CanucksCorner

Welcome to today’s live blog of the World Junior Hockey Championship game between Canada and Latvia. Canada Latvia Live Blog Source

Ok, I know what you’re going to say. People are having fun with it, so what’s the big deal? The Canucks game presentation folks recently came up with a new goal celebration, with a recorded “Woo!” being played after every Canucks goal and the fans then repeat the recording. Now having grown up with the growth of [...] Source

Pathetic?....This post was purely tongue and cheek....woo away. And don't forget to watch RAW this week.

<img src="http://nhluploads.invisionzone.com/canucks/1260870440/gallery_58911_38_2371.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Ok, I know what you're going to say. People are having fun with it, so what's the big deal? The Canucks game presentation folks recently came up with a new goal celebration, with a recorded "Woo!" being played after every Canucks goal and the fans then repeat the recording. Now having grown up with the growth of the WWF/WWE culture, I can't help but hate this post goal celebration. This isn't wrestling, it's Canucks hockey. I'm such a wet blanket. Now the folks at the Canucks assure me it's David Lee Roth from Van Halen fame in the recording and not the wrestler Ric Flair, which makes me hate it a little less being a fan of the band, but I digress. Flair could likely be considered the father of "woo", and as he states his "wooing" came to be born in th 70's. It's 2010 people. Now to get some idea what it sounds like in GM Place after a goal these days, watch this video Now this doesn't just happen after a goal, it's starting to happen during the play. It's happening in the washrooms, in concession lines and as you walk back to your car after the game. It sounds like your surrounded by a bunch of cats in heat, or by hyenas. I say no more "WOO!". Hey, we could mock our opponents after a goal with Nelson from The Simpsons http://www.youtube.c...player_embedded Or wiggle our thumbs along with Mr. Burns: But no, I shall not "wooo!" I can't do it, and I don't want my fellow Canucks fans to do it! Do we want to be lumped in with wrestling fans? Surely as Vancouver hockey fans we can come up with a better celebration, after all, we are the creators of towel power! Thank you for your time…we now return you to your regularly scheduled WWE event.

<img src="http://nhluploads.invisionzone.com/canucks/1260870440/gallery_58911_38_6048.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">CanucksCorner.com has been part of the Canucks fan site community since 1996. It's home to fan produced blogs and discussion. We're also home to Tom Benjamin's NHL Blog and George Fawcett's unique Canucks history database. Writers Brian Wawryshyn, Tom Benjamin, Justine Galo, Aaron Davis and Phillip Loe provide articles for the site. CanucksCorner.com is also an active member of the Canucks Fan Zone, helping with tweetups and live blogs. Follow us on twitter @CanucksCorner. Merry Christian! One could argue that the biggest news of the off-season was the signing of Roberto and Luongo and of course the Sedin twins. And while those players are having good years, there is a newcomer to the team that is making the trade that brought him here highway robbery. Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich were sent to the Canucks from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenceman Daniel Rahimi and forward Patrick White. Lukowich has been sent to the minors, and both Rahimi and White were no longer in the Canucks plans and neither are playing for the Sharks. Erhoff has been the jewel of the deal and has fit right in with the Canucks. In his previous season with the Sharks he recorded eight goals, 34 assists (8-34-42) and 63 penalty minutes in 77 games. This season he's leading the way on the Canucks blueline and has easily been their most steady defenseman. After 34 games this year Erhoff is just one goal off last years total, has 18 points and leads the team with an impressive plus 16 rating. At 27 years of age, Erhoff is in the prime of his career, and his addition has more than made up for the departure of Mattias Ohlund. Hordichuk's Expiration Date My friend over at Canucks Hockey Blog, Richard Loat posted about the effectiveness, or lack thereof of Darcy Hordichuk this season. I have to agree. As far as giving the team any spark, it's been a while since I can think of Hordichuk pumping up his team with any momentum changing bouts. All one needs to do is look at the much smaller Rick Rypien to get that rush. Tough guys have to play their role, and if they don't bring anything else to the table, they are dead weight. Hordichuk is a light heavyweight at best and as Richard suggests his expiry date as a Canuck is approaching, or may have even passed. Henrik For The Hart And The Rafters With Henrik Sedin just one point back of the league scoring league with 43 points, discussion has begun amongst the media and fans as to whether he deserves consideration for the Hart trophy as we approach the midpoint of the season. The answer should be a resounding yes. Henrik is not only having a great year, but with brother and line mate Daniel missing 18 games, Henrik carried the team in the offense department, proving that that twins do not need each other to be effective players. Of course together they are even more dangerous, but Henrik is certainly deserving of being in the company of any Hart trophy discussions. He's certainly been the Canucks MVP so far, and as a duo the Sedins look like they are going to take another step to becoming among the leagues elite stars an I'll even go one further. At this rate is there little doubt that if the Sedins retire Canucks, 22 and 33 will be hanging in the rafters next to 12 and 16? Bettman's Boy Our own Tom Benjamin recently posted about the appointment of Brendan Shanahan to the position Vice President of hockey and business development by the NHL. Tom suggests the job may be a little pay back to Shanahan for his work during the NHL lockout. Perhaps a little harsh towards Shanahan, as none of us really know what his qualifications are for the job, and what's expected of him in it. But it does raise eyebrows when a player retires and is promptly hired to such a lofty position of management within the league. Had Shanahan been named director of a competition committee there would likely be no issue, but the business nature of the job certainly makes things look a little fishy.

