Outlook
There might not be a Tyler Bozak or Danny DeKeyser available this year, but there is still a lot of talent in the NCAA talent pool.
Now, how do you order these guys if you are Jim Benning?
The Vancouver Canucks need help on defence, so Troy Stecher would not be a bad idea. If he picks a different club, Casey Nelson would be a decent plan B.
Although Benning expects Thatcher Demko to turn pro next season, Alex Lyon should also be high on the list — having too many good goalies is not a real problem, even considering the Canucks’ past.
On offence, Jimmy Vesey, Mark Jankowski, Drake Caggiula, Boo Nieves and Kalle Kossila are all intriguing prospects, but Brandon Tanev could be the only one who ends up in Vancouver. If he does not care about playing with his brother Chris, he could also choose any other destination, though.
Next: Canucks 2016-17 Roster Outlook
The Vancouver Canucks are not in the best position to sign unrestricted free agents right now, but their pool of young NHL players like Bo Horvat, Jake Virtanen and Ben Hutton could motivate other prospects to become a part of the Canucks’ future core.
Benning will try his best, but he will have strong competition from around the league.