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Camp Opens

September 11, 2013, 9:46 AM ET [132 Comments]
Ian Esplen
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Vancouver Canucks training camp opens today, as the start to get ready for the 13/14 NHL season

Roster

Forwards


Darren Archibald
Ludwig Blomstrand
David Booth
Alex Burrows
Cole Cassels
Brandon DeFazio
Mitch Elliot
Benn Ferriero
Alex Friesen
Brendan Gaunce
Alexandre Grenier
Zach Hall
Zach Hamill
Jannik Hansen
Chris Higgins
Kyle Hope
Bo Horvat
Nicklas Jensen
Zack Kassian
Ryan Kesler
Kellan Lain
Alexandre Mallet
Jesse Mychan
Wes Myron
David Pacan
Pascal Pelletier
Brad Richardson
Mike Santorelli
Jordan Schroeder
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Tom Sestito
Hunter Shinkaruk
Colin Stuart
Dale Weise

Defensemen

Peter Andersson
Andrew Alberts
Jeremie Blain
Alex Biega
Kevin Bieksa
Anton Cederholm
Frank Corrado
Alex Edler
Jason Garrison
Sacha Guimond
Dan Hamhuis
Miles Liberati
Evan McEneny
Patrick Mullen
John Negrin
Adam Polasek
Yann Sauve
Jordan Subban
Chris Tanev
Henrik Tommernes
Yannick Weber

Goaltenders

Joe Cannata
Mathieu Corbeil
Joacim Eriksson
Eddie Lack
Roberto Luongo

Ones to watch

Hunter Shinkaruk

Fresh off a strong performance in Penticton, Shinkaruk is sure to have at least a handful of highlights at some point during camp. He's one of those players that the puck just seems to follow and his "all out" energy and work ethic is sure to catch a few eyes. I don't know if he's NHL ready yet, but I sure wouldn't count him out.

Alexandre Grenier
He's bounced around a lot over the past few seasons and I'm curious as to where he is at. With his size, skating and skill he has all the tools to be a quality NHL player. Now the question is, is he progressing at all.

Sacha Guimond
He was one of a handful of guys who stole the show at the Young Stars Classic, now it's time to see where he's at against NHL competition. I think you will see the 22-year-old getting some power-play time at least at the beginning of camp. Watch closely because as soon as Vancouver gets a chance, they may be locking the Utica Comets rearguard up to an NHL deal.

Zach Hamill
It wasn't that long ago he was a projected No.2 centre, so you know he has a lot of upside. Injuries and opportunity have side tracked a few things, but look for him to make a strong push for the No. 3 centre job. I also think he'll get a little bit of work on the second power-play unit throughout camp.

Ryan Kesler
Last season was a bit of a mess for Kes, but new coach John Tortorella might be just what the doctor ordered. I've never seen two guys who hate to lose as much as them, so seeing them getting in sync during camp should be worth watching. And then if that's not enough of a reason to watch him, it's Ryan "Freakin" Kesler for God's sakes.

Chris Tanev
I'll say it right now, I think he was overpaid this summer by about 3-400K. That's not a ton by NHL standards, but I'll be watching him closely to see if he's progressed and can play 18-20 minutes and night against quality players, or if Vancouver overpaid for a 6/7 defenceman.

Ludwig Blomstrand
He's another guy that I thought had a great Young Stars Tournament. I think his energy is going to catch Tortorella's eye and he'll be in camp longer than a lot of people think. I find this kid fun to watch as well.

Well that's who I'm watching at camp.


Who are you most curious about?

Who do you have your eye one?




Until tomorrow my friends, stay classy

Ian


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