VANCOUVER, B.C. - With just eight days remaining until the season opener, the abbreviated NHL training camps don't afford young prospects with much of an opportunity to prove they belong on the big club's roster.
At the onset of training camp, 18 players* who appeared in a Utica Comets uniform at some point last season are participating with the Canucks this preseason, many of whom are looking to earn roster spots full-time.
"We're not going to have a lot of time to make decisions," said Canucks head coach Travis Green. "Every young player is a little bit different. Some guys come in and feel comfortable right away and some need some time, need some seasoning to feel comfortable in their surroundings on the ice. It's going to affect them today and we've got to decide if it's going to affect them in the regular season."