Nils Hoglander | #21 | LW

[-Vintage Canuck-]

 

[-Vintage Canuck-]

 

[canuckleheads fan]

Hogs looks great through two games, he's playing for a contract or a fresh start elsewhere.

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

58 minutes ago, canuckleheads fan said:

Hogs looks great through two games, he's playing for a contract or a fresh start elsewhere.

Really exciting to see how he’s improved. Work rate, puck management, energy/effort, shift-to-shift consistency, etc. All the elements he needs underpinning his game so that his talent can shine through. There’s never been much doubt about his skillset and creativity. But his overall game is so much stronger now. Hope he can bring everything he’s learned this year to next camp and earning a spot and the minutes to shine in the NHL lineup. Credit to his own determination and the work of the coaching staff. Gotta love what this organization seems to be cooking up down in Abbotsford. If they can start consistently developing and churning out more finished and compete players for the NHL, it’ll be such a huge boon for the Canucks. 

[Elias Pettersson]

I think Hoglander makes the Canucks next year.  Remember, he had 27 points in 56 games as a 20-year-old rookie.  Those are good numbers for a 2nd round pick.  I remember when he dominated the world juniors and then got a match penalty in the semifinals.  Was the reason Sweden didn't make it to the finals I think.  He was one of the best players in the tournament, better than Lafreniere...

 

I'd like to see him play with Petey and Kuzy next season.  He could be better than Beau on that line.  Mikheyev plays with Miller and Boeser and the Russians, Podkolzin and Kravtsov play with a new 3C.  We need to trade Beau and Garland.  That $9 million needs to go to improving the D.

[Quint]

In those highlights Höglander is wearing his OG #36, a number with the incredible Hansen heritage. Did he ditch 21, or is this just an Abby thing? I hope he has gone back!

 

[Chicken.]

14 hours ago, -Vintage Canuck- said:

 

Lol digging this play by play guys i must say

 

’his sticks so hot you can fry an egg on it’ 

[-Vintage Canuck-]

 

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

https://canucksarmy.com/news/cant-remember-puck-management-issue-nils-hoglander-dominating-ahl-playoffs-abbotsford-canucks
 

Through two tightly contested AHL playoff games, Nils Höglander is beginning to show that he belongs in the NHL.

 

Following two full seasons in the NHL, Höglander was assigned to the AHL in December. Upon arriving in Abbotsford, Höglander managed to put up 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points in 45 regular season games. Those numbers are certainly not something to write home about and many likely simply saw the numbers and came to the conclusion that the 22-year-old winger simply wasn’t playing well in the AHL.

 

Through his time with Abbotsford, there has been a focus on his decision-making with the puck and commitment to a structured style of play.

 

Höglander is somewhat of a wild child on the ice. He’s got some of the best puck-control skills in the world and he showcased that by scoring the goal of the year in the SHL in three consecutive seasons before he turned 20 years old.

 

It’s not like Höglander is looking for those fancy plays but he says that when he is playing with confidence, those types of situations present themselves to him on the ice. He’s got all the skill in the world and will obviously be back in the NHL soon but there needs to be a focus on development in his game. It’s not about building on his strengths right now — it’s about rounding out his weaknesses to an acceptable level to be an everyday NHL player.

 

We’ve seen growth in Höglander’s decision-making over the past four months. A big focus is his play with the puck around his own blue line. Höglander still tries to make some moves in the neutral zone and will lose possession from time to time, but it seems like he is buying into the thought process behind just simply getting the puck out of your own zone and then chasing the puck down. It’s not about making the perfect pass for this Abbotsford team, it’s more about how they shut down opponents’ offensive zone possessions.

 

Höglander has tightened up his defensive play and is now thriving offensively in the AHL playoffs, which began on Wednesday and saw the Abbotsford Canucks sweep the Bakersfield Condors on Friday night. It was a best-of-three series, and you may remember that those Condors swept the Canucks last year in the opening round of the AHL playoffs.

Abbotsford allowed two goals over the two wins and played extremely good defensive hockey in front of their goaltenders. Through the two games, the best line on the ice was the trio of Höglander, Max Sasson, and Kyle Rau.

