On yesterday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli was joined by Shannon Skanes, AKA The Hockey Guy (THG) to discuss the latest surrounding the Canucks and insights from around the NHL.
The discussion started with Kevin Lankinen and his remarkable 8-0-0 road record to start the season.
“All summer, I couldn’t figure out why Lankinen wasn’t signed,” Shannon remarked. “I was always impressed with his positioning, thought he was a good goaltender, and that he controlled rebounds well. When Vancouver signed him, I was so happy because, although I like Silovs, the idea of Silovs-Patera? No thanks. That’s two inexperienced goaltenders.
“Once Demko comes back, I don’t think there’s a problem with playing Demko at home and Lankinen on the road and balancing it that way; he’s fantastic on the road.”
Shannon highlighted Boston’s ongoing difficulties, noting that their lack of confidence is a significant factor.
“Boston was taking low-quality shots, and they’re fighting it right now. They don’t have the confidence. Every game is the same—they can generate the shots, but it doesn’t feel like they’re generating a lot of dangerous opportunities. They’re not in sync with one another.
“It feels like there might be something in the locker room we don’t know about with Boston at this point.”
The conversation briefly turned to Elias Pettersson’s season and his recent improvements.
“Pettersson is figuring it out,” Shannon said. “He’s one of the most talented players the Canucks have ever had. When he said he turned off social media and started playing better, that’s not a coincidence.
“I want to say he needs to relax, but telling people that stresses them out. He needs to find the fun again. He doesn’t look like he’s enjoying it as much right now. If he’s having fun and has linemates he can click with, he’ll be fine.”
The duo discussed possible defensive trade targets for the Canucks, with Shannon pointing to Ryan Lindgren as an ideal addition.
“A pending UFA I’d love to see in a Canucks’ jersey is Ryan Lindgren. If the Rangers put him on the market, I’d do anything I could to get his services. Not a first-round pick this year, but maybe a second, a prospect, and someone on an expiring contract.
“That said, I’m not as worried about the defence now. Brännström has played pretty well overall, and his cap hit is fantastic. As long as Demko comes back and stays healthy, and they avoid major injury issues, they’re one defenceman away. The Pacific is wide open right now, and if the Canucks add the right defenceman, they could be favourites to win it.”
Shannon shared his thoughts on the Pacific Division race, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding key teams.
“Vegas’ and Edmonton’s goaltending—obviously, there’s been issues there,” he said. “If Vancouver adds Demko, that gives them something both those teams don’t have, which is certainty in net.
“Funny enough, Calgary, with Dustin Wolf, if they can stay in the hunt, who knows?”
The conversation briefly shifted to the Calder Trophy race, where Shannon praised Macklin Celebrini’s recent form.
“Wolf has been fantastic, but the last game I watched of San Jose, Macklin Celebrini is really figuring it out,” he said. “The Sharks are fun to watch right now. There’s no pressure, and Celebrini has a bit of everything. If he can stay healthy the rest of the year, it could be his award.”
Shannon also addressed the Anaheim Ducks’ lack of veteran leadership and chemistry issues.
“The Ducks have a lot of young players, but it feels like they might need a veteran who can settle things down and lead these guys,” he explained. “Radko Gudas is a good captain, but they need a veteran forward—someone who can help those young guys—and they just don’t have it.
“The good news is Dostal and Gibson have been fantastic and are keeping Anaheim in the hunt by themselves. Leo Karlsson has the ability to take over games, but I don’t know if he’s got the right linemates. Chemistry is the tricky part; you can put it together on paper, but on the ice, it might turn out completely different.”
Finally, the discussion turned to Nils Höglander’s struggles and his future with the Canucks.
“It felt like he wasn’t in Vancouver’s plans, but last year he forced his way in with the way he was playing and putting the puck in the net,” Shannon said. “I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if he was part of what they decide to include in a package for a defenceman.
“He’s a good young forward signed past this year, which might make him an attractive option to a team like the Rangers. I’d rather not see him get traded; he’s really won me over. He’s such a hard worker and never takes a shift off.”
You can watch the full segment below:
Sponsored by bet365
