Victor Mancini 159th Overall 2022 by NYR

[Nick Lang]

I think the problem is a decent 5/6 might be that much more expensive than a 7, and if the young guys are ready, then that’s money that could be spent elsewhere in the lineup. I generally agree with the idea of playing it safe with this stuff, but at least going into this year, MP is unlikely to see the regression we saw with Soucy that was partly to blame for killing this year. I think it really depends on what happens with the forwards and the money left over.

Yeah that's the dilemma for sure. I think these guys will have a better read on Willander, and Mancini's progression as they finalize the team. The EA Sports in me wants to just save the money as well but the risk is real and needs to be measured. Any injuries would leave us pretty green on the backend. We're also banking on Myers holding the fort for another year in this scenario. It creates a lot of line-up questions in terms of deployment. I guess Foote will have a big say in that and that's a bonus in bringing him back.

 

[arttk]

I think the problem is a decent 5/6 might be that much more expensive than a 7, and if the young guys are ready, then that’s money that could be spent elsewhere in the lineup. I generally agree with the idea of playing it safe with this stuff, but at least going into this year, MP is unlikely to see the regression we saw with Soucy that was partly to blame for killing this year. I think it really depends on what happens with the forwards and the money left over.

Also why would you want to spend that much money on a 5/6 when you have Hughes, Hronek and MP and each of the capable of anchoring a pair. We can run

Hughes - Anyone
MP - Anyone
Anyone - Hronek
for majority of the game and when things get tough, we can always go

Hughes - Hronek
MP - Anyone

Yes things can get dicy when one of the 3 gets injured but that's just something we have to live with and if we can be good until TDL, that's something we address around that time.

 

[krutovsdonut]

i can't see how mancini does not dress opening night for the canucks if healthy next year. he has done nothing but develop since he got out of college. forget all his nhl time this season and only look at the fact that currently he is a key part of an ahl team in a playoff run as an ahl rookie playing in all situations and producing. that is still better than any canuck rookie dman before this season other than hughes dating back to hutton. and dpetey and kudryatsev are also blowing the doors off with all three showing awesome rookie development this year.

so i am kind of shocked to see so many folks pencilling mancini in at 4 on the depth charge next year behind willander who has yet to attend an nhl camp or play a pro game and has not developed at the same rate as mancini over the past year. maybe we get lucky and willander kills it too, but people are also maybe getting a little too used to the idea of instant impact dman prospects.

 

[Jerry the great]

Hmm.....entering the season with Mancini, EP25 and Wilander on the back end. Compare that to Forbort, Juulsen and Desharnais, who they started the season with a year ago.

I know you I'd vote for. They may be rookies, but talent wins in the end. Besides, what are Wilander, Mancini or EP25 going to accomplish with more playing time in Abbotsford?

Time to roll the dice with the rookies. Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek will play 25-30 minutes a night anyway.

I think there's a good chance EP25 is a full time NHL player next season, but I sure as f*** wouldn't bet the season on it...and you don't have to, because he's on an ELC and still waiver exempt. If he wins a job, great, if not, he's back to Abby.


Counting on him, AND Mancini, AND Willander would be suicidal, if the Canucks need to be competitive next year to convince Hughes to extend.

Mancini has potential, but the idea he's ready to be a full time NHLer next year because he's currently showing fairly well in the AHL playoffs is pure madness. He was massively sheltered in the games he played in Vancouver this year and still wasn't close to breaking even 5v5. The idea he's ready to replace Forbort or even Juulsen is absurd. He should be playing 20-25 minutes a game in Abbotsford next season and called up if we run into injury trouble.

Willander i could see beating EP25 out of the #6 spot if he has a strong camp, but until i see him against NHL/AHL caliber players that's just a guess.

The team is likely going to sign Forbort or someone similar to anchor the 3rd pair and let the rookies fight for the #6 spot. the two guys that don't win #6 go to Abby for workhorse duty....and the idea they have noting left to accomplish at that level makes no sense IMO...it's a great development league.

