The Canucks Roster Is Set

The Canucks Roster Is Set

The Vancouver Canucks have officially announced their opening night roster. But before we look at who made the team, here’s a look at six players who stood out to me most during the preseason. Starting with the guy everyone’s been talking about, Elias Person. Pety was noticeable in all three games he played. First of all, he was throwing his body at guys like they owed him lunch money. We’ve seen him get physical before, but this felt different. He looked angry out there. He also looked stronger. Here he is taking a face off against one of the best players in the world, outmusling him to win it, leading to a full-blown temper tantrum from Leon Chrysad. And as usual, Alias was rock solid defensively, blocking shots and backing hard to make incredible plays like this one against the Oilers. But most importantly, he looks hungry to score again. Petey wants to put the puck between the pipes, which is a great sign after such a rough year offensively last season. Just look at him fending for a goal on this power play. His first shot gets blocked, his second goes wide, and then on the third, he hits mesh. If that’s not vintage Person, then I don’t know what is. Overall, he looked faster, stronger, and more confident than he did at any point last season. If he can keep this up, the Canucks are going to be a hard team to keep off the score sheet this year. Speaking of keeping teams off the scoreboard, the next player I want to talk about is Thatcher Demco. He looks steady and composed all preseason, like he hasn’t even missed a beat. tracking pucks through traffic, reacting to last second deflections, sprawling across the crease to make highlight reel saves. In fact, he may have already made the save of the year. Seriously, look at this. Who’s topping that? Demco looks like he’s already in mid-season form, which should terrify the rest of the Pacific division because it’s not the middle of the season yet, so he’s only going to get better. And if he stays healthy, I fully expect him to be in the VZNA conversation by the end of the year. Philip Heedle also had a strong showing this preseason. Although it didn’t start that way, he took a big hit early in his first game and it scared the hell out of me. I can’t be the only one who ruined my pants watching that, right? Luckily, he was fine and from that point on, he looked fantastic. His skating really stood out. He’s fast and slippery. He skates the puck into the offensive zone so effortlessly and often. It makes me wonder why every player doesn’t just do that. Clearly, he’s got a gift. Watch here as he gains the zone, spins off the defender, and gets a shot on goal. He is so fun to watch. He also made this great pass to Jonathan Lcramaki on a power play. So great that when I saw the puck go in, I started jumping up and down like a monkey who just saw a card trick. Hedo looks quick, confident, and ready to rip some ass heading into the new season. Now, let’s talk about the Italian stallion Victor Mancini, or as I like to call him, Victoriao Manini. His skating and puck control really stood out. He looked comfortable carrying the puck up the ice and joining the rush when the opportunity was there. He was deeing past guys in the offensive zone like he spent all summer watching Quinn Hughes highlights. He even chipped in offensively. Two goals in three games is solid for any player, let alone a young defenseman. He was stellar defensively as well. Here he is out on the penalty kill, taking his time, controlling the puck, finding a lane, and clearing it out safely instead of shooting it into the scrum of players in front of him. Mancini’s blend of size and speed already makes him one of the most exciting young players on the roster. But if his reads at both ends of the ice keep improving like they have been, he’s going to be a lethal weapon for this team one day. For those of you who for some reason remain underwhelmed by the return we got for JT Miller last year, I hope it’s starting to make sense. Now, before I talk about the two players that stood out to me most this preseason, I need to give a quick shout out to the sponsor of today’s video, Manta Sleep. Mant makes sleep masks for people who actually want to sleep. Like really sleep. Their masks give you 100% blackout, an adjustable fit, and ultimate comfort, even if you’re a side sleeper. I’ve been using mine every single night, and it’s been so helpful. It feels like shutting off the arena lights after a big win. Total darkness, pure bliss. If you’re ready to sleep like a goalie after a shutout, calm and unbothered, grab your Mantis Sleep Mask today and use my code NU10 for 10% off at checkout. Again, click the top link in the description of this video and use code NU10 for 10% off at checkout. your future well-rested self will thank