The Vancouver Canucks

In this two part comprehensive article, Aaron Davis explores the depth of your Vancouver Canucks. In this second installment Aaron  looks at the future of the team, the young draftees that are just beginning their dreams of playing in the blue, green and white.

In part one of Going Deep we took at look at the immediate depth of the Canucks and those players that we may see on the ice this season. Part two centers on those other names that we may not yet know. Players that have their destinies etched in the future of our Vancouver Canucks. Most of these names are still three, four and five years away from having their name on the back of Canucks jersey.

Each of the forty-four players in part one and two is listed with his basic information and a brief overview of where each sits in the system. I have included my opinion of what type of Canucks role they could fill. Obviously, the majority of these players are not likely to be called up to replace the player I have suggested, it is simply a reference to the type of position they COULD fill down the road. Part one dealt with those players that have a possibility of skating in a Canucks jersey this year. In part two, those players are showcased that have no chance of being called up because of where they are in their development. Part two deals with our future.

Like part one, I hope it sparks discussion!

Cody Hodgson – C

(6′ 0″, 185lbs, age 19, Toronto, ON)

He’s either the next franchise, Linden like player or the next hot shot requesting a Bure like trade. Hodgson is hockey. He is smart, skilled and what he lacks in flash he makes up for in work ethic. Has epic special team possibilities that stems from his great offensive and defensive awareness. Sees the ice with the best playmakers and handles the puck with light and steady hands. He is like hockey fruit, almost ready to pluck from the tree. Odds are he’ll take his lumps in the Moose as soon as he is old enough and the move can only make him a better player. All Cody Hodgson has to do is be patient and trust the Canucks organization and he will be Vancouver’s next hockey hero.

Could fill in for the likes of: Henrik/Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kessler, Alex Burrows, Mikael Samuelsson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim: Not eligible, returned to junior. Unless his junior team’s season ends he cannot play for the Canucks this year.

Mario Bliznak – C

(6′ 0″, 185lbs, age 22, born Trencin, SVK)

A career fourth line Centre is what the Nucks have in Mario. His offensive awareness and ability to see the ice are, unfortunately, his biggest challenges. Bliznak plays hard and every time he hits the ice he plans to work. Fast legs and determination round him out as a consistent defensive contributor. The boy was a great Defenseman in a past life.

Could fill in for the likes of: Ryan Johnson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Dan Gendur – RW

(5′ 11″, 195lbs, age 22, Born Vancouver, BC)

Development on the farm may bring Dan to a place in his ability where he is a well rounded offensive threat. Today is not that time. He skates like Raymond, shoots like Salo but has the point production of O’Brien. Stick handling needs work but his drive and ambition carry him to places his skill his not ready for. Time will tell if he can find the next gear in his career.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Evan Oberg – D

(6′ 0″, 165lbs, age 21, born Forestburg, AB)

Still too small for the big leagues, Evan is one of the Canucks most promising defensemen. Still years from a spot on the Canucks, Oberg needs to fill out by at least 25 – 20 lbs in order to compete. Good thing he’s still young!

Could fill in for the likes of: Alexander Edler

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Prab Rai – C

(5′ 11″, 191lbs, age 19, born Surrey, BC)

Skates like the Russian Rocket but needs a few years in the minors to develop. He drives through the neutral zone and invents scoring chances like nobody’s business. Has potential to be a top six forward one day. Prab is confident in what he brings but has had his character, professionalism and work ethic called to question in the past. Of course, that may be indicative of being raised in Surrey… Playing this year with the CHL Everett Silvertips.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson, Alex Burrows

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Taylor Ellington – D

(6′ 0″, 200lbs, age 20, born Victoria, BC)

Taylor is no pussycat. He can be mean and powerful especially in his own end. Taylor’s reliability and playmaking ability gives him potential to be a top four d-man.  A few years working through the system and Ellington will likely find a permanent spot on the Canucks roster.

Could fill in for the likes of: Kevin Bieksa, Willie Mitchell

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Jordan Schroeder – C/RW

(5′ 8″,  175lbs, age 19, born Burnsville, MN)

Schroeder is another future star for the Canucks Nation. Not the biggest, not the smallest but he enhances the level of play regardless of who he plays with. An unselfish player with great hockey sense, a view of the ice like no other, and natural playmaking abilities make him an exciting guy to have in the system. Plays with the heart and flexibility that makes you forget that he is only 5’8”. His development  is just as exciting as Hodgson’s and when it comes time for t hem to hit the bigs together, we’ll probably see them lynchpins in our top six forwards. For now, he’ll pay his dues in the NCAA.

Could fill in for the likes of: Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kessler, Alex Burrows, Mikael Samuelsson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Matt Butcher – C

(6′ 1″,  185, age 22, born Bellingham, WA)

Butcher is destined for a reserve role. That’s a ways away yet though. He throws his body around like he’s the man of steel and aggravates the tar out of his opponents. Butcher is consistent and full of spit and vinegar. Not a goal scorer by nature, he really needs to work on his offensive skills. Currently playing in the NCAA, he is still ripe for development.

Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Ryan Johnson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Kris Fredheim – D

(6′ 2″, 170lbs, age 22, born Campbell River)

Kris is the spider of defensemen. Long reach, lanky frame, and his bite is worse than his bark as he possesses a point shot the can put any shot blocker on the injured reserve list. Adding strength will be his number one goal if he expects to make it into the NHL. A solid skater who, despite being light, makes it hard for opponents to win battles in the corners. Kris does well a blocking shots and getting in the way of attacking players, creating havoc in passing lanes. He is currently playing in the NCAA with Colorado College and is likely a few years from prime time.

