Horvats_Big_Head Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 (edited) On 9/28/2016 at 10:14 PM, junglesniper said: I thought Gaunce was a monster tonight. That worked hard, skated well and generated turnovers. That hit on Pouliot too Yeah he played really well. I only said so-so because he had a couple bad turnovers in the first half of the game. I definitely prefer him to either Etem or Granlund Edited September 30, 2016 by Horvats_Big_Head Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DownUndaCanuck Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Big body, good shot and he's getting better defensively, he definately deserves a slot in our bottom-6. He's playing like a much smaller King in L.A at the moment and deserves similar sort of treatment - bottom-6 minutes with the occasional PK to boost his minutes and take time off our top guys. I'd be happy to start him on wing with a 2-way center like Sutter or Granlund, and a more skilled winger like Rodin or even Virtanen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME Posted October 1, 2016 Share Posted October 1, 2016 (edited) Thought Vanessa Jang's piece (from Canucks Army) deserved to be posted here: http://canucksarmy.com/2016/10/1/what-they-re-saying-is-brendan-gaunce-the-13th-forward Quote When the Canucks drafted Brendan Gaunce 26th overall in 2012, he was easily the team's best prospect. His strength was his steady two-way game and high compete level, but foot speed was the main issue. Gaunce's OHL statistics following his draft year were not eye-catching, but nonetheless his development curve has only gone up. Now four years older with two professional seasons under his belt, the 22-year-old is looking to change his title from "prospect" to "NHL player". The transition from CHL hockey to the professional American Hockey League is not an easy one. In 74 games, Brendan Gaunce posted 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 74 games. Those numbers are decent, but fans expected much more as he went into his second professional season. Gaunce did not disappoint, having put up 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in just 46 games. His improvement from 0.39 PPG to 0.83 PPG made it evident that he has taken a big step in his development - so much so that he gained 20 games of NHL experience. His foot speed has always been a concern for the Canucks, which is partly the reason as to why he began playing left wing in Utica. Gaunce, having played centre in the Ontario Hockey League and left wing in the AHL, has built up the experience of playing both positions. Players with his type of versatility have become very valuable to teams, and this may give Gaunce the upper-hand on his peers. Prior to main camp in Whistler, it appeared as if the Canucks' 4th line had essentially been locked to Etem-Granlund-Dorsett. For a few seasons, Brendan Gaunce appeared to be on the cusp of playing in the NHL, let alone locking up a roster spot. However, the tides have turned after the media gave their final thoughts on the stand-outs at training camp. Gaunce, a player who seemed to be overshadowed by newer blue-chip prospects, may now be considered as the one with the highest chance of knocking a player off of their roster spot. Dave Tomlinson on Gaunce: "I think he has done everything he has to do, before playing in games, to show that he belongs. I would not count him out, he is a determined young man to make this hockey club. You can play him in games down the middle, see how he fares in the face-off circle, see how he is with the down-low battles, and help get the puck out of the zone. You can always move him to the wing, it's so much easier for centremen to move to the wing. That's where I think he will make this hockey club - as a left winger. You'd love to have guys on the wing who can jump in (to centre). With a guy like Gaunce, he will be more than comfortable to take a face-off and be good at it." Tony Gallagher on Gaunce (after VAN's 5-3 win over EDM): "I thought he looked really good. He is becoming an eminent threat to either Granlund in the middle, or Emerson Etem on the wing. He looks like he is ready to make the team and make the next step. He had a lot of hits, he was extremely effective in the game, and I thought he was the most encouraging aspects of the evening. Emerson Etem is going to have to pick it up if he's going to make the team. There are some guys looking for his job right now; they've got it going and he doesn't." Brendan Gaunce was the first player listed on Iain MacIntyre's "Five guys we noticed at Canucks training camp" article. Macintyre said he "blew people away in fitness testing, then looked stronger and faster on the ice too." In a TSN 1040 radio interview, the compliments only continued. Iain MacIntyre on Gaunce: "It's in his advantage, and certainly in the club's advantage, that he can do another year in Utica; but, I do think that he's going to play for the [Canucks]. This time last year, I wouldn't have said that. He seemed to be dissipating and not really going anywhere. We knew he wasn't going to be a top-6 guy. The question was does he have the game, does he have the disposition, the versatility to be a bottom-6 guy? He's answered those questions pretty clearly - yes." It is evident that this summer has been one to remember for Brendan Gaunce. For four years, the Canucks and Utica Comets have met with him to discuss off-season training plans and improvements. Based on what the media has had to say, he had put all those words into fruition. Travis Green on Gaunce: "I think he's looked good, he put in a good summer of work. He's one of those guys that you feel comfortable playing left wing or centre. As a coach, you like having that option. There are times where you run into injuries, and you want to make a changes within your lines or even within games. When you have players that can play multiple positions, it's a nice option. When you're coaching and you can have a guy that you can, all of a sudden, bump up and play centre or put down on a checking line as a centreman or winger, it's always a nice option. Centremen seem to play the wing a lot easier, and it's harder for wingers to play centre." At 6'2 and 207 lbs, Brendan Gaunce is built like an NHL player. His performance at training camp, as well as the many pre-season games, has put him in serious contention for a bottom-6 roster spot. If you thought the lines were locked up, think again because Gaunce is motivated. If he continues to be an impact player throughout the pre-season, it will be hard not to give him a roster spot. Brendan Gaunce: "Last year was a big mindset change for me. It's not 'I think I can do it' anymore, it's 'I know I can do it.' That was a big thing to get over and I'm ready