3 Players to Watch in Vancouver’s First Pre-season Game

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The Vancouver Canucks are back. It’s about damn time.

The Canucks are set to take the ice tonight in their first preseason matchup against the NHL’s newest franchise, the Seattle Kraken, at 6:00 in the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. It’s their first game on American soil 575 days(!) and hopefully the beginning of an exciting rivalry in the Pacific Division. Because it’s preseason action, the Canucks are expected to dress a team heavy on young talent looking to fill a spot on the roster in time for the regular season. Here are 3 young players to pay attention to in tonight’s game.

  1. Jack Rathbone. Likely the top defensive prospect in the Canucks pipeline, Rathbone had 3 points in 8 games last season and is in the running for a spot on the left side of the Canucks’ third pair. He’s a great skater that can pass, shoot and move the puck well and plays a reliable 200-foot game.
  2. Will Lockwood. When I think of Lockwood, one thing comes to mind: compete level. His speed, energy, and ability to win puck battles were on full display at camp, and those qualities are things the Canucks could always use more of. He’s an underdog pick to make the Canucks fourth line on opening day after suiting up for 2 games with them last season.
  3. Danila Klimovich. The 18-year-old Belarusian was the Canucks first selection, 41st overall, in the NHL Entry Draft this year. Klimovich hasn’t wasted any time making a name for himself at camp. He had no problems showcasing his hands, an NHL-calibre shot, and lots of confidence against experienced competition in scrimmages. He seems like a long shot to make the NHL roster due to his age and is expected to play this season for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL. However, Klimovich has the potential to be an impact player in a couple of years.

Here’s the full roster for tonight’s game.

Unfortunately, the game won’t be available on Sportsnet Pacific, but you can still tune in on the radio via Sportsnet650.

 

 

 

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