Willes: Take a peek into that Canucks prospect cupboard and it suddenly doesn't look so bare

[DarthNinja]

Willes: Take a peek into that Canucks prospect cupboard and it suddenly doesn't look so bare

DENVER -- Its subject to change at any moment (and if you don’t believe that, here’s two words for you: Josh Holden) but, for the Vancouver Canucks, the plan goes something like this:

Next season, while Nick Jensen is settling into a top-nine role with the Canucks, Bo Horvat, Hunter Shinkaruk and Frank Corrado will challenge for spots with the big club while Brendan Gaunce and Dane Fox begin honing their craft in Utica. That doesn’t account for Cole Cassels or whoever they pick in the first round this season. Nor does it account for Ben Hutton, a defenceman from Maine who received some Hobey Baker Award consideration this season.

The effects of this plan, moreover, will be felt on several fronts. If two of the kids stick with the Canucks, it will give the team payroll flexibility elsewhere in the lineup. It will also create internal competition within an organization that’s grown stale over the last three seasons. And it will provide a higher level of callup than the Ben Ferreiros and Darren Archibalds who’ve been forced into service this season.

That, at least, is the plan. While it looks good on paper, the unpredictability of player development is well known to anybody who’s spent longer than five minutes in the game.

Still, for the Canucks, the larger point is this: The mere fact that they can talk about a plan that includes high-level prospects without sounding completely delusional is a big step for the organization. There will be ups and downs along the way and wins and losses. But there is finally quality and depth in the team’s feeder system and it’s been a while since the Canucks could say that.

“We’ve encountered a new era for us with the operation of our own farm team and we feel we’ve come off a really strong draft, the best one we’ve had since we’ve been here,” said assistant general manager Laurence Gilman. “And it’s not just because we have two picks in the first round (Horvat and Shinkaruk). We felt we got really good players in Cole Cassels and Jordan Subban, and we’ve been able to add a player like Dane Fox.

“It’s given life to our prospect pool.”

To which we can only say it’s about time.

The Hockey News’s Future Watch edition is hardly the defining word on this subject and it’s rating of the Canucks’ young players is curiously low. But a glance at THN’s ratings reveals a number of interesting developments for Canucks’ fans.

For starters, Horvat, the fine two-way centre from the London Knights, is rated as the 12th-best prospect in the game. More importantly, it rates Jensen as the organization’s seventh-best prospect (publication was before Jensen’s impressive callup turn), a group that includes Horvat, Shinkaruk, Corrado, Gaunce, Cassels and Fox.

Again, this is hardly foolproof but even the most pessimistic of the faithful would have a hard time conceiving of everything going wrong from this point.

“It does a number of things,” said Gilman. “It injects life in your core players. You look at Nicklas Jensen. I think he’s injected a lot of enthusiasm into your group that the other players feed off.”

And there’s more coming. For the Canucks, the most intriguing name is Fox, the late-blooming winger from the Erie Otters. The 20-year-old leads the OHL with 64 goals after some off-ice issues slowed his development with the Knights.

“There were some things in London,” said Gilman. “There’s not a whole lot to say about it. But he’s mature and he’s a big strong winger who’s scored (64) goals. There’s a lot to like there.”

Gaunce, meanwhile, also plays a feature role (31 goals, 72 points) with a powerful Otters team that includes uber-prospect Connor McDavid. Cassels, for his part, has 73 points with Oshawa. And Hutton, the 20-year-old, 6-foot-3, 205-pound defenceman, has 29 points in 35 games in his second season with the Black Bears. The Hobey Baker is destined for Flames prospect Jonny Gaudreau but Hutton, a fifth-rounder in 2012, could be late-round sleeper who can change things for a franchise.

“We look at next year and things are a lot better,” says Gilman.

And that means it should be better in the years after that.

“There were some things in London,” said Gilman. “There’s not a whole lot to say about it. But he’s mature and he’s a big strong winger who’s scored (64) goals. There’s a lot to like there.”

Gaunce, meanwhile, also plays a feature role (31 goals, 72 points) with a powerful Otters team that includes uber-prospect Connor McDavid. Cassels, for his part, has 73 points with Oshawa. And Hutton, the 20-year-old, 6-foot-3, 205-pound defenceman, has 29 points in 35 games in his second season with the Black Bears. The Hobey Baker is destined for Flames prospect Jonny Gaudreau but Hutton, a fifth-rounder in 2012, could be late-round sleeper who can change things for a franchise.

“We look at next year and things are a lot better,” says Gilman.

And that means it should be better in the years after that.

Canucks? Prospects? Cupboards not so bare?