 

“They’ve been excellent,” said head coach Jeremy Colliton after Friday night’s win. “We rolled [that line] because they were generating momentum, drawing penalties, [creating scoring] chances, and they were helping us flip the ice. [It was] a really good two-game performance. Nils was a big catalyst — winning races, strong on the puck, and winning battles. I can’t remember a puck management issue in two games, which is for as much as he had the puck, is pretty impressive. That’s a big reason why we won.”

Sasson is an NCAA signing who agreed on an amateur tryout with the Canucks and that made him eligible to play in the AHL playoffs. He joined the team for seven regular season games before the playoffs and has been a much-needed offensive centre in their top-six. Sasson played on one of the best lines in the NCAA this year and his ability to play with skilled players has him in a great spot with the Canucks.

 

“He’s awesome,” said Sasson about playing with Höglander. “He’s just so fun to be around. Off the ice and on the ice. He has so much energy. You know, he’s probably the fastest player I’ve played with. He’s so skilled and my job is to get him the puck and get him some space. And [then] he usually makes the right play.”

 

As for Rau, he is an AHL veteran who was a third-round pick in 2011 and has played in over 400 AHL games. He’s one of the few veterans on this team and leads with his strong two-way play and timely offensive bursts.

 

With his line playing well, Höglander has been dynamic.

 

In this goal, which was originally credited to Sasson and later changed to Höglander, he chips the puck around a defender in the neutral zone, then slips a check to continue on with his possession, and most importantly, he goes to the net hard and is quick onto a loose puck from his rebound. It’s a play that showcases how good Höglander can be and really gave him a chance to showcase his high-end puck-control skill.

Höglander has picked up a goal and an assist in both of Abbotsford’s playoff games.

His assist in the first game was a beautiful saucer pass through the slot and onto the stick of Rau, who sent it back to Sasson, who fired it into the back of the yawning cage.

Highlight reel assists have been consistent in Höglander’s play through two games. He made a gorgeous backdoor pass to Brady Keeper on Friday night and helped the defenceman pick up his first goal in 162 days.

During the postgame media availability, Höglander said that that back door play was something that he and Keeper had talked about and when Höglander saw Keeper sneaking down, he didn’t hesitate to fire a pass across the ice.

 

Höglander scored the series-winning goal on Friday night and put a cherry on top of what was a great two-game series for himself.

The Abbotsford Canucks now await their second-round opponent. It will depend on how Sunday’s one Pacific Division semifinal game goes.

 

If the Tucson Roadrunners win on Sunday, the Canucks will play the Colorado Eagles. If the Eagles win on Sunday, the Canucks will play the best team from the AHL regular season, the Calgary Wranglers.

 

No matter the case, the Canucks will begin on the road in a five-game series.

 

We’ve been damn impressed with Höglander’s play so far in the playoffs and he is by and far the leader of the offence right now for the Canucks. Nobody was as dominant as Höglander in the opening-round series and he will look to build on his game and show the management group that he can raise his play in high-pressure situations.

Abbotsford’s next game of the series is projected to begin on Wednesday, April 26 with the first home game at the Abbotsford Centre looking like either April 30th or May 1st.

[CanucksJay]

Just wondering... What do ppl see as hog's potential with the big club? 

 

I think he's worked hard in Abby and deserves a shot in the NHL next year. 

 

PDG is currently on the 2nd line role playing next to Miller and Boeser. 

 

RT likes PDG there but I wonder if there's enough skill. 

 

Hard to give Hogz a shot there  though when even Garland hasn't really been given a chance there either. 

 

PDG seems like he can also slide down to 3rd line and play a role there whereas I dunno if Hogz can? 

 

Ideally, if Hogz could handle 3rd line duties, putting him with a responsible player like Podz and a solid 3C would be great for development. I just don't know if thats putting him in a position to succeed. 

 

Between Podz Kravy, Garland Boeser Hogz PDG, Joshua, Dries, Aman, AB, 

 

That's a lot of competition for a middle 6 spots with Miller being the only secure 2C.