Could fill in for the likes of: Sami Salo, Alex Edler

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Taylor Matson – C

(5′ 10″, 165lbs, age 21, born Mound, MN)

Playing for the NCAA Minnesota Gophers, Matson boasts good hands and a decent wrist shot. He’s a little guy with that big dog attitude and an ability to win battles in the corners despite being faced with bigger and stronger opponents. His major upside is his playmaking ability. With a few years still left in college hockey, it will be interesting to see Taylor’s development.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mikael Samuelsson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Yann Sauve – D

(6′ 3″, 209lbs, age 19, born Montreal, QC)

Yann is a monster defenseman. He’s aggressive and powerful with an ability to own his own end. He needs to find an offensive awareness and work on his ability to handle the puck. Being so young, Suave has time to develop in the system. In a few years he’ll either be the next Mitchell or the next SOB.

Could fill in for the likes of: Willie Mitchel, Kevin Bieksa, Shane O’Brien

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Kevin Connauton – D

(6′ 1″, 185lbs, age 19, born Edmonton, AB)

Able to quarterback the power play, Kevin is developing into a great Canucks asset. He’s a playmaking defenseman with great patience. Still a long way away, Kevin is playing currently in the NCAA.

Could fill in for the likes of: Christian Ehrhoff, Alexander Edler

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Jeremy Price – D

(6′ 1″, 175lbs, age 19, born Milton, ON)

Playing in the NCAA, Price is an offensive defenseman in early development. One of his most attractive qualities is that his progression is practically paced by a metronome. Every step in his evolution as a player is consistent and reliable. Price possesses a great shot, offensive awareness and good mobility.

Could fill in for the likes of: Christian Ehrhoff, Alexander Edler

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Joe Cannata – G

(6′ 1″, 200lbs, age 19, born Wakefield, MA)

Currently committed in the NCAA, Cannata is set to take over for Cory Schneider on the Moose Roster. Like Cory, he is fast and agile with good puck control. A smart goalie with strong hand eye coordination, Joe is focused and able to play the puck safely.

Could fill in for the likes of: Cory Schneider

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Ilja Kablukov – LW/C

(6′ 2″,  183lbs, age 21, born Moscow, RUS)

Maybe Ilja is afraid of being homesick, but his decision to not try playing for the AHL is essentially confining him to Europe. The Canucks, nor any other NHL team are going to plant him into their line-up without first testing him on North American soil. It’s unfortunate because the boy is a consistent and skilled two-way forward with great size and speed potential. He is naturally an offensively minded player with puck skills. Kablukov is stalwart and can be trusted to show up with his A-game every time. Thank God there’s still time as he’s only 21.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler, Steve Bernier, Mikael Samuelsson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Mats Froshaug – C

(6′ 1″,  198lbs, age 21, born Oslo, NOR)

A balanced player. Nothing spectacular yet nothing repulsive either. He’s like the guy at the office party that everyone recognizes but no one knows his name. He has some power to him and battles well but has never been beta tested outside of Europe. Just as likely to play for the Moose as he is to appear on the back of a milk carton.

Could fill in for the likes of: Casper the Ghost, Ryan Johnson (Maybe?)

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Less than None

Peter Andersson – D

(6′ 3″, 194lbs, age 18, born Kvidinge, SWE)

Another young monster defenseman that has found his way into the Canucks player development system. Peter plays a solid two-way game with admirable hockey smarts and speed. A powerful shot and talented puck handler, Andersson is poised to quarterback the power play. Still playing in Europe, he’ll need to cross the puddle if he wants to find a roster spot eventually.

Could fill in for the likes of: Sami Salo, Christian Ehrhoff

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Anton Rodin – LW/RW

(5′ 11″, 174lbs, age 18, born Stockholm, SWE)

With potential to be a top six forward or a grinding fourth liner, Anton has a long time to find his role before he breaks out of Europe and plays for the Moose. One thing id for sure, He skates fantastically, knows what to do with the puck, and when he scores, get the highlight real ready. At 18, it’s good the boy has some time to fill out to handle the men in the NHL.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

Kellan Tochkin – RW

(5′ 10″, 176lbs, age 18, born Abbotsford, BC)

74 points and a point per game in the WHL last season. Kellan will spend this year, and probably the next, with the Everett Silvertips. He’s a long way from being a player in the Moose and a really long way from playing in the blue, white and green. Played in the PIJHL for Ridge Meadows!

Could fill in for the likes of: Um… way too early to tell

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Michael Jackson has a better shot of touring in 2010

Steven Anthony

(6′ 1″,  205lbs, age 18, born Halifax, NS)

Playing this season with the QMJHL St. John Sea Dogs. Steven is an up and coming playmaker with some unfortunate questions about his work ethic. More will be revealed.

Could fill in for the likes of: A forward

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Can it be less than zero?

Morgan Clark – G

(5′ 11″, 160lbs, age 19, born Toronto, ON)

A little guy that is fast and mobile in net. Going to be difficult to compete with the big monsters that are coming up through the ranks. Although early in his development, Clark will likely never see the NHL.

Could fill in for the likes of: No one in the Canucks system

Likelihood for a call-up this season: None

The future of our Vancouver Canucks looks bright and skilled. Our player development system is working hard to ensure each and every one of these players has a shot of being the next Sedin, Burrows, Kesler, Luongo and Mitchell. I don’t know if we’ll ever win a cup, but I do know that we have a stable of young and hungry hopefuls that will sure keep on trying.

There are other players in the Canucks system as well. The following list includes these players. None of them are likely to ever make it into a Canucks uniform as they have made their careers in Europe. I include them only to complete the list.

