The Canuck Way
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Canucks: Looking at defence preseason battles and potential pairings

By Joshua Rey

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 22: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks skates during NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on March 22, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 22: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks skates during NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on March 22, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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Oct 5, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) skates against the Seattle Kraken in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) skates against the Seattle Kraken in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

Locks

Quinn Hughes: He didn’t look out of place in his first preseason game. With Hughes locked up for six more years, expect a big year for him and he’s only going to get better.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: OEL has impressed in the preseason with his puck-moving ability and play on the man advantage.

Tyler Myers: Described as an “agent of chaos” by The Athletic’s Wyatt Arndt, the tall defencemen has been easily beaten by defenders in the preseason so far and is taking penalties again, so nature is healing. However, he does know how to skate down the ice on the rush.

Tucker Poolman: Poolman has been surprisingly solid defensively in the preseason. He was paired with the likes of Ekman-Larsson and Hughes.

Jack Rathbone: I kind of explained why Rathbone is already a lock here. He continues to impress in the preseason.

Still in the hunt

Luke Schenn: Schenn has had a rough preseason as he has looked slow and made defensive mistakes. However, it might be taking time for him to settle in and he has proven to be a reliable third pairing or seventh (or eighth) defenceman in the past.

Brad Hunt: Hunt is has been hunting for a roster spot and he hasn’t played in the AHL since 2017. He has looked good with and without the puck. Since he could play both sides, his versatility could be needed.

Madison Bowey: Bowey is a good skater and not too bad at moving the puck. The concern is his play on his end. He was alright in his last game against the Oilers being paired up with Rathbone.

Likely to be cut

Kyle Burroughs: It’s hard not to think of Alex Burrows when hearing Burroughs’ name on the broadcast but it’s spelt differently and they are two different players and one is retired. Burroughs has been noticeable at times but I’m not sure if he’s making the Canucks roster.

Olli Juolevi: Juolevi still has a tough time pivoting and defending players coming down the wing. He hasn’t been at the last two practices and hasn’t played in the last two games. By the time you are reading this, Juolevi may have been cut or still on the Canucks preseason roster.

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