 

I feel like something has to give. 

We need an upgrade at 3C and have wayyy too many middle 6 wingers 

 

That's like 10 forwards for 5 spots. 

If we bring in a 3c externally, that's 11 forwards for 5 spots. 

 

Lots of choices to make this summer. 

 

I guess another way of looking at it, who out of those guys can play 4th line? 

 

Joshua Aman PDG? Doesnt really seem fair to them as their versatility is what would demote them to 4th line... 

 

But yeah i like the level of competition here. 

 

We Definitely have some options this off season. 

 

The message has to be whoever doesn't work hard this summer is gone. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gawdzukes]

49 minutes ago, CanucksJay said:

Just wondering... What do ppl see as hog's potential with the big club? 

 

I think he's worked hard in Abby and deserves a shot in the NHL next year. 

 

PDG is currently on the 2nd line role playing next to Miller and Boeser. 

 

RT likes PDG there but I wonder if there's enough skill. 

 

Hard to give Hogz a shot there  though when even Garland hasn't really been given a chance there either. 

 

PDG seems like he can also slide down to 3rd line and play a role there whereas I dunno if Hogz can? 

 

Ideally, if Hogz could handle 3rd line duties, putting him with a responsible player like Podz and a solid 3C would be great for development. I just don't know if thats putting him in a position to succeed. 

 

Between Podz Kravy, Garland Boeser Hogz PDG, Joshua, Dries, Aman, AB, 

 

That's a lot of competition for a middle 6 spots with Miller being the only secure 2C.

 

I feel like something has to give. 

We need an upgrade at 3C and have wayyy too many middle 6 wingers 

 

That's like 10 forwards for 5 spots. 

If we bring in a 3c externally, that's 11 forwards for 5 spots. 

 

Lots of choices to make this summer. 

 

I guess another way of looking at it, who out of those guys can play 4th line? 

 

Joshua Aman PDG? Doesnt really seem fair to them as their versatility is what would demote them to 4th line... 

 

But yeah i like the level of competition here. 

 

We Definitely have some options this off season. 

 

The message has to be whoever doesn't work hard this summer is gone. 

 

 

 

 

 

I say bye bye Garland. PDG makes it again as a 4th liner. Hogs on the third line.

[Boudrias]

3 hours ago, CanucksJay said:

Just wondering... What do ppl see as hog's potential with the big club? 

 

I think he's worked hard in Abby and deserves a shot in the NHL next year. 

 

PDG is currently on the 2nd line role playing next to Miller and Boeser. 

 

RT likes PDG there but I wonder if there's enough skill. 

 

Hard to give Hogz a shot there  though when even Garland hasn't really been given a chance there either. 

 

PDG seems like he can also slide down to 3rd line and play a role there whereas I dunno if Hogz can? 

 

Ideally, if Hogz could handle 3rd line duties, putting him with a responsible player like Podz and a solid 3C would be great for development. I just don't know if thats putting him in a position to succeed. 

 

Between Podz Kravy, Garland Boeser Hogz PDG, Joshua, Dries, Aman, AB, 

 

That's a lot of competition for a middle 6 spots with Miller being the only secure 2C.

 

I feel like something has to give. 

We need an upgrade at 3C and have wayyy too many middle 6 wingers 

 

That's like 10 forwards for 5 spots. 

If we bring in a 3c externally, that's 11 forwards for 5 spots. 

 

Lots of choices to make this summer. 

 

I guess another way of looking at it, who out of those guys can play 4th line? 

 

Joshua Aman PDG? Doesnt really seem fair to them as their versatility is what would demote them to 4th line... 

 

But yeah i like the level of competition here. 

 

We Definitely have some options this off season. 

 

The message has to be whoever doesn't work hard this summer is gone. 

 

 

 

 

 

RT likes PDG's board work which compliments Miller. He also has a nice shot. That said I don't think he is a top 6 player. 3rd or 4th line might still work for him. 

[CanucksJay]

2 hours ago, Gawdzukes said:

I say bye bye Garland. PDG makes it again as a 4th liner. Hogs on the third line.