Please join us at Canuckscorner.com and welcome Philip Yoe to our writing team. In his first contribution he looks at the contributions of Andrew Raycroft, and how the goaltender is aiming to get his career back on track with the Canucks. By Philip Yoe: Canuckscorner.com When news broke that Roberto Luongo would be out of action due to a hairline rib fracture, Canuck Nation collectively were ready to hit the panic button. But thankfully, Andrew Raycroft has since pulled everyone back from the ledge with his solid play. Raycroft's performance in the games he has started since Luongo was injured has given Canucks fans all over a newfound confidence. Last year Luongo missed a total of 24 games when he tore a groin muscle in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over that span the Canucks went 9-12-3 as Curtis Sanford, Jason LaBarbera and Cory Schneider all saw some action. Overall, the Canucks held their own in Roberto's absence but definitely had a large amount of room for improvement. This summer Mike Gillis signed Raycroft as a free agent netminder this summer and it raised a lot of eyebrows. Most had considered Raycroft a bust despite winning the Calder trophy in 2004 as the outstanding rookie of the year. That season Raycroft backstopped the Boston Bruins to 29 victories while holding a save percentage of .926 and GAA of 2.05. The next year was the NHL lockout and Andrew Raycroft landed with Tappara Tampere of the Finnish SM-liiga. He appeared in 11 games, winning four of those games. When the NHL resumed in 2005 Raycroft was nowhere the goaltender he was before as he won just 8 games out of 30 with the Boston Bruins with a 3.70 GAA and .878 save percentage. Raycroft was eventually traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the rights to Tuuka Rask. Things did not improve for Raycroft in Toronto despite a decent first season that saw him pick up 37 wins in 72 games. Things got worse in 2007 when Raycroft was relegated to the backup role when the Leafs acquired Vesa Toskala from the San Jose Sharks. Raycroft appeared in only 19 games that season while winning just 2 of them. He was subsequently bought out by the Leafs and promptly signed a 1-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche as a backup to Peter Budaj in hopes of getting a clean slate. But yet again, things did not go well for the 29-year old Belleville native as he won just 12 games in 31 appearances with an .892 save percantage and goals against average of 3.14. So jump to this past offseason, Jason Labarbera signed a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes while Curtis Sanford left to join the Montreal Canadiens. This left the Canucks with their 2004 first round draft pick, Cory Schneider, as their only option as a backup to Luongo. As a result, on July 6th, Raycroft was offered a contract by GM Mike Gillis and signed the 1-year deal with the Canucks. Reaction around the hockey community was mostly of confusion or mockery, particulary from fanbases of the Maple Leafs and Avalanche who had seen how poorly Raycroft had played on a regular basis. But after five starts, the ones getting the last laugh are Mike Gillis and the Vancouver Canucks. Andrew Raycroft has compiled a very solid record of 4-1-0 in Luongo's absence. He also leads the NHL with a 1.60 GAA and is tied for first with a .936 save percentage. Has Raycroft regained the form that saw him win the Calder trophy 2004? Only time will tell as it is still just five games but he is off to