Top 5 Vancouver Canucks prospects that will surprise at training camp

Adam Gaudette (C)

2017-18 stats

Starting things off is the reigning Hobey Baker winner, Adam Gaudette. During his short stint in Vancouver to end last season, Gaudette brought a higher level of speed and puck handling ability, absent from most of the team’s bottom six.

Although he did not produce, he generated several chances and looked comfortable playing with Jake Virtanen. That could bode well for the future, but be aware of small sample sizes. Regardless, Gaudette had a fantastic year with Northeastern and looks very close to being ready for the NHL.

Honestly, I believe Gaudette is good enough to hold down a roster spot now. The Canucks are thin down the middle and having a sheltered line in offensive minutes could give this team a necessary boost. Offence will be tough to come by and the team needs all the help they can get.

Unfortunately, the team has several bottom six players. And with Gaudette’s waiver ineligibility, he would be a prime candidate to be sent to the minors. Ignoring that, I will make a bold prediction about his preseason.

Gaudette will outperform every bottom six forward that will make the final cut in October. Not only that, I think Gaudette will play as good if not better defensively than Brandon Sutter. I do hope the Canucks are serious about making room for players who “earn it.” History tells us the opposite, but maybe things will change.