Canucks: 3 prospects people want to see play NHL games this year

When the Vancouver Canucks eventually return to the ice, it would be nice to see the team implement more youth into the lineup before the season’s end.

Not only would it be good to see Travis Green loosen his grip on the limited ice time of certain defensive prospects like Olli Juolevi and Jalen Chatfield, but it would an added bonus to see the coach give a nod to some other talented prospects.

Let’s face it. Playoff hopes were slim before the COVID-19 breakout in Vancouver even happened. And now, nearly the entire roster has been infected by the virus and it’s getting really hard to imagine any sort of comeback taking place.

On the outside looking in, Vancouver is six points back of the final playoff spot, but Montreal has three games in hand. Taking on a team that’s had Vancouver’s number all season seems like a difficult mountain to climb. Especially following an ailment that currently has 16 roster players bedridden.

So why not bench your ageing veterans who are on the way out and give the nod to some up-and-coming prospects? Let’s take a look at a few prospects everybody would love to see get into game action.

Kole Lind – Centre/Right-wing

Not a single Canucks prospect has improved as much as Kole Lind. The 22-year-old Saskatchewan native has transitioned from the wing to the centre position smoother than expected, and it might land him a roster spot sooner than later.

Before being called up by the Canucks to join their Taxi Squad, Lind was leading the Utica Comets in points. Through eight contests this season, Lind has already registered five goals and 8 points. A big improvement from his previous two seasons of professional hockey. He scored 44 points in 61 games last year, and just 17 points in 51 games during his rookie campaign.

Lind looks to have gained a lot more confidence between now and his 2018-19 season, and he might be able to hold down a third or fourth-line centre position for Vancouver in the near future.

The 33rd overall selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft has an offensive punch that Vancouver could benefit from, and it’s something that veterans Brandon Sutter and Jay Beagle can no longer provide. Check out this sick goal!

The Canucks have lacked an offensive threat when it comes to their bottom-six and giving a player like Lind a chance to prove himself in that position is exactly what this team needs. A contending team needs a minimum of three lines that can score, and injecting Lind into the lineup could be the perfect way to add that needed scoring touch.