Juulsen or someone similar will be the #7 guy. I doubt we roll with 8 given the number of guys in Abby who can be recalled on short notice.

 

[thenextone]

The Canucks have already indicated that D-Petey has made the NHL team. They could have easily had him join Abby for their run but chose to give him the offseason to get into NHL shape. He will only be in the AHL if he regresses, or inexplicably gets bumped by Willander or Mancini.

 

[VanJack]

I think there's a good chance EP25 is a full time NHL player next season, but I sure as f*** wouldn't bet the season on it...and you don't have to, because he's on an ELC and still waiver exempt. If he wins a job, great, if not, he's back to Abby.


Counting on him, AND Mancini, AND Willander would be suicidal, if the Canucks need to be competitive next year to convince Hughes to extend.

Mancini has potential, but the idea he's ready to be a full time NHLer next year because he's currently showing fairly well in the AHL playoffs is pure madness. He was massively sheltered in the games he played in Vancouver this year and still wasn't close to breaking even 5v5. The idea he's ready to replace Forbort or even Juulsen is absurd. He should be playing 20-25 minutes a game in Abbotsford next season and called up if we run into injury trouble.

Willander i could see beating EP25 out of the #6 spot if he has a strong camp, but until i see him against NHL/AHL caliber players that's just a guess.

The team is likely going to sign Forbort or someone similar to anchor the 3rd pair and let the rookies fight for the #6 spot. the two guys that don't win #6 go to Abby for workhorse duty....and the idea they have noting left to accomplish at that level makes no sense IMO...it's a great development league.

Juulsen or someone similar will be the #7 guy. I doubt we roll with 8 given the number of guys in Abby who can be recalled on short notice.

If the Canucks re-sign Juulsen and Forbort, and pluck another d-man from the UFA waiver wire like Desharnais--and send both Mancini and Wilander to the minors--I swear I'm shifting my allegiance to Vancouver's new PWHL team.

 

[MarkusNaslund19]

He will turn 23 on Monday and wasn't really ready for the NHL this season; both of his teams got crushed in the play when he was on the ice. Right now he is a good AHL player with some interesting tools. With a bit more time he could be a viable NHL defenceman somewhere in the 5-8 range. Projecting more than that is a low-probability reach for a guy of his age.

Generally this is true. The one mitigating factor is that seemingly his development arc has mirrors this at all levels.

Comes in and looks passable, finds confidence and trust in his instincts and physical tools, becomes a force.

Now, people hit their ceiling sooner or later and it’s possible that his is toolsy # 5 or 6 who always tantalized you with his build and skating. But I would be loathe to sell low on him before we give him a chance to acclimate.

 

[F A N]

I'm all for integrating young players on the team. Preferably you staple a veteran alongside that player. The hard part is that D-Petey looks the most ready. Assuming that he is pencilled in then do we bring in a veteran RHD? It's been reported that the team wants to bring Forbort back and they have played him on the right side.

The issue with bringing in a veteran who isn't used to being a healthy scratch is that the chances are that veteran will play. Mancini, despite his age, is still developing. He's not a guy you want as a healthy scratch. Obviously that applies to Willander as well. Maybe you bring in Erik Johnson if he isn't retiring and wants to experience playing in Canada before he's done?

 

[ChilliBilly]

Hughes is not just a Norris candidate, but a Hart trophy one as well . .

Hronek MP are both legit top 2 players.

EP2 is looking like a legit top 4.

We have Meyers looking like a great 5 - 6.

We may bring back Forbort.

Then add in Willander Mancini KK and Mynio.

Willander looks like a lock for a top 4, if not this year then next year.

Mancini looks legit as well, 5 - 6 for sure, maybe top 4 fill int.

KK oozes potential also. Mynio we will see, but certainly projecting well.

We could have 2 serious injuries and still have a top 5 D in the league. (ok a lot depend on Hughes, screw it if he goes down we are screwed)

But

Hughes Hronek
MP EP2
Meyers Willander

With Forbort Mancini KK and Mynio as 7 - 10 could be argued as the best D in the league.

