this is the year, with the Canucks lacking depth down the middle, that he could really establish himself and demonstrate some offensive consistency. The proverbial ball is in his court. Nick Bonino (26yo) - Another key piece of the Kesler trade, Bonino is a defensively responsible center just entering his prime. He had a breakout season last year, with 22 goals and 27 assists in 77 games, and Vancouver hopes he can take another step and establish himself as a top six two way center to replace Kes. Zack Kassian (23yo) - The tumultuous, rugged winger is young enough that you hope he can develop an offensive side to his game. He's physical, but the Canucks still want to see him become productive as well. Last season was a step in that direction when he scored 14 goals and added 15 assists. The clock is ticking for him to show that he has the talent and finishing ability to be more than a bottom six energy guy. Derek Dorsett (27yo) - Though he showed some scoring touch early on in his career with Columbus, Dorsett has settled into his role as an energetic, checking, sandpaper type who isn't afraid to fight. He should add some bite on the fourth line and could become a Hunter favourite. Bo Horvat (19yo) - Bo has a good chance to make the team out of camp. After being drafted a year ago, Vancouver left him with his junior team, the London Knights, where he spent the year developing under none other than new Canucks coach Dale Hunter. Comfort with the coach and already established trust should go a long way to helping Bo have a successful rookie season. His faceoff ability and leadership are already well recognized, and he has exciting skill with the puck. Vancouver is certainly hoping he develops into a 1C for them down the road after Henrik eventually rides off into the sunset. In the mean time they will be looking for growth and hoping he can make the big club and get meaningful minutes this year. Nicklas Jensen (21yo) - The former first rounder is getting to the point where he needs to make an impression and earn some NHL ice time. A sniper at lower levels, he hasn't been able to get a long look in the NHL yet and will have a chance with a new coach this pre-season, but it's most likely he ends up toiling in Utica for this season and trying to be the first call up when injuries come. Tom Sestito (26yo) - Sestito was a regular in the Canucks lineup last season and played his role as enforcer well, but with the addition of Derek Dorsett he is no guarantee to make the team this year. His is a dying breed, and most fighters in the new NHL also have to play hockey at a higher level than Sestito does. But maybe he earns the respect of Dale Hunter and makes the team. Dustin Jeffrey (26yo) - A depth pick up who spent some time in Pittsburgh's system and played some games for new assistant coach Dan Bylsma, Jeffrey is going to have to show well in camp to get a spot on the roster. He hasn't accomplished much at the NHL level, and time is running out for him to establish himself as an NHL regular. This could be one of his last chances to change his story from minor league call up option to full time NHLer. Prospects: G - Thatcher Demko (18yo) - A second round pick in the past summer's draft, Demko will be playing NCAA hockey this year, but his potential if he develops well to be a number NHL goalie leaves the Canucks with a good long term outlook in net. LD - Ben Hutton (21yo) - The Canucks system doesn't have many defenders in the pipeline, but Hutton could be a pleasant surprise if he has a good season in college this year. Some are projecting him to be a late blooming two way NHL defenseman. LD - Gustav Forsling (18yo) - A late round pick this year, Vancouver is hoping in time he develops into an NHL level puck moving defenseman. LW - Hunter Shinkaruk (19yo) - A first rounder a year ago, Shinkaruk has dynamic puck skill and a deadly accurate shot. He is quick and shifty, but it remains to be seen if his game can translate to the NHL. His potential is high though. C - Brendan Gaunce (20yo) - A responsible two way center with an NHL frame, Gaunce won't wow you with his offense but he should be a good bottom sixer at the NHL level, maybe as soon as next year. C - Cole Cassels (19yo) - Another two way center with possible shut down upside, Cassels is good in his own end and has playmaking potential, but his quickness and edge work leave something to be desired, although his top end speed is good. If he can round out his skating ability he may be a good middle six NHLer. C - Jared McCann (18yo) - Drafted with the first rounder that came back in the Kesler trade, McCann has a sneaky good wrister and slick puckhandling. He has good speed and a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The Canucks are hoping he can grow into a regular in their top six when he develops. RW - Jake Virtanen (18yo) - a top ten pick for them this summer, the Canucks have high hopes for the local kid. He plays a physical game and has high end straight line speed. His play in his own end needs a lot of work and his offensive repertoire could use some rounding out, but he has a high ceiling as a top six scoring winger who can hit.