Canucks: Almost again to full well being, depth dilemma prompts commerce speak

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It goes with out saying that accidents are one thing each group must be able to face in the course of the course of a protracted season.

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With Teddy Blueger nearing a return to motion, in one in every of this weekend’s video games versus the Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens — if not Thursday in Ottawa towards the Senators — the Vancouver Canucks are about to be again at (almost) full well being.

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Of the names that Rick Tocchet and his workers could have listed of their planning guide for the season, solely Guillaume Brisebois — nonetheless on the shelf with a concussion — and Vasily Podkolzin — again practising in Abbotsford, two weeks after struggling a concussion — are unavailable.

The Canucks are actually depth as a dilemma, at all times an excellent factor, however hardly ever one thing you possibly can depend on.

At observe in Kanata, Ont. on Wednesday, the Canucks welcomed Blueger again into the fold, a participant they signed in the summertime to assist enhance their penalty killing.

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Even with out Blueger within the fold, the penalty kill has improved from the league-worst outfit of the previous two seasons, when the Canucks touched with being all-time unhealthy at quite a few factors. It’s not a assure, however getting Blueger again provides the PK an opportunity to enhance but once more.

Podkolzin additionally gives one other attention-grabbing wrinkle if he will get again on the tear he was on earlier than he was knocked out two weeks in the past — he had 5 objectives within the first six AHL video games of the season. His coach was very clear that the younger Russian was exhibiting glimpses of the consistency the Canucks’ brass believes is within him — that given extra space to easily play to his instincts, he’ll take his total recreation to a brand new degree.

And if Podkolzin does rediscover the thrill of being “the man” — one thing he hasn’t been in a position to be since he was drafted, as a substitute being a bit participant within the KHL, then having his head spin underneath the tutelage of three totally different coaches within the NHL — the hope is he can translate that into being a extremely efficient winger for the NHL Canucks.

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There might be different accidents that can crop up, little question, however a totally wholesome roster at this second in time inevitably results in commerce ponderings.

Like, does it make any sense to ice a roster with Anthony Beauvillier and his $4.15-million cap hit on the fourth line? The winger has been high quality thus far this season, notching 5 factors in 12 video games — he posted a really helpful 40 factors between Lengthy Island and Vancouver final season — however is he actually the precise use of cap house, particularly if Podkolzin continues to develop in confidence?

It’s not a giant shock to listen to his title being bandied about as commerce fodder. He doesn’t have a no-trade clause, and his contract is up this summer time. He makes lower than Conor Garland, who has been eyeing a commerce on and off for a 12 months, and there’s no long-term dedication to make to him, in contrast to Garland, who continues to be underneath contract for 2 extra seasons.

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The true worth to grasp in a Beauvillier commerce is the cap house he fills — even a easy dump to, say, the San Jose Sharks, the place there’s a minimal return, would clear house that could possibly be redeployed in including a brand new winger in a commerce, which sources say is the massive goal for Canucks administration in the meanwhile. They’d nonetheless wish to improve their defence by way of a commerce, though signing free agent Ethan Bear appears the more than likely course in the meanwhile.

And when you find yourself within the Canucks’ place, off to a scorching begin, with all of your stars on fireplace, the temptation to strike is clear — you make your group higher by including gamers of a excessive sufficient high quality they will push gamers already in your roster down the depth chart.

Is it potential {that a} absolutely rebooted Podkolzin provides extra to the lineup than Beauvillier? Actually.

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Or, for instance, including a winger who’s an improve on Phil Di Giuseppe, who is a good story however might be greatest suited to the third or fourth line in the long run. That will additionally in all probability squeeze Beauvillier out of the lineup as effectively.

Well being is wealth for the Canucks proper now. However will they deal with their place with warning, or abandon?

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