Canucks fans should be pleased. GM Mike Gillis has brought together one of the most exciting groups we have seen at training camp in years.  Currently, Canucks are over the salary cap. Gillis insists this will not be problematic as the players themselves will determine the salary cap.  What does he mean by the that?

Gillis has stated that the best players, regardless of contract status, will suit up on opening night.  That means we may see players with pricey one way deals skating with the Manitoba Moose.

So, who should make the team?

Considering how good Sergei Shirokov looked on Monday night in the Pre-season opener against the Isles, he stands a good chance of avoiding a one way ticket to the Manitoba Moose.  The knock on Shirokov is that he is small, clocking in at 5'10" and 176 pounds.  But watching Sergei on Monday, this is not a guy afraid to throw the body, take a check, or go into the corners.

via vmeida.rivals.com

And, even better, we finally have a player with a cool nickname.  Remember when we had the Russian Rocket? Rumors are they call Shirokov "The Silencer" because he puts a finger to his lips to silence the crowd when he scores. I love it!

Assuming Cody Hodgson makes the team, as most seem to think he will (if he doesn't he will be sent back for another year of junior as he is only 19), the Canucks have a surfeit of forwards.

I think Alex Burrows deserves a chance on the first line after his performance last season.  The Sedins also need someone to crash the net and screen the goalie, and that player is not Mikael Samuelsson, ex-Red Wing.  Possible line combinations could look like this:

 

1. Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
2. Shirokov-Kesler-Samuelsson
3. Bernier-Wellwood-Hodgson
4. Hordichuk-Johnson-Rypien    

Where does this leave Raymond? In the press box.  A friend who attended training camp said that Raymond's hands seem to have caught up to his feet, which was always the knock against him.  But he also said that Shirokov can dangle like nobody's business.
Gillis says  Hodgson is not guaranteed a spot on the team, stating that he has to earn it like everyone else. But does it make sense to send him back to JR., which his skill level has obviously surpassed, or to let him play third line minutes?
Whatever happens, I haven't been this excited about a pre-season in a long time! Let the games begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poll

Who should Make the team?

52%

Shirokov

32 votes

27%

Hodgson

17 votes

19%

Raymond

12 votes

0%

Grabner

0 votes

61 votes | Poll has closed