On yesterday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal welcomed prospect scout Dave Hall to explore the Canucks’ options amid their continued injury woes after recently placing on IR.
Filip Hronek is working his way back via a conditioning stint in Abbotsford after missing 18 games with a shoulder injury but Erik Brannstrom is struggling to stay in the lineup, and for a blue line that came into the season with question marks, things are getting desperate on the Canucks’ back end.
Rookies Elias Pettersson and Kirill Kudryatsev are exciting prospects in Abbotsford, but Dave suggested that more experienced options may be better suited for the immediate challenges the Canucks face.
“Even if they were on par, they already have a shortcoming in the fact they’re 20 years old and haven’t played a single NHL game,” said Dave. “I’d be more comfortable with a Cole McWard or Christian Wolanin; more of a veteran than trying out a rookie at this point in time. Not that I wouldn’t love it and both Kudryatsev or Pettersson probably could slide into a third pair role right now, but I don’t see the need for it.
“McWard is a right-hand shot, and I’ve thought for a while he should get a game in the NHL. You’re not going to get anything fancy from him, but he’s a nice reliable two-way guy who can move the puck probably better than Juulsen. He’s not going to be as physical and has room to grow there, but I’m still shocked he hasn’t gotten the call-up yet.”
Despite their youth, Dave praised Pettersson and Kudryatsev for their impressive performances in the AHL.
“Both these guys are on a great trajectory right now. Pettersson is playing top-line minutes and penalty kill; transitioned from the SHL as seamlessly as you could imagine and as of today, he’s an AHL all-star. Even offensively, he’s right there in terms of production. Kudryatsev has been really impressive, he’s now working the second power play and is more of that dynamic and visionary kind of player. He needs to put on a bit of weight but he plays a smart enough game where he could probably get away with it.”
Dave also touched on Tom Willander’s impressive showing at the World Juniors, where he showcased his evolving two-way game and potential NHL readiness.
“It was a real nice eye-opener for the fans that don’t get to see him on a day-to-day basis,” said Dave. “I watch him a lot, I’ve seen the development and work he’s put into his two-way game and it’s showing but even I was a little shocked that he was quarterbacking power-play one.
“Not only that, he was the second-most utilized player in the tournament. He only had two goals but rang at least three posts and could have had a couple more goals so overall it was a really strong showing as one of the better two-way prospects in the game.”
While Willander’s NHL future looks promising, Dave advised patience.
“He’s definitely pro-ready and him signing to the NHL is circumstantial, depending where the Canucks’ blue line is at in the spring and how far BU goes in their playoffs. Don’t expect him to come in and play next to Quinn Hughes on that top line, or maybe even the second line; I don’t see them fast-tracking his development but if it’s a question of whether he can play NHL games, the answer is yes.”
Finally, Dave commented on Jonathan Lekkerimaki’s performance in his first game back with the Canucks since being recalled from Abbotsford, where he notched a goal and an assist against the Canadiens in a 5-4 OTL.
“As long as he’s on that line with J.T. and Brock, I think he can stick,” said Dave. “He’s got that shoot-first mentality and the team needs guys that can score. He’s probably ready to take on that full-time role as long as he’s in a position to succeed.”
You can watch the full segment below!
Sponsored by bet365