Evgeny Gladskikh – Forward (6′ 0″, 176lbs, age 27, born Magnitogorsk, RUS)

Colby Genoway – Forward (6′ 1″, 201lbs, age 25, born Morden, MB)

Ilia Krikunov – Forward (5′ 11″, 169lbs, age 25, born Moscow, RUS)

Sergei Topol – Forward (6′ 1″,               183lbs, age 24, born Omsk, RUS)

Kiril Koltsov – Defense (5′ 11″, 183lbs, age 26, born Chelyabinsk, RUS)

Denis Grot – Defense (6′ 0″, 185lbs, age 25, born Minsk, BLR)

Lukas Mensator – Goalie (5′ 8″, 167lbs, age 25, born Sokolov, CZE)

*Research Sources for this article

www.canucks.com

www.moosehockey.com

www.everettsilvertips.com

www.salmonkings.com

www.whl.ca

www.ncaa.org

www.hockeysfuture.com

www.hockeydb.com

www.sportsnet.ca

www.tsn.ca

www.espn.go.com

www.forecaster.ca

www.lhjmq.qc.ca

www.en.wikipedia.org

www.hfboards.com

www.vancouversun.com

www.crashingthegoalie.com

www.hockeycanada.ca

www.hockeynumbers.blogspot.com

www.msn.foxsports.com

www.thehockeynews.com

www.fantasysp.com

www.hockeygoalies.org

www.newswire.ca

www.nucksmisconduct.com

www.russianprospects.com

www.saintjohnseadogs.com

www.sports.canadaeast.com

www.thepressbox.org

Go to Source…

So, what could be better than a Saturday night victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs?  A win over the Oilers as a chaser?  Yep, that would make for a pretty damn good weekend. 

The Canucks played better in the first half of both games, trying hard not to allow a tying goal in the Leafs game, before Mason Raymond managed to finally put the game out of reach after Alex Burrows had hit the post on a shot at an empty net (the *second* time they hit the post after the Leafs pulled Joey McDonald).

It felt like the Canucks were trying to sit on their 2-1 lead, but it became pretty clear that that wasn’t in fact the goal.  They were hanging on for dear life after more failed attempts to get the puck out of their own end than I could count.  Rather weak attempts.  This would have been one of those times that it would have been fine to ice the puck, and then have Alain Vigneault call a time-out to give those stuck on the ice a break.  Yeah, the puck still would have been in the Canucks’ end, but it might have been enough to break the momentum.

Failing that, and I know they’re paranoid about putting the puck over the glass and taking a penalty, but here’s a tip.  Don’t aim for the glass.  Try and scoop the puck up and hit the damn scoreboard.  It’ll get the puck out of the zone, and no chance of taking a penalty because the puck caught the top of the glass.

All in all, a good win, though, with Ryan Kesler also picking up a goal on a great wrist-shot from the point.

And then the Oilers came to town.  Roberto Luongo picked up his first shutout of the season, and 21st as a Canuck to move him past Kirk McLean as the all-time leader in shutouts as a Canuck. 

It wasn’t the typical extremely physical contest when the Oil come to town, but still entertaining.  Michael Grabner bagged his second goal, and Henrik Sedin  managed to tip in a shot from the point and ice the game. 

Neither of the games was particularly thrilling, in my opinion, other than the fact that the Canucks picked up four points.  They were just…wins.  Even with the whole thing in the media about Brian Burke and Mike Gillis, it seems to have been more of a creation of the MSM.  Kind of like when two teams have a brawl filled game and play each other again four or five days later.  The followup game has none of the issues of the first game.  But the MSM makes it sound like WWIII is going to happen.

Meh.

One more home game against the Wings on Tuesday, and then it’s off on a road trip for a bit.  Things appear to have turned the corner, particularly with Luongo, who gives the impression that he’s finally hit his stride after his traditional slow start.

Which is a good thing, because they’ve got some work to do catching the Flames and Avs (!) before the tough work starts after the new year.

Go to Source…

In this comprehensive two part article, Aaron Davis explores the depth of your Vancouver Canucks. Part one of this piece looks at those players that we could see on the ice in a Canucks jersey this season.

It stands to reason that in an 82 game season, every NHL team will have to deal with top players experiencing a slump or injury. Hockey is a contact sport and arguably the fastest major sport there is so eventually, no matter how hard you try to avoid it, stuff happens. It’s in those moments that your third and fourth lines, your fifth, sixth, and seventh defenseman, and your backup goalie will be called out to step up and fill in the gaps. In the stretch, team depth makes or breaks an NHL team, especially in the moments leading up to playoffs.

When a team finds three of their top six and one third line forward as well as one of their top three defensemen all injured at the same time, it can be argued that we have left the realm of normal team were and tear.

It’s unfortunately where we find our beloved Vancouver Canucks within the first ten games of the season. One good thing about our rocky ride on the injury express is that we get to see who’s on the bus. We find out what our team is made of and how they handle being called out when it matters.

It also got me thinking of who is next. Who else do we have in the system that may (or may not) hear the call of management to step up to the plate.

The following is a two part, comprehensive overview of every player in the Canucks system that is not solidly in an NHL roster spot with the team. Each of the forty-four players is listed with his basic information and a brief overview of where each sits in the system. I have included my opinion of what type of Canucks role they could fill. Obviously, the majority of these players are not likely to be called up to replace the player I have suggested, it is simply a reference to the type of position they COULD fill either in a pinch or down the road. Finally, I have indicated what the likelihood is that they will receive the call this season if we have to dive this deep into the Canucks pool. Part one deals with those players that have a possibility of skating in a Canucks jersey this year. In part two, those players are showcased that have no chance of being called up because of where they are in their development. Part two deals with our future.

I hope it sparks discussion!

Jannik Hansen – RW

(6′ 1″,  189lbs, age 23, born Herlev, DNK)

Why is Hansen in the “depth” category? Because I’m not convinced his roster spot is secured. The Canucks depth includes some other young players that challenge Jannik for his seat on the bench. Hansen plays hungry and mixes it up when necessary. He’s fast and can snap a great wrist shot. With Jannik’s ability to see the ice is slightly stifled by the lack of confidence he tends to display.

Could fill in for the likes of: Jannik Hansen

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Excellent (When his hand heals, he’ll probably regain his spot)

Aaron Rome – D

(6′ 1″, 215lbs, age 26, born Nesbitt, MB)

Only listed here because his role with the Canucks is not solid and it is possible he could be reassigned to the Moose if confidence in him wavers. Rome is likely never going to play a full season with a top NHL contender in anything but a reserve defenseman role. That said, he’s a big guy not afraid to drop the glove or make forwards bay on the boards. His shot from the point gives him possibilities on the power play too.

