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CanuckJohnny · 08-13-2023, 09:13 AM

Vancouver Canucks Season Preview

Outlook

Dan Bylsma takes over the bench this season, and he says we will see more of the Sedins together. Besides that, he really likes Russell and Michalek together, at least through preseason action. There are a lot of new faces this year after Trevor Linden had a busy offseason, and some familiar ones will be missed. Gone are Ryan Miller, Alex Edler and Jannik Hansen. In an effort to replace Edler a slew of defensemen were signed in free agency, and while no names really pop, the roster certainly has depth on the left side. How much will newly anointed starter Jacob Markstrom carry? Thomas Greiss didn't sign for two years to start fourteen times like he did last year with Pittsburgh. Up front the team added some veterans whose reputation exceeds what they are probably capable of contributing. Can Justin Williams regain his form? Will Joffrey Lupul repeat his 32 goal season or fall off the proverbial cliff? And will Letestu add anything besides depth and versatility to the lineup? At his price tag the Canucks are expecting some offensive pop.

The Canucks benefited from being in the weakest division in hockey last year. That may still be the case but not nearly to the same degree after an offseason that saw San Jose, Calgary and Edmonton all improve significantly. The Kings reworked their roster a bit, adding Hansen and Brunner and Edler and Kruger while moving out Williams and Carter, and they should be very competitive after an off year from Kopitar last season. We expect Vancouver makes the playoffs, but not as the top dog in their division this time around. San Jose with Ryan Miller, Mark Streit and Brandon Saad headlining their additions are just looking way too good. And Calgary with Dubnyk backstopping them and Edmonton with their firepower up front are both going to good competition this year.

Roster

Goalies:
Jacob Markstrom (25yo, 11gp, 5w, 2.58gaa, .916sv%, 1so) - It seems that Markstrom will be named the starter out of the gate. His NHL experience is limited but his talent is undeniable and in trading Ryan Miller at the draft Trevor Linden effectively handed the youngster the reins in net.

Thomas Greiss (29yo, 14gp, 7w, 2.48gaa, .913sv%) - the career backup may get a shot at more games than he's played in a season. Vancouver signed him to a two year deal with a no trade clause after his performance in the Stanley Cup Finals when he replaced Marc-Andre Fleury for the Pens. While he's pegged as the number, he's in a situation with a young number in Markstrom to earn his way into more of a tandem situation.

Defensemen:
Dan Hamhuis (32yo, 77gp, 2-20-22, +0) - At 32 on an expiring deal hometown boy Dan Hamhuis is under pressure to prove that he can continue to be a legit top pairing defenseman and earn another long term contract. He will be heavily depended on by Dan Bylsma after the organization moved out Alex Edler this offseason.

Chris Tanev (25yo, 78gp, 2-19-21, +8) - Tanev proved last year that he can stay healthy all year and that he can handle first pairing minutes all season long. He is emerging as one of the better young shutdown defensemen in the league, but he is in a more modern mold, plying his craft with skating, intelligence and stick skills more than physical dominance or intimidation.

Nick Holden (28yo, 79gp, 4-17-21, +7) - The 6-4 former Av signed a two year deal with the Canucks as a free agent. He doesn't bring much offensively but he's solid and physical in his own end. He's probably hoping to carve out a top four role on a Canucks blueline lacking in big names, but for now he's starting on the bottom pair.

Kris Russell (28yo, 55gp, 5-6-11, -6) - Russell earned a reputation as a smooth skating defensively responsible blueliner in Calgary, but the question is will he stay healthy all year? He also hasn't developed much of an offensive side to his game. Trevor Linden and Dan Bylsma both like his game and he looks to have earned a top four role over bigger ticket signing Nick Holden, at least for now.

Zbynek Michalek (32yo, 69gp, 6-6-12, -11) - Perhaps an underrated signing, Michalek is a solid defensive defenseman who toiled in Arizona last year. If he can maintain a top four job all year and be a good shutdown option and penalty killer his affordable two year deal is going to look good.

Yannick Weber (27yo, 74gp, 7-22-29, -9) - Weber struggled in his own end last season but flashed some offensive potential and played a regular NHL shift all year for the Canucks. On a defense corps lacking for game breaking offensive skill he should see a lot of powerplay time and get a little bit of leash for his occasionally risky game.

