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Canucks: Chris Tanev’s exit opens door for new assistant captain

By Brayden Ursel

Dec 28, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) celebrates his goal against Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) (not pictured) with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) and forward Brock Boeser (6) during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) celebrates his goal against Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) (not pictured) with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) and forward Brock Boeser (6) during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

The youngsters

Elias Pettersson

What’s not to like about Elias Pettersson? He’s slick, he’s lethal, and he’s more than ready to take on a leadership role with the Vancouver Canucks. Heck, he’s been the most valuable offensive threat on the team since his arrival just two seasons ago.

Pettersson became an NHL star overnight, and since then he’s done nothing but grow his brand. From All-Star games to a Calder Trophy. EA Sports cover athlete to Canucks points per game leader. He’s in the eyes of all people in hockey, the kid just radiates greatness.

He’s a franchise player, and he could easily be the captain of this organization. But for now, taking on the role as an alternate captain will have to do. Don’t be surprised if he gets the call from coach Green.

Brock Boeser

The Burnsville Minnesota native is now 23-years-old and ready to take on more responsibility as a team leader. Brock Boeser is an all-around good guy and would do an excellent job as an assistant captain. He’s got the scoring power to lead offensively, his defensive game has come a very long way, and he’s becoming a guy who can be relied on at every turn.

In 197 NHL regular-season games, Boeser has accumulated 75 goals and 161 points. His goal totals have dropped since his breakout rookie showing, but with a career PPG of 0.817, he’s proven he can adapt and find ways to be an elite contributor.

And if his on-ice abilities aren’t enough to warrant him a position as assistant to Bo Horvat, what he does off the ice will be more than enough for him to be granted eligibility. He’s a rockstar to the community of Vancouver and he’s even gone as far as to accept an invitation to prom from one of his biggest fans. That’s a true character guy.

Quinn Hughes

At the age of just 21, it’s probably more of a long shot that Quinn Hughes would be named an assistant captain, but that doesn’t mean he’s not worthy of the role. After just one season in the NHL, it’s clear Hughes is a phenomenal defender well beyond his years.

It’s more than evident that the blueline in Vancouver belongs to Hughes. He’s lightyears ahead of every defender on the team and he could turn out to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL within the next couple of seasons.

With the assumption that there will be no changes to Sutter and Jay Beagle being assistants at forward, it might make the most sense for Green to give the honour to another defender. With Edler already wearing one, Hughes would likely be next in line.

Next. Canucks: A healthy Ferland could boost team production. dark

What do you think Canucks Nation? Who should be the assistant captains next season?

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