you. Okay, now let’s talk about Jonathan Lcramaki. This guy is going to score 20 goals at least for the Canucks this year. Look, we already know his shots been NHL ready for the last couple of seasons, so that’s not news. The difference this time is everything else. Leaki looks stronger, more decisive, more confident with the puck, and way more engaged physically. He’s winning puck battles, forchecking, and making smart plays all over the ice. Connor Garland said it best. The shot’s the shot. That’s his gift. But the rest of his game has come a long way. And yeah, the shot is still diabolical. And what I love is how often he uses it. He doesn’t care about anybody’s shins. If you’re in the way, you’re getting a Lecramaki bruise. He shoots from everywhere. And now it looks like he’s going to score from everywhere, too. Jake De Brusk even compared his release to David Pasternac. And he’s not wrong. I’m telling you, 20 goals this season minimum. And to any Vancouver sushi restaurant owners watching right now, add the Lramaki Macki bomb roll to your menu immediately. I think he learned a lot being in the American League last year, getting a taste of the National Hockey League. Had a really short but good summer. Came in good shape here. And I think he’s just uh continue to grow every day in in camp. Um seems to have uh different swagger and confidence. Want to know something wild? 21-year-old Jonathan Lcramaki is old compared to the next guy I’m going to talk about. Braden Coots. Drafted 15th overall just a few months ago, Coots is about to become the first 18-year-old to make the Canucks opening night roster since Peter Ned did it in 1990. That’s 35 years ago. And if you’re wondering how that’s possible, well then you didn’t watch the preseason. Coot stood out like a fairly priced beer at Rogers Arena in all four games he played. And it wasn’t just Kucks fans who noticed him. He’s been making waves all around the league. His hockey IQ and composure stood out all camp long. He’s fast, confident, and unafraid to go to the hard areas. He’s also tough as nails. If I had to face some of the guys he went up against, I’d have my mom on speed dial and would probably be calling her after my first shift. This kid just doesn’t care. His two-way game is impressive, but not just for an 18-year-old. It’s genuinely impressive. He’s so confident with the puck. He makes smart offensive plays quickly, setting up high danger scoring chances all the time. The same instincts show up on breakouts like this one where he casually chips a perfect pass over the four checker stick to spring his winger up the ice. I was so excited when the Canucks drafted him 15th overall this summer, but the idea of him actually making the team felt like a fantasy. Not even I saw this coming. The Conucks drafted an absolute gem in Braden Coots. I’m not saying he’s Crosby, but he plays a similar style. He’s great at both ends, wins faceoffs, scores goals, plays tough. I love this kid. He earned his spot on this roster fair and square, and I cannot wait to see him play tomorrow night. What does it mean to you to be on the opening night roster? Yeah, it means a lot. It’s obviously a huge honor. Um, you know, I knew I could, you know, possibly do it just by playing hockey. So, just being myself, focusing on what I do best, and um just keep trying to earn another day. Does it help that you’re going up against the Flames to start? Yeah, it’s a little extra motivation. I’m not not too big of a fan of them. Okay, so here’s the Canucks opening night roster officially released by the team just a few days ago. How do you feel about this lineup? Confident? Concerned? And who else stood out to you in the preseason that I forgot to talk about? Let me know in the comments. Thank you for watching. I’ll see you next time. Bye.

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In this video, I highlight the players who stood out to me during the Vancouver Canucks’ preseason, as the team officially announces its opening night roster.

From Elias Pettersson looking fired up again, to Thatcher Demko already in mid-season form, to Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Victor Mancini proving they belong. It’s been a preseason full of storylines, the biggest one being 18-year-old Braeden Cootes making the team. Cootes will be the first 18-year-old to crack the Canucks’ opening night lineup since Petr Nedvěd did it back in 1990.

What do you think of the Canucks’ roster heading into the season? Confident? Concerned? Let me know in the comments.

– Nuckhead

Skip to…
00:00 — Intro
00:13 — Elias Pettersson
01:11 — Thatcher Demko
01:43 — Filip Chytil
02:31 — Victor Mancini
03:34 — Jonathan Lekkerimäki
05:36 — Braeden Cootes
07:30 — Vancouver Canucks Opening Night Roster
07:47 — Outro

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