Ryan Stanton (26yo, 56gp, 4-8-12, +14) - Stanton was very effective in a bottom pairing role for Vancouver last year. He has been pushed down the depth chart by the additions of NHL veterans Holden and Russell but the Canucks are keen enough to keep him around that they are starting the year with 13 forwards and 8 defensemen.

Kevin Bieksa (34yo, 43gp, 1-3-4, +3) - "Juice" slowed down a lot last season and Father Time may be catching up to him. He is around for his voice and his leadership, but he also has NHL and playoff experience and is always willing to stick up for teammates.

Forwards:
Henrik Sedin (35yo, 82gp, 21-35-56, +6) - The Captain isn't a point per game all star like he used to be, but last season saw him break 20 goals for the first time since his Hart winning 2009-2010 season. With three more years on his contract and management under pressure to compete largely for his sake there is a lot of pressure for him to continue to lead by example on and off the ice.

Daniel Sedin (35yo, 82gp, 12-27-39, +5) - Dale Hunter split the twins up a lot in his one season in Vancouver, and Daniel really struggled away from his brother. Dan Bylsma is planning to keep the Sedins together a lot more this year, so hopefully Danny can find his offensive game and especially get his sniper's touch back.

Radim Vrbata (34yo, 82gp, 29-19-48, +5) - Vrbata's first season with Vancouver went well and he was one goal away from thirty. He hasn't dropped off too much yet and is looking to have another productive season in a contract year.

Nick Bonino (27yo, 82gp, 11-27-38, +15) - In his first year with Canucks Bonino established himself as a solid middle six two way center. His offensive totals and especially his goal scoring dropped off a bit and he may not quite be the player they hoped he would become when they traded Ryan Kesler for him, but he still is carving out his own identity and becoming a key part of this roster.

Chris Higgins (32yo, 76gp, 13-21-34, -2) - Higgins maintains a good reputation as a hard working middle six winger who is responsible at both ends of the ice. He is expected to be a leader for this team with his professional preparation and work ethic.

Justin Williams (34yo, 81gp, 7-19-26, -3) - After a down year for the Kings Mr. Game Seven comes to Vancouver for a bounce back campaign. He should see top six minutes and possibly get a look with the Sedins at some point. He looked good in preseason on a line with Higgins and Bonino and that's where he should start the year.

Brad Richardson (30yo, 74gp, 7-7-14, -8) - You get what you expect from Richardson. He won't get you much on the scoreboard but you can trust him to play hard matchups against the other team's best players every night. He plays defensive game with grit and intelligence.

Bo Horvat (20yo, 74gp, 12-18-30, +4) - After a solid rookie season under familiar coach Dale Hunter all eyes are on Horvat to see what steps he takes in his development and how he responds to Dan Bylsma.

Zack Kassian (24yo, 82gp, 16-9-25, -4) - Vancouver will again rely on Kassian to bring energy and play a physical game, but what everyone wants to know is if he is a bottom six physical grinder or if there is top of the lineup goal scoring potential in that 6-3 228lb frame. He scored 16 last year, if he can crack 20 that shows some steady offensive progression and looks good on him when negotiating his next contract.

Joffrey Lupul (32yo, 77gp, 32-15-47, +6) - Lupul signed a bargain of a deal for a 32 goal scorer, but the reality is that it's no secret around the league that he's lost a step and is mostly a one trick pony. He needs to prove the doubters wrong, and he will probably have a chance, at least on the powerplay, to play with the Sedins at some point. He starts off in a fourth line role but could fight his way into the top six with his pedigree.

Mark Letestu (30yo, 76gp, 10-26-36, -9) - He was signed for his versatility (he can play all three forward positions seamlessly) and playmaking skill but it will be up to him to demonstrate he is worth it. The knock on him is that for a smaller player not a lot stands out and he isn't known for his skating or defensive game. If he isn't productive he is going to look like a poor free agency decision by Linden.

Dustin Jeffrey (27yo, 61gp, 6-6-12, +15) - Vancouver helped revitalize his NHL career last season, and he's back with them after a foray into the playoffs with Minnesota. He has really re-invented himself into a solid shutdown bottom six winger. He won't produce a lot of offense but he brings energy and doesn't make a lot of mistakes in his own end.

