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Vancouver Canucks: NHL Projections for Top 10 Prospects

ByJanik Beichler|
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Brendan Gaunce (50) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

6. C Brendan Gaunce

Acquired: Drafted 26th overall, 2012
NHL: 2016-17

Brendan Gaunce spent four season in the OHL and two in the AHL. Aged 21, he finally made his NHL debut and stayed with the big club for 20 games to finish the 2015-16 season. Gaunce was kept of the scoresheet for 19 of those games but looked NHL-ready nonetheless. With a strong training camp this year, he could definitely earn an opening-night roster spot.

Read More: Top 25 Under 25 — #9 Brendan Gaunce

Unfortunately, it is not only about what Gaunce does to earn a spot. The Canucks currently have 11 forwards signed to one-way contracts. Virtanen and Horvat are still on their entry-level deals, but they have a good chance of making the Canucks out of camp as well, which lifts the forward number to 13. With that, Gaunce could easily find himself being the odd man out to start the year.

On the bright side, it looks like the Canucks have solid depth this season. Having NHL-ready prospects in the AHL isn’t a bad thing (well, for the player it is), and Gaunce will certainly get his chance this year. Injuries happen, as we found out last season, and Gaunce should be one of the first call-ups.

Next: Troy Stecher

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