Could fill in for the likes of: Sami Salo, Shane Obrien

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (Started on the regular roster as the 7^th defenseman)

Tanner Glass

(6′ 1″, 210lbs, age 25, born Regina, SK)

Tanner demonstrates consistency consistently. He is a blue collar player that demonstrates a working man ethic on the ice. Glass is team centered and works for the whole, not just his personal stats sheet. Fighting, working the boards hard, fast skates and a quick shot help to make him a well rounded and flexible player. Tanner sets the example of leadership on the ice. There is little doubt that he will find a regular spot on the roster soon.

Could fill in for the likes of: Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, Steve Bernier

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (Part of starting roster)

Sergei Shirokov – LW/RW

(5′ 10″, 195lbs, age 23, Moscow, RUS)

He sees the ice very well and has a talent for being in the right place at the right time. Shirokov is a smaller guy with good legs. Not fast legs, but good ones. May never be a top line guy but could be a great second line leader. Some liken him to Pavel Bure and swear by the fact that he can fill those skates. After some North American time with the Moose, his call-up potential is high.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows, Steve Bernier

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (Part of starting roster)

Michael Grabner – LW/RW

(6′ 0″, 170lbs, age 22, born Villach, AUT)

Grabner has great offensive prowess. He’s fast like… like… something extremely fast. He controls the puck like nobody’s business and is uber-dangerous on breakaways and the power play. His speed is also great for making things happen on the ice. What he needs to work on id his defensive awareness and his consistence. His heart has often been questioned at the NHL level. Grabner is also proof that development in the AHL is working for the Canucks system. The evolution of his game is obvious.

Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows, Steve Bernier

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (called-up on October 14)

Alexandre Bolduc

(6′ 1″, 178lbs, age 24, born Montreal, QC)

Good instincts and aggressiveness make Bolduc a valuable young player. His attitude and drive rubs off on teammates and energizes the rink. He’s likely destined to third or fourth line spots and needs to put some bulk on his frame to stand up to guys like Prust and Tucker.

Could fill in for the likes of: Rick Rypien, Darcy Hordichuck

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (called-up on October 17)

Guillaume Desbiens – RW

(6′ 2″,  210lbs, age 24, born Alma, QC)

The boy needs to work on his hockey skills. Desbiens has grit to him. He is not afraid to scrap and he can take it as well as dole it out. His two-way play ability and his +/- last season of + 11 make him an attractive asset that deserves more big show time when the opportunity arises.

Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Steve Bernier

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair (called-up on October 10)

Brad Lukowich – D

(6’1”, 201lbs, age 33, born Cranbrook, BC)

The closest thing to a defensive call-up or 8^th defenseman we have in the system. Brad is smart and safe with a good point shot. What he lacks in toughness he makes up for in staying out of the box. Unfortunately, because he was assigned to the Texas Stars of the AHL, if called-up he will have to clear re-entry wavers. The Canucks may not want to lose him to the defensively starved vultures of the NHL.

Could fill in for the likes of: Aaron Rome

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair

Michael Funk – D

(6’4”, 210lbs, age 23, born Abbotsford, BC)

Won’t you take me to, FUNKYTOWN! Quite possibly the only reason I want Funk to play for the Canucks is so we can play this song when he scores. He’s a big dude too. He showed in camp that he can skate fast and move well. With good playmaking ability and stick handling, Funky Mike can be a great offensive asset to the Canucks if he can be consistent with his heart.

Could fill in for the likes of: Willie Mitchell, Christian Ehrhoff, Kevin Bieksa

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair

Nathan McIver – D

(6′ 3″, 205lbs, age 24, born Summerside, PE)

Nathan likes to stir the pot. He is a bruiser and an agitator that plays an aggressive, territorial stay at home defensive game. McIver is not going to post mad point on the board and he is not fast enough to stick with top six forwards,but he is the perfect goon to call up when you’re feeling pushed around.

Could fill in for the likes of: Shane O’Brien

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair

Cory Schneider – G

(6′ 2″,  195lbs, age 23, born Salem, MA)

Schneider will be a starter in the NHL soon. Of course there is wide speculation that due to the Raycroft acquisition and Luongo contract extension, he could be trade bait. I think that it’s unlikely they’ll trade him. Raycroft will not be here forever. Just long enough to back-up Luongo and give Cory a chance to play lots of games so the he can continue his development. Schneider is a big, skilled starter with potential to be a top goaltender in the NHL. He is fast and agile with so many upsides that it would be hard to NOT see him take over for Robrto. That said, if Luongo continues to be at the top of his game for too many years, Cory may request an out where he can get his chance to backstop an NHL team.

Could fill in for the likes of: Andrew Raycroft, Roberto Luongo

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim

Eric Walsky – RW

(5′ 11″, 194lbs, age 25, born Anchorage, AK)

Walsky is a forward with skill. In the NCAA with Colorado College, he finished second in team scoring with 36 points, contributing greatly to their MacNaughton Cup championship. He handles the puck with great hands and skates like the wind. Like Pope, he comes into the system a bit older at 25. With some time in the minors to find his pace with bigger opponents, Walsky is poised to make a splash in the NHL.

Could fill in for the likes of: Kyle Wellwood (I know Welly is a Centre, referring to his skills), Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim

Matt Pope – RW

(6′ 1″, 185lbs, age 25, born Langley, BC)

Pope plays with his heart. In the ECHL, he not only played in the All-Star game, he was a starter. He is big forward with decent skating ability. Pope had a decent camp this year but need some time with the Moose to refine his already good hockey sense. At 25 it could be argued that he is a late bloomer but if the AHL helps him to transition to a bigger game, he could surprise by becoming a great reserve forward.

Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Steve Bernier

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim

Nolan Baumgartner – D

(6′ 2″, 205lbs, age 33, born Calgary, AB)

A big man who has never been comfortable throwing his weight around. His time as an NHL regular is over and his role is primarily one of mentor to the rookies on the Moose. Given Nolan’s experience, there is always the possibility of being called up late in the season to compensate for injury. Nolan has a good point shot but as he gets on in his career, he makes silly mistakes.