Alex Burrows (34yo, 67gp, 2-6-8, +8) - "Burr" finds himself in a familiar position, fighting for playing time and a roster spot. He brings leadership and passion to this locker room, but you better believe he also wants to play and make a difference. His offence has really dried up these days but he still is effective in his own end and as a penalty killer. His line is rarely scored on.

Prospects:
G Thatcher Demko (NCAA) - At 19, Thatcher has lots of time to refine and develop his game in college, and so far he looks like he could turn into an NHL starter down the road.

G Alexandar Georgiev (KHL) - Playing in the KHL at 19 was a struggle for Georgiev but scouts saw the talent and Vancouver took a flyer on him. If he can step his game up this season he could start to look like a savvy pick later in the draft.

G Anthony Stolarz (AHL) - At 21, it's time for Stolarz to step up and show he belongs in the pros. He's still behind Cannata in Utica, but the Canucks hope he can push for more playing time and continue developing into what they hope will be an NHL goalie one day.

D Ben Hutton (AHL) - Hutton will make his professional debut for the Utica Comets after signing his ELC this summer and the plan will be for him to work on his game and grow into a serviceable two way NHL blueliner after some time in the minors.

D Dylan DeMelo (AHL) - Acquired from San Jose in the Matthias trade, Canucks brass are hoping he can use his time in their farm system to develop into a steady defensive defenseman with a physical edge.

D Carson Soucy (AHL) - Soucy doesn't have a high ceiling, but with his 6-5 frame he could definitely become a useful depth defenseman. He will be honing his game in Utica this year.

D Gustav Forsling (SHL) - After a solid season in Europe last year Forsling will look to build on that and establish himself as a two way defenseman with NHL upside.

D Rasmus Andersson (OHL) - After a great year in junior led to being drafter by Vancouver in the second round by Vancouver Andersson will look to repeat and even improve on his 52 point performance while also rounding out his two way game.

D Erik Cernak (OHL) - Cernak is already building a reputation as a solid, physically imposing shut down defender. He will hope to round out his game and improve his skating this year in the OHL.

D Vince Dunn (OHL) - The Canucks selected Dunn for all around game and offensive potential. It will be up to him to justify that pick by showing continued improvement in all areas as he takes even more responsibility at the junior level.

C Brendan Gaunce (AHL) - Gaunce was solid in his own end in the preseason and almost made the Canucks, but he will get a lot more all situations experience in Utica.

C Cole Cassels (AHL) - Icetime is what the organization is giving Cassels in Utica, and what they want to see is further rounding out of his game to grow into an effective two way center and make their roster in a year or two.

C Danton Heinen (AHL) - Heinen was the prize for moving down in the draft and Vancouver likes what he brings as far as his all around game. He was effective for Providence last year and the hope is he will build on his 20 goals and 48 points at the minor league level as he grows toward earning an NHL spot someday.

C Jared McCann (OHL) - McCann will have big expectations on him in the OHL after a point per game season. How much more dominant can he become at that level before he has nothing else to prove? Vancouver will likely sign him next year and would hope he could compete for an NHL job sooner rather than later.

LW Kirill Kaprizov (KHL) - Kaprizov oozes skill and potential and the only real question about him is if and when he will come to the NHL. Vancouver management will be watching his KHL performances closely as they stay in touch with him and try to guide his development from a distance.

RW Nicklas Jensen (AHL) - Jensen is running out of track to prove he can become an NHLer and his skillset may disadvantage him from ever having a bottom six role so if he can't dominate the AHL and earn some icetime in the big leagues he is going to start sliding down the organizational depth chart.

RW Jake Virtanen (WHL) - Jake had a productive season in the WHL and will look for a repeat of that success while he rounds out his game in juniors. He has a high ceiling if he can hit as a goal scoring power forward in the NHL one day.

C Ross Colton (NCAA) - Colton should have lots of time to develop and round out his game in the NCAA. He is defensively solid and has good goal scoring ability, now he has to translate that from high school to college to prove he will continue tracking as an NHL prospect.

RW Conor Garland (QMJHL) - As a smaller forward Conor is always going to have doubters, but if he can take another step this year in the QMJHL it will go a long ways toward making him look like a good selection by Linden and co.

