Training camp means Vancouver Canucks hockey is very close, in fact it starts on January 3rd. Even though it’s later than usual, fans have every reason to get camp and the season started. There are no preseason games this year, so the season begins shortly after training camp begins.
With camp opening in just a few days, here are three questions looming.
Jake Virtanen has become a hot topic among Canucks fans when training camp rolls around. Last summer, during training camp in July, he was out of shape, struggled to keep up and was even » shouted by Bo Horvat after losing the puck on a breakaway and throwing a hit.
During training camp in September 2019, Virtanen also showed up out of shape and did not meet coach Travis Green’s expectations and was placed in Group C, consisting of primarily AHL players .
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Virtanen spent the offseason in Kelowna training with Tyler Myers after signing a two-year contract.
With Tyler Toffoli leaving for Montreal in free agency, Virtanen has the opportunity to play in the top six, so he must have a training camp unlike the last two. He needs to find a way to impress Travis Green. Hopefully the training with Myers pays off and he makes the top six on opening night.
The Canucks improved their top four by trading for Nate Schmidt, but even then, the defensive depth is a bit weak with Chris Tanev departure for Calgary and Troy Stecher departure for Detroit. Who will play on the third pair?
Jordie Benn is an obvious answer. He didn’t have a particularly good season last year and that’s probably because he’s more suited to the right side. Benn can play both ends, he did that in Montreal, but he looked much better.
It’s also possible that Olli Juolevi will finally make the jump to the NHL full-time. He’s set to have a strong camp and got his first taste of NHL action in Game 3 of the qualifying round against Minnesota. His debut lasted less than seven minutes of play, but he was impeccable defensively, without making any glaring errors.
Another name is Brogan Rafferty. He had a pretty good season in the AHL with seven goals and 38 assists, totaling 45 points. Expect him to fight for a spot as he could play a few games this season as an attacking threat from the back.
And then there’s Jack Rathbone. He has the skills and potential to become a competent defenseman in the NHL. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins the bottom pair spot. He is good with the puck, quick on his feet and has a pretty impressive defensive zone exit.
Of those three, Juolevi is probably the favorite to make the opening night roster.
After Vasili Podkolzin, Nils Hoglander is arguably the Canucks’ second best prospect. Drafted in the second round, 40th overall by Vancouver in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Hoglander had five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 23 games on loan at Rogle BK of the SHL.
Hoglander may not be a big guy at just 5’9″ and 176 pounds, but he’s a great puck handler with good hands and he’s not afraid to get physical when he does. requires.
Hoglander arrived in Vancouver a few days before Christmas. I expect him to fight for an opening night spot, but he needs to have a really good camp if he wants to stay. I think he would start the season on the taxi squad, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes the team.
Following. “Canucks prospects report: Costmar scores, Podkolzin useless on WJC kickoff”. dark
Training camp will answer all of these questions as Travis Green pushes his roster to the limits. Hockey season is upon us. Get ready, Canucks Nation!