!!!GMMG yb d'MG tuO GMMG

[Salmon Arm Canuck]

Despite such a positive article, you know some folks on CDC are ready to flame away on this....the key points I get from this...

1)...The Hockey News’s Future Watch edition is hardly the defining word on this subject and it’s rating of the Canucks’ young players is curiously low. But a glance at THN’s ratings reveals a number of interesting developments for Canucks’ fans.

For starters, Horvat, the fine two-way centre from the London Knights, is rated as the 12th-best prospect in the game. More importantly, it rates Jensen as the organization’s seventh-best prospect (publication was before Jensen’s impressive callup turn), a group that includes Horvat, Shinkaruk, Corrado, Gaunce, Cassels and Fox.

Again, this is hardly foolproof but even the most pessimistic of the faithful would have a hard time conceiving of everything going wrong from this point.

2)....“We look at next year and things are a lot better,” says Gilman.

And that means it should be better in the years after that.

[DarthNinja]

I truly think the salient point is this:

Still, for the Canucks, the larger point is this: The mere fact that they can talk about a plan that includes high-level prospects without sounding completely delusional is a big step for the organization. There will be ups and downs along the way and wins and losses. But there is finally quality and depth in the team’s feeder system and it’s been a while since the Canucks could say that.

[Coconuts]

Our cupboard is getting better, but I'd still be loathe to part with any of it's contents. If management can somehow pull off a strong draft like it did last season we could be looking pretty good forward, at least on the prospect front.

[Canucklehead73]

Seems to me the article is just a roundabout way of of talking about a rebuild in Vancouver in a homer fashion. But what do I know.

[Legend Killer]

Seems to me the article is just a roundabout way of of talking about a rebuild in Vancouver in a homer fashion. But what do I know.

I don't think a rebuild is needed. One bad year can reward us with some decent picks to stock the cupboard.

[Warhippy]

Our cupboard is getting better, but I'd still be loathe to part with any of it's contents. If management can somehow pull off a strong draft like it did last season we could be looking pretty good forward, at least on the prospect front.

This exactly.

I still feel quite strongly that this club is better served by NOT trading away any of its picks or prospects over the next 2 seasons. A complete moratorium on it until the end of the 2016 season as a matter of fact.

Trade some roster players and core members for higher picks/prospects but do not tamper with anything.

Liken it to this: Would you pull a gas pump from your car if it wasn't full and think you could drive across the province on a half tank?

We are on the right road. Just keep driving

[mpt]

I don't think a rebuild is needed. One bad year can reward us with some decent picks to stock the cupboard.

Too bad it's a pretty weak draft

[BanTSN]

Problem is the bulk of those guys are years away. So we should be bottom-feeders for awhile yet.

[Warhippy]

Problem is the bulk of those guys are years away. So we should be bottom-feeders for awhile yet.

Not a problem if one takes into account our draft potential in 2015 and 2016 if we are indeed bottom feeders

[thad]

Good article, really shows some of the good work gillis has done. The prospects not being as ready is what took us a step back this year and I am really not too upset about it... In fact it could be a blessing. I feel we're in great shape prospect wise now and with our little slide this year, it's almost like we're throwing a little cherry on top with a top 10 pick.

So much bad luck over the years when you think about it.

Bourdon- rip

Hodgson- major injury setbacks

Schroeder- major injury setbacks

Sauve- car accident hasn't been the same

Shinkaruk- now major injury setback

I think we're due for some good things to happen. Kassian is on the verge of breaking out. Jensen looks like a beauty and model fit for the twins. Horvat will likely crack the lineup next year and we'll have 3 of our other best prospects ready for call up. It's gonna be an exciting year.

[Ghostsof1915]

I was going to post a what if scenario. What do the Canucks do if the following happens next year at training camp?

- What if Corrado, Fox, Gaunce, Horvat and Shinkaruk all have insane training camps. (Like point a game pace at least and show they are comfortable playing NHL games in pre-season)? As in they are playing so well, the Canucks can't afford to send them down. Do we still send them down? Or do we go with youth if they seem ready?

I'm assuming Booth will get bought out or traded for a late pick. Unsure if they can move Edler, as he might not want to move.

Do we go with skill on our 3rd and 4th lines? Do we have Sestito as a spare and only bring him in for "tough" games? Does this make it easier to move Kesler and possibly Hansen?

[asian player]

I'm really excited about seeing seeing Shinkaruk, Gaunce, and Horvat.

[thad]

I was going to post a what if scenario. What do the Canucks do if the following happens next year at training camp?

- What if Corrado, Fox, Gaunce, Horvat and Shinkaruk all have insane training camps. (Like point a game pace at least and show they are comfortable playing NHL games in pre-season)? As in they are playing so well, the Canucks can't afford to send them down. Do we still send them down? Or do we go with youth if they seem ready?