a great start. Raycroft has given Canucks fans the confidence in the backup goaltender that has been missing since Alex Auld was still a Canuck. Auld, of course, was a part of the trade with Florida that involved bringing Luongo to Vancouver. Dany Sabourin, Curtis Sanford, Jason Labarbera and Cory Schneider have all tried and have not been able to perform as well as fans would have liked. Raycroft came in this summer with low expectations and has far surpassed those expectations. What happens from here is left to be seen, but surely should Luongo struggle or once again get injured, Canuck Nation will not need to hold their breath. For more original Canucks articles, visit us at: http://www.canuckscorner.com

Justine Galo: CanucksCorner.com November 3, 2009 marked for me, and for many out there, the coming out party of Ryan Kesler. That game against the New York Rangers at GM Place solidifies the letter on this man's chest. Question is: Is it the 'right' letter? We've been seeing the improvement in Ryan's game over the last few years, especially after the Canucks matched a qualifying offer the Philadelphia Flyers made to him in 2006. Ryan Kesler is, as they say in Toronto, "The Straight Goods". The man has not only has proven to be a good defensive forward, (good enough to garner himself a nomination for the Selke Trophy) but he can put up some good numbers. The passion and intensity that Ryan Kesler brings to the ice each and every night is unmatched on this roster. I've always liked Kesler, but it wasn't until about a season and half ago I really believed he should have succeeded Markus Naslund as Canuck captain; instead it went to Roberto Luongo. When I see Ryan Kesler, I see a guy who sticks up for his teammates, even if they were in the wrong (the Kelly Backes incident). I see a guy who can approach the officials and be listened to and taken seriously. His diplomacy with the media showed in his younger years has been honed to near perfection in the present day. So why isn't Ryan Kesler the Canuck captain? I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong, I like Roberto Luongo a lot, and I like the move that Canucks management did to make him the Captain on a marketing, news-making, and intra-locker room level, but I think it's time to give it to someone who doesn't stay on blue ice. I think it's time that Ryan Kesler wears the "C". Here's why: Ryan Kesler hates to lose. You see how angry he gets when the Canucks have lost a game or are put in a losing situation. He will do everything he can to make sure he does his part to make it better.Ryan Kesler plays hard each and every shift. If he's on the ice, he's doing something and moving, and trying to create chances.Ryan Kesler is an excellent two-way player. Tell me who on the team is better than Kesler in terms of a two-way game?Ryan Kesler has improved something about his game each and every year he's been on the roster. At this point in the season, he's 20th overall in scoring and is on pace to have having a career year hitting an 82pt total. How can anyone argue any of these points? In all honesty, I suppose, if someone tried really hard and dug really deep they could, but on many other teams, Ryan Kesler is a shoe-in for team captain. In fact, I am sure many feel as I do, he should be our captain. All the 'what ifs' have been answered, and resoundingly, Ryan Kesler is a bona fide leader. So maybe our franchise player should be just that, and let the captaincy go to the heart and soul of the team.

