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Canucks: Five players to watch during the preseason

ByJoshua Rey|
EDMONTON, AB - MAY 15: Jack Rathbone #3 of the Vancouver Canucks warms up against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on May 15, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - MAY 15: Jack Rathbone #3 of the Vancouver Canucks warms up against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on May 15, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Phillip Di Giuseppe #33 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Phillip Di Giuseppe #33 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Phil Di Giuseppe

Phil Di Giuseppe was one of the numerous depth players that the Canucks signed over the summer.

Di Giuseppe spent the last two seasons with the New York Rangers organization.

After his signing was announced, it sounded like the Canucks signed the owner of a New York City pizza place but no, he is an NHLer.

Di Giuseppe is an option for the wingers on the fourth line. With Tyler Motte doubtful to start the season, there is another spot up for grabs.

The 27-year-old has impressed at training camp so far with his ability to win puck battles, aggressiveness and skill.

In Saturday’s scrimmage, he and Rathbone showed off some sweet passing skills to set up a goal for Alex Chiasson.

https://twitter.com/ChrisFaber39/status/1441834069805780996

One reason Di Giuseppe was signed was because of his defensive game which is something he was good at in New York.

He was fourth least among all Rangers who played at least 200 minutes of total ice time with 58 high danger chances against per NaturalStatTrick.

“Sometimes you’re not put in a position to score and then sometimes you are and it doesn’t happen, so you’ve got to find any way you can to get on a roster,” said Di Giuseppe per Daniel Wagner of Vancouver is Awesome. “I was a pure skill guy, then I got the defensive end, so I look to mesh both and I think my ceiling’s a lot higher than what I’ve proved so far.”

As of right now, I’m willing to bet money that Di Giuseppe makes the opening night roster and I also willing to bet on him having a strong preseason.

Will Lockwood

Like Di Giuseppe, Will Lockwood is also an alumnus of the University of Michigan. Also like Di Giuseppe, Lockwood is looking to be one of the players that starts on the Canucks fourth line on opening night.

Lockwood provides speed, energy and hits. He’s impressed at training camp including showing off this big hit on Luke Schenn, who is known for throwing the body around himself.

Lockwood’s work ethic showed at camp as he fiercely tried to win the battles along the boards. (#58 in white.)

https://twitter.com/ChrisFaber39/status/1441838031682424834

With Motte’s absence, it’ll look like the Canucks will have a clone of Motte on their roster if he makes it.

The preseason is a great opportunity for Lockwood to show off his speed and skill. The Canucks fourth line would welcome him with open arms if he excels the same way he did at training camp.

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