10 Surprises 10 Games into the Vancouver Canucks Season

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Stanton is a Top-Six Defenceman

Ryan Stanton was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks on September 30th and many thought he’d be the team’s eighth defenceman behind Andrew Alberts and Yannick Weber. Stanton only had two games of NHL experience after all.

To the surprise of many, Canucks head coach John Tortorella inserted him into the lineup for the first game of the season after only one practice with the team.

It seemed like he was going to be destined for the press box after averaging only 10:30 a night in the first two games, but Tortorella stuck with him and picked up his first point as a Canuck in his third game.

Stanton has exceeded expectations as a player and has exceeded expectations offensively. He has a goal and four points through ten games.