More mailbag Q&A for part 2
Who would you choose for taxi squad? Would you send rathbone to Utica?
— mike higashi (@hirokidude) January 8, 2021
Just like every other year, each team will compile a list of a 23-man roster that fits under the NHL’s $81.5 million maximum cap. But because of the ongoing pandemic, each roster will also carry what is called a taxi squad. A group of players with a minimum of four per team and a maximum of six, which expands the roster to 27, 28, or 29.
As it appears in the Canucks roster chart for practice, Loui Eriksson, Zack MacEwen and Brogan Rafferty have been marked as extras. Adding those three players to the 20-man lineup and the Canucks already have their official roster. Although, it’s likely that Hamonic fills in for Rafferty once he’s signed, making Rafferty the first player to hit the taxi squad.
In terms of defence, I’d say Jalen Chatfield and Guillaume Brisebois are the likeliest of players to be selected for the taxi squad next to Rafferty, but I expect only one of them to be named. If I had to pick one, it’s the right-handed Chatfield. He plays a similar style to Chris Tanev and the coaching staff has a lot to say about the kid. And as much as I like what Jack Rathbone brings to the table offensively, I believe he’s bound for Utica to polish his defensive game.
In terms of forwards, the Canucks have options. Sven Baertschi could be a player who joins the taxi squad based on NHL experience. Jayce Hawrlyuk is another name likely to hit the taxi squad.
Being that the Canucks must have three goalies available at all times this season, it’s likely Green goes with Jake Kielly over Mikey DiPietro. Don’t get me wrong, DiPietro is the better netminder, but the coaching staff will want him seeing game starts in Utica to help sharpen his skills.
My official answer: Rafferty, Chatfield, Baertschi, Hawryluk, Kielly and Tyler Graovac.
How deep of a playoff run can the Canucks make this year?
— Caleb M. (@StuffCalebSaid) January 8, 2021
It’s a little early to be talking about the playoffs, but after a bit of a disappointing offseason that saw the Canucks lose out on a lot of talented players, they’ve actually been quite impressive through camp.
The additions of Nate Schmidt and Holtby look to already be paying off in bigger ways than expected and the same thing can be said about Hoglander. He’s been just as exciting as any Canuck player out there and he could potentially be a really good replacement for the recently departed Tyler Toffoli.
The Canucks may actually be able to tread water this season as they look to fend off their claim to being the last Canadian team left standing in 2020. The dominoes will need to fall perfectly for Vancouver to come out on top, but with an elite core, an improved defence and two solid goaltenders to choose from, the Canucks have what it takes.
The Canucks should make the playoffs this season as the third or fourth seed, but after that, it’s anyone’s game. Right now the focus needs to be on the task at hand. One game at a time.
That’s it for this week’s edition of The Canuck Way mailbag! Be back next week for more!