 

[VanJack]

If Abby Canucks play-by-play guy Brandon Astle is to be believed, Mancini has been the best d-man on the ice for either team in this series. He's dominating out there, anchoring both the PP and PK.

Unless what we're seeing is a total 'mirage', I don't know how you keep out of the Vancouver lineup next season.

 

[F A N]

If Abby Canucks play-by-play guy Brandon Astle is to be believed, Mancini has been the best d-man on the ice for either team in this series. He's dominating out there, anchoring both the PP and PK.

Unless what we're seeing is a total 'mirage', I don't know how you keep out of the Vancouver lineup next season.

I thought you watch every Abby Canucks game?

 

[VanJack]

I thought you watch every Abby Canucks game?

Not this year. In the past the AHL Network was relatively cheap......but Flo Hockey is triple the price and you're forced to buy games in other leagues, that most fans have zero interest in.

So in the playoffs, it's been strictly Sportsnet 650 radio broadcasts, and the highlights on the AHL website.

 

[ratbid]

Was doing some reading on Mancini and he actually played forward most of the time growing up and considered playing forward in college. His favorite player was Kesler growing up.

Would be fun to try him as a huge net front presence on the PP and maybe even subbing in as a winger occassionally (Byfuglien style). Something to try in pre-season to see how it looks.

Pretty unconventional but not unheard of and if it works, could give some interesting looks while the trio of young defensemen (E Petey, Willander, Mancini) all get meaningful reps in at the NHL level.

 

[nergish]

If Abby Canucks play-by-play guy Brandon Astle is to be believed, Mancini has been the best d-man on the ice for either team in this series. He's dominating out there, anchoring both the PP and PK.

Unless what we're seeing is a total 'mirage', I don't know how you keep out of the Vancouver lineup next season.

He passes the eye test so well, that I don't recommend watching games with your girlfriend when he's playing.

A literal show horse, galloping around at 6'3 229 lbs, with actual puck skills. It's becoming increasingly clear why PA and JR were insistent on this guy being part of the JT Miller return.

 

[IComeInPeace]

Dayal’s blurb in TheAthletic on Mancini is as high praise as you could hope for from any of your prospects…

This is the realistic part of it (from the same article) that he has to overcome at the NHL level:

“The biggest difference between watching Mancini in the AHL and NHL is that his decision-making and hockey IQ translate significantly better at the minor-league level. In Vancouver, he sometimes seemed a tad behind reading the play at the NHL’s whirlwind speed. Mancini got a cameo with Quinn Hughes toward the end of the season, and while there were encouraging flashes, a few seams showed, too. He didn’t always look sharp or confident handling the puck against speedy NHL forechecks, he’d occasionally get pulled out of position defensively and his overall game just seemed a tad sporadic.”

 

[Fatass]

Dayal’s blurb in TheAthletic on Mancini is as high praise as you could hope for from any of your prospects…

This is the realistic part of it (from the same article) that he has to overcome at the NHL level:

“The biggest difference between watching Mancini in the AHL and NHL is that his decision-making and hockey IQ translate significantly better at the minor-league level. In Vancouver, he sometimes seemed a tad behind reading the play at the NHL’s whirlwind speed. Mancini got a cameo with Quinn Hughes toward the end of the season, and while there were encouraging flashes, a few seams showed, too. He didn’t always look sharp or confident handling the puck against speedy NHL forechecks, he’d occasionally get pulled out of position defensively and his overall game just seemed a tad sporadic.”

Sounds like as the game slows down for him he’s extremely good. That’s what development is for. Once the games slows for at the nhl level we have a heck of a player..

 

[IComeInPeace]

Sounds like as the game slows down for him he’s extremely good. That’s what development is for. Once the games slows for at the nhl level we have a heck of a player..

Yep.

I’d like to know how his d-game is now compared to earlier in the season with Hartford.

