Vancouver Canucks: Who could replace Brock Boeser on top line?

Unrealistic: Nikolay Goldobin

While Nikolay Goldobin has had a fairly lacklustre preseason thus far, posting just one assist through four games, he is an intriguing case when discussing an opening night replacement for Boeser.

The 23 year-old began the season as a frequent linemate of Pettersson’s, including a dominant November by posting 12 points in 14 games.

Of course, inconsistency and defensive lapses became a driving factor for Goldobin’s eventual demotion from the line, but it goes without saying the he does have a history of finding chemistry in a small, yet significant sample size.

It is for this reason that even before Boeser’s injury, fans and pundits alike were making efforts to “Free Goldy” and see the winger play on the top-line.

Chris Faber of Canucks Army is an avid member of the “Free Goldy” campaign, and he vouched for a Goldobin, Pettersson, Ferland line just last week.

While it seems unlikely given Goldobin’s history with  Green, it does go without saying the the line would carry a nice combination of speed and skill, along with grit in Ferland.

The Canucks still have a number of preseason games to go before their opener, so if Goldobin does have any chances between now and the opener to play with Pettersson, he will have to take full advantage.

So Canucks fans, what do you think? What wingers not mentioned would you like to see replace Boeser’s minutes on the top line – if he does indeed start the year sidelined?