08-13-2023, 09:13 AM	#69
CanuckJohnny All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 554	Vancouver Canucks Season Preview Outlook *Dan Bylsma* takes over the bench this season, and he says we will see more of the Sedins together. Besides that, he really likes Russell and Michalek together, at least through preseason action. There are a lot of new faces this year after Trevor Linden had a busy offseason, and some familiar ones will be missed. Gone are Ryan Miller, Alex Edler and Jannik Hansen. In an effort to replace Edler a slew of defensemen were signed in free agency, and while no names really pop, the roster certainly has depth on the left side. How much will newly anointed starter Jacob Markstrom carry? Thomas Greiss didn't sign for two years to start fourteen times like he did last year with Pittsburgh. Up front the team added some veterans whose reputation exceeds what they are probably capable of contributing. Can Justin Williams regain his form? Will Joffrey Lupul repeat his 32 goal season or fall off the proverbial cliff? And will Letestu add anything besides depth and versatility to the lineup? At his price tag the Canucks are expecting some offensive pop. The Canucks benefited from being in the weakest division in hockey last year. That may still be the case but not nearly to the same degree after an offseason that saw San Jose, Calgary and Edmonton all improve significantly. The Kings reworked their roster a bit, adding Hansen and Brunner and Edler and Kruger while moving out Williams and Carter, and they should be very competitive after an off year from Kopitar last season. We expect Vancouver makes the playoffs, but not as the top dog in their division this time around. San Jose with Ryan Miller, Mark Streit and Brandon Saad headlining their additions are just looking way too good. And Calgary with Dubnyk backstopping them and Edmonton with their firepower up front are both going to good competition this year. Roster Goalies: Jacob Markstrom (25yo, 11gp, 5w, 2.58gaa, .916sv%, 1so) - It seems that Markstrom will be named the starter out of the gate. His NHL experience is limited but his talent is undeniable and in trading Ryan Miller at the draft Trevor Linden effectively handed the youngster the reins in net. Thomas Greiss (29yo, 14gp, 7w, 2.48gaa, .913sv%) - the career backup may get a shot at more games than he's played in a season. Vancouver signed him to a two year deal with a no trade clause after his performance in the Stanley Cup Finals when he replaced Marc-Andre Fleury for the Pens. While he's pegged as the number, he's in a situation with a young number in Markstrom to earn his way into more of a tandem situation. Defensemen: Dan Hamhuis (32yo, 77gp, 2-20-22, +0) - At 32 on an expiring deal hometown boy Dan Hamhuis is under pressure to prove that he can continue to be a legit top pairing defenseman and earn another long term contract. He will be heavily depended on by Dan Bylsma after the organization moved out Alex Edler this offseason. Chris Tanev (25yo, 78gp, 2-19-21, +8) - Tanev proved last year that he can stay healthy all year and that he can handle first pairing minutes all season long. He is emerging as one of the better young shutdown defensemen in the league, but he is in a more modern mold, plying his craft with skating, intelligence and stick skills more than physical dominance or intimidation. Nick Holden (28yo, 79gp, 4-17-21, +7) - The 6-4 former Av signed a two year deal with the Canucks as a free agent. He doesn't bring much offensively but he's solid and physical in his own end. He's probably hoping to carve out a top four role on a Canucks blueline lacking in big names, but for now he's starting on the bottom pair. Kris Russell (28yo, 55gp, 5-6-11, -6) - Russell earned a reputation as a smooth skating defensively responsible blueliner in Calgary, but the question is will he stay healthy all year? He also hasn't developed much of an offensive side to his game. Trevor Linden and Dan Bylsma both like his game and he looks to have earned a top four role over bigger ticket signing Nick Holden, at least for now. Zbynek Michalek (32yo, 69gp, 6-6-12, -11) - Perhaps an underrated signing, Michalek is a solid defensive defenseman who toiled in Arizona last year. If he can maintain a top four job all year and be a good shutdown option and penalty killer his affordable two year deal is going to look good. Yannick Weber (27yo, 74gp, 7-22-29, -9) - Weber struggled in his own end last season but flashed some offensive potential and played a regular NHL shift all year for the Canucks. On a defense corps lacking for game breaking offensive skill he should see a lot of powerplay time and get a little bit of leash for his occasionally risky