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.