I'm assuming Booth will get bought out or traded for a late pick. Unsure if they can move Edler, as he might not want to move.

Do we go with skill on our 3rd and 4th lines? Do we have Sestito as a spare and only bring him in for "tough" games? Does this make it easier to move Kesler and possibly Hansen?

That's a tough one.. One concern is can they maintain it and can they maintain 2way consistency. The 2 way part is very important. A coach can manage few youngsters in the lineup but too many and things can go south very quickly.

Could be a situation where you keep the best of the best and play your vets until a good trade opportunity presents itself. 15-20 games in another team could find they could really use a Jannik Hansen and be willing to give up a fairly good quality prospect for him.

[canuktravella]

Ghost i think sestito wiill be a spare. If all our prospects have a great camp i totally see. Hansen and tanev being traded kesler will be dealt at draft. Booth will be bought out.

Reason tanev might be gone is hes only d with out a no trade clause and he might want 4 mill to resign oilers sabres and a bunch of teams need d men if corrado can step in hes a cheaper option at 600k.

Reaaon hansen might be gone is he has value hard working 3rd liner but has hands of stone this tesm needs to get younger kenins as a prospect has more upside he looked like a beast at olympics hits scores and almost 2 mill cheaper.

Reason kesler is moved - i believe he does want out, back to a winning amercan organization but only if phili, pittsburgh, nyi or detroit over pay first rounder a young center or winger and a ok prospect.

Booty being bought out opens 4.25 mill in cap space which five rookes would make (fox, horvat, shinkaruk, kenins, corrado) great asset management.

Sedin sedin jensen

Shinkaruk mattias kassian

Higgins horvat fox

Lain richardson kenins

Sestito

Edler corrado

Hamhuis garrison

Stanton bieska

Lack

Markstrom

This team has 20 mill in cap space doesnt include any assets we gain in any trades either lets go young and see what happens if we tank we get another great pick if we dont sweet.

[Henrik Kesler]

I was going to post a what if scenario. What do the Canucks do if the following happens next year at training camp?

- What if Corrado, Fox, Gaunce, Horvat and Shinkaruk all have insane training camps. (Like point a game pace at least and show they are comfortable playing NHL games in pre-season)? As in they are playing so well, the Canucks can't afford to send them down. Do we still send them down? Or do we go with youth if they seem ready?

I'm assuming Booth will get bought out or traded for a late pick. Unsure if they can move Edler, as he might not want to move.

Do we go with skill on our 3rd and 4th lines? Do we have Sestito as a spare and only bring him in for "tough" games? Does this make it easier to move Kesler and possibly Hansen?

As much hate as Botch gets, he dropped a pretty big knowledge bomb in the Provies after the win in Minny. When Booth had his ankle destroyed last year he was told it would take 1 year for him to return to normal. The one year mark was 3/16 which also happens to be about the time he started to finally look like the player that the Canucks hoped they were getting. The cap is going up next year, there are minimal worthwhile big name free agents to target, the Canucks have tons of cap space, he will be in the final year of his contract, and ownership is reluctant to just shell out money. I think Booth is staying and fully support that decision. If he returns to being a 20 goal scorer it's fantastic for the Canucks and adds goal scoring depth. If he doesn't, he's still a solid third liner that doesn't hurt the team. I think he's staying and the reasons for why are quite valid.

[JiffyPB]

As much hate as Botch gets, he dropped a pretty big knowledge bomb in the Provies after the win in Minny. When Booth had his ankle destroyed last year he was told it would take 1 year for him to return to normal. The one year mark was 3/16 which also happens to be about the time he started to finally look like the player that the Canucks hoped they were getting. The cap is going up next year, there are minimal worthwhile big name free agents to target, the Canucks have tons of cap space, he will be in the final year of his contract, and ownership is reluctant to just shell out money. I think Booth is staying and fully support that decision. If he returns to being a 20 goal scorer it's fantastic for the Canucks and adds goal scoring depth. If he doesn't, he's still a solid third liner that doesn't hurt the team. I think he's staying and the reasons for why are quite valid.

Nobody wants to have Booth for a 4.25 million cap hit. It would be an act of god if he isn't bought out.

[Line Juggler]

I like our depth for next season, keep Booth.

[THERETOOL]

i really hope they trade kes for some great young guns

[Henrik Kesler]

Nobody wants to have Booth for a 4.25 million cap hit. It would be an act of god if he isn't bought out.

The Canucks outscore opponents when Booth is on the ice, even with his terrible scoring luck. Who are you putting in the lineup that replaces this ability?