J.T. Miller hasn’t played a preseason game yet this fall. He looks great in practice though, and came into camp in top physical shape. It is likely just a matter of a veteran player taking a bit more time before embarking on another grueling NHL season. Miller is likely the most underrated of all the core players; he just quietly goes out there and puts up points while also being a hard-nosed, physical player. The ultimate NHL power forward.
Miller is one of five players that the Vancouver Canucks main core consists of, which includes Quinn Hughes, Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and Thatcher Demko. I would also include a sixth, in Tyler Myers. There are others, of course, who are veterans as well, Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Filip Hronek, and Carson Soucy, to name a few, but they are newcomers, or relative newcomers, in Vancouver’s system.
Elias Pettersson tailed off in the last half of last season, and into the playoffs. This is one guy that has a lot to prove this year, maybe even more so considering the massive 8 year, $92.8 million dollar contract he signed. As usual, he has come into camp in prime physical condition and is poised to get off to a great start. And I suppose he had better do just that, so Canuck nation has one less thing to stress about.
Brock Boeser is coming off his blood clotting issue from last spring. But for all intents and purpose he is one hundred percent healthy now. Brock has the ability and drive to score 40+ goals per season. His quiet, and likeable, demeanor has to be well received in the dressing room, and it’s partly what has led him to become a fan favorite in Vancouver. If you cheer for anyone this year, cheer for this guy.
Quinn Hughes is, well, Quinn Hughes. He is a phenomenal player at both ends of the ice. Watch his edge work if you get a chance, especially live, it’s pretty amazing to see. And watch him ‘walk the line,’ that’s a thing of beauty. It’s likely no surprise the Canucks took off on a tear after Quinn was named Captain at the beginning of last season. He is so well respected by the players and coaches, and he simply leads by example. If any player can finally lead the Canucks to that elusive Stanley Cup, it will be Quinn.
Thatcher Demko is a huge part of this Canucks core. Sure, there is some uncertainty around his knee injury right now, but mark my words, he will be back, and likely just as good as his ‘runner-up’ to the Vezina trophy winner last season. He is very calm and poised in the net, and just one of those guys that never gets rattled. Cheer for this guy too, he deserves it.
Tyler Myers has always been Canuck nations whipping boy in his time in Vancouver, partly because of the contract he had signed with Jim Benning of the previous regime and partly due to some outright boneheaded plays at times. However, Tyler had an excellent year last season under Head coach Rick Tocchet. His big body, long reach, and veteran presence will definitely help the Canucks this year.
This core is starting to look very much like a previous core, a core that took the Canucks all the way to Game 7, of the Stanley Cup Final in 2011. The likes of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Alex Burrows, Ryan Kesler, Alex Edler, Roberto Luongo, and Kevin Bieksa, have been great role models for the current core.
Rise up Canucks fans, this should be one great ride.
Nux Notes: preseason action resumed over the weekend, with games in Seattle and Calgary. A pair of losses, but a great learning experience for a mostly prospect and rookie lineup. Rick Tocchet said post-game in Calgary that he actually liked the effort of the young guys.
The Canucks next game is in Edmonton on Monday, Sept 30th, and then round out the preseason against those same Oilers in Vancouver on Friday, October 4th.
