Canucks Army Roundtable: Training Camp

Training Camp is upon us in Whistler, and next week pre-season action will be getting started as we gear up for the NHL campaign. With that in mind, this time of year is a crucial time to take a look at who the Canucks have prospect-wise, and also how their PTO’s will turn out, as well as having a look at the core of the team and seeing how they perform. With that in mind, I asked our writers who they are most excited about watching in training camp/pre-season. Answers after the jump!

Question: Who are you most excited to watch in pre-season/training camp?

I want to see Juolevi tear it up. Ya, he’s the new cool toy but he’s a stud defender and really why wouldn’t you want to see him succeed? Sounds like Troy Stecher is the real deal as well so maybe the Canucks are on to something?  Its tough to get too excited about pre season because a good chunk of this team is decided. However, we saw Ben Hutton make it and I’m so thankful he did.  This team is starting to be the team we’ve been waiting for but its still going to take time. Lets see Juolevi break stuff!

Anton Rodin. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but the success of the Canucks this season likely correlates directly with how much Rodin can produce. He was an MVP in Sweden, which indicates he might be capable of being a high-end second line player like Mats Zuccarello. If that’s the case, the Canucks finally have depth scoring. Or, perhaps he’s more like Joonas Donskoi, a 30-35 point guy who can be added value in your bottom six. I’m just really hoping he doesn’t end up like Fabian Brunnstrom.

Juolevi because I missed all of the Youngstars tournament and heard great things. So it would be cool if he does great things in the pre-season and I get to see them!

Probably Virtanen. While it might be tempting to say one of the new guys – and of course, I’m still interested in them – Virtanen won’t have the same leeway as last year. Since he’s AHL-eligible, the Canucks have more flexibility with his situation. The organization might choose to exercise that option if he disappoints in camp. I want to see him force management to keep him in Vancouver purely on merit, as that would be a good sign for both the team and the individual. He’s had a whole off-season to train and re-focus, let’s see if that paid off.

I’m going to have to go with Anton Rodin. There are a number of new faces coming in, but Rodin is such an unknown at this point. Unlike Eriksson or Larsen, he has never played an NHL game, and still he is expected to fit somewhere in a middle six role. I watched enough of Rodin last season in Sweden to be encouraged of his ability to transfer his offensive numbers, but the differences between international and North American ice size could be a challenge. It he can overcome that, he could provide valuable depth for a team that desperately needs it.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say our 2012 first round pick Brendan Gaunce. I know the bottom 6 lines are pretty much set, but it would be interesting to see if he’s able to force someone out of their spot. Linden said he worked extremely hard in the summer, so hopefully that will pay off. When he was up here for a few games last season, he looked very good and steady. His one assist in 20 games obviously is something that sticks out, but that will likely change if/when he gets to build chemistry with his linemates. His ability to play both C and LW might give him an extra bonus too. He’s a big guy at 6’2 and over 207 lbs, so I’m hoping he can really make the Canucks brass think twice about sending him down.  Gaunce is motivated, and something he said that impressed me was “It’s not ‘I think I can do it’ anymore, it’s ‘I know I can do it.”

Jordan Subban. He was one of the best u23 offensive defenders in the AHL last year, and he looked great in any action he’s played in during the off-season. There are a lot of people doubting his ability to play based on his size, but Jordan Subban is an extremely strong player who has constantly improved throughout his career. He is a high character guy who brings excitement, confidence, puck skills, and offensive fire power to a blue line that will needs some in the next couple of years. While it is unlikely for him to make the team, there is a great opportunity for him to showcase his game that will endear himself to the fans. Jordan Subban’s height doesn’t measure the amount of heart, character, determination, and work ethic he brings to better himself for an opportunity to succeed at the NHL level, and hopefully he gets every opportunity to this year.

For me, it’s Subban as well. So many mixed stories are around about what kind of player he is, so to be able to check him out and see what he’s all about would be great. He was strong last pre-season, almost making the team, so I’d love to see him build on that and surprise some people.