Was that part of his game already looking strong at the AHL level in Hartford? Or has it obviously progressed to the next level when comparing October/November of 2024 to May of 2025?

 

[VanJack]

The biggest thing I see with Mancini, is his work along the walls. Listed at 6'3" and 229, he's basically a cement truck out there.

When he goes into the corner or along the back wall in the d-zone for a puck battle--the cycle basically stops in its tracks. This is the same kind of presence Zadorov brought to the Canucks during his brief time here.

And Mancini is a light-years better skater than Zadorov was. If he can replicate even a fraction of what 'Big Z' brought to the Canucks--then he'll be valuable guy moving forward.

 

[HockeyWooot]

i can't see how mancini does not dress opening night for the canucks if healthy next year. he has done nothing but develop since he got out of college. forget all his nhl time this season and only look at the fact that currently he is a key part of an ahl team in a playoff run as an ahl rookie playing in all situations and producing. that is still better than any canuck rookie dman before this season other than hughes dating back to hutton. and dpetey and kudryatsev are also blowing the doors off with all three showing awesome rookie development this year.

so i am kind of shocked to see so many folks pencilling mancini in at 4 on the depth charge next year behind willander who has yet to attend an nhl camp or play a pro game and has not developed at the same rate as mancini over the past year. maybe we get lucky and willander kills it too, but people are also maybe getting a little too used to the idea of instant impact dman prospects.

I sorta agree, there’s a reasonable chance Willander will surpass Mancini at camp but not a lock.

For Mancini he is progressing well, though also possible they want him to over marinate in the AHL. There’s a big jump to the NHL if they think he can be more than a bottom pairing dman they might want him to continue playing in a big minute all situations role in the minors first.

I also think Willander might start in the AHL briefly for NA pro seasoning before jumping to the main squad full time.

Future is bright for this d group

 

[Zanon]

While it sucks to lose Miller, I’m glad our management held firm and demanded Mancini be a part of the trade. I know the Rangers didn’t to give him up.

 

[Jerry the great]

And Mancini is a light-years better skater than Zadorov was. If he can replicate even a fraction of what 'Big Z' brought to the Canucks--then he'll be valuable guy moving forward.

not even close.

 

[F A N]

While it sucks to lose Miller, I’m glad our management held firm and demanded Mancini be a part of the trade. I know the Rangers didn’t to give him up.

It was rumoured that we demanded someone else...

 

[HockeyWooot]

This off-season Canucks roll with

Hughes-Hronek
Pettersson-Willander
E.Pettersson-Myers
Mancini

Demko
Lankinen

I don't think they could have constructed the back end as good as that. Now on to the forwards...

A solid journeyman for the 7/8 would be my only request, otherwise looks great.

As impressive as Willander, D Petey and Mancini have been I don’t think we’ll have 3 rookies/youngsters on opening night.

The latter two probably start in the AHL, if not for a brief initial period.

 

[Regress2TheMeme]

I love Mancini's skating for a guy his size. The way he lugs the puck and scores goals deep in the zone at the AHL level reminds me of Jovanovski a bit. Both players were raw with great tools that bloomed later than most players that go on to be pros.

But I haven't been impressed with his play around his own net so far. He doesn't seem to know how to deny the opposition from making plays with good positioning. The game looks especially fast for him when he's reading the opposition cycling the puck. Unless that improves a lot I think he'll likely top out as a bottom pairing guy that brings a rover element and holds up well against a physical brand of hockey. Still valuable, but I see Willander as the much better bet to be an impact player.

 

[IComeInPeace]

But I haven't been impressed with his play around his own net so far. He doesn't seem to know how to deny the opposition from making plays with good positioning. The game looks especially fast for him when he's reading the opposition cycling the puck.

Are you saying that’s still been a weakness for him in these playoffs (I haven’t seen any of the playoffs)?

…that’s what is said to be the flaw in his game that he will have to overcome to make an impact at the next level. I certainly hope he’s improved at least somewhat in that area during this playoff run.

Otherwise, that’s really disappointing to read.