In this two part comprehensive article, Aaron Davis explores the depth of your Vancouver Canucks. In this second installment Aaron looks at the future of the team, the young draftees that are just beginning their dreams of playing in the blue, green and white. In part one of "Going Deep" we took at look at the immediate depth of the Canucks and those players that we may see on the ice this season. Part two centers on those other names that we may not yet know. Players that have their destinies etched in the future of our Vancouver Canucks. Most of these names are still three, four and five years away from having their name on the back of Canucks jersey. Each of the forty-four players in part one and two is listed with his basic information and a brief overview of where each sits in the system. I have included my opinion of what type of Canucks role they could fill. Obviously, the majority of these players are not likely to be called up to replace the player I have suggested, it is simply a reference to the type of position they COULD fill down the road. Part one dealt with those players that have a possibility of skating in a Canucks jersey this year. In part two, those players are showcased that have no chance of being called up because of where they are in their development. Part two deals with our future. Like part one, I hope it sparks discussion! Cody Hodgson - C (6' 0", 185lbs, age 19, Toronto, ON) He’s either the next franchise, Linden like player or the next hot shot requesting a Bure like trade. Hodgson is hockey. He is smart, skilled and what he lacks in flash he makes up for in work ethic. Has epic special team possibilities that stems from his great offensive and defensive awareness. Sees the ice with the best playmakers and handles the puck with light and steady hands. He is like hockey fruit, almost ready to pluck from the tree. Odds are he’ll take his lumps in the Moose as soon as he is old enough and the move can only make him a better player. All Cody Hodgson has to do is be patient and trust the Canucks organization and he will be Vancouver’s next hockey hero. Could fill in for the likes of: Henrik/Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kessler, Alex Burrows, Mikael Samuelsson Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim: Not eligible, returned to junior. Unless his junior team's season ends he cannot play for the Canucks this year. Mario Bliznak - C (6' 0", 185lbs, age 22, born Trencin, SVK) A career fourth line Centre is what the Nucks have in Mario. His offensive awareness and ability to see the ice are, unfortunately, his biggest challenges. Bliznak plays hard and every time he hits the ice he plans to work. Fast legs and determination round him out as a consistent defensive contributor. The boy was a great Defenseman in a past life. Could fill in for the likes of: Ryan Johnson Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Dan Gendur - RW (5' 11", 195lbs, age 22, Born Vancouver, BC) Development on the farm may bring Dan to a place in his ability where he is a well rounded offensive threat. Today is not that time. He skates like Raymond, shoots like Salo but has the point production of O’Brien. Stick handling needs work but his drive and ambition carry him to places his skill his not ready for. Time will tell if he can find the next gear in his career. Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Evan Oberg - D (6' 0", 165lbs, age 21, born Forestburg, AB) Still too small for the big leagues, Evan is one of the Canucks most promising defensemen. Still years from a spot on the Canucks, Oberg needs to fill out by at least 25 – 20 lbs in order to compete. Good thing he’s still young! Could fill in for the likes of: Alexander Edler Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Prab Rai - C (5' 11", 191lbs, age 19, born Surrey, BC) Skates like the Russian Rocket but needs a few years in the minors to develop. He drives through the neutral zone and invents scoring chances like nobody’s business. Has potential to be a top six forward one day. Prab is confident in what he brings but has had his character, professionalism and work ethic called to question in the past. Of course, that may be indicative of being raised in Surrey... Playing this year with the CHL Everett Silvertips. Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson, Alex Burrows Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Taylor Ellington - D (6' 0", 200lbs, age 20, born Victoria, BC) Taylor is no pussycat. He can be mean and powerful especially in his own end. Taylor’s reliability and playmaking ability gives him potential to be a top four d-man. A few years working through the system and Ellington will likely find a permanent spot on the Canucks roster. Could fill in for the likes of: Kevin Bieksa, Willie Mitchell Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Jordan Schroeder - C/RW (5' 8", 175lbs, age 19, born Burnsville, MN) Schroeder is another future star for the Canucks Nation. Not the biggest, not the smallest but he enhances the level of play regardless of who he plays with. An unselfish player with great hockey sense, a view of the ice like no other, and natural playmaking abilities make him an exciting guy to have in the system. Plays with the heart and flexibility that makes you forget that he is only 5’8”. His development is just as exciting as Hodgson’s and when it comes time for t hem to hit the bigs together, we’ll probably see them lynchpins in our top six forwards. For now, he’ll pay his dues in the NCAA. Could fill in for the likes of: Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kessler, Alex Burrows, Mikael Samuelsson Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Matt Butcher - C (6' 1", 185, age 22, born Bellingham, WA) Butcher is destined for a reserve role. That’s a ways away yet though. He throws his body around like he’s the man of steel and aggravates the tar out of his opponents. Butcher is consistent and full of spit and vinegar. Not a goal scorer by nature, he really needs to work on his offensive skills. Currently playing in the NCAA, he is still ripe for development. Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Ryan Johnson Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Kris Fredheim - D (6' 2", 170lbs, age 22, born Campbell River) Kris is the spider of defensemen. Long reach, lanky frame, and his bite is worse than his bark as he possesses a point shot the can put any shot blocker on the injured reserve list. Adding strength will be his number one goal if he expects to make it into the NHL. A solid skater who, despite being light, makes it hard for opponents to win battles in the corners. Kris does well a blocking shots and getting in the way of attacking players, creating havoc in passing lanes. He is currently playing in the NCAA with Colorado College and is likely a few years from prime time. Could fill in for the likes of: Sami Salo, Alex Edler Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Taylor Matson - C (5' 10", 165lbs, age 21, born Mound, MN) Playing for the NCAA Minnesota Gophers, Matson boasts good hands and a decent wrist shot. He’s a little guy with that big dog attitude and an ability to win battles in the corners despite being faced with bigger and stronger opponents. His major upside is his playmaking ability. With a few years still left in college hockey, it will be interesting to see Taylor’s development. Could fill in for the likes of: Mikael Samuelsson Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Yann Sauve - D (6' 3", 209lbs, age 19, born Montreal, QC) Yann is a monster defenseman. He’s aggressive and powerful with an ability to own his own end. He needs to find an offensive awareness and work on his ability to handle the puck. Being so young, Suave has time to develop in the system. In a few years he’ll either be the next Mitchell or the next SOB. Could fill in for the likes of: Willie Mitchel, Kevin Bieksa, Shane O’Brien Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Kevin Connauton - D (6' 1", 185lbs, age 19, born Edmonton, AB) Able to quarterback the power play, Kevin is developing into a great Canucks asset. He’s a playmaking defenseman with great patience. Still a long way away, Kevin is playing currently in the NCAA. Could fill in for the likes of: Christian Ehrhoff, Alexander Edler Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Jeremy Price - D (6' 1", 175lbs, age 19, born Milton, ON) Playing in the NCAA, Price is an offensive defenseman in early development. One of his most attractive qualities is that his progression is practically paced by a metronome. Every step in his evolution as a player is consistent and reliable. Price possesses a great shot, offensive awareness and good mobility. Could fill in for the likes of: Christian Ehrhoff, Alexander Edler Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Joe Cannata - G (6' 1", 200lbs, age 19, born Wakefield, MA) Currently committed in the NCAA, Cannata is set to take over for Cory Schneider on the Moose Roster. Like Cory, he is fast and agile with good puck control. A smart goalie with strong hand eye coordination, Joe is focused and able to play the puck safely. Could fill in for the likes of: Cory Schneider Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Ilja Kablukov – LW/C (6' 2", 183lbs, age 21, born Moscow, RUS) Maybe Ilja is afraid of being homesick, but his decision to not try playing for the AHL is essentially confining him to Europe. The Canucks, nor any other NHL team are going to plant him into their line-up without first testing him on North American soil. It’s unfortunate because the boy is a consistent and skilled two-way forward with great size and speed potential. He is naturally an offensively minded player with puck skills. Kablukov is stalwart and can be trusted to show up with his A-game every time. Thank God there’s still time as he’s only 21. Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler, Steve Bernier, Mikael Samuelsson Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Mats Froshaug - C (6' 1", 198lbs, age 21, born Oslo, NOR) A balanced player. Nothing spectacular yet nothing repulsive either. He’s like the guy at the office party that everyone recognizes but no one knows his name. He has some power to him and battles well but has never been beta tested outside of Europe. Just as likely to play for the Moose as he is to appear on the back of a milk carton. Could fill in for the likes of: Casper the Ghost, Ryan Johnson (Maybe?) Likelihood for a call-up this season: Less than None Peter Andersson - D (6' 3", 194lbs, age 18, born Kvidinge, SWE) Another young monster defenseman that has found his way into the Canucks player development system. Peter plays a solid two-way game with admirable hockey smarts and speed. A powerful shot and talented puck handler, Andersson is poised to quarterback the power play. Still playing in Europe, he’ll need to cross the puddle if he wants to find a roster spot eventually. Could fill in for the likes of: Sami Salo, Christian Ehrhoff Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Anton Rodin - LW/RW (5' 11", 174lbs, age 18, born Stockholm, SWE) With potential to be a top six forward or a grinding fourth liner, Anton has a long time to find his role before he breaks out of Europe and plays for the Moose. One thing id for sure, He skates fantastically, knows what to do with the puck, and when he scores, get the highlight real ready. At 18, it’s good the boy has some time to fill out to handle the men in the NHL. Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson Likelihood for a call-up this season: None Kellan Tochkin - RW (5' 10", 176lbs, age 18, born Abbotsford, BC) 74 points and a point per game in the WHL last season. Kellan will spend this year, and probably the next, with the Everett Silvertips. He’s a long way from being a player in the Moose and a really long way from playing in the blue, white and green. Played in the PIJHL for Ridge Meadows! Could fill in for the likes of: Um... way too early to tell Likelihood for a call-up this season: Michael Jackson has a better shot of touring in 2010 Steven Anthony (6' 1", 205lbs, age 18, born Halifax, NS) Playing this season with the QMJHL St. John Sea Dogs. Steven is an up and coming playmaker with some unfortunate questions about his work ethic. More will be revealed. Could fill in for the likes of: A forward Likelihood for a call-up this season: Can it be less than zero? Morgan Clark - G (5' 11", 160lbs, age 19, born Toronto, ON) A little guy that is fast and mobile in net. Going to be difficult to compete with the big monsters that are coming up through the ranks. Although early in his development, Clark will likely never see the NHL. Could fill in for the likes of: No one in the Canucks system Likelihood for a call-up this season: None The future of our Vancouver Canucks looks bright and skilled. Our player development system is working hard to ensure each and every one of these players has a shot of being the next Sedin, Burrows, Kesler, Luongo and Mitchell. I don’t know if we’ll ever win a cup, but I do know that we have a stable of young and hungry hopefuls that will sure keep on trying. There are other players in the Canucks system as well. The following list includes these players. None of them are likely to ever make it into a Canucks uniform as they have made their careers in Europe. I include them only to complete the list. Evgeny Gladskikh - Forward (6' 0", 176lbs, age 27, born Magnitogorsk, RUS) Colby Genoway – Forward (6' 1", 201lbs, age 25, born Morden, MB) Ilia Krikunov – Forward (5' 11", 169lbs, age 25, born Moscow, RUS) Sergei Topol – Forward (6' 1", 183lbs, age 24, born Omsk, RUS) Kiril Koltsov – Defense (5' 11", 183lbs, age 26, born Chelyabinsk, RUS) Denis Grot – Defense (6' 0", 185lbs, age 25, born Minsk, BLR) Lukas Mensator – Goalie (5' 8", 167lbs, age 25, born Sokolov, CZE)

In this comprehensive two part article, Aaron Davis explores the depth of your Vancouver Canucks. Part one of this piece looks at those players that we could see on the ice in a Canucks jersey this season. It stands to reason that in an 82 game season, every NHL team will have to deal with top players experiencing a slump or injury. Hockey is a contact sport and arguably the fastest major sport there is so eventually, no matter how hard you try to avoid it, stuff happens. It's in those moments that your third and fourth lines, your fifth, sixth, and seventh defenseman, and your backup goalie will be called out to step up and fill in the gaps. In the stretch, team depth makes or breaks an NHL team, especially in the moments leading up to playoffs. When a team finds three of their top six and one third line forward as well as one of their top three defensemen all injured at the same time, it can be argued that we have left the realm of normal team were and tear. It's unfortunately where we find our beloved Vancouver Canucks within the first ten games of the season. One good thing about our rocky ride on the injury express is that we get to see who's on the bus. We find out what our team is made of and how they handle being called out when it matters. It also got me thinking of who is next. Who else do we have in the system that may (or may not) hear the call of management to step up to the plate. The following is a two part, comprehensive overview of every player in the Canucks system that is not solidly in an NHL roster spot with the team. Each of the forty-four players is listed with his basic information and a brief overview of where each sits in the system. I have included my opinion of what type of Canucks role they could fill. Obviously, the majority of these players are not likely to be called up to replace the player I have suggested, it is simply a reference to the type of position they COULD fill either in a pinch or down the road. Finally, I have indicated what the likelihood is that they will receive the call this season if we have to dive this