for it. I'm a lot more confident in myself and that's going to help. That time at the end of the season made me feel like I'm a part of the NHL now and not just watching from the outskirts. Every guy needs a chance and that's how you break into the league. I'm trying to work for my chance and not just get one for free out of the blue. I think I've done that and I can help the team win in a lot of different ways. That's how I've played my whole life." Gaunce on playing C and LW: "Whatever position I'm in, I'll play. I like that I'm playing centre right now and I hope I can show that I can play wing as well. To have a guy that can play both is huge for a team, especially in the long run if you have injuries. I feel that I can do that comfortably and it's not a burden on myself. I can play both positions very well and it's good for the team to know that I can play both." Willie Desjardins and Canucks management have been firm and public in their goal to win this year. They, along with the players, are hungry to prove that last season was simply an anomaly. If they believe that Brendan Gaunce will give the team a better chance of winning over Emerson Etem or Marcus Granlund, do not be surprised to see him in the line-up. The regular reason begins on October 15th vs. Calgary, so the 2012 first-round pick has until then to continue to bolster his case to be one of the 13 forwards on opening night. Sources: TSN 1040, The Province - Iain MacIntyre, The Vancouver Sun - Ben Kuzma Edited October 1, 2016 by SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqua59 Posted October 3, 2016 Share Posted October 3, 2016 Another strong game. He's turned into a beast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snizzle_ Posted October 3, 2016 Share Posted October 3, 2016 From the games and highlights I've seen, I could argue he's been our best forward at camp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfstonker Posted October 3, 2016 Share Posted October 3, 2016 I would say, unless he has a collapse he has won a place in the line-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stierlitz Posted October 3, 2016 Share Posted October 3, 2016 TSN Radio Vancouver @TSN1040 17h17 hours ago Willie D: "Gaunce is making a case for himself." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N4ZZY Posted October 3, 2016 Share Posted October 3, 2016 6 minutes ago, Stierlitz said: TSN Radio Vancouver @TSN1040 17h17 hours ago Willie D: "Gaunce is making a case for himself." imo. he's earning himself a roster spot with the way he's been playing. here's hoping he can keep it up and earn the fourth line center position. i think he would be very good in that role. for Desjardins to try Granlund on the wing says something to me. it says that Gaunce has been playing well and has impressed. it's also saying that because Gaunce has impressed. they're willing to try Granlund on the wing to see how he can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cocolocci Posted October 4, 2016 Share Posted October 4, 2016 12 hours ago, N4ZZY said: imo. he's earning himself a roster spot with the way he's been playing. here's hoping he can keep it up and earn the fourth line center position. i think he would be very good in that role. for Desjardins to try Granlund on the wing says something to me. it says that Gaunce has been playing well and has impressed. it's also saying that because Gaunce has impressed. they're willing to try Granlund on the wing to see how he can do. And the better one will play Center and the other one on the wing. I like Gaunce and he's playing a real good pre-season. I would love to see him this season the most of time in a canucks Jersey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horvats_Big_Head Posted October 7, 2016 Share Posted October 7, 2016 He better play next preseason game. Etem can Etit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Stierlitz Posted October 12, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted October 12, 2016 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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Boudrias Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 On 10/4/2016 at 1:02 AM, Cocolocci said: And the better one will play Center and the other one on the wing. I like Gaunce and he's playing a real good pre-season. I would love to see him this season the most of time in a canucks Jersey While I hope that Gaunce can stick if he gets half a season or 40 games it will still be a successful season for him. I do believe he has a higher upside than a 4th liner PK specialist that many are tabbing him for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 6 minutes ago, Boudrias said: While I hope that Gaunce can stick if he gets half a season or 40 games it will still be a successful season for him. I do believe he has a higher upside than a 4th liner PK specialist that many are tabbing him for. You are so right. Gaunce impresses at every turn. He needs opportunity to play in a more expanded role. I just don't see that happening with WD. WD looks like he's going to be putting all our young guys in the bottom six, the press box, or Utica. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Kneel Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Gauncer is great to centre the 4th line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBeard Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 54 minutes ago, Alflives said: You are so right. Gaunce impresses at every turn. He needs opportunity to play in a more expanded role. I just don't see that happening with WD. WD looks like he's going to be putting all our young guys in the bottom six, the press box, or Utica To be honest we don't expect gaunce to be top 6, and if there's somebody who is worthy to be in the top 6 from our 3 young guys it's Bo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Just now, BlackBeard said: To be honest we don't expect gaunce to be top 6, and if there's somebody who is worthy to be in the top 6 from our 3 young guys it's Bo I guess that's why WD has Bo centering the fourth line with Dorsett and Burrows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bissurnette Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 1 hour ago, Alflives said: I guess that's why WD has Bo centering the fourth line with Dorsett and Burrows. I thought it was Gaunce centering the 4th and Bo on the 3rd between Baertschi and Virtanen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 4 minutes ago, meh_wassup said: I thought it was Gaunce centering the 4th and Bo on the 3rd between Baertschi and Virtanen? Wow! That would be great, if it were true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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