[CanuckJohnny]

Training Camp Position Battles




September 20th, 2017 -
With the pre-season opening tonight, the Canucks break camp with some intriguing spots up for grabs. We will be watching closely to see how pre-season plays out and who steps up and claims a job.

3rd pairing RD:

The options - Frank Corrado, Rasmus Andersson, Dylan DeMelo, Scott Mayfield

The front runners - Frank Corrado has the experience with the organization and the trust of the coaches. Rasmus Andersson looked great in the prospect camp earlier this summer and if he carries that on he should have an extended look.

7th D:

The options - Brad Hunt, Nick Schultz, Frank Corrado

The front runners - Brad Hunt has been a reliable 7th D for this organization and could have the best chance at it again this year. If Frank Corrado is beat out for the sixth D he could stick on the roster as the depth option as well.

Backup G:

The options - Casey DeSmith, Anthony Stolarz, Nathan Lieuwen

The front runners - DeSmith impressed a lot of people in the organization with his play in Utica last season and the backup spot could be his to lose. Nathan Lieuwen was signed to be a depth minor leaguer but he has shown out so far in camp and a strong preseason could earn him the job as well.

3rd line RW:

The options - Stefan Noesen, Josh Anderson, Teemu Hartikainen

The front runners - This was Noesen's spot last season but he'll have to earn it all over again with fewer roster spots up for grabs this year. Hartikainen could sneak in and steal this spot, he plays the kind of two way detail oriented game that coaches love, especially for what is effectively the checking line.

3rd line C:

The options - Cole Cassels, Mikko Koivu, Nico Hischier

The front runners - Cassels played this role for much of last season and seems well suited to it again. The veteran Mikko Koivu could steal the show depending on what happens with the fourth line though.

4th line C:

The options - Mikko Koivu, Nico Hischier, Cole Cassels, Danton Heinen

The front runners - Mikko Koivu is expected to start the season centering this line, which won't be a traditional fourth line at all, between youngsters Tyler Bertuzzi and Evgeny Svechnikov. Nico Hischier could surprise people and sneak into the opening day lineup and if he does this is his most likely landing spot.

13th and 14th F:

The options - Josh Anderson, Dustin Jeffrey, Danton Heinen, Marcel Goc, Michael Grabner, Teemu Hartikainen, Cole Cassels

The front runners - Josh Anderson may be the odd one out to start the year unless he can supplant Noesen on the third line or otherwise surprise, but he should still be on the roster, probably as the 13th forward. Teemu Hartikainen is the other, more veteran option on the wing who may be an extra forward to start the year if he can't crack the lineup. Dustin Jeffrey seems to just stick around this organization and get opportunities and make the most of them. He is an ideal extra forward, versatile and coachable. Danton Heinen could be a choice to keep around as a center even if he can't crack the opening day lineup.