Could fill in for the likes of: Aaron Rome

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim

Pierre-Cedric Labrie – LW

(6′ 2″, 218lbs, age 22, born Baie-Comeau, QC)

The kid can’t skate yet. Sure he can hold his own with the Moose but he is not yet near the place where he can compete with the likes of Phaneuff and Souray. Labrie is valuable planted in front of the net looking to bang in the crumbs of his line mates or blind the goalie. He is big, powerful and aware of his role which is good because he finds himself in the right place and the right time on the ice. Of course, all that depends on him keeping up with the play on those slow legs of his. Conditioning is an issue, grit is not.

Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Ryan Johnson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim to None

Matt Pettinger – RW/LW

(6’1”, 205lbs, age 28, born Edmonton, AB)

Matt is not really part of the Canucks depth because he has no contract with them. On October 15^th, he signed a 25 game contract with the Moose. We most likely won’t see him back in a Nucks jersey but playing for the Moose makes it not entirely impossible. In a pinch, he has some veteran experience that the team may have to call on if our top players continue to break. Heck, it’s not like anyone else is signing him.

Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Ryan Johnson

Likelihood for a call-up this season: Considering the Canucks haven’t even signed him? Zero

With so much depth, we can be confident that the Canucks immediate future looks solid. We haven’t run out of options. Let’s not consider it an invitation for further injury though, m’kay?!

Also, stay tuned for Going Deep: Part Two that will focus on those players we’re waiting for. The Canucks have a bright future ahead of them with the likes of Cody Hodgson, Jordan Schroeder and goalie Joe Cannata. The player development system of the Canucks should have them all in the blue, green and white in no time at all!

*Research Sources for this article

www.canucks.com

www.moosehockey.com

www.everettsilvertips.com

www.salmonkings.com

www.whl.ca

www.ncaa.org

www.hockeysfuture.com

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So let me get this straight.  Willie Mitchell throws a perfectly legal hit on Johnathan Toews, and gets a penalty for it.  The Canucks have a 2 on 0 breakaway blown dead because Dustin Byfuglien jumps Mitchell.  Beautiful.

Apparently goaltenders don’t need to stop breakaways anymore.  Someone just needs to jump someone behind the play, and things get blown dead.  No more breakaway.

This whole thing lately about a fight breaking out over a clean but hard hit is just pissing me off. It’s a physical game, for God’s sake.  People get hurt.  Just because someone gets hurt from a hit DOESN’T mean it was a dirty hit.

Did the Pens get jumped when Roberto Luongo got hurt last year?  Was there a fight after Daniel Sedin or Sami Salo got hurt earlier this year?  (Okay, bad example on Salo).

Regardless, the Canucks played as close to a complete game as they have in awhile, coming back to beat the Blackhawks for their first road win of the year.  Killing off 5 on 3’s, Michael Grabner getting his first NHL goal, and Mikael Samuelsson chipping in the game winner.

Alain Vigneault has been a little too light on the Canucks (at least in the media) by saying that the Canucks have been out-chancing their opponents two or three to one lately.  Uh, coach?  How many points do you get for outshooting the other team 40 – 20 if you lose 3-1?  That’s right.  NONE.  You need to get chances, but if you don’t finish more of them, you might as well have not had them.

Hopefully the trend continues tonight with a Leafs team that’s had a week off, but is still looking for its first win.  Best thing that they could do?  Jump out to a quick two goal lead to take the pressure off, and then keep driving.  Hell, run up the score.

Because, of course, there’s nothing better than beating the Leafs on national TV.  Until the playoffs start, of course.  Not that the Leafs will be playing in the post season anyway.

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Today’s newly acquired Canucks fans, meaning those who became Canucks fans after the mid to late 1990’s are pretty disappointed with the way the Canucks have started.  In fact, I’m sure all Canucks fans are pretty disappointed in the way the season has gone so far.  I just want to tell you all, “You have no idea what a bad Canucks team is all about.”  I rather think you’re quite spoiled fans to be honest. *wink*

I am not saying that today’s Canucks fans aren’t good fans and contrary to what Spike TV has said about us as a populace, I think we’re pretty good fans, but I am biased.  The point I am trying to make is, we as fans should be a little more patient with the boys because when they are healthy, they are a pretty good hockey team.  I have seen worse and I know better, really.

I have been a Canucks fan since 1981. I am almost 35 years old, and I have seen some pretty bad Canucks teams.  You know you are bad when the starting goaltender has a record of 16-27-6, his save % was a .855 while playing 51 games (Richard Brodeur). Let’s not forget your number one call up from the farm (Marc Crawford) had one goal, four penalty minutes and was a -4 on a 23 game stint with the big club. One of their defensemen (Doug Halward) had a -42 +/- rating! He was a defenseman, not Todd Bertuzzi!  Not one player was in the + side of the +/- stat. Not one.  A few evens but everyone else was in negative! Their best goal scorer was Tony Tanti who later left and played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Tanti had no support. That team was just God awful bad.

The aforementioned stats are all true! All you have to do is research the 1984-1985 Vancouver Canucks roster.  Sad isn’t it?  I remember sitting at games wishing the opposing team wouldn’t beat us too badly before the game even started!  Feeling me yet? I hope so.

These days, I just want the Nucks to get the hell out of their funk. I just want them to start playing to their ability level.  I just want them to show me they are the competitive bunch they are touted to be by fans, media, and management alike.  This Canucks team that we have now is not a bad team. In fact, I like I said before, they are a fairly good team. They are just going through a bad time and they are going to have to find their way out of it. I also believe they will do just that.

There are some positives to take out of this ‘slump’. The team is shooting a good amount of rubber to the net, they have the highest shots on goal average in the NHL at 37 a game.  Unfortunately, the shots aren’t going in.  A couple of good bounces here and there and their record could be slightly different, but that’s not the case. We’re eight games in, there are 74 more games to play.  Lots of hockey still.

What I am saying to my fellow Canucks fans is…we have a pretty good team, let’s just be a little more patient and not get down on their ‘mistakes’ too much.  Twenty five years ago, the Vancouver Canucks iced a really bad team. But I also remembered the fans at Pacific Coliseum being supportive and cheering them on and hoping for a better outcome.

