Which Canucks prospects will make the NHL roster next?

October was a good month for Vancouver Canucks prospects over at Abbotsford, but some players stood out more than others. And, because the Canucks have a lot of expiring contracts to sort out over the next few months, a lot of these guys can find themselves getting an extended opportunity. With players like Elias Pettersson and Filip Hronek also due for big raises, the low salaries of these prospects will also be of great help in the short-term.

We all know about the supremely talented Vasily Podkolzin, and it’s a shame he suffered a nasty concussion when he did. The 22-year-old was off to a flying start with the Abby Canucks, ripping off five goals in six games, with two assists to go with them. Podkolzin split his time between the NHL and AHL pretty evenly last year, but the Russian was far more productive in the AHL.

This season, Podkolzin was sent to the AHL right away, and it seems like that move has done wonders for his game and his confidence so far – injury notwithstanding. Although the former No. 10 overall pick has the highest ceiling amongst the Abby Canucks, we want him to focus on making a full recovery first. After that, a full season of building confidence and just generally playing well in the AHL will do wonders for his development.

With Podkolzin likely out of the NHL picture in the short-term, there is one guy in Abbotsford that team management feels will be in the conversation to get some games later on, but who?