Canucks Army Monday Mailbag: October 2nd

There’s only one correct answer, and it’s Jake Virtanen.

I’m less concerned about Nikolay Goldobin than most as it concerns the KHL option. In general, I think this is just the aftershock of a market that feels burned by the Nikita Tryamkin situation. There isn’t anything concrete to make me think Goldobin is seriously considering the KHL.

Anton Rodin, however, has an out-clause in his contract to bolt back to the SHL based on whether he would have made the Canucks or not. He didn’t, but he’s cleared waivers and plans to report to the Utica Comets. We’ll see how long Rodin lasts in the AHL.

I don’t have DAZN, so I can’t offer much help here.

It looks like this year’s version of the power play is going to be every bit as ineffective and bewildering as the last if the pre-season is any indication. This is to say, not very good at all.

I’m no AHL expert, but I have to say, it looks like they have a hell of a chance of making it to the Calder Cup based on their roster.

Elias Pettersson.

You’re fired.

Goldobin’s career is certainly trending in that direction, yes.

That’s hard to say. I wasn’t following prospects back then with anywhere near the enthusiasm I do now. That said, Rasmus Dahlin produced more in the SHL than Victor Hedman in his draft-minus-one year, so from a strictly quantitative perspective, you could make the case for Dahlin.

Considering how long Jayson Megna and Michael Chaput lasted in camp, one would have to think they’re high on the priority list for injury call-ups. And that’s not the worst thing. If those two players are on your farm team, you’re doing okay in terms of depth.

No.

It’s not unreasonable to be concerned about the Canucks trainers. Last year’s bizarre mishandling of multiple injuries was a bad, bad look. The situations surrounding Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann and now Olli Juolevi’s weights don’t help.

I don’t know if I agree with the assessment that Devan Dubnyk was a late bloomer. Dubnyk was a decent goaltender long before he went to the Arizona Coyotes or Minnesota Wild. I can’t see Jacob Markstrom being a late bloomer. I see the possibility with Anders Nilsson.

Chris Tanev.

Evan McEneny.

Hopefully, for the Canucks’ sakes, not too long.

You could make a case for each of the NHL and AHL as being the best option for Brock Boeser’s development. I’m not sure where I stand, though.

A mid-to-late round draft pick.

That’s not necessarily accurate. The Canucks gave Archibald a couple of games a few years back. As for other teams, it’s probably because Archibald just hasn’t shown a lot in his career to justify an extended look, and he’s 27-years-old. That’s not the year most players break through to the NHL.

If Boeser sticks with the Canucks, I could see him potting 20 goals.

Yes.

When Gaunce returns from injury, I’d imagine he’ll take on a similar role to the one he played in last season. Gaunce will be a fourth line winger that the Canucks can rely on to kill penalties and provide sound defensive results.

It’s hard to say right now, but I’m leaning towards Thomas Vanek getting a chance with the Twins, at least to start the season. I’d put Loui Eriksson there personally.

Jordan Subban has played defence his entire life. There isn’t even a lot about his game that suggests to me the transition makes sense. His best assets are his ability to move the puck and man the point with his cannon of a shot. I don’t like the idea one bit.

Both players were taken too late in the draft, certainly, but I don’t think that’s a dagger to the heart of the premier positions argument for draft priority. I genuinely believe you can’t build a Stanley Cup contender from the wing.

I don’t think that such a number exists. Canucks general manager Jim Benning won’t get an extension based on wins, I don’t think. It’s probably going to be about the process and fan interest. If the team is more exciting and fans are more engaged, they can probably finish in the bottom three again, and he’s fine. If not, well, I think that might be the end of the Benning era.

I have some big news regarding the future of the Canucks Army Podcast for the upcoming season. I’m very excited about the future of the show, and can’t wait to reveal what I’ve been working on behind the scenes.