Why is it in 2009, we cannot give our pretty talented and pretty determined team a better support system?  Why are we booing our captain after eight games because of this ‘slow’ start? I am not sure, but our expectations are much higher than the ones of 1984. At the same time, maybe we should take a step back and see what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have.  So if you had a choice, would you rather watch the Canucks of 1984? At least they can really give you something to ‘boo’ about.

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Fellow citizens of the Canucks Nation!

PLEASE REMAIN CALM!

I’ve read a lot of “stuff” tonight. I’ve seen the calls to trade Luongo, fire AV, EXPLODE the team, etcetera, etcetera. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly folks are ready to amputate the arm attached to the sprained pinkie finger. I know it’s simply because we all love the Canucks so much that we are prepared to bleed for our team. We’re prepared to make any necessary drastic decision to bring home Stanley’s hardware. Days like today I am comforted by the fact that Mike Gillis is the only guy with the burden of these decisions and so far he is following my advice to “not panic.”

You want to trade one of the best goalies in the NHL because he is following the same pattern of slow starts that he has his entire career? You want to fire Alain Vigneault who is our team’s most successful coach because someone’s, anyone’s head must roll? You want to pull the pin on the team and set sights on early draft picks to stock up on prospects?

No.

Just “No.”

I am one of those fans that believe any stats before the lockout of 2004/2005 are of very little validity. In the new NHL, a salary cap forces teams into something close to equality; Shootouts force a decision, ensure teams get their beauty sleep and the networks get predictable schedules; Crackdowns on obstruction penalties like hooking and holding speed up play. With major game changers introduced to the league the sport has changed and comparing pre-lockout stats to post-lockout stats are like comparing hockey pucks to footballs.

That said, our Vancouver Canucks are sitting at four points after six games in this 2009/2010 season. Horrible right? Last season (2008/2009) after six games the team had racked up a mind boggling six points. In 2007/2008 the team repeated the same whopping six points. In fact, since the lockout, season starts have always been rough with the highest point totals coming in the 2006/2007 and 2005/2006 seasons where the Canucks really showed their stuff by accumulating seven points in six games. A reality check reminds us that we have only lost one more game this year than our previous two. It is far too early in the season to be comparing these numbers and when I look at them, I can’t help but realize that it’s only been six games.

Breath in, breath out, don’t panic.

Our sixth game of the season against the Calgary Flames was… well… it was painful. I was sitting on my couch, chatting to fellow fans on the CDC live game blog, and I swear I could feel each hit, each missed shot, each sloppy penalty. It was careless and much of the time the Canucks just looked confused. As much as folks want to, the urge to hang Luongo is mostly due to the expectations some have on him after he signed that twelve year sixty-four million dollar contract. Just because he’s super rich and has great job security, doesn’t mean he is going to post a shutout every game. Sorry, but it’s true. The first three pucks that beat him were great goals. The Glencross goal, scored on a shorthanded breakaway, was likely to best any goalie in the league. Nigel Dawes’ tip-in seemed guided by an invisible force and bounced so un-expectantly that it would have required divine intervention to stay out of the net. Dion Phaneuf found the only hole through an all consuming screen in front of the goal leaving little chance for Lu to do anything but shake his head in disappointment. After those confidence shakers, goals four and five may not have been as spectacular, but I can’t say that they wouldn’t have beaten a worse goalie. Our Captain worked hard.

The unfortunate fact is that Luongo’s teammates, for the most part, did not hold up their side of the Canucks system. The Glencross breakaway was entirely due to defence being overconfident on the power play. With your best offensive player and one of your top two defensemen out with injury, taking the risk of four players rushing the net with one covering the blue line by playing deep inside, is simply a bad idea; especially when you are playing your biggest rival and arguably your closest competition for the division title. This was the most prominant defensive breakdown in many on the night. The defence have got to make better choices on the ice for the next twelve or so games.

I am a little bias on my next point, I’ll warn you now. When the news hit that the organization had decided to finally give Grabner his opportunity with the bigs, I held my tongue despite the fact I’ve kept it no secret that I think the boy has yet to find his NHL heart. If the coaching staff have confidence that it’s time for this experiment, than who am I to second guess them? His contribution was so negligible that he ended up playing six to seven minutes less than line mates Hank and Burrows. He did record his first career NHL point with a second assist to the Ehrhoff power play goal, and I admit that the other two call-ups can’t boast that. Regardless, his presence on the top line rendered it impotent and ineffective. The only life we really saw in Hank and Burrows came when they were supported by Bernier and Samuelsson, not Grabner. I sincerely hope that he will find his big boy game and contribute to the Canucks the way he does to the Moose. I am willing to suspend my judgement for a couple more games but in order to give our top line some zip the coaching staff may have to swap Grabner with Bernier.

One of the most significant contributors to finding ourselves down by five goals was our incredible use of the penalty box. It was like a spring break time share condo where every Canuck who wanted to be make drunken decisions got to sleep off their 09/10 schedule hangover. Starting off the game by auditioning for the UFC is good for ratings but doesn’t do a lot for the scoreboard.  Taking ridiculous penalties is simply not good for business. Alex Burrows’ goaltender interference choke did to the Canucks late third period momentum what Kanye does to an MTV Video Music Award. Not that I think the Canucks were going to tie it up with just under two minutes to go, but any hope of such miracles was certainly squashed the second Alex gave Kipper a love tap. We saw similar patterns in the Dallas game and if we plan on making it out of this injury riddled October with any hope of catching up, we MUST stay out of the box.

So now we come home in an effort to spoil Minnesota’s weekend by keeping their winless road trip void of satisfaction. The Wild will be tired but hungry for a point before returning home. The kind of desperation that comes with starving for a “W” makes them dangerous. The Wild will eat us alive if we relax because we think their confidence is shattered. The Canucks have got to put the Flames behind them and move forward.