game. Ryan Stanton (26yo, 56gp, 4-8-12, +14) - Stanton was very effective in a bottom pairing role for Vancouver last year. He has been pushed down the depth chart by the additions of NHL veterans Holden and Russell but the Canucks are keen enough to keep him around that they are starting the year with 13 forwards and 8 defensemen. Kevin Bieksa (34yo, 43gp, 1-3-4, +3) - "Juice" slowed down a lot last season and Father Time may be catching up to him. He is around for his voice and his leadership, but he also has NHL and playoff experience and is always willing to stick up for teammates. Forwards: Henrik Sedin (35yo, 82gp, 21-35-56, +6) - The Captain isn't a point per game all star like he used to be, but last season saw him break 20 goals for the first time since his Hart winning 2009-2010 season. With three more years on his contract and management under pressure to compete largely for his sake there is a lot of pressure for him to continue to lead by example on and off the ice. Daniel Sedin (35yo, 82gp, 12-27-39, +5) - Dale Hunter split the twins up a lot in his one season in Vancouver, and Daniel really struggled away from his brother. Dan Bylsma is planning to keep the Sedins together a lot more this year, so hopefully Danny can find his offensive game and especially get his sniper's touch back. Radim Vrbata (34yo, 82gp, 29-19-48, +5) - Vrbata's first season with Vancouver went well and he was one goal away from thirty. He hasn't dropped off too much yet and is looking to have another productive season in a contract year. Nick Bonino (27yo, 82gp, 11-27-38, +15) - In his first year with Canucks Bonino established himself as a solid middle six two way center. His offensive totals and especially his goal scoring dropped off a bit and he may not quite be the player they hoped he would become when they traded Ryan Kesler for him, but he still is carving out his own identity and becoming a key part of this roster. Chris Higgins (32yo, 76gp, 13-21-34, -2) - Higgins maintains a good reputation as a hard working middle six winger who is responsible at both ends of the ice. He is expected to be a leader for this team with his professional preparation and work ethic. Justin Williams (34yo, 81gp, 7-19-26, -3) - After a down year for the Kings Mr. Game Seven comes to Vancouver for a bounce back campaign. He should see top six minutes and possibly get a look with the Sedins at some point. He looked good in preseason on a line with Higgins and Bonino and that's where he should start the year. Brad Richardson (30yo, 74gp, 7-7-14, -8) - You get what you expect from Richardson. He won't get you much on the scoreboard but you can trust him to play hard matchups against the other team's best players every night. He plays defensive game with grit and intelligence. Bo Horvat (20yo, 74gp, 12-18-30, +4) - After a solid rookie season under familiar coach Dale Hunter all eyes are on Horvat to see what steps he takes in his development and how he responds to Dan Bylsma. Zack Kassian (24yo, 82gp, 16-9-25, -4) - Vancouver will again rely on Kassian to bring energy and play a physical game, but what everyone wants to know is if he is a bottom six physical grinder or if there is top of the lineup goal scoring potential in that 6-3 228lb frame. He scored 16 last year, if he can crack 20 that shows some steady offensive progression and looks good on him when negotiating his next contract. Joffrey Lupul (32yo, 77gp, 32-15-47, +6) - Lupul signed a bargain of a deal for a 32 goal scorer, but the reality is that it's no secret around the league that he's lost a step and is mostly a one trick pony. He needs to prove the doubters wrong, and he will probably have a chance, at least on the powerplay, to play with the Sedins at some point. He starts off in a fourth line role but could fight his way into the top six with his pedigree. Mark Letestu (30yo, 76gp, 10-26-36, -9) - He was signed for his versatility (he can play all three forward positions seamlessly) and playmaking skill but it will be up to him to demonstrate he is worth it. The knock on him is that for a smaller player not a lot stands out and he isn't known for his skating or defensive game. If he isn't productive he is going to look like a poor free agency decision by Linden. Dustin Jeffrey (27yo, 61gp, 6-6-12, +15) - Vancouver helped revitalize his NHL career last season, and he's back with them after a foray into the playoffs with Minnesota. He has really re-invented himself into a solid shutdown bottom six winger. He won't produce a lot of offense but he brings energy and doesn't make a lot of mistakes in his own end. Alex Burrows (34yo, 67gp, 2-6-8, +8) - "Burr" finds himself in a familiar position, fighting for playing time and a roster spot. He