Zoning in on newest Canucks’ progress
It’s early in regular season, but here’s an analysis of the team’s five fresh faces to date
Three games into their NHL regular season and sporting a 1-2 win-loss record, what do you think about the newest Vancouver Canucks? Are they as good as advertised? What should we be wondering about them as the season starts to take shape?
Let’s dive in and check it out:
QUINN HUGHES
The superb rookie showcased all elements of the flash in his game Wednesday at Rogers Arena, scoring his first NHL goal while also connecting on numerous dazzling passes to go with his primetime skating prowess.
Canucks coach Travis Green said last week that Hughes’ many talents remind him of a player from the past, but wouldn’t divulge who just yet. Was he thinking of Brian Rafalski, who was diminutive but a wizard with the puck? Or perhaps Scott Niedermayer, who is bigger in physical stature than Hughes but whose game was built around elite skating and using his brains to control the game?
Hughes’ skill set makes him an option for the first power-play unit. How long until he usurps Alex Edler on the point? Or could he be an unconventional answer to who should play in the bumper spot on PP1? And speaking of Edler, could Hughes be the answer to finding a way to reduce Edler’s even-strength workload?
TYLER MYERS
The towering defenceman, known to some of his teammates as Big Tex, has performed as advertised. He’s a great puck-mover, who fires crisp passes to his teammates — most of the time.
The exception so far was the terrible turnover against Calgary last Saturday that led to Elias Lindholm’s goal.
But other than that blip, he’s played well, mostly partnered with Edler. The two veterans
have done a good job of keeping the opposition away from the Canucks’ net, mostly by making smart plays with the puck in their own end and finding their forwards on breakouts.
As the season wears on, Myers will surely draw the attention of the opposition. How he and his teammates respond and adjust to these pressures will be worth watching.
MICHEAL FERLAND
Everyone knows that Ferland’s first three games as a Canuck have been quiet. He started the first two games on a line with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser but then was moved to the third line for Game 3.
A straight-ahead player, he’s had success in the past as a complementary piece on the first line, so we understand why his start this season feels underwhelming.
It shouldn’t be forgotten Ferland lost six pounds in the matter of days during training camp because of a viral infection he picked up from his daughter. It knocked him, literally, on his back for two days and set back his preparation for the season.
He’s only now finding his feet again, so it’s really too early to make a fair assessment of his fit with the team. But how his sandpaper style fits with this lineup is what should be tracked moving forward.
J.T. MILLER
Miller’s four-point night on Wednesday against the visiting Los Angeles Kings was a display of everything the Canucks hoped they were getting when they paid the steep price in trading for him at the draft.
He was physical. He was creative. He played around the net and in the corners.
He’s had a great start on the wing for both Pettersson and Horvat. There’s no reason to think this won’t continue.
JORDIE BENN
Signed to be Troy Stecher’s physical left-hand man, he’s been exactly that so far. The Canucks’ penalty kill is off to a fine start and he’s been involved in that effort, too.
Benn is a no-nonsense player. Like Miller, he comes as advertised and there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to impress.