Luongo will likely continue to be the go-to goalie. This is a good thing. Not just because we need to get our money’s worth on his contract extension, but because he needs the time in net to find his groove. Like it or not, as I said earlier, Bobbie is a slow starter. If we want him to be superhuman we need to give him time to work his mojo. Raycroft has been proving himself as a fantastic back up. He brings us confidence that if, God forbid the need arises, we won’t have to worry the way we did with Sanford as a backup. Get off Roberto’s back and let the boy settle in.

Bernier, Samuelsson or another more seasoned NHL forward will find himself playing alongside Hank and Burrows on the top line. I can understand if AV wants to give Grabner another shot with them but if he continues anywhere near his performance vs. the Flames, it won’t be long before he is shuffled to the third line or replaced outright with a call-up such as Shirokov, Desbiens or even Labrie or Walsky. Shirokov could be the man. At his best, he is a monster who shows flashes of genius and he may get the most benefit of added time in the NHL to find his footing. Regardless, given AV’s history with rookie patience, the Grabner experiment is definitely on a very closely watched timer.

Mostly, the team will have to find its grit. Gillis found us the grit. The grit was acquired. We’ve seen the grit and the grit is good. Now we need the grit to cowboy-up and come to the game. I believe we saw some grit in the seven to one win over the Habs and I think we will see it again. That edgy, fast, aggressive, knock-around, puck moving, board working, corner grinding grit is in them as a team. They just need to eat their Wheaties and let it out to play when the puck hits the ice.

I know it looks bad sometimes, and the Flames game doesn’t do much for our confidence as fans. Take a deep breath and rejoice that you are not a fan of the Leafs’ who boast one point with a record of 0-5-1 this season. Our Vancouver Canucks are going to be okay. They have a fantastic line-up that, when healthy, is going to tear it up this season. Playing with simultaneous injuries to four pivotal players (Schneider, Sedin, Demitra and Salo) is going to cause bumps in any team’s play.

Besides, I am sure that Kipper, Iginla and all the Sutters made a soul surrendering deal with the Devil for his help this season. Find solace that they’ll go where all Flames and Flames fans eventually go… straight to Hell.

Bring on the Wild of Minnesota!

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Please join me in welcoming Aaron Davis to our writing team at CanucksCorner.com. I’m very excited to add his talents to to the site, and I think you’ll enjoy his thought provoking observations in regards to Canucks hockey. You can follow Aaron on Twitter as well at www.twitter.com/narcan2k.

One game down, thirteen to go in the minimum number of games Daniel Sedin will sit out with his broken foot. Of course, that’s assuming he’s is out for four weeks and not the six that is possible.

I’ve said before that losing an 82 point guy is definitely bad news. I’m not going to lie and blow smoke that it’s no big deal. I continue, however, to be optimistic about how our Vancouver Canucks will answer to losing him. So if you’re looking for doom and gloom and predictions of a Canucks Nation apocalypse, go read the CDC Forums because I’m not your guy.

I saw a lot of positives in our first outing sporting only half of the dynamic duo. I saw heart and determination, drive and desperation, heroism and hard work. I saw a little more squeak in the wheel too but nothing our team didn’t answer to.

So, Bernier replaced Dan, and together the top line tallied four points between them. Granted, none of those points were scored when the trio was on the ice together. Burrows and Hank made two with Samuelsson and Bernier and Hank made two with Mitchell. Regardless, it’s a week argument to say that they were a bad combination. Noticeably absent was the hard fighting board work and cycling of twins Henrik and Daniel. It wasn’t completely gone, but it was obviously stunted without the intuitive and ESP-like connection we’re used to. It may take a few games for them to click.

Henrik was the first star of the game. He continued to make a case for himself having a great season that will see him find another gear in his career. There were some moments in this first game without his brother where he looked a little uncertain. Blazing into the attacking zone, it was clear there were times when his twin spidey sense was just not tingling. It was, however, brief and followed by a little more personal drive to the net, which may not be a bad thing. He played hard, landed two assists and was even in +/- on the night. He has eight points in five games leading the team in points. Now, I know it’s early, but that works out to be 1.6 points per game and is good enough to be in the top ten of offensive producers in the entire league. He is two points ahead of where he was after five games last season. It may not be earth shattering, but watching him play this season it’s hard not to take note.

Hurting the Canucks was the uphill battle they fought in the first seven minutes, taking three penalties back to back to back. Be it sloppy play, officiating oversensitivity, or first game jitters in the case of Desbiens’, it was NOT the way the team needed to start of the night. What else is there to say than if the team intends on holding it together with injuries to the likes of Demitra, Schneider, Salo and D. Sedin, they need to all hop on the discipline bus and stay out of the bad dog box.

They were outshot for the first time this season, indicative of the loss of both Dan and Sammy. Combined, the pair shot twenty eight times in the first four games with nineteen of those fired by Dan. It shouldn’t have to be said that the need to put more shots down range is evident. Maybe, if they are forced to replace Salo with Aaron Rome, it will restore some of these missed opportunities. Even so, it will also take more effort by Raymond, Wellwood, Desbiens, Bernier, Rypien and Glass to hammer pucks on net given that each had one or less shot on goal through sixty-five minutes of play.

Bobby Lou, our beloved Captain, didn’t play his best game. He did however, stand on his head enough to force the Stars into a shutout. More so, he kept the net empty on both shootout hopefuls earning himself kudos for being indispensible in earning the second point. In the coming month, he will need to be even better.

A lot of folks were surprised with the decision of management to call up Guillaume Desbiens to replace Bernier on the third line. Many hungered for Shirokov, who would have been a great choice, and some delusional fans could be heard calling for Grabner to save the day. Whereas Shirokov could be argued a better risk than Desbiens, Grabner simply continues to leave his heart in Manitoba every time he gets a chance in the big show. Regardless, Desbiens is the man (so far) and his debut in this regular season was not, in my humble opinion, a failure.  He showed that he brings some wheels to the game with bursts of speed through the attacking zone that, supported with a little confidence, could prove to be dangerous when rushing the net. He demonstrated an ability to use that big six foot two, two hundred and ten pound frame as more than a bench filler by powering through the opposition around the net. He showed signs of aggressiveness and heart that given some more time with the big boys could manifest into the beginnings of a good power forward. With more ice time than just two other forwards, Hordichuck and Glass, Desbiens had no actual shots on net but maintained a goal differential (+/-) of zero. He may not have come out with an explosive and unexpected miracle game, but he didn’t fail either. I think we need to see more of Guillaume before deciding his fate.

