CAMP STARS

CENTRE BRENDAN GAUNCE, 22

The third-year pro blew people away in fitness testing, then looked stronger and faster on the ice, too. All but forgotten until a good training camp last year, the forward looks very much like a guy who will play in the NHL — possibly for the Canucks on opening night.

RIGHT-WINGER MICHAEL CARCONE, 20

What a summer it has been for the undrafted, offensive dynamo from the Quebec league. The winger was so good at the Canucks’ development camp in July, he earned a pro contract. Then he stood out at the prospects tournament in Penticton, and was noticeable every day in Whistler.

DEFENCEMAN NIKITA TRYAMKIN, 22

It’s hard to miss a guy who’s 6-foot-7, but the Russian defenceman’s ability to move his feet and the puck continues to make the Canucks drool. The paramount question remains how committed he is to staying in North America to work toward being an NHL defenceman if he doesn’t make the seasonopening roster.

GOALIE MICHAEL GARTEIG, 24

Yeah, uber-prospect Thatcher Demko was impressive. But so was Garteig, the “other” goaltender the Canucks signed out of the NCAA Frozen Four tournament last spring. The netminder from Prince George, expected to start his pro career in the East Coast League, competes and looks driven to succeed.

DEFENCEMAN ANDREY PEDAN, 23

The 6-foot-5 blue-liner, who was used as a forward at the end of last season, improved on his foot speed and agility over the summer and showed well at camp. His mobility, decision-making and physicality were impressive in the Canucks’ only scrimmage.