Canucks training camp gets going in Victoria today … sort of. The rookies hit the ice at 9:30 this morning, but with virtually no spots available on the Canucks roster, this portion of camp is a snapshot of tomorrow rather than today.
Here’s what most are keeping an eye on:
• Lucky No. 7: With six veterans already entrenched on Vancouver’s blue-line, youngsters Luc Bourdon and Alex Edler will be fighting it out for the final spot on defence. Bourdon appears to be the better prospect, but has struggled to play up to his potential since opening eyes as an 18-year-old two years ago. Edler was a very pleasant surprise in the 25 games he played for the Canucks last year, chalking up three points and a very respectable +3 rating. With a roster spot on the line, this is not only the best battle of rookie camp, but main camp, as well.
• Forward Progress: There’s not much room, if any, for rookies up front, but Jannik Hansen is best positioned to stick with the big club if he plays anything like he did in the playoffs last year. Hansen had just one point in 10 postseason games, but he generated energy and excitement when he was on the ice. Others to watch include triggerman Michael Grabner, who will be expected to score a lot of NHL goals in years to come, and NCAA product Mason Raymond, who some believe to be the most offensively-gifted prospect in the system.
• CSI Vancouver: Though you won’t see him tending goal for the Canucks anytime soon, there is still plenty of Cory Schneider Intrigue. The highly touted puckstopper will be the starter in Manitoba this year, but everyone wants to know if he’ll live up to the hype between the pipes now that he’s playing in the pros.
The Scott Rintoul: Mix equal parts college athlete, sports fan and broadcaster. Shake vigorously. Serve chilled Monday-Friday on the TEAM 1040 from 6-9 a.m. or online at thetoulbox.blogspot.com
