Defenceman Jack Rathbone has only played two games in the National Hockey League, but he’s quickly showing signs that he could become a fan favourite on the Vancouver Canucks.
A blueliner with offensive capabilities is something that always catches the eye of the viewer, and with Rathbone, it’s no different. He’s got an up-tempo style to his game that excites the average fan, he brings a ton of energy and he mixes it in with excellent skating abilities — very similar to how Quinn Hughes plays the game.
On top of all that, the Boston native has a wicked shot that can’t be ignored, and he’s already proven he can use it at the NHL level, scoring his first-ever goal which resulted in a 6-3 Canucks win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
Rathbone pounces on a loose puck and makes no mistake as he finds the back of the net for the first time in his @NHL career! ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/9wSCKwADVn
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) May 7, 2021
As you can see, with the puck sitting openly in the slot, Rathbone wastes no time in jumping up into the play on his off-wing and pouncing on the opportunity to fire it home for his big moment. And what a nice, well-placed shot.
Jack Rathbone is going to quickly become a fan favourite. #Canucks
— Clay Imoo (@CanuckClay) May 7, 2021
The Twitter world lit up almost as fast as the red light went off after “Bonesy” got the goal. Fans have been dying to see him in game action at the NHL level, and to see him perform the way he has been, it’s something fans should be excited about.
Now I know Canucks Twitter can be a very interesting place, but it’s got people already questioning if he should be moved to Vancouver’s second power play unit. The Athletic’s Harman Dayal is thinking about it.
Is it too soon to ask for Rathbone on PP2?
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) May 7, 2021
It might not be such a bad idea, especially considering where the Canucks are sitting in the standings. There really isn’t much to lose at this point when it comes to the playoff race (it’s over), and getting a long look at Rathbone ahead of next season is a wise choice.
Do you remember how much better the power play improved when Hughes first took over? Vancouver very well might just have that again in Rathbone, and that’s something every fan would love to see.
When it comes to his defensive game, things are going to take some time in terms of the pace of the game, but his offensive talent is enough to keep the die-hard Canucks fans tuned into the television on game night — even when the season has been as hard as it has been this year. And even then, he’s shown glimpses of holding his own, even on a 2-on-1 against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl — two of the best hockey players in the world.
If Rathbone can keep bringing it, and I believe he can… then he has what it takes to leapfrog his way up the list of fan favourites on the Canucks roster. For now, only time will tell.