deep into the Canucks pool. Part one deals with those players that have a possibility of skating in a Canucks jersey this year. In part two, those players are showcased that have no chance of being called up because of where they are in their development. Part two deals with our future. I hope it sparks discussion! Jannik Hansen - RW (6' 1", 189lbs, age 23, born Herlev, DNK) Why is Hansen in the "depth" category? Because I'm not convinced his roster spot is secured. The Canucks depth includes some other young players that challenge Jannik for his seat on the bench. Hansen plays hungry and mixes it up when necessary. He's fast and can snap a great wrist shot. With Jannik's ability to see the ice is slightly stifled by the lack of confidence he tends to display. Could fill in for the likes of: Jannik Hansen Likelihood for a call-up this season: Excellent (When his hand heals, he'll probably regain his spot) Aaron Rome - D (6' 1", 215lbs, age 26, born Nesbitt, MB) Only listed here because his role with the Canucks is not solid and it is possible he could be reassigned to the Moose if confidence in him wavers. Rome is likely never going to play a full season with a top NHL contender in anything but a reserve defenseman role. That said, he's a big guy not afraid to drop the glove or make forwards bay on the boards. His shot from the point gives him possibilities on the power play too. Could fill in for the likes of: Sami Salo, Shane Obrien Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (Started on the regular roster as the 7th defenseman) Tanner Glass (6' 1", 210lbs, age 25, born Regina, SK) Tanner demonstrates consistency consistently. He is a blue collar player that demonstrates a working man ethic on the ice. Glass is team centered and works for the whole, not just his personal stats sheet. Fighting, working the boards hard, fast skates and a quick shot help to make him a well rounded and flexible player. Tanner sets the example of leadership on the ice. There is little doubt that he will find a regular spot on the roster soon. Could fill in for the likes of: Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, Steve Bernier Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (Part of starting roster) Sergei Shirokov - LW/RW (5' 10", 195lbs, age 23, Moscow, RUS) He sees the ice very well and has a talent for being in the right place at the right time. Shirokov is a smaller guy with good legs. Not fast legs, but good ones. May never be a top line guy but could be a great second line leader. Some liken him to Pavel Bure and swear by the fact that he can fill those skates. After some North American time with the Moose, his call-up potential is high. Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows, Steve Bernier Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (Part of starting roster) Michael Grabner - LW/RW (6' 0", 170lbs, age 22, born Villach, AUT) Grabner has great offensive prowess. He's fast like... like... something extremely fast. He controls the puck like nobody's business and is uber-dangerous on breakaways and the power play. His speed is also great for making things happen on the ice. What he needs to work on id his defensive awareness and his consistence. His heart has often been questioned at the NHL level. Grabner is also proof that development in the AHL is working for the Canucks system. The evolution of his game is obvious. Could fill in for the likes of: Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows, Steve Bernier Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (called-up on October 14) Alexandre Bolduc (6' 1", 178lbs, age 24, born Montreal, QC) Good instincts and aggressiveness make Bolduc a valuable young player. His attitude and drive rubs off on teammates and energizes the rink. He's likely destined to third or fourth line spots and needs to put some bulk on his frame to stand up to guys like Prust and Tucker. Could fill in for the likes of: Rick Rypien, Darcy Hordichuck Likelihood for a call-up this season: Good (called-up on October 17) Guillaume Desbiens - RW (6' 2", 210lbs, age 24, born Alma, QC) The boy needs to work on his hockey skills. Desbiens has grit to him. He is not afraid to scrap and he can take it as well as dole it out. His two-way play ability and his +/- last season of + 11 make him an attractive asset that deserves more big show time when the opportunity arises. Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Steve Bernier Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair (called-up on October 10) Brad Lukowich - D (6'1", 201lbs, age 33, born Cranbrook, BC) The closest thing to a defensive call-up or 8th defenseman we have in the system. Brad is smart and safe with a good point shot. What he lacks in toughness he makes up for in staying out of the box. Unfortunately, because he was assigned to the Texas Stars of the AHL, if called-up he will have to clear re-entry wavers. The Canucks may not want to lose him to the defensively starved vultures of the NHL. Could fill in for the likes of: Aaron Rome Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair Michael Funk - D (6'4", 210lbs, age 23, born Abbotsford, BC) Won't you take me to, FUNKYTOWN! Quite possibly the only reason I want Funk to play for the Canucks is so we can play this song when he scores. He's a big dude too. He showed