Option 3: No Off-Sides Allowed
Proposed combinations:
RD
Ben Hutton/Alex Edler Chris Tanev Alex Edler/Ben Hutton Erik Gudbranson Nikita Tryamkin Alex Biega Luca Sbisa Troy Stecher Andrey Pedan Jordan Subban
If we do not allow players to play on their off-side, even though Tryamkin does that quite well, the lineup could look like the above. You will notice, it is basically the depth chart.
On the first pairing, we have either Hutton or Edler. As talked about on the two previous slides, both match well with Canucks No. 1 Chris Tanev. In the end, a lot will depend on Gudbranson and who he can play with the best. Let’s hope he does well with at least one of Edler and Hutton.
On the third pairing, we get Tryamkin and Biega. If Biega has a good showing in training camp and earns a spot, pairing him with Tryamkin might be the best option. The only concern here would be experience, as they both have yet to play a full season in the NHL. Style-wise, they are definitely a could fit, though.
Again, that leaves Sbisa watching from the press box — or, much more likely, on the trade block. Having a player like Sbisa as a depth option is great, but not if it costs $3.6 million per year. That contract is only worth carrying if he plays a regular role in the NHL.
However, even if a right-hand shot got injured, both Sbisa and Pedan would be more likely to get NHL minutes than Stecher or Subban. At least in the first quarter of the season. Later on, both Stecher and Subban can be expected to get a shot with the big club, though.
Next: Option 4