Welcome back to WDYTS, the only hockey column on the internet more dramatic than the classic film Training Day.

Speaking of training days, the Vancouver Canucks’ are almost over as it pertains to their 2024 Training Camp and preseason. The rookie tournament is complete, the all-day drill sessions are wrapped, and by the time you’ve read these words, the Canucks should already have played three exhibition games, including one in Abbotsford.

We’re close, people.

But before we get there, decisions need to be made.

The hard choices will be made by the folks making the big bucks, meaning the Canucks’ front office and coaching staff. They’re the ones who have to decide on who gets the top-six spots, who plays with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, and which goaltender gets the season-opening start.

All the fans have to do is watch – and decide how they want to respond to CanucksArmy’s weekly WDYTS question, of course.

Some of you have watched every minute. Others have followed along on the accounts of those watchers. But everyone’s been tuned in at least a little bit, and that means everyone has their own set of opinions – and favourites.

We’re not going to overly complicate things here.

This week, we’re asking:

Let it be known in the comment section.

You answered below!

That would be great man Vilmer Alriksson and his enormous 235 lb. of DOMINATION, as reported on by Dave Hall.

Most people here follow the Canucks closely and have tuned into the Young Stars tournament. Just not likely to be any surprises among the prospects. Roget was dead on in describing Alriksson at Young Stars, but I don’t think anyone has a chance to push their way onto the NHL roster.

The one prospect from way down the depth chart who could move up is Ty Glover. I doubt he is ever an NHL player, but he showed good size and speed in Penticton. He is way under the radar and seems to be a late bloomer.

Nils Aman is going to face a lot of challengers for that 13th forward spot. He has not really impressed to date. It would be a pleasant surprise if he shows up heavier and hungrier.

Sherwood, DeBrusk, Heinen, and Sprong all have big opportunities. From what I’ve read over the offseason, a motivated Sprong could force his way into the top-six. These coaches are going to push him to be a more complete player and he may be able to be. Sammy Blais might be a pleasant surprise.

The two players I really hope surprise us are Desharnais and Forbort. They will both get looks in the top-four.

With Daks possibly being out to start the season, suddenly there is opportunity for someone to seize a spot in the bottom-six. Åman and PDG, as well as some of the AHL prospects, are either in or out, so there will be some competition for a spot.

My guy is Max Sasson, he was the hardest working player on the ice in the Young Stars and has had success in the AHL. I think he will win his way into the hearts of Tocchet and staff and win a spot out of camp now that one has become available for the role he will be expected to play.

I hope it’s our newest pickups. DeBrusk and Heinen. We need these two to step up and strengthen our top-six. This would allow Suter to play centre. Making us very strong down the middle. Which is much better than having Aman centre the 4th line.

Somebody will have a great camp. Likely someone unexpected. Then transitioning the great camp into the regular season rarely happens. But it does give whoever the opportunity. The guys like DeBrusk and Heinen will have good camps just because they know what to expect. It’s not their first rodeo.

Training camp is so short that it’s really difficult for anyone to make an impact at camp. I’m going to assume that the question refers to the entire preseason.

I think it will be Höglander. He will likely play more preseason games than most players and, with Joshua’s absence, he’ll be vying for a bigger role. He really wants to be a top-six winger and knows there will be competition.

Heinen has my vote. This guy has the potential to play along side Miller and Boeser. If I was him I would do everything in camp to blow the doors off the coaching staff and prove I belong on that line and set myself up for a UFA payday at the end of my contract. This type of opportunity does not come along very often. PDG shows last year his heart was bigger than the skillset on the same opportunity. Heinen should have a higher ceiling. It is his chance. My guess is he will rise to the level needed to stick.

I’m hoping for Höglander and Petey to find chemistry on another level. They may not even be linemates after training camp, but there were flashes of brilliance there last season and if they can build on it and be consistent they could be formidable top-six pairing. Höglander is a relentless forechecker. If Lekkerimäki can eventually step in and be the primary shooter, the three of them could be a handful for any team. Lot of if’s, but it’s not an unrealistic scenario in the near future.

I wanted to say DAK to prove his contract was worth it, but now it’s all about his recovery and wishing him well.

So that leaves the door open now for Mr. PTO Blais or prospect JL to shine? Maybe a big ask there to be standout from the others pressing for spots on the team.

Thus, I am going with newcomer Sprong, who wants to win that top 6 role next to Petey. To do that he’ll have to outplay Höglander, Sherwood, and now Garland. Best way to impress RT to make that call is steal the show.