in camp that he can skate fast and move well. With good playmaking ability and stick handling, Funky Mike can be a great offensive asset to the Canucks if he can be consistent with his heart. Could fill in for the likes of: Willie Mitchell, Christian Ehrhoff, Kevin Bieksa Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair Nathan McIver - D (6' 3", 205lbs, age 24, born Summerside, PE) Nathan likes to stir the pot. He is a bruiser and an agitator that plays an aggressive, territorial stay at home defensive game. McIver is not going to post mad point on the board and he is not fast enough to stick with top six forwards,but he is the perfect goon to call up when you're feeling pushed around. Could fill in for the likes of: Shane O'Brien Likelihood for a call-up this season: Fair Cory Schneider - G (6' 2", 195lbs, age 23, born Salem, MA) Schneider will be a starter in the NHL soon. Of course there is wide speculation that due to the Raycroft acquisition and Luongo contract extension, he could be trade bait. I think that it's unlikely they'll trade him. Raycroft will not be here forever. Just long enough to back-up Luongo and give Cory a chance to play lots of games so the he can continue his development. Schneider is a big, skilled starter with potential to be a top goaltender in the NHL. He is fast and agile with so many upsides that it would be hard to NOT see him take over for Robrto. That said, if Luongo continues to be at the top of his game for too many years, Cory may request an out where he can get his chance to backstop an NHL team. Could fill in for the likes of: Andrew Raycroft, Roberto Luongo Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim Eric Walsky - RW (5' 11", 194lbs, age 25, born Anchorage, AK) Walsky is a forward with skill. In the NCAA with Colorado College, he finished second in team scoring with 36 points, contributing greatly to their MacNaughton Cup championship. He handles the puck with great hands and skates like the wind. Like Pope, he comes into the system a bit older at 25. With some time in the minors to find his pace with bigger opponents, Walsky is poised to make a splash in the NHL. Could fill in for the likes of: Kyle Wellwood (I know Welly is a Centre, referring to his skills), Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim Matt Pope - RW (6' 1", 185lbs, age 25, born Langley, BC) Pope plays with his heart. In the ECHL, he not only played in the All-Star game, he was a starter. He is big forward with decent skating ability. Pope had a decent camp this year but need some time with the Moose to refine his already good hockey sense. At 25 it could be argued that he is a late bloomer but if the AHL helps him to transition to a bigger game, he could surprise by becoming a great reserve forward. Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Steve Bernier Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim Nolan Baumgartner - D (6' 2", 205lbs, age 33, born Calgary, AB) A big man who has never been comfortable throwing his weight around. His time as an NHL regular is over and his role is primarily one of mentor to the rookies on the Moose. Given Nolan's experience, there is always the possibility of being called up late in the season to compensate for injury. Nolan has a good point shot but as he gets on in his career, he makes silly mistakes. Could fill in for the likes of: Aaron Rome Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim Pierre-Cedric Labrie - LW (6' 2", 218lbs, age 22, born Baie-Comeau, QC) The kid can't skate yet. Sure he can hold his own with the Moose but he is not yet near the place where he can compete with the likes of Phaneuff and Souray. Labrie is valuable planted in front of the net looking to bang in the crumbs of his line mates or blind the goalie. He is big, powerful and aware of his role which is good because he finds himself in the right place and the right time on the ice. Of course, all that depends on him keeping up with the play on those slow legs of his. Conditioning is an issue, grit is not. Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Ryan Johnson Likelihood for a call-up this season: Slim to None Matt Pettinger – RW/LW (6'1", 205lbs, age 28, born Edmonton, AB) Matt is not really part of the Canucks depth because he has no contract with them. On October 15th, he signed a 25 game contract with the Moose. We most likely won't see him back in a Nucks jersey but playing for the Moose makes it not entirely impossible. In a pinch, he has some veteran experience that the team may have to call on if our top players continue to break. Heck, it's not like anyone else is signing him. Could fill in for the likes of: Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, Ryan Johnson Likelihood for a call-up this season: Considering the Canucks haven't even signed him? Zero With so much depth, we can be confident that the Canucks immediate future looks solid. We haven't run out of options. Let's not consider it an invitation for further injury though, m'kay?! Also, stay tuned for Going Deep: Part Two that will focus on those players we're waiting for. The Canucks have a bright future ahead of them with the likes of Cody Hodgson, Jordan Schroeder and goalie Joe Cannata. The player development system of the Canucks should have them all in the blue, green and white in no time at all!