To no surprise, answering the call of leadership was our hard working defenseman. Bieksa played with reckless abandon and Mitchell sniped a goal in the third, proving that our defence is doing their part. With a lower body injury to Sammy Salo in the first period, Edler, Mitchell, Ernhoff and Bieksa all played for over twenty-six minutes each, leading the team in ice time. Before anyone panics over the injury to Salo, it’s important to note that it happened early and restricted him to less than three minutes of ice time. So, realistically speaking, the team rallied and were still successful on the night without him. If Sammy is out for a long time, it will hurt and it will add salt to the wound that is the loss of Daniel. Yet, adding that injury to the team will still not be enough to convince me that they can’t continue to win.

In addition to hard working defenseman, and again, I KNOW it is early in the season, we have three healthy players aside from Hank that are contributing a point per game. Kesler (who is a MACHINE out there), Samuelsson (who WILL prove his worth) and Ernhoff (leading the team with a plus four) all have a point a game. I don’t think for a minute that these three will maintain such numbers, but I do think that each can score twenty plus goals this season with Kesler capable of thirty to thirty-five. Burrows and Raymond are also potential twenty-five to thirty-five goal scorers. Their potential to produce and “can-do” attitude will continue to be indispensible over the next month especially.

Thirteen games, including contests against Detroit, Calgary, the Rangers and the Kings. These are not insurmountable odds. The first game was not evidence of the team’s A-game as we may have hoped. In short, it wasn’t pretty but it worked. Those are the moments I love most from our Vancouver Canucks. Those moments that see them pull rabbits out of hats and goals out of their… hockey pants… It was slightly sloppy with signs of flash and a MacGyver like “adapt and overcome” attitude that gives me faith that this team will continue to “get ‘er done” by any means possible.

Thirteen more games? Let’s get it on!

Aaron Davis for CanucksCorner.com

Follow Aaron on Twitter at: http://wwww.twitter.com/narcan2k

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The Canucks were paid a visit by the injury bug yesterday and what the little critter left was not nice. The team has lost the services of winger Daniel Sedin for 4 to 6 weeks with a broken foot. Sedin has been fitted for a cast and will miss his first game since November of 2006.

The club recalled forward Guillaume Desbiens Saturday from the Manitoba Moose. Alain Vigneault described Desbiens as a “two-way hockey player, who can be physical and has grit.”

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On a plane ride from Toronto to Vancouver, I was getting excited because I got to go home to Vancouver and catch some Canucks games on the west coast and of course the pending trip to LA and Anaheim to see the Canucks play in Southern California. (That’s another column in itself).  I was very fortunate to sit next to a Canucks fan. He was wearing his Linden jersey, so I assumed that he was a Nucks fan and I decided to strike up a conversation.  He obliged.

We talked about what happened last year and how far the Canucks can potentially go in this upcoming season.  We both had high hopes and then there was a small silence. He then brought up that Linden was his favourite Canuck of all time and asked me which Canucks was my favourite. I responded with Trevor Linden.  I wasn’t surprised, he was in and around my age (34) and we both grew up in that era of Canucks hockey.

He also brought up the topic of Trevor Linden making the Hall Of Fame.  I wasn’t sure how to respond. I had a confused look on my face.  He kept rambling on how Trevor was the heart and soul of the Canucks and how he has done so much for the organization under different ownership(s) etc, etc, etc.  I finally responded with, “Trevor Linden is not a Hall of Fame Player”.  I think he was about ready to slap me, but instead, I got the “you’re not a real Canucks fan” response.  I wasn’t going to argue so I just said”You’re right, I am not a real Canucks fan, I am hockey fan who happens to favour the Canucks as her team of choice.”

My fellow fan was just flabbergasted that I would not induct Vancouver’s Golden Boy, Trevor Linden, into the Hockey Hall of Fame like most Canucks fans would.  I gave him my explanation, like I am going to give it to you, the readers.

When I say this Canucks fans, please don’t bombard my email with hate mail about how I am not a Canucks fan because I don’t love Trevor Linden.  Fact is, I love Trevor Linden, and he is truly my favourite Canuck of all time.  He was truly a great asset to the organization when he was a part of it, and not to mention the community of the Lower Mainland.  Linden embraced Vancouver and Vancouver embraced Trevor Linden.  It was a love affair that was instantaneous and life-long.

I am a huge Trevor Linden fan, but even with Canucks –coloured glasses on, Trevor Linden is not HOF material as a player.  Heck he’s not even our leading goal scorer of all time in the club record books.  It’s sad to say but towards the end of his career, Trevor’s abilities and foot speed, decreased so much that even an ardent Linden fan as me could no longer deny it.

I did however love seeing flashes of classic Linden during the playoffs. He was definitely clutch.   Still, he’s not my choice as a player to go to the HOF. The HOF is the best of the best, and as much as Vancouver fans love Trevor, he’s not or even close to that echelon of player. To say any different, would be a delusion of grandeur.

So I stand by it, Trevor Linden was not a good enough player to be considered for the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was a good hockey player with an extraordinary heart, mindset, and a conscience for the game, the fans, and the city that gave him so much.  I`m sure he`ll even agree with me.  He`s not the best of the best, but he certainly played amongst them, and played well I might add.

However, I believe that Trevor Linden will be in the HHOF, and no, not as a visitor, but he will be inducted in due time.  He has a chance to be inducted in the “Builders” category.  For the years he`s spent as the NHLPA president and playing a huge role in bringing hockey back after a year-long lockout, I believe he will get his day and his respect.

So my flight companion was partially right, Trevor Linden is worthy of the HOF, just not as a player.

Compromise?

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