It’s been quite some time since the Canucks’ minor league affiliate was stocked with so many promising youngsters as it is currently.
Prior to the Linden-Benning era, the likes of Jordan Schroeder, Nicklas Jensen, and Brendan Gaunce represented the future of the team. The cupboard was bare and there were a minuscule amount of legitimate prospects playing for the then-affiliate Chicago Wolves. Four seasons later, the Utica Comets are showing signs of hope for the future.
Head coach Trent Cull recently made an appearance on TSN 1040  to give a run-down on how some notable prospects have performed through the first few months of the season.
Reid Boucher has had a great start so far. With 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 24 games, he currently sits ninth in AHL scoring and is tied for 3rd in goals. Despite his play, he hasn’t found himself called-up as of yet. Although the knock in his game has always been his defensive play, Cull is attempting to develop that aspect by having him kill penalties. With all the injuries the Canucks are facing, one can’t help but wonder when Boucher will get his chance.
Trent Cull on Boucher: “He’s a dynamic scorer and he’s been killing penalties. That’s something that helps the guy know his defensive responsibilities and helps him feel defensively aware as well. Reid has been a real good player for us, for sure.”
Another bright spot for the Comets has been Thatcher Demko — the perceived goaltender of the future. After spending his first professional season backing-up Richard Bachman, Demko assumed the role as Utica’s starting goaltender this season. Demko is sporting a record of 9-6-3-1 with a 0.921 SV% and 2.47 GAA.
Although his record isn’t stellar, it’s worth noting that the Comets have been starved for offensive production. They rank 23rd in AHL scoring and their blueline is mostly comprised of rookie AHL defensemen. Bachman isn’t having a great season, possessing a record of 2-5-1 with a 3.98 GAA. That being said, don’t jump to conclusions when looking at Demko’s stats. He’s off to a stellar start in November and his development is on schedule, if not ahead.
Cull on Demko: “He’s a real calming influence on our team. He handles the puck really well, so that helps out our defensemen. He’s making those big saves that look routine and it’s really nice to know you’ve got a guy back there who’s going to make a big save when things are falling apart. He’s one of those pillars of strength for us.”
The Canucks signed Philip Holm in the summer as a defenseman who could possibly challenge for a top-six role but was likely to be a seventh or eighth defenseman. None of those expectations were met, although one may certainly argue that it was no fault of his own. Coming over to North America is already a tall task, not to mention getting used to the different style of game. Holm currently leads Utica defensemen in point with 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 19 games. He hasn’t gotten any NHL action yet, but based on Cull’s comments, it looks like he’s on track to get a call-up sometime in the near future.
Cull on Philip Holm: “He’s still in the process (of adjusting). He’s really dialed in on making good plays and good passes, and sometimes he leaves himself a little exposed and it’s a little unneeded. The one thing we talk about is moving your feet and keep going and being able to join in. Whenever you stop moving your feet, that’s a troubled time so that’s one thing we’re trying to improve with Philip. Overall, he’s doing a real good job and he’s been a real good puck mover here.”
Zack MacEwen was a sought-after CHL free-agent last season, with the likes of Ottawa, Toronto, and Tampa Bay hoping to sign him to an entry-level contract. He had an impressive prospects camp, showing off his physicality and bursts of skill. With 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) in 21 games, MacEwen’s adjustment to the AHL has shown to be better than that of previous Canucks free-agent signees in Michael Carcone and Griffen Molino.
Cull on Zack MacEwen: “A big, raw potential kid. He skates pretty well and plays with no fear. He can play aggressive and he’s finishing his checks. But he’s got a skilled side to his game, too. For a big guy, he has really good hands and can place the puck in certain situations. He can make good players and he has a good shot as well. There’s a lot of parts that he’s learning, but the package he has is really enticing. It’s a big, raw package that looks really good. There’s a lot of potential.”
Utica’s defense was bolstered when Evan McEneny came into his own last season. Unfortunately for him, a knee injury derailed his season and will sideline him for six months. He was off to a great start with Utica, putting up 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in 11 games. A staple on the Comets’ blueline, his presence is sorely missed. That being said, rookies Jalen Chatfield (2 assists in 23 games) and Guillaume Brisebois (1 goal, 3 assists in 23 games) are expected to step up and attempt to fill the void.
Cull on Evan McEneny: “He was playing really well. He contributed in all situations and we’re going to miss him. Just a 5-on-5 guy, experienced in the AHL. How you replace that – it’s really difficult. We have some really promising guys – Chatfield, Brisebois are doing a heck of a job for us, and Ashton Sautner is having a really good year. Our young guys are taking strides and helping. We’re sharing it around with Wiercioch and Sifers. It’s a shared responsibility to pick up the minutes because McEneny was a guy who logged a lot of minutes for us.”