 

11 minutes ago, Boudrias said:

RT likes PDG's board work which compliments Miller. He also has a nice shot. That said I don't think he is a top 6 player. 3rd or 4th line might still work for him. 

I agree with both of you

 

PDG should not be a top 6 player on a winning club

 

Luckily for him, I do see him still being able to contribute on the 3rd or 4th line

Can Hogz play next year as a bottom 6 forward or is it top 6 or bust?

 

I can see AB, Garland, Hogz all playing similar roles but I do wonder who is / will be the best player out of the bunch.

 

Is it possible to have a small skilled bottom 6 lines (minus joshua) that can outskate and outscore the opposition? Will that even work?

 

Kuz Petey Mik

Hogz Miller Boeser

Podz Dries AB

Garland Aman Joshua

Kravy 

PDG

 

That's quite the logjam including a need to upgrade at 3c

 

This team has a lot of pieces and it'll be interesting to see how RT will form this team

 

I am personally in favor of whoever buys in and trains their butts off this summer stays while the uncommitted ones are gone

 

That might mean guys like Boeser, Kravy get traded.  I want guys that are hungry to be on this team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LegionOfDoom]

Can’t wait to see this guy back with the big club and 6 to finally be traded! 

[Ghostsof1915]

If he could play like Arvidsson in LA, he wouldn't be in the minors. They are about the same size. Yet Arvidsson plays like a guy 4" and 30 lbs bigger. 

[-Vintage Canuck-]

 

[Bounce000]

Hoggy was man among boys in the AHL

[Phat Fingers]

On 4/24/2023 at 1:51 PM, CanucksJay said:

Just wondering... What do ppl see as hog's potential with the big club? 

 

I think he's worked hard in Abby and deserves a shot in the NHL next year. 

 

PDG is currently on the 2nd line role playing next to Miller and Boeser. 

 

RT likes PDG there but I wonder if there's enough skill. 

 

Hard to give Hogz a shot there  though when even Garland hasn't really been given a chance there either. 

 

PDG seems like he can also slide down to 3rd line and play a role there whereas I dunno if Hogz can? 

 

Ideally, if Hogz could handle 3rd line duties, putting him with a responsible player like Podz and a solid 3C would be great for development. I just don't know if thats putting him in a position to succeed. 

 

Between Podz Kravy, Garland Boeser Hogz PDG, Joshua, Dries, Aman, AB, 

 

That's a lot of competition for a middle 6 spots with Miller being the only secure 2C.

 

I feel like something has to give. 

We need an upgrade at 3C and have wayyy too many middle 6 wingers 

 

That's like 10 forwards for 5 spots. 

If we bring in a 3c externally, that's 11 forwards for 5 spots. 

 

Lots of choices to make this summer. 

 

I guess another way of looking at it, who out of those guys can play 4th line? 

 

Joshua Aman PDG? Doesnt really seem fair to them as their versatility is what would demote them to 4th line... 

 

But yeah i like the level of competition here. 

 

We Definitely have some options this off season. 

 

The message has to be whoever doesn't work hard this summer is gone. 

 

 

 

 

 

I see him easily replacing Garland and we would not notice anything except maybe better production and more cap space.

[CanucksJay]

9 hours ago, Phat Fingers said:

I see him easily replacing Garland and we would not notice anything except maybe better production and more cap space.

If that's the case, garly's gotta go. 

I like Garland though... 

Who would you keep between Garland, Boeser and AB? 

I feel like 2 of the 3 need to go. Maybe even all 3...

[Boudrias]

15 hours ago, CanucksJay said:

If that's the case, garly's gotta go. 

I like Garland though... 

Who would you keep between Garland, Boeser and AB? 

I feel like 2 of the 3 need to go. Maybe even all 3...

Isn't all about who comes back and how they fit? I think anyone of those you list could go. If Cap space is needed to make another move happen it could be BB. Possibly the trade value is greater in BB. I am like you I like Garland and felt he hasn't got a fair shake. That said does he fit the PA mold. He might be easier to move. AB is more a question mark. I like to see him play more. There has to be room made for Hogs as he has more to show us in the NHL.