Yeah can we please wait a little bit before we say that Madden would be a 1st rounder in re-draft. Im extremely happy with the that Madden is progressing but there is a big leap from college to the pros.
Look at your roster. How many current Canucks took "big leap from college" to not only the pros, but straight to the NHL out of the NCAA?
How many NCAA players do they have in the AHL and what are his GP in the AHL compared to his GP in the NHL.
After the list you come up with remember Demko was given the slow cook as a goalie, but could have been there last season.
Where will Hughes go?
Benning seems to put all of his NCAA grads into the lineup as soon as possible. When Madden comes out chances are he will join the rest and don't overlook Lockwood either.
That's the NCAA I am responding to. Stecher, Hutton, Boeser, and Gaudette all in Vancouver on yr 1. Demko there now. Hughes likely in yr 1. Lockwood probably comes out at the end of this year with Hughes. Madden could do likewise but might play another year. Lockwood may the only one to actually be assigned to Utica with the intention of keeping there unless Madden chooses to come out this year and then I would expect him in Utica as well...
Now let's look at all of next year's forward group as of now.
We know Pettersson, Horvat, Boeser, and most likely Sutter, Beagle, and Eriksson are not going anywhere. 6 forwards.
Baertschi, Roussel, and Virtanen are all signed for more years, but are definitely not untouchable. 3 more forwards.
Granlund, Motte, Leivo, Goldobin all become RFAs and could be out the door easily.
- I think Leivo gets a contract. 1 more forward
- Goldy may be gone sooner than later.
- Motte is not essential.
- Granlund should be gone, but Green and Benning seem to be attached to him.
Gaudette will be on board. 1 more forward.
Then you have Dahlen and MacEwen.
If Lockwood comes out, he has to be considered.
What if they keep the first 9 I listed? That makes room for only 4 or 5 more.
I keep seeing posts from guys convinced the 'Nucks have to pick up at least one high profile forward, most likely a LW, through free agency. (Has to be signed)
Others are saying use some of the current mix to pick up a better RW than what's there beyond Boeser as well. That would be 11 forwards. (Has to be signed)
Haven't even seen the first round draft selection yet either.
So you have the following from which you COULD find 2 or 3 on the roster:
Gaudette (signed)
Granlund (RFA)
Leivo (RFA)
Motte (RFA)
Goldobin (RFA)
Schaller (signed)
Dahlen (signed)
MacEwen (signed)
Gagner (signed)
Gaunce (RFA)
Lockwood (?)
2019 1st round selection (?).
Ty Madden (? He could come out)