brings leadership and passion to this locker room, but you better believe he also wants to play and make a difference. His offence has really dried up these days but he still is effective in his own end and as a penalty killer. His line is rarely scored on. Prospects: G Thatcher Demko (NCAA) - At 19, Thatcher has lots of time to refine and develop his game in college, and so far he looks like he could turn into an NHL starter down the road. G Alexandar Georgiev (KHL) - Playing in the KHL at 19 was a struggle for Georgiev but scouts saw the talent and Vancouver took a flyer on him. If he can step his game up this season he could start to look like a savvy pick later in the draft. G Anthony Stolarz (AHL) - At 21, it's time for Stolarz to step up and show he belongs in the pros. He's still behind Cannata in Utica, but the Canucks hope he can push for more playing time and continue developing into what they hope will be an NHL goalie one day. D Ben Hutton (AHL) - Hutton will make his professional debut for the Utica Comets after signing his ELC this summer and the plan will be for him to work on his game and grow into a serviceable two way NHL blueliner after some time in the minors. D Dylan DeMelo (AHL) - Acquired from San Jose in the Matthias trade, Canucks brass are hoping he can use his time in their farm system to develop into a steady defensive defenseman with a physical edge. D Carson Soucy (AHL) - Soucy doesn't have a high ceiling, but with his 6-5 frame he could definitely become a useful depth defenseman. He will be honing his game in Utica this year. D Gustav Forsling (SHL) - After a solid season in Europe last year Forsling will look to build on that and establish himself as a two way defenseman with NHL upside. D Rasmus Andersson (OHL) - After a great year in junior led to being drafter by Vancouver in the second round by Vancouver Andersson will look to repeat and even improve on his 52 point performance while also rounding out his two way game. D Erik Cernak (OHL) - Cernak is already building a reputation as a solid, physically imposing shut down defender. He will hope to round out his game and improve his skating this year in the OHL. D Vince Dunn (OHL) - The Canucks selected Dunn for all around game and offensive potential. It will be up to him to justify that pick by showing continued improvement in all areas as he takes even more responsibility at the junior level. C Brendan Gaunce (AHL) - Gaunce was solid in his own end in the preseason and almost made the Canucks, but he will get a lot more all situations experience in Utica. C Cole Cassels (AHL) - Icetime is what the organization is giving Cassels in Utica, and what they want to see is further rounding out of his game to grow into an effective two way center and make their roster in a year or two. C Danton Heinen (AHL) - Heinen was the prize for moving down in the draft and Vancouver likes what he brings as far as his all around game. He was effective for Providence last year and the hope is he will build on his 20 goals and 48 points at the minor league level as he grows toward earning an NHL spot someday. C Jared McCann (OHL) - McCann will have big expectations on him in the OHL after a point per game season. How much more dominant can he become at that level before he has nothing else to prove? Vancouver will likely sign him next year and would hope he could compete for an NHL job sooner rather than later. LW Kirill Kaprizov (KHL) - Kaprizov oozes skill and potential and the only real question about him is if and when he will come to the NHL. Vancouver management will be watching his KHL performances closely as they stay in touch with him and try to guide his development from a distance. RW Nicklas Jensen (AHL) - Jensen is running out of track to prove he can become an NHLer and his skillset may disadvantage him from ever having a bottom six role so if he can't dominate the AHL and earn some icetime in the big leagues he is going to start sliding down the organizational depth chart. RW Jake Virtanen (WHL) - Jake had a productive season in the WHL and will look for a repeat of that success while he rounds out his game in juniors. He has a high ceiling if he can hit as a goal scoring power forward in the NHL one day. C Ross Colton (NCAA) - Colton should have lots of time to develop and round out his game in the NCAA. He is defensively solid and has good goal scoring ability, now he has to translate that from high school to college to prove he will continue tracking as an NHL prospect. RW Conor Garland (QMJHL) - As a smaller forward Conor is always going to have doubters, but if he can take another step this year in the QMJHL it will go a long ways toward making him look like a good selection by Linden and co.