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Canucks: Five things to look forward to in 2021-22

By Joshua Rey

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 19: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks wearing the team's reverse retro jerseys shoots the puck warms up prior to NHL hockey action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on February 19, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 19: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks wearing the team's reverse retro jerseys shoots the puck warms up prior to NHL hockey action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on February 19, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, AB – JANUARY 04: Vasili Podkolzin #19 of Russia skates against Canada during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinals at Rogers Place on January 4, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB – JANUARY 04: Vasili Podkolzin #19 of Russia skates against Canada during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinals at Rogers Place on January 4, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

Vasili Podkolzin’s arrival

Vasili Podkolzin is without a doubt the Canucks’ top prospect and he will be coming to Vancouver in the fall.

Vancouver drafted him tenth overall in 2019 and Podkolzin spent the next two years with SKA St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a lot of ice time and was sometimes a healthy scratch and used as a 13th forward. He managed 19 points in 75 KHL games and managed 14 points in 20 playoff games.

Right now, Podkolzin can slot into the Canucks top nine. He brings size, excellent puck handling, goal scoring, and a well-rounded two-way game.

With more ice time, Podkolzin can showcase his game and show us why the Canucks took him at number ten two years ago.

In terms of where he could start in the lineup, it would make sense for him to start on the third line with Tanner Pearson and Jason Dickinson. Dickinson can handle the defensive responsibilities while Podkolzin can help drive the offence with Pearson. Podkolzin could also slot into the top six at some point next year.

A full season of Jack Rathbone

Jack Rathbone made his NHL debut at the tail end of last season. He managed to score his first NHL goal and added two assists in eight games. Before that, he got two goals and seven assists in nine games with the Utica Comets.

It is expected that Rathbone will be part of the Canucks defensive core next year on the third pairing.

Rathbone didn’t look out of place in his eight games with the Canucks. The 22-year-old showed off his skating ability especially when on the rush and the backcheck. More games in the NHL will give him the chance to learn how to win battles and defend NHL players

Canucks fans should look forward to Rathbone’s skating ability, passing and he